Great Bear Rainforest
Experience the Great Bear Rainforest as few photographers ever do. Join a small group of six for an unforgettable expedition focused on wildlife, conservation, and visual storytelling alongside expert photographers and local Indigenous guides.
Photograph One of the Last Truly Wild Places on Earth
Flights from Vancouver · Lodging · Guides · Field transportation included
2027 Dates TBD | Great Bear Rainforest, BC, Canada
Tuition: $15,995 | Deposit: $5,000
Deposit due upon registration, full tuition due 120 days before the workshop. Workshops limited to 6 participants.
The Great Bear Rainforest is more than a destination—it’s one of the world’s last intact coastal wildernesses, where Spirit Bears, grizzlies, wolves, whales, salmon, and ancient forests exist in extraordinary balance. This is your opportunity to photograph that story.
Join Summit Workshops for an intimate expedition limited to just six photographers. Guided by local Indigenous experts and immersed in one of the most remote ecosystems on the planet, you’ll create meaningful wildlife images while developing the skills to tell deeper conservation stories. From unforgettable encounters in the field to personalized instruction and evening image reviews, every moment is designed to help you grow as both a photographer and a storyteller.
An all inclusive, trip of a lifetime
Reaching the Great Bear Rainforest is an adventure in itself. From charter flights and boat transfers to remote lodge accommodations and daily wildlife excursions, every detail has been thoughtfully arranged so you can spend your time creating meaningful photographs, not worrying about logistics.
Once you arrive in Vancouver, we’ll take care of nearly everything. You’ll travel with a small group of just six photographers as we journey together into one of the most remote wildernesses in North America. Throughout the expedition, you’ll stay at the Spirit Bear Lodge, a community-owned eco-lodge operated by the Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nation, where you’ll experience exceptional hospitality while learning about the people who have protected this landscape for generations.
- Seven-night Great Bear Rainforest photography expedition
- Overnight accommodations in Vancouver before and after the expedition
- Round-trip transportation from Vancouver to the Great Bear Rainforest, including flights and boat transfers
- Accommodations at the Lodge
- Daily guided wildlife and landscape photography excursions by boat and on foot
- Personalized instruction from Chris Steppig
- One-on-one image reviews and portfolio guidance
- Evening presentations, critiques, and conservation discussions
- Access to knowledgeable local guides and the Kitasoo/Xai’xais community
- Small group experience limited to just six photographers for individualized attention
More Than a Photography Workshop
This expedition is designed to immerse you in one of the world’s last great temperate rainforests while helping you become a stronger visual storyteller. Rather than rushing from wildlife encounter to wildlife encounter, we’ll slow down, observe, and photograph the relationships between bears, salmon, ancient forests, rivers, and the people working to protect them.
By the end of the week, you’ll return home with far more than memorable photographs. You’ll leave with new technical skills, a deeper understanding of conservation photography, lasting friendships with fellow photographers, and the experience of exploring a place that very few people will ever have the opportunity to visit.
At Summit Great Bear You'll Experience
Beyond the Bears: A Deeper Story
While we may encounter black bears, grizzlies, and the rare spirit bear, this workshop goes beyond frame-filling wildlife shots. Our focus is on telling the full story of the Great Bear Rainforest—from the towering hemlocks to the smallest details of this delicate ecosystem.
Immersive Exploration with Expert Guides
Venture deep into old-growth forests and glacier-carved valleys, guided by expert trackers who will reveal the hidden world of this ancient landscape. From meadows bursting with wildflowers to the fin of a humpback whale breaking the surface, every step offers a new discovery.
Conservation & Connection with First Nations
Stay at a community-run eco-lodge and spend time with the Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nation, learning about their efforts to protect and preserve this pristine wilderness. Through photography and storytelling, we’ll explore how conservation can be woven into our work, making images that have impact beyond the moment.
A More Personal Way to Learn
With only six photographers, every part of this expedition feels personal. You’ll have direct access to Melissa Groo and Chris Steppig for guidance in the field, thoughtful image reviews, and one-on-one coaching throughout the week.
Just as valuable are the connections you’ll make along the way. From shared wildlife encounters to evenings at the lodge, you’ll become part of a small community of photographers who inspire, support, and learn from one another long after the expedition ends.
Our Trip
Our days will be guided by the rhythms of nature. Traveling by boat with experienced local guides, we’ll explore rivers, estuaries, and remote shorelines in search of unforgettable wildlife encounters while learning to create photographs that tell the story of this extraordinary landscape.
September is one of the best times to visit, as the salmon run draws wildlife throughout the region. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, this is one of the year’s best opportunities to photograph the elusive Spirit Bear in its natural habitat.
The final itinerary will be shared approximately one month before the workshop. Because we work in a remote wilderness, our daily schedule remains flexible so we can adapt to weather, tides, and wildlife activity, ensuring the best possible photographic opportunities throughout the expedition.
September 9
Arrive in Vancouver at any time. We will have an informal group dinner and settle in early.
September 10
Today we will wake early to begin our journey to the Great Bear Rainforest. Because of its remote location we will travel by plane and boat to reach the lodge.
The following days will be spent exploring the vast beauty and biodiversity of the Great Bear Rainforest. We will travel by boat and on foot in search of wildlife and scenery as we learn about photography techniques and conservation practices. Our exact day to day itineraries will depend on the interests of the group and where animals can be found. Expect an incredible diversity of subjects and a never ending array of stunning landscapes. Evenings will be spent at the lodge with image critiques, lectures, and informal discussions about conservation, nature, and landscape photography.
We will wake up early to being our journey back to Vancouver. Once landed and settled in, we will meet for a final group dinner before saying goodbye.
September 17
Fly back to the US at any time.
