Ahhhh, summertime in BC. It’s truly spectacular. The long summer nights, the mountains, the lakes, the ocean, the waterfalls, the beaches, the trees, the wildlife, and did I mention the boating?
Even though Ray and I live a nomadic lifestyle now and have the freedom to go anywhere we want, we return to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, every summer because there is no place we’d rather be.
So I thought I would do a little series here on the blog to share some of the things I love about Vancouver Island in summertime.
First thing: Orcas!
My favourite summertime activity is boating. I love to pack up all my photography gear and head out on my little boat, Snoopy, for a day of exploring. I check out all the islands, their bays and coves, all while keeping my eyes out for wildlife.
Orcas are amazing animals to watch. No matter how often I see them, I feel a sense of wonder every time a pod of orcas go by. And to see them hunt or play is always awe inspiring.
But out of all the species of animals I have photographed, orcas are the most difficult! I have so many photos of splashes, or just a dorsal fin. And when they do jump out of the water, they are so fast it’s really hard to capture them – especially when you’re driving the boat at the same time.
Still, I like a challenge! Every once in awhile I’ll get a good shot and even though it may not be as good as my all time favourite orca shot, I love doing it. And you just never know when you’ll get an opportunity to witness something truly amazing.
I hope you enjoyed this look at the orcas around Vancouver Island and stay tuned for my next instalment.
We are heading out to Victoria from Scotland next week and hoping we see some of the wild life you describe. Really enjoy your photos. Thank you
Hi Sheila, I’m sure you will see tons of wildlife! I highly recommend a whale watching tour. You are almost guaranteed to see something and they are a lot of fun even if you don’t. Hope you enjoy it!
Great photos, Anne! I love to see the whale migration from the Central Coast of California but I never get that close. Can you share information on your gear that you used for these shots?
Hi Phyllis, sure! I use a Canon 7D and either my 70-300mm or my 400mm lens. I take all of these photos from my boat, so I’m much closer that you can usually get on shore.
Excellent photos. I did a whale trip in AK. Good news is we saw quite a few Orca’s, but as you correctly point out…they are very difficult to capture decent photos. Mostly just dorsal fins attached to a bump in the water.
Hi David, well I’m glad I’m not the only one who finds Orcas difficult 🙂 It takes a lot of practice and a lot of boat trips. Thanks for your visit and comments!
Superb photographs.
Much appreciated Amit!
I love all animals and though I’ve never seen orcas I always read and take glimpses and get to know everything I can about this magnificent animal. It’s been a life dream since I studied at International school in Lusaka Zambia and learned about your country to come and visit one day and perhaps to see an orca.
Hi Gianfranco, I do hope you get a chance to visit here and see the orcas one day. They are truly magnificent creatures – so fast, agile, playful and curious. There are some beautiful landscapes here too, so I highly recommend it! Thanks for your visit and comments.
Hi Anne I was wondering where I could view the photographs you sell and there prices.
You are by far my favorite color photorapher. Sincerely Robert
Hi Robert, there are two links in the menu at the top of the page “photos” and “buy photos here” that both go to my gallery where you can view and purchase prints. Or you can just go here: https://annemckinnell.smugmug.com/
Thank you so much for considering me your favourite colour photographer 🙂 That means a lot when there are so many photographers out there these days. Back in the film days I did a lot of black and white but I prefer colour now.
A most enjoyable photographic blog that I look forward to receiving and following your articles. Photographs (all of the them) are amazing. Thank you for sharing them with us on the net. Will be heading home on holiday to South Africa later this month and then to Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) where I grew up. Highlight will be the Victoria Falls and a Ferry journey to:Lake Kariba. Hopefully a new camera to save the happy memories.
Many thanks for your kind comments Roy. I’m glad to hear you are enjoying the blog posts! Have a fantastic trip. I’ve always wanted to go to South Africa but I haven’t made it there yet.
Hello, Anne. Will your stunning photo of the orca leaping out of water be for sale soon? I don’t see it on your gallery for-sale site.
Also, can you tell me if you think the first two weeks of October are usually a good time to visit the area of BC where you spend the summer? Thank you!
Hi Christine, yes it is in the British Columbia gallery. Here is a direct link to the photo:
https://annemckinnell.smugmug.com/British-Columbia-2/i-mKs6VQJ/A
The beginning of October is usually really nice here, but it is getting close to the time when the sudden change of fall comes. It used to always be right at the beginning of November, but the last few years the change has been coming earlier. But you should be good in the first two weeks of October. You’ll get the beautiful fall colours on the trees for sure and the weather should be cooler, but still quite pleasant. Oh, and the salmon run means lots of eagles too.