ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

Thank you for choosing to come along on this adventure! You’re about to set out on a photographic journey through an amazing landscape – a place that is not only photographically compelling, but also where life flourishes in extreme environments and where the effects of geographical and biological processes are beautifully evident. It’s both humbling and inspiring to witness this wild coastline.

You'll be encouraged to develop your own way of seeing and expressing yourself, with guidance that supports personal discovery rather than imposing a particular style. Our hope is that you'll return home with greater confidence, renewed creative energy and a deeper connection to both photography and place.  

Please fill out the workshop registration page  and return a signed copy of the terms and conditions if you haven't already done so. This helps us to get a good idea of your goals for the workshop, as well as vital emergency contact information. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions whatsoever! We’re at your service. Thank you for choosing us!

Richard and Anna

Richard: (613) 893-2470

Anna: (236) 982-9590

SECTION I: General Information

WHAT TO EXPECT

While we will not decide on an exact photo location schedule at this time, this is a basic overview that you can use to book your travel and lodging. Time-specific information will be sent to you closer to the date of the workshop. We highly advise arriving at least one day before the start of the workshop so that your attendance is not impacted by potential travel delays. For information on accommodation, please see Section II.

Ahead of the workshop, we will organise an online classroom session via Zoom. This is an opportunity to meet each other before the workshop itself, review safety and field conditions, and explore the types of photographic opportunities that might present themselves while we are in the field.

On the first day, we will meet in the afternoon in the lobby at Hotel Zed before heading out for our first field session. Sunset at this time of the year is at around 7pm. We leave for our evening field session between 3pm and 4pm to ensure we have plenty of time to photograph before heading back into town for dinner. Sunrise at this time of the year is around 7:30am. A typical day usually involves departing before dawn for a sunrise field session. The time that we depart each day varies, and is based on travel time to the location. The earliest departure time we typically have is around 6am for our farthest sunrise location and we do our best to balance the days to ensure that you get enough rest. We typically finish up by 9:30am which enables you to get back to home base in time for breakfast. Midday can take on many different forms based on our schedule and what the weather is doing. Some days we may find ourselves utilising the midday light at a beach or we may use the opportunity to photograph in the rainforest. The workshop will finish on the 5th after the sunrise session to give you plenty of time to check out of your room afterwards. 

COMMUNICATION

We will be communicating during the workshop via WhatsApp. This is a free messaging service that works on both iOS and Android and it really helps to streamline our communication by keeping it all in one place. Please download the app as soon as possible and we will create a group where questions can be asked prior to the workshop and where we will send meetup information. Once we have your phone number, we will add you to the group. The area outside of town is remote and cellular service is not reliable once outside of the town. Wifi is available in most accommodation options (excluding campsites) and some restaurants.

ABOUT TOFINO

In the heart of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region, Tofino (Načiks) is situated within the hahuulthi (territory) of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation who have called this place home since time immemorial. The expansive sandy shoreline is backed by a rugged temperate rainforest dominated by large old trees, principally western hemlock, and western cedar. These unique and special forest stands represent some of the last remaining examples of old-growth coastal rainforest to be found in British Columbia undisturbed by logging or other industrial development. This coastal village on the western edge of Vancouver Island is a truly unique corner of the world. The sea, land, and sky surrounding Tofino are teeming with life. Tidepools hide sea stars and colourful anemones while Grey and Humpback whales roam the depths of the Pacific Ocean. The spongy forest floor is home to banana slugs and bright green ferns while Douglas fir and old-growth cedar trees stretch to the sky. Many animals on the coast traverse between the intertidal zone, forests, estuaries, and river systems. There is a fluidity to where these animals graze - from scavenging the high tide line to foraging the riparian zones during the salmon spawn. Black bears and coastal wolves, amongst other species, hold a critical role in the nutrient cycle between land and sea - the salmon carcasses they feed on and leave in the woods nourish the forest floor.

Home to the Nuu-chah-nulth people, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a place of stunning natural beauty, and vivid culture. The Long Beach Unit of the park in an area we will spend considerable time in throughout the workshop. This particular area has been protected as a National Park since 1971 and, before that, as a Provincial Park since 1959. The Long Beach Unit stretches 16km between Tofino and Ucluelet, from the south end of Cox Bay to Halfmoon Bay and is just a short drive south from Tofino’s town centre.