Getting there & Travel Details
Your Great Bear Rainforest adventure begins in Vancouver, British Columbia, where you’ll meet your instructors and fellow photographers before traveling together into the rainforest. The following morning, we’ll board a scheduled flight to Bella Bella, where you’ll transfer by boat to the Spirit Bear Lodge. From that point on, all transportation is arranged for you, allowing you to relax and focus on the experience ahead. At the conclusion of the expedition, you’ll return by boat to Bella Bella before flying back to Vancouver, where the workshop officially ends.
Because travel to this remote region involves multiple connections, we recommend arriving in Vancouver at least one day before the workshop begins and booking your return flight for the day after the workshop ends whenever possible. This provides flexibility in the event of weather-related travel delays, which can occasionally occur along the British Columbia coast.
Your tuition includes round-trip transportation between Vancouver and the Great Bear Rainforest, including regional flights and boat transfers. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Vancouver, as well as any accommodations before or after the workshop if needed.
Health & Fitness
Participants need to be in good physical condition. This means that they are able to walk up to 3 or 4 miles carrying their chosen equipment, snacks, water. They should be able to clamber in and out of boats on their own, and cope with maneuvering often slippery rocks at the shoreline. They should be able to handle being on small boats sometimes on choppy water for up to two hours at a time.
Additional Information
Spouse and companion discounts are available for this workshop for non-photographers who would like to share in the experience. Please contact us for details. Pricing is based on double occupancy, with the option to inquire about a single supplement at an additional cost.
What to Pack
Make sure to pack clothing options for all days. They are long days so you may change at least once a day so pack extra for that. Be sure to pack clothing for cool, wet weather and sunshine – it can change quickly, even within the same day. So best bet is to pack layers!
Be prepared for rain but given the craziness of the weather these days it could still be beautiful in mid October. The lodge will provide each of us with a raincoat, rain pants and boots for each day at the lodge.
CLOTHING:
- Moisture-wicking base layers (tops and bottoms)
- Warm insulating layers such as fleece or lightweight down
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell (jacket and pants are ideal)
- Comfortable field pants suitable for hiking and crouching for long periods
- Warm hat and gloves
- Extra socks
- Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support
- Comfortable shoes for downtime at the lodge
- Swimwear, in case you decide to take a dip (lodge provide towels)
OTHER:
- Pack for carrying gear in the field
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Personal medications and basic first aid items
- Binoculars (optional)
PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR:
- 2 camera bodies
- Wide angle lens
- Medium zoom lens
- Telephoto lens (ideally 400mm–800mm range)
- Tripod or monopod (optional, depending on preference)
- Camera bag
- Extra batteries and chargers
- Laptop or tablet
- Memory cards
- Hard drive
- Camera cleaning supplies (blower, cloths, etc.)
- Beanbag or support system for camera
Sony Gear
We are proud to partner with Sony, giving students the unique opportunity to experience some of the latest professional camera bodies and lenses in the field during the workshop. Throughout the week, participants can check out Sony gear to test and use in real shooting conditions in the field. This hands-on access allows you to explore new equipment, refine your technique, and see how different tools can impact your creative results, all while receiving guidance from our instructors in real time.
Meet Your Instructors
Melissa Groo
Chris Steppig
Images from past students
Frequently asked questions
This expedition is designed for photographers with a working knowledge of their camera. Whether you're an enthusiastic hobbyist or an experienced wildlife photographer, Summit will provide personalized instruction based on your skill level and creative goals.
September is one of the best times of year to photograph Spirit Bears during the annual salmon run, and our local guides work hard to maximize opportunities. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, you'll be exploring one of the best places in the world to see and photograph these extraordinary animals.
The Great Bear Rainforest is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. In addition to Spirit Bears, you may photograph grizzly bears, humpback whales, orcas, coastal gray wolves, Bald Eagles, ravens, river otters, harbor seals, and a variety of seabirds and marine life.
Your tuition includes accommodations, transportation between Vancouver and the Great Bear Rainforest, regional flights, boat transfers, daily guided wildlife excursions, photography instruction, image reviews, and most meals during the expedition. You'll only need to arrange your travel to and from Vancouver, along with any personal expenses.
Expect cool temperatures and the possibility of rain throughout the week. Conditions can change quickly, so waterproof outer layers and warm clothing are essential. The changing weather often creates dramatic light and atmospheric conditions that make the rainforest especially rewarding to photograph.
Yes. Because this is a remote expedition involving flights and boat travel, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation, interruption, medical coverage, and emergency evacuation.
This expedition is designed specifically for photographers, and every day is planned around creating the best possible photographic opportunities. If a travel companion is interested in photography and the natural world, please contact us to discuss whether the workshop is a good fit.
Lodging
Lodging for the workshop is located at the Spirit Bear Lodge in British Columbia. Nestled along the shores of the Great Bear Rainforest, the lodge is more than a place to stay, it’s an integral part of the experience. Owned and operated by the Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nation, the lodge offers comfortable accommodations, outstanding hospitality, and a unique opportunity to learn from the people who have called this remarkable landscape home for thousands of years.
Experience One of the World's Last Great Wildernesses
The Great Bear Rainforest is unlike anywhere else on Earth. From the elusive Spirit Bear and towering old-growth forests to the whales, wolves, and salmon that define this remarkable ecosystem, every day offers the opportunity to witness and photograph something extraordinary.
If you’re ready to photograph one of the planet’s most extraordinary wild places while becoming part of the Summit community, we’d love to have you join us. Reserve your spot today and experience the Great Bear Rainforest with Summit Workshops.
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Sony Alpha Universe
Sony Alpha Universe is here for the makers, the doers, the people who dream in colors. You bring your curiosity and ideas, we’ll provide the knowledge, the inspiration, and the state-of-the-art imaging tech to help you make dreams reality.
