Bella Coola, British Columbia Landscape Photography Adventure
Dates: TBA, please email me if you are interested
$4995 CAN / person, ($1000 CAN to reserve your spot)
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Heli Transport
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5 Nights, 4 camping
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7 Participants
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Easy to Moderate
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Camping
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Bella Coola
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CAD $4995
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$1000 Deposit
WHY TAKE THIS TRIP? If you're a photographer looking to capture the beauty of the great outdoors, then a trip to British Columbia's rugged wilderness is a must. With towering peaks, sparkling lakes, vast glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and fields of wildflowers, this spot has it all.
By venturing off the beaten path and exploring a land where few have dared to tread, you'll have the opportunity to photograph some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. And with experienced dedicated landscape photographer Blake Randall by your side, you'll have access to expert guidance and support as you capture the grandeur of nature at its finest.
Whether you're a seasoned photographer or simply someone who loves capturing the beauty of the world around them, this trip will be a truly unforgettable experience. So pack your camera and join us on this once-in-a-lifetime journey through British Columbia's rugged wilderness.
ITINERARY: We will meet in Bella Coola on July 26th to discuss the trip pack our bags and then Helicopter out to our remote wilderness location the next day for the next 4 nights.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: There are no trails here so participants will need to be capable of on hiking steep and rugged terrain. We plan on setting up camp near the good locations so the physical demands are not too significant distance wise. No more than a few kilometers other than a few optional scouting hikes.
TRIP COST AND PAYMENT INFO:
COST PER PERSON: $4995 CAN (Approximately $3700 USD)
DEPOSIT: $1000 deposit due upon sign up. Your deposit is transferable to another tour if your spot can be filled. Should you need to cancel prior to 90 day before the start of the trip you will be given a full refund minus $200 administrative fee.
The remainder $3995 CAD is due 30 days prior to the start of the trip
WHATS INCLUDED:
Helicopter drop-off/pick-up. Possibly 2 locations
5 nights in the mountains
Hands on photography instruction
Supplemental gear upon request
Large shelter for eating, cooking, shade and bug refuge
Dinner while camping (mix of fresh and dehydrated)
WHATS NOT INCLUDED:
Transportation to/from Bella Coola
Travel/medical insurance
Snacks, alcohol, etc
FAQ’s
Q: Can I fly my drone?
A: To fly a drone that weighs 250g or more in Canada, you must be licensed by Transport Canada. Non-Canadians cannot receive a Canadian license, and no other forms of licenses or certificates are accepted. If your drone is 249g or less, you can fly it without a Transport Canada accepted certification. So if you're coming from outside of Canada, feel free to bring your drone if it weighs 249g or less. For more information, please visit Transport Canada:
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/flying-your-drone-safely-legally
Q: What happens if the weather is bad?
A: Bad weather is a reality and inherent risk of adventures in the mountains, even in summer. We cannot control the weather, and refunds will not be given because it rained. It is highly recommended to bring a book or something to keep yourself occupied during any potential downtime. I do not recommend booking any return flights on the same day that we catch our helicopter out. Weather can delay the helicopter. I communicate with our pilots via satellite text messages when necessary for updates regarding flying conditions and flight times.
Q: What about forest fires?
A: This area is usually spared the worst of the forest fire smoke. In the event that our pilots are going to be too busy fighting fires to bring us in, credit will be given to use for a future workshop. However, this scenario is highly unlikely.
Q: What clothes and gear should I bring?
A: I have a gear checklist that will be sent to every participant. Daily temperature range is typically 5c (40f) to 25c (77f).
Q: Are the bugs bad?
A: Yes
Q: Do I need travel or medical insurance?
A: If you are relying on flights to get you to Vancouver or Canada, please be sure to have travel insurance in the event you need to cancel or change your plans. If you're not a resident of British Columbia, please ensure you have medical coverage as well.
Q: How will we get to Bella Coola?
A: All participants are responsible for getting themselves to Bella Coola. There is a small airport in Bella Coola that you can fly into. However, I will happily facilitate carpooling arrangements among participants! If you intend on driving, or would like to be a driver, please let me know. The drive will take anywhere from 10-14 hours depending on traffic, stops and potential road closures/detours.
THE NITTY GRITTY
It is important to note that I am not a wilderness outfitter, I am a photography instructors. This is an adventure style trip to learn mountain photography in one of the most beautiful locations in Canada. You MUST be self sufficient and responsible for your own safety, comfort and well-being. However, I will follow best practices to ensure the experience is as positive as possible for both students and the environment, such as:
at least 1 satellite communication devices to communicate with loved ones, our pilot or in the event of emergency, SAR
wilderness first aid certification for all photography instructors and first aid kits
maintaining distance from wildlife
avoiding the trampling of sensitive vegetation
ensuring that drones are not flown near wildlife, or flown without license
keeping food/scented items and cooking in a secure area away from the tents
providing a gear checklist, plus gear supplements for things that cannot be flown with, such as bear spray or fuel
Full payment must be made by May 15, 2023. We accept all major credit cards, and if you have a Canadian bank, we can also accept etransfers. For any cancellations before May 15, a full refund, including deposit, will be given. For cancellations after May 15, a refund minus deposit will be given.
In the event that the trip cannot continue forward due to natural disaster, such as severe forest fires, our preference is to rebook you for the 2024 trip.
In the event you cannot make the trip for reasons directly related to COVID-19 (positive test, travel restrictions, flight cancellations), a refund minus the deposit will be given or we can automatically rebook you for the 2023 trip.
You must follow any potential COVID safety protocols set in place by the hotel and helicopter companies. Once we are in the mountains, risk of transmission is low because we will be outside. Hands must be washed or sanitized before meal times
Payment, Cancellations, Refunds, COVID-19