Rolf Hicker, born and raised in Germany, is a full-time 40+ year professional award-winning nature, travel and wildlife photographer with an "endless" client list like National Geographic, Canadian Tourism Commission, Fairmont Hotels, Holland America, BMW, Porsche, Readers Digest just to name a few.
Rolf started photographing, filming and publishing the northern part of Vancouver Island in 1982. He was involved in several video productions and the movie production "The Killer Whales of Johnstone Strait". He filmed orcas over a period of 7 years underwater.
Rolf travelled intensively around the world and in 2004, he finally called northern Vancouver Island his home and immigrated to Canada.
Today, he lives with his two boys, Alex and Daniel, and his partner Sarah between Port McNeill and Telegraph Cove, where he offers a beautiful Bed and Breakfast and private customized photo/family tours as a certified professional bear-watching guide (CBVA), a marine mammal guide (MERS), and a captain (SVOP, Transport Canada).
We are thrilled to announce that we are the first and smallest company on northern Vancouver Island to earn BIOSPHERE certification for our outstanding sustainability efforts.
Additionally, we have been honoured with the TripAdvisor "Traveller's Choice Award Winner 2024."
For more information, please check my other websites:
Nature, Travel & Wildlife Photography, Prints by Rolf Hicker
🐻 Grizzlies 🐾
On our tours you might spot them along the shoreline and in sanctuaries in Knight Inlet.
💚 Observing grizzlies in their natural habitat is a humbling experience—one that reminds us of the importance of preserving these pristine ecosystems.
#GrizzlyCountry #WildlifeEthics #ExploreBC
🐻 Grizzlies 🐾
On our tours you might spot them along the shoreline and in sanctuaries in Knight Inlet.
💚 Observing grizzlies in their natural habitat is a humbling experience—one that reminds us of the importance of preserving these pristine ecosystems.
#GrizzlyCountry #WildlifeEthics #ExploreBC
...
🐋 No guarantees—only real, authentic experiences.
🌍💚 While Rolf can’t promise you’ll see a grizzly family or an orca pod, he can promise a respectful, immersive journey that puts wildlife and sustainability above all else.
#VancouverIslandPhotoTours #EthicalWildlifeTours #WildlifeFirst #RespectTheLand #SustainableTourism #ExploreBC #RolfHickerPhotography #etchicaltours
🐋 No guarantees—only real, authentic experiences.
🌍💚 While Rolf can’t promise you’ll see a grizzly family or an orca pod, he can promise a respectful, immersive journey that puts wildlife and sustainability above all else.
#VancouverIslandPhotoTours #EthicalWildlifeTours #WildlifeFirst #RespectTheLand #SustainableTourism #ExploreBC #RolfHickerPhotography #etchicaltours
...
Got questions? We’ve got answers! 📸🚤
We’ve put together some of the most frequently asked questions to help you prepare for an unforgettable adventure! 🌊🐋
#ecotourism #privatetours #privateguide #vancouverislandnorth #wildlifeadventures #marineboattour #knightinlet #stunningscenery #phototours
Got questions? We’ve got answers! 📸🚤
We’ve put together some of the most frequently asked questions to help you prepare for an unforgettable adventure! 🌊🐋
#ecotourism #privatetours #privateguide #vancouverislandnorth #wildlifeadventures #marineboattour #knightinlet #stunningscenery #phototours
...
🌿🐋 Wildlife First. Always 🐻🚤
Our every adventure is built on one fundamental principle: respect—for the land, the wildlife, and the people who have called this region home for generations.
🛥️ What ethical wildlife touring means to us:
✅ Wildlife always comes first—every encounter is natural, non-intrusive, and never forced;
✅ Respect for First Nations—acknowledging and honoring the land and its history;
✅ Certified & Professional—Rolf is a Transport Canada-certified captain (SVOP), professional bear-watching guide (CBVA), and marine mammal guide (MERS);
✅ Guest safety is top priority—ensuring a responsible and secure adventure at all times.
#knightinlet #grizzlybears #ecotourism #privateguide #wildlifewatching #bearviewing #ethicaltours #explorebc #beautifulbc #phototours #wildnature #vancouverislandnorth
🌿🐋 Wildlife First. Always 🐻🚤
Our every adventure is built on one fundamental principle: respect—for the land, the wildlife, and the people who have called this region home for generations.
🛥️ What ethical wildlife touring means to us:
✅ Wildlife always comes first—every encounter is natural, non-intrusive, and never forced;
✅ Respect for First Nations—acknowledging and honoring the land and its history;
✅ Certified & Professional—Rolf is a Transport Canada-certified captain (SVOP), professional bear-watching guide (CBVA), and marine mammal guide (MERS);
✅ Guest safety is top priority—ensuring a responsible and secure adventure at all times.