The park's climate is the result of its unobstructed southwestern exposure to the ocean and its inland mountains to the northeast. Over the winter months,the prevailing winds bring low pressure systems off the ocean from the Gulf of Alaska in the winter. Its cool, moist air mass immediately rises through the mountains and deposits huge quantities of rain. The park receives on average 140-160 inches of rain every year and Hucuktlis Lake which is just inland from the Broken Island Group Unit of the park, is officially one of the wettest places on Earth.

In addition to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, there are four declared Tribal Parks in Tla-o-qui-aht territory that are protected by ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) laws, rights, and title: Wanačas Hiłḥuuʔis (Meares Island), Tranquil Tribal Park, Ha`uukmin (Kennedy Lake Watershed) and Esowista Tribal Park. They encompass ecosystems as diverse as dunes, bogs, alpine, eelgrass meadows, and estuaries and are found in the village sites of Opitsaht, Esowista, TyHistanis and the municipality of Tofino. Indigenous governance of the territory involves ecological stewardship roles and responsibilities for the longevity of this beautiful place. The reciprocal nature of caring for and being provided for by the lands and waters was disrupted by colonialist and capitalist actions in recent decades. Tla-o-qui-aht Nation have continued to reassert their rights and title to be able to carry forward the responsibility of caring for the land. The first Tribal Park, Wanačas Hiłḥuuʔis (Meares Island and its waterways) was declared in 1984.

Early Autumn is a season of abundance on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.  Humpback whales and grey whales feed along the coastline as they begin their long migration south.  Black bears roam the shorelines, feasting on crabs ahead of their winter hibernation and heavy Pacific storms start to roll in creating dramatic conditions.

GETTING TO & AROUND TOFINO

DRIVING:

Vancouver Island—and Tofino—can be accessed by driving your own or a rented vehicle. If coming from British Columbia's mainland, you’ll need to first cross the Salish Sea via ferry.

From Nanaimo: 3 hour drive (210km)
From Victoria (Swartz Bay): 4 hour 40 minute drive (340km)

In early October on this route, winter tires are a requirement once you are out of the Greater Victoria area. There is a chance of snow at higher elevations on the road into Tofino though quite unlikely.

We encourage you to communicate within the WhatsApp group chat ahead of the workshop to coordinate car sharing where possible.

At least half of the locations we visit are within Pacific Rim National Park.  Parking within the park requires a park pass to be displayed in vehicle. There are fee paying stations at the parking lots which issue daily passes.  However, it is worth considering buying a annual pass for the park or a Parks Canada wide Discovery pass. You can find the full price list for Pacific Rim National Park here.  Please note that the visitor centre where you purchase these is located a little way outside town so you should plan on picking that up prior to the start of the workshop.

Some of the locations are outside of the park and usually require paying a fee at a municipal fee paying station.  These accept credit cards or you can pay via an app.  

FERRIES:

If you are coming from the British Columbia mainland, it is advisable to reserve a ferry in advance. You can do this at BC Ferries (vehicle and passenger ferry) or Hullo Ferries (passenger only) which leaves from downtown Vancouver and arrives in Nanaimo Harbour.

There are also vehicle and passenger ferries from Port Angeles in Washington State. See Black Ball ferry line if travelling this way.

AIR:

You can fly directly into Tofino from Victoria or Nanaimo with Tofino Air or by float plane from Vancouver with Harbour Air. Please note that both these services are seasonal.

LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES

We highly encourage you to familiarize yourself with these principles by visiting the website: The Leave No Trace Seven Principles. While the Leave No Trace Principles have been the standard for years, we encourage you to take it one step further and Leave It Better. We encourage you to do your part in helping maintain the beauty of our natural areas by packing-out any litter or manmade materials you come across.

PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES AND SAFETY

Being that the workshop is being held in a natural area, many obstacles and challenges present themselves and we are providing this guide to help make your experience safer, more comfortable, and provide a higher yield in photographic opportunities. Safety is of utmost importance. While most locations on the workshop are easily accessible, there are some inherent dangers that can be present. While we won’t be visiting extremely remote areas during the workshop, we do suggest carrying the Ten Essentials on your outings into nature.  You can find the list by visiting this link: The Ten Essentials. The more important items in the Ten Essentials will be mentioned below as well.

It is advised that you be comfortable and physically capable of hiking up to 3 miles over uneven terrain. Since hiking ability is subjective, it is hard to tell you that a certain hike is ‘easy’ or ‘difficult’. Many of the walks on this workshop would classify as 'easy' since we will mostly be on the beaches and boardwalks, but you should trust your own instincts and abilities when hiking. Some of the obstacles you may encounter when hiking both on and off trail include: uneven terrain, steep drop-offs, mud, slippery surfaces, fast moving tidal water and coastal waves.

