2026 Bald Eagle Photography Workshop (Hake)

Workshop Summery

Embark on an extraordinary Bald Eagle Photography Tour aboard a boat, setting sail from Campbell River, Vancouver Island. Our focus centres on capturing the awe-inspiring spectacle of Bald Eagles during the hake feast—an annual event drawing hundreds of Eagles. As the hake surface, Eagles engage in a captivating feeding frenzy, offering photographers abundant opportunities for stunning action shots against the backdrop of the scenic coastline.
With an exclusive small group size, limited to 4-8 participants, you’ll receive personalized 1- on-1 instruction to enhance your photography skills while navigating the waters for the perfect shot. The two-hour peak eagle feeding sessions, synchronized with tides and currents, ensure an adrenaline-packed experience. Beyond eagles, seize the chance to photograph Humpback Whales, Orcas, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, and other captivating wildlife during sunset hours.
Join us on this immersive Bald Eagle Photography Tour, where expertise meets the dynamic beauty of nature from the vantage point of our boat, promising an enriching adventure for photographers passionate about capturing the untamed spirit of Vancouver Island’s wildlife.
Tours Dates: 2026

Price:
$2000.00 CAD +5% GST ( approximately $1500.00 USD) / $750.00 Deposit

Cancellation policy:
– Full refund available for cancellations 30 days or more before to the Tour.
– 50% refund for cancellation between 29 and 8 days before the Tour.
– No refund for cancellation 7 days or less prior to the Tour.

Book Your tour Now!

Subject Spotlight: Bald Eagle

June and July unveil a spectacular chapter in the lives of Bald Eagles on Vancouver Island. As the rising tides stir the waters, a significant event unfolds – the annual hake feast. Hundreds of bald eagles converge on this region, drawn by the abundance of hake, a fish species in the cod family, forced to the surface by the strong currents.
This time of year holds immense importance for Bald Eagles as they engage in an exhilarating feeding frenzy. The hake, overinflated with air, become vulnerable, creating a buffet for the eagles. It’s a wildlife spectacle where you’ll witness these majestic birds swooping down, capturing hake with incredible precision and agility.
The rising tides and the ensuing hake feast create a dynamic environment, providing photographers with extraordinary opportunities to capture the intense action and natural beauty of Bald Eagles. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this annual bald eagle bonanza and capture the essence of their feeding rituals in the wild.

About the Area

Join us for a unique adventure, where the beauty of Campbell River and its surrounding islands comes alive, promising photographers and nature enthusiasts an unparalleled experience on the water.
As we cruise through these pristine waters, the rugged coastlines, lush greenery, and serene island landscapes create a breathtaking canvas. Capture the untamed beauty of Vancouver Island’s coastal charm, all while comfortably situated on our boat for the entirety of this immersive experience.
Marvel at the diverse ecosystems that come to life as we navigate through the islands. Beyond the bald eagles, you’ll witness the dynamic interplay of marine and terrestrial life, with opportunities to photograph Humpback Whales, Orcas, and Pacific White-sided Dolphins against the backdrop of this scenic paradise.

Accommodation:

For those traveling from outside Campbell River, you have many accommodation options in and around town. If you have any difficulties in deciding, give us a call or an email and we can help you out.

Transportation

Transportation is not included in the workshop fee. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation, each day, there will be a meeting spot and time depending on the weather and recent sightings in the region.

Daily Schedule and Meals

The workshops start time is fully dependant upon the tide schedule that day. We will let you know closer to date of the exact start time. We will break in the afternoons to get lunch and have a bathroom break.

Breakfast: (not included) Before we leave on the boat for the day, we want to meet with everyone at least 1 hour prior to heading out. This hour will be a dedicated workshop where we will go over camera settings and post processing (lesson will depend on the workshop date). The location of this meeting spot will be known to you at a later date. This will allow us to give a short presentation on learning objectives and answer any questions you may have before setting out.

Lunch: (included) The tide times will determine when we stop for lunch. Depending on the tide times that day, we may stop before the Eagle Show or after. Our boat driver will dock us at a beautiful location to enjoy our lunch with a view. Lunch will be provided by Jared and Travis.

Dinner: (not included) After we are done shooting for the day, we will all meet up at a restaurant and have dinner together (optional). This has been a major highlight on our previous workshops. We highly recommend attending.

Please Note: The breakfast and dinner schedules may get switched around as we are dependant upon the tide schedule for the day.

Instruction

Our primary focus is your growth as a photographer. We are here not just as guides, but as dedicated instructors committed to enhancing your skills and ensuring a rewarding experience.

Throughout the workshop, expect personalized instruction tailored to your skill level and goals. Whether you’re a beginner eager to grasp the fundamentals or an experienced photographer seeking advanced techniques, Jared is here to assist you every step of the way.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements for our Bald Eagle Photography Tour are minimal, offering an accessible and enjoyable experience for participants of various fitness levels.
Participants will primarily be on a boat for 6-8 hours, requiring the ability to comfortably sit and stand during the journey. There are no strenuous activities involved, and walking is limited to boarding the boat and, if desired, a short stroll to a nearby restaurant. The emphasis is on a leisurely exploration of the surrounding islands, allowing ample time for capturing the stunning beauty of the region.
While the boat provides a stable platform, it’s advisable to consider the possibility of sea sickness during the extended duration on the water. Participants are encouraged to take any necessary precautions to ensure their comfort throughout the tour.
This tour is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that the physical requirements are minimal and do not pose a barrier to your participation.

Equipment Recommendations

Camera Equipment
– Camera body (DSLR or Mirrorless)
– Telephoto lenses: We would highly recommend a zoom telephoto lens. We would recommend a zoom instead of a prime because we will be on a boat and the eagles will be flying everywhere. You will want to be able to zoom in and out as the eagles fly close by and further away. A prime will restrict you. We would recommend the max focal length be no shorter than 400mm.
– Rain cover for camera and lens
– Camera cleaning kit ( air blower, microfibre cloth, ect)
– Spare batteries and memory cards
– Laptop and hard drive for storing photos

Clothing
In June and July on Vancouver Island, expect hot to mild temperatures, but be ready for a mix of sun and potential light rain. Dressing in layers is advisable to adapt to temperature variations throughout the day, providing comfort and flexibility as we explore the coastal beauty.

Clothing Recommendations:

**Top:**
– Light, breathable long-sleeve base layer
– Comfortable short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirt
– Lightweight fleece or polyester mid-layer for cooler moments
– A water-resistant outer layer or windbreaker for unexpected drizzles
– Preferably, all tops should provide UV resistance for added sun protection.

**Bottom:**
– Comfortable, quick-dry hiking shorts or pants
– Rain-resistant pants to stay dry in case of rain.

**Accessories:**
– Sunglasses and a brimmed hat for sun protection
– Sunscreen with high SPF
– Comfortable, moisture-wicking socks
– Closed-toe shoes suitable for our exploration, with a preference for those with a non-slip sole.
– A light scarf or neck gaiter for cooler breezes.

**Footwear:**
– Sturdy, comfortable footwear suitable for walking in the natural settings of Saskatoon.

Our goal is to ensure your comfort throughout the day, allowing you to fully enjoy the photographic opportunities presented by the enchanting fall season in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

*Remember that this itinerary is based on our experience of the region at this time, and may change based on wildlife and weather restrictions, or based on the groups interests and preferences.

About the Tour Guide

Jared Vandermeer

As a wildlife photographer from Vancouver Island, Jared is on a mission to photograph every bird species in Canada. Along with other wild moments along the way. Jared is known for his editing and camera setup mastery, so whatever you have questions about he is ready to help you excel on your own wild photography journey.