#knightinlet #grizzlybears #ecotourism #privateguide #wildlifewatching #bearviewing #ethicaltours #explorebc #beautifulbc #phototours #wildnature #vancouverislandnorth
...
Looking for an unforgettable adventure? 🚤✨
Vancouver Island Photo Tours with photographer Rolf Hicker @rolfhickerphotography, offers private, full-day marine wildlife tours like no other! 🌊🐻
With a maximum of 4 guests per tour (5 for families with children), you’ll enjoy an intimate, ethical, and immersive experience capturing stunning wildlife in its natural habitat. 🏔️
📸 What You Can Expect:
✅ Private, small-group tours for a truly personal experience;
✅ Explore orcas in Johnstone Strait, grizzlies in Knight Inlet, humpback whales, sea otters, and bald eagles;
✅ Led by an experienced, certified guide fluent in English & German;
✅ On board a safe, covered, and certified boat;
✅ Learn expert photography tips from Rolf and hear captivating wildlife stories.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just love nature, this is your chance to witness the raw beauty of Vancouver Island in a way that few ever do! 🌲📷
📍 Book your exclusive experience today!
🔗https://vancouverislandtours.info
#VancouverIslandPhotoTours #WildlifePhotography #ExploreBC #EthicalWildlifeTours #NatureLovers
Looking for an unforgettable adventure? 🚤✨
Vancouver Island Photo Tours with photographer Rolf Hicker @rolfhickerphotography, offers private, full-day marine wildlife tours like no other! 🌊🐻
With a maximum of 4 guests per tour (5 for families with children), you’ll enjoy an intimate, ethical, and immersive experience capturing stunning wildlife in its natural habitat. 🏔️
📸 What You Can Expect:
✅ Private, small-group tours for a truly personal experience;
✅ Explore orcas in Johnstone Strait, grizzlies in Knight Inlet, humpback whales, sea otters, and bald eagles;
✅ Led by an experienced, certified guide fluent in English & German;
✅ On board a safe, covered, and certified boat;
✅ Learn expert photography tips from Rolf and hear captivating wildlife stories.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just love nature, this is your chance to witness the raw beauty of Vancouver Island in a way that few ever do! 🌲📷
📍 Book your exclusive experience today!
🔗https://vancouverislandtours.info
#VancouverIslandPhotoTours #WildlifePhotography #ExploreBC #EthicalWildlifeTours #NatureLovers
...
📸 Meet the Man Behind the Lens & the Tours – Rolf Hicker @rolfhickerphotography (photo @kaylagphoto )
For over 40 years, award-winning international photographer Rolf Hicker has captured the beauty of the world through his lens. Now, he invites you to step into his world—not just as a photographer, but as a guide, storyteller, and passionate advocate for ethical wildlife experiences.
💡🌊 More Than Just a Tour – A Philosophy
Rolf’s wildlife adventures in northern Vancouver Island are built on the same values that guide his life: ethics, sustainability, and deep respect for nature and First Nations. His tours strictly follow wildlife protection laws and guidelines, ensuring that every encounter is natural, non-intrusive, and truly unforgettable.
With Rolf, you’re not just a guest—you become part of a mission to observe, learn, and respect the incredible creatures that call this region home.
🚤 Ready to explore Vancouver Island through the eyes of a true I expert?
📸 Meet the Man Behind the Lens & the Tours – Rolf Hicker @rolfhickerphotography (photo @kaylagphoto )
For over 40 years, award-winning international photographer Rolf Hicker has captured the beauty of the world through his lens. Now, he invites you to step into his world—not just as a photographer, but as a guide, storyteller, and passionate advocate for ethical wildlife experiences.
💡🌊 More Than Just a Tour – A Philosophy
Rolf’s wildlife adventures in northern Vancouver Island are built on the same values that guide his life: ethics, sustainability, and deep respect for nature and First Nations. His tours strictly follow wildlife protection laws and guidelines, ensuring that every encounter is natural, non-intrusive, and truly unforgettable.
With Rolf, you’re not just a guest—you become part of a mission to observe, learn, and respect the incredible creatures that call this region home.
🚤 Ready to explore Vancouver Island through the eyes of a true I expert?
...
Grizzly bear taking a bath and shaking off the water along the low tide line in Knight Inlet, Traditional territory of the Da’Naxda’xw Awaetlala First Nation, British Columbia, Canada.
