VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC
AUGUST 9 - 15, 2026
Vancouver Island will capture your imagination with its beautiful, rugged coastline, lush emerald forests, majestic mountains, wild beaches, and abundant wildlife! Our Island adventure will take advantage of two incredible locations: Victoria, the charming capital city of British Columbia and Tofino, a fishing village located on the island’s awe-inspiring western coast.
Our photographic journey begins on the southern coast of Vancouver Island. With beautiful parklands, a vibrant cultural scene, and stunning colonial architecture, Victoria offers a diversity of photo opportunities. One of the highlights of our time in Victoria will be a visit to the renowned Butchart Gardens. Spanning 55 acres, this National Historic Site is home to over 900 plant varieties growing in magnificent creative displays. The photographic possibilities are endless as we wander among the Gardens’ colors and textures, statuary forms, and water features. We’ll also photograph the stunning architecture of the British Columbia parliament buildings, the Sheringham Point Lighthouse, and capture vistas from coastal parks.
Mid-week, we will drive north and west to the seaside village of Tofino and our waterfront lodging. With the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, Tofino provides the perfect base to explore Vancouver Island’s wild coastal beauty. The area includes both the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Pacific Rim National Park, two of British Columbia’s natural gems. We will hike through ancient forests, visit pristine beaches, and find creative compositions in Tofino’s active fishing harbor.
Join DJP on Vancouver Island for a creative escape filled with beauty and photographic inspiration in one of Canada’s most spectacular natural settings!
Overview
Our Workshop begins with a welcome orientation on Sunday at 7:00pm in Victoria, BC and concludes on Saturday at 12:00pm in Tofino, BC.
Sunday-Wednesday morning | August 9 - 12 | Victoria
Wednesday evening-Saturday | August 12 - 15 | Tofino
Each day will be packed with field sessions led by Doug at the best times for shooting, daily lectures to improve your photographic skills and visual seeing and constructive critiques of participants’ images. Classroom sessions are tailored to each workshop and are based on participant interests and goals for the workshop. Additional topics are designed to enhance participants’ skills for the type of shooting the location emphasizes.
Location Highlights: Victoria: Butchart Gardens, British Columbia Parliament buildings, Sheringham Pt. Lighthouse, Tower Point, Spirit Bay. Tofino: Amphitrite Pt. Lighthouse, Ancient Cedars Trail and Rainforest Trail, Pacific Rim National Park Preserve, Tofino Harbor.
REGISTRATION
Early Bird Tuition by March 15, 2026: $2895 (represents a $100 discount!)
After March 15, 2026: $2995
Deposit: $600 due with Registration (after the Early Bird deadline, the deposit will be $700)
Balance: $2295 due May 9, 2026
*Tuition includes entrance fee to Butchart Gardens.
Already registered, make a final payment? Click Here
Workshop Details
LODGING
This workshop has two lodging locations. Participant information on making reservations is below. (This currency converter will help provide a perspective on CAD to US dollars pricing).
Our first lodging location for the workshop is in Victoria, BC at the Quality Inn Downtown Inner Harbour. There is a room block for participants starting on August 9 (3 nights), departing August 12. Room rates are $279 Canadian (CAD) + tax per night.
For the second half of the workshop we’ll be located in Tofino, BC at the Tofino Resort & Marina. A block of rooms is being held from August 12 for 3 nights, departing August 15. Rate is $469 Canadian (CAD) + tax per night.
TRAVEL
Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to/from the workshop and during the workshop.
Part of the adventure of Vancouver Island is getting there! Here are several options.
1. Fly into Victoria, British Columbia (YYJ) and rent a car in Victoria.
2. Fly into Vancouver, British Columbia (YVR) and rent a car there. Travel via BC Ferries from Port Tsawwarren (in the city of Vancouver) to Port Swartz on Vancouver Island (approximately 1.5 hour ferry trip). The drive from Port Swartz to Victoria is about 30 minutes.
3. Travel from Port Angeles, Washington via Black Ball Ferry Line to Victoria.
Half-way through the workshop, participants will drive to Ucluelet from Victoria, which is approximately a 4 hour drive.
Doug Johnson Photography is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other emergencies or reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets, hotel rooms in the event of a workshop cancellation. Please consider the purchase of travel insurance.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate; up to 4 miles, marked paths and trails. Walking on sandy beaches.
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, participants are expected to be in good physical health. You must be able to carry your own photo gear, be prepared for variable weather (including sun and warm temperatures), and be able to walk in outdoor terrain that will likely involve uneven surfaces.
If you have any questions about the workshop conditions, please contact Doug before registering. While we make every effort to support participants, if we find that the activities are more demanding than your abilities allow, we may need to adjust your participation to ensure your well-being and the smooth flow of the workshop.
“The locations were SPECTACULAR, and the weather cooperated. Vancouver Island is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited.”
EQUIPMENT & ATTIRE
We want your experience on a Doug Johnson Photography workshop to be extraordinary and recognize that preparation is one important key to success. Specific guidelines will be sent to participants, but a general list of recommendations can be downloaded via our Gear & Packing List.
FEES
Workshop tuition includes entrance fee to Butchart Gardens.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please visit FAQs about Location Workshops.
Please review our Cancellation Policy here.
We are always happy to talk with you about our workshops and what makes a good match for your goals. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Doug at 303-829-2215.