Pack water and food. We advise carrying water in your vehicle in addition to the water that you will be carrying on your person. Granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds are recommended.

Avoid stepping on flora and fauna particularly in the intertidal zones. Not only is this for your safety but it helps preserve the beauty of the area by not wearing down and killing the wildlife. Wildlife abounds in Tofino and in Pacific Rim National Park – and it is important to stay safe while hiking in bear country. Bears usually hibernate in this area until the end of April sort is unlikely that we'll see one but there are coastal wolves and Vancouver Island has the highest concentration of cougars in the world. They must be given space at all times and a distance of 300ft is recommended. Remain in your vehicle if you spot an animal from the road. As we are in a group, we will naturally make noise on the trail or on the beach, so as not to inadvertently creep up on one. If we do happen to encounter a bear on the trail stay still and then slowly back away to give the bear as much space as possible. Never try to outrun a bear! Remember that black bears climb trees (fast) so look up. Consider carrying bear spray (and have it accessible) and know how to use it. Cougars usually shy away from human interaction. However, if you do come across a cougar, stay calm and do not run. Back away slowly while making yourself look as big as possible - spread your arms and legs and maintain eye contact at all times. If a cougar shows interest or follows you, respond aggressively, continue maintaining eye contact, show your teeth and make loud noises. Arm yourself with rocks or sticks (or tripods!) as weapons. If a cougar attacks, fight back! Wolves are active in parts of the park.  They generally stay well clear of people but it is important to be aware of their presence.  

WEATHER AND CLOTHING

The weather can change dramatically within any given day, and exposure on the shoreline makes a big difference to the temperatures and wind speeds. The climate in Tofino is strongly influenced by the Pacific maritime weather systems and the park receives very high annual precipitation - rain is common in October You can expect daytime temperatures to be between 6°C and 13°C but it can often feel colder than this in the on blustery beaches. This means packing a warm hat, rain coat, rain pants, and gloves as well as plenty of layers in between. I like to wander along the beaches wearing long rain boots but anything that will keep your feet completely dry and warm is a must.

ADDITIONAL CLOTHING TO CONSIDER

• High waterproof boots
• Bandana/Buff - for covering your neck from the wind
• Gaitors
• Long Sleeve T-shirts
• Short Sleeve T-shirts
• Fleece or Insulated Jacket
• Sunglasses
• Hiking Shoes with good soles

PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT TO BRING

• Your Camera - You can choose to use any camera you like, but a digital camera with full manual control and interchangeable lenses is highly recommended and gives you the best experience. It is advised that you fully understand how to operate your camera.
• Lenses - There are opportunities to use any focal length possible, so bring all that you can, wide to long as there are possibilities for shots ranging from 14mm all the way to 600mm.
• Tripod - We may be shooting in low light, requiring longer exposure times.
• Filters - Generally all you will need to use is a polarizer and neutral density filters. Although, it is possible to get great shots without either.
• Batteries and Chargers
• Plenty of Memory Cards
• Remote Trigger
• Lens Cleaning Supplies - Lens cloths, rocket blowers, brushes
• Computer/Portable Hard Drive (optional) - For downloading your files off of your memory cards for redundancy.
• Camera Bag - It's advised to bring one large enough to hold your camera gear, clothing layers, water, snacks, and your Ten Essentials.

OTHER GEAR TO CONSIDER

• Headlamp (highly recommended) or flashlight - We may be out before the sun comes up or after it goes down.
• Medications
• Umbrella – pocket size and golf – you can consider other gear to keep your camera gear dry but we find this often gets in the way so an umbrella is easier.
  
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm
• Personal Care Items - Toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, deodorant
• Foam Seating Pad - For comfort when kneeling or sitting outside. There are many options out there but we recommend Z Seats.
• Trash Bags - Not only for picking up and packing out trash, but also to lay on the ground in muddy or wet conditions. Some areas we take you to may be wet or muddy.
• Smart Phone and Charger
• Reusable Water Bottles

SECTION II: Tofino Accommodation and Amenities

WHERE TO SLEEP (AND SHOWER)

Tofino offers a wide range of accommodations and dining options. This is not designed to be an exhaustive list but a sampling of what is available across the range.