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✨ Experience the magic around Vancouver Island North with us! 🌲🐾
Vancouver Island Photo Tours is a small, local business owned by renowned photographer Rolf Hicker. He offers private, full-day, ethical marine tours and intimate wildlife adventures. Each tour accommodates a maximum of 4 guests.
Explore the breathtaking orcas of Johnstone Strait, the majestic grizzlies of Knight Inlet, the awe-inspiring humpback whales, playful sea otters, and soaring bald eagles, all set against the backdrop of fantastic scenery in the stunning traditional territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw Peoples.
Led by an experienced and certified guide fluent in English and German, we ensure a safe, personalized adventure on a reliable, well-equipped boat.
📸 All images were captured using a high-end Sony camera with a 200-600mm lens and thoughtfully cropped for detail and composition.
#grizzlybear #ecotourism #privateguide #knightinlet #bearviewing #bcwildlife
Grizzly bear taking a bath and shaking off the water along the low tide line in Knight Inlet, Traditional territory of the Da’Naxda’xw Awaetlala First Nation, British Columbia, Canada.
------------
✨ Experience the magic around Vancouver Island North with us! 🌲🐾
Vancouver Island Photo Tours is a small, local business owned by renowned photographer Rolf Hicker. He offers private, full-day, ethical marine tours and intimate wildlife adventures. Each tour accommodates a maximum of 4 guests.
Explore the breathtaking orcas of Johnstone Strait, the majestic grizzlies of Knight Inlet, the awe-inspiring humpback whales, playful sea otters, and soaring bald eagles, all set against the backdrop of fantastic scenery in the stunning traditional territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw Peoples.
Led by an experienced and certified guide fluent in English and German, we ensure a safe, personalized adventure on a reliable, well-equipped boat.
📸 All images were captured using a high-end Sony camera with a 200-600mm lens and thoughtfully cropped for detail and composition.
#grizzlybear #ecotourism #privateguide #knightinlet #bearviewing #bcwildlife
...
A northern resident orca (killer whale, A83(thanks confimation @st_scotty ) is passing through Weynton Passage into Johnstone Strait off northern Vancouver Island in the late afternoon. First Nations Territory, Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaka`wakw People, British Columbia, Canada.
✨ Experience the magic around Vancouver Island North with us! 🌲🐾
Vancouver Island Photo Tours is a small, local business owned by renowned photographer Rolf Hicker. He offers private, full-day, ethical marine tours and intimate wildlife adventures. Each tour accommodates a maximum of 4 guests.
Explore the breathtaking orcas of Johnstone Strait, the majestic grizzlies of Knight Inlet, the awe-inspiring humpback whales, playful sea otters, and soaring bald eagles, all set against the backdrop of fantastic scenery in the stunning traditional territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw Peoples.
Led by an experienced and certified guide fluent in English and German, we ensure a safe, personalized adventure on a reliable, well-equipped boat.
📸 All images were captured using a high-end Sony camera with a 200-600mm lens and thoughtfully cropped for detail and composition.
#killerwhale #orca #privateguide #vancouverislandnorth #privatetours
A northern resident orca (killer whale, A83(thanks confimation @st_scotty ) is passing through Weynton Passage into Johnstone Strait off northern Vancouver Island in the late afternoon. First Nations Territory, Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaka`wakw People, British Columbia, Canada.
✨ Experience the magic around Vancouver Island North with us! 🌲🐾
Vancouver Island Photo Tours is a small, local business owned by renowned photographer Rolf Hicker. He offers private, full-day, ethical marine tours and intimate wildlife adventures. Each tour accommodates a maximum of 4 guests.
Explore the breathtaking orcas of Johnstone Strait, the majestic grizzlies of Knight Inlet, the awe-inspiring humpback whales, playful sea otters, and soaring bald eagles, all set against the backdrop of fantastic scenery in the stunning traditional territories of the Kwakwaka’wakw Peoples.
Led by an experienced and certified guide fluent in English and German, we ensure a safe, personalized adventure on a reliable, well-equipped boat.
📸 All images were captured using a high-end Sony camera with a 200-600mm lens and thoughtfully cropped for detail and composition.
#killerwhale #orca #privateguide #vancouverislandnorth #privatetours
...
Join Rolf’s family-friendly small group adventure photo tours with a maximum of 4 guests / 5 for families with children.
Rolf specializes in photo and wildlife experiences on board his safe, covered and certified boat.
With Rolf’s extensive expertise, you’ll gain invaluable insights, tips, and captivating stories to enrich your journey.