Grizzly bear mom `Thimble` with her two cubs of this year (coys) along the low tideline in Knight Inlet, Traditional territory of the Da’Naxda’xw Awaetlala First Nation, British Columbia, Canada.
Ever the protective mother, she remains vigilant while eyeing another grizzly bear across the bay. This behaviour exhibited from her is crucial for the cubs` survival, as they are particularly vulnerable to various dangers, especially from other bears and large predators, during their early years.
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
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Catch of the day 🦅✨ In a stunning display of grace and power, a bald eagle takes flight with its meal securely clutched in its talons. Witnessing this bird of prey in action is always an impressive sight. Out on our tours, we immerse ourselves in nature`s raw beauty, experiencing every moment unfiltered.
🗺️Broughton Archipelago, First Nations Territory, Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaka`wakw People, British Columbia, Canada.
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
An incredible day out on the water! 🌊 After spending most of the day adventuring in Knight Inlet, we overheard on the radio a pod of Transient Bigg’s Orca present in the Broughton Archipelago. As we approached to observe, we ensured to give the orcas plenty of space to avoid disturbing them. To our surprise, we encountered them in the midst of actively hunting a Steller sea lion. This remarkable, albeit tough, display featured breath-taking breaches, splashes, and spouting by the pod.
The true highlight, however, was the vocal calls picked up through our hydrophone in the water 🎙️ With the engine off, we were able to listen to these deep, otherworldly sounds, creating an unforgettable experience for our guests, and bringing them closer to the mysteries of the deep and to these magnificent icons of British Columbia.
🗺️A Biggs Orca Whale (Killer Whale, Orcinus orca) hunting a Steller sea lion at Waynton Passage in front of the stunning scenery around Mount Stevens along the British Columbia Coast, First Nations Territory, Traditional Territories of the Kwakwaka`wakw People, British Columbia, Canada.
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
🌟🎉 We are beyond thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers` Choice Awards 2024! 🎉🌟
This incredible recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to ethical wildlife watching and creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. 🌍🦁🐢
Thank you to all our amazing guests who have shared their memorable journeys with us and left such wonderful reviews. Your love for wildlife and our planet fuels our passion every day. 💚🙏
Join us in celebrating this achievement and continue to support sustainable tourism. Together, we can make a difference! 🌱✨
#sustainabletourism #ethicalwildlifetours #vancouverislandnorth #portmcneill #telegraphcove #knightinlet #broughtonarchipelago
Reflecting on an incredible first 10 weeks of our season, filled with touching moments and unforgettable experiences! It`s been a truly enriching journey, from spectacular wildlife viewing and deep conversations about First Nations culture to discussions on protecting our wildlife and tackling global challenges like climate change and fish farms.
Our adventures in the stunning Fjord of Knight Inlet have been amazing. The tours have been rewarding, intense, exciting, and emotional, with even tears of happiness shed. It warms my heart to hear from guests of all ages that these memories will last a lifetime.
On my boat, the “Ambient Light,” it’s all about creating lasting experiences rather than just capturing a single photo opportunity.
There’s nothing more beautiful than watching wildlife in their natural habitat from an ethical distance. From a grizzly bear mom foraging with her two new cubs along the tideline, eagles fishing, dolphins playing, humpback whales fluking, Biggs Orcas hunting, to sea otters floating and sea lions hauling out, every moment has been magical. And let’s not forget the breathtaking scenery of Knight Inlet, the traditional territory of the Da’Naxda’xw Awaetlala First Nation.
Though I can’t share the whole emotional experience, I finally had time to look through some pictures I captured. Data collection is crucial for tracking the development of bears like “Thimble,” a first-time mom with her two cubs who I have known since she was a cub. Witnessing their growth over the past 10 weeks has been extraordinary. We prioritize giving them space, as no picture is worth disturbing them, especially during such critical times.
Data collection remains a priority for me, focusing on long-term knowledge and understanding bear populations and movements.
While our days are long, often stretching 8 to 12 hours, our sustainability efforts at home, including composting and gardening, keep us busy. Providing fresh, organic food from our garden to our guests is incredibly satisfying.
A big “thank you” to my partner Sarah and her team for preparing excellent, healthy meals for the tours and keeping home "rolling."
Stay tuned for more updates! 🌿🐻🦅
🌊 Humpback whales undertake incredible migrations, traveling thousands of miles between their feeding and breeding grounds. Vancouver Island serves as a vital stop along their journey, offering rich feeding grounds during the summer months. 🐋 #MigrationWonders #MarineLife
Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) playing and showing its fluke in Blackfish Sound, Queen Charlotte Strait, First Nations Territory, off northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, Sony a7R IV, 200-600mm, 1/1600, f7.1, ISO 400
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
🌅 Sunset Dive: Witnessing Majesty in Weynton Passage 🐋
In the tranquil waters of Weynton Passage, off the shores of Vancouver Island near the Broughton Archipelago, a breathtaking moment unfolds as a magnificent Humpback whale graces the scene with its presence.
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting hues of orange and gold across the sky, this gentle giant prepares for a deep dive into the depths below. With grace and power, it lifts its iconic tail, a symbol of strength and resilience, against the backdrop of First Nations Territory, British Columbia, Canada.
In this sacred space where land and sea converge, we`re reminded of the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of honoring the rich cultural heritage of the First Nations peoples who have stewarded these waters for generations.
Let`s pause to appreciate the beauty of this moment and reflect on our role as caretakers of the land and guardians of the ocean. Together, let`s continue to cherish and protect the wonders of nature for future generations to enjoy.
#SunsetDive #HumpbackWhale #WeyntonPassage #BroughtonArchipelago #FirstNationsTerritory #BritishColumbia #Canada #NaturePhotography #OceanConservation
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography
🏞️ Wild Wanderers: Grizzly bears have vast home ranges that can span hundreds of square miles. They roam through diverse habitats, from dense forests to alpine meadows, in search of food, mates, and suitable denning sites. It`s no wonder they need to take lots of naps and rest!
Female coastal Grizzly bear mom with 2 cubs resting on a rainy day along the coast of British Columbia, Canada
📸 Photo Credit: @RolfHickerPhotography Shot with a 200-600mm lens on a Sony a7Riv, cropped.
Join Rolf’s family-friendly small group adventure tours with maximum 4 guests / 5 for families with children.
He 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.