HOTELS

Hotel Zed: Located on the highway on the edge of town, Hotel Zed is conveniently located for all the beaches.  We have secured a discounted group rate for rooms at Hotel Zed for September 29th, 2027 - October 5th, 2027 (6 nights).  King rooms are available at $269 per night + taxes and double queen rooms are available at $309 per night plus taxes.  The onsite restaurant, Roar, is open for dinner most nights and there is a small café serving breakfast. This is where Richard and Anna will be staying. 

To book online:

• Visit reservations.hotelzed.com/ibe/details.aspx?propertyid=17151&nights=6&checkin=10/09/2027&group=1607346&lang=en-us
• Select your room, and complete the booking

To book by phone:

• Call 1-800-997-6797
• You are booking: Hotel Zed Tofino
• Ask for the group rate for "Anna Morgan Photography Workshop #2" or quote the group number: 1607346
• Choose your room
• Date: Provide the booking dates
• Provide your information to the call taker, and they will create the booking for you

To book via email:

• Email: [email protected]
• Reference "Anna Morgan Photography Workshop #2" or quote the group number: 1607346
• Booking at: Hotel Zed Tofino
• First and last name
• Check-in & check-out dates
• Phone number and email address
• Requested Room Type

Alternatives include:

TinWis Resort: Tin Wis Best Western Resort is owned and operated by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation (pronounced klaw-oh-kwee-awt).  You can view the room options on their website https://tinwis.ca and you can reserve online, by e-mailing [email protected] or by calling +1 (800) 661 9995 / +1 (250) 725 4445. There is a Browns Socialhouse restaurant on site which provides and breakfast, lunch and dinner service.

Tofino Resort and Marina: Tofino Resort and Marina. Located in town. Book online on their website https://tofinoresortandmarina.com or call +1 (844) 680 4184. Shelter restaurant is onsite.

Wickaninnish Inn: If you want to splurge on something more luxurious, then the Wickaninnish Inn checks that box. Designed for winter storm watching, the Inn is set on a rocky edge at the northern cape of Chesterman Beach, just a few minutes south of town. See https://www.wickinn.com for more details. There is a formal onsite restaurant, The Pointe as well as the Driftwood Café for lighter meals.

CAMPGROUNDS

Bella Pacifica Campground - conveniently located on MacKenzie Beach, this campground has a variety of tenting and RV sites, each with their own picnic table and firepit. The 2027 season will be running from March 1st to November 15th.

WHERE TO EAT

You can find just about anything you want to want to eat in Tofino, from high end dining to casual food.

Roar – located at Hotel Zed.

Brown's Socialhouse - located at the Tin Wis resort it is open from lunch and dinner (as well as breakfast for those staying at the resort).

Tacofino – the original taco food truck and somewhat of an institution. Expect long line ups!

Shed – family run restaurant in the centre of town.

Shelter Restaurant - open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Located on the Marina in town.

Adriana's Sandwich Shop – sandwiches and pizza. Located at the north end of town.

WHERE TO GET FUEL

It is recommended that you keep your tank at least more than 1/3rd full during the duration of the workshop. Self-serve fuel is available at Co-op Gas Bar and Gas N Go, both on the main highway just outside of town.

Section III: FAQ

Which lenses should I bring? There is opportunity for every lens and the hikes aren't very long so bring all that you are willing to carry!

What kind of car do I need? We will be on paved roads only throughout the workshop so there is no need for a high clearance vehicle. We encourage people to car pool as much as possible. Richard and Anna will travel together in one vehicle.

What happens during inclement weather? We photograph! Sometimes the weather can create an invigorating and memorable experience, so if it's anything but downright miserable or dangerous, then we embrace the conditions and explore how we can use the conditions in creative ways to help tell the story of that moment. If the weather is so bad that it makes it impossible to photograph, then we will gather for classroom discussion, instruction, or critique. This would be optional and you can always choose to spend the time resting and relaxing if you prefer.

Do I need to bring my computer? You only need to bring your computer if you want to use it during down time, to download and backup your files off of your memory cards. If you don't have a need or interest for those things then we suggest leaving your computer behind so that you have one less expensive item to worry about while traveling.

We cannot reiterate enough to reach out if you have any questions or needs. We’re here to make this trip easy, fulfilling, fun, and memorable. If there’s anything we can do to help make that happen please let us know.

We look forward to the adventure and will reach out with more specific details soon!

Richard: (613) 893-2470

Anna: 236-982-9590