Deep Bay Marina Photography Location
Vancouver Island Photography Location
& Qualicum Breeze Beach Resort
Updated January, 2026
CANADA PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS
WHERE TO DO PHOTOGRAPHY IN CANADA
DEEP BAY MARINA PHOTOGRAPHY INFORMATION
Where are the best places to do photography on Vancouver Island?
Deep Bay is a village on the east coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Deep Bay Marina is located at 164 Burne Rd, Bowser. This is a top spot for photography.
The vista that met our eyes as we arrived at the location was mesmerizing. A panorama of incredible beauty and serenity, almost too perfect for a mere snapshot. We wandered about, awed by its magnificence and unadulterated tranquility – with no one else around, it felt like sacred ground. The air was electric, buzzing with potential for captivating photographs just waiting to be taken.
We fired up our drone and sent it soaring through the clear sky, getting video and stills of Deep Bay Marina.
WHEN TO GO TO THE MARINA
Any time of year suits general photography, but Canada can get quite cold. It didn’t seem as if it would get crowded at all.
PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS
Brush up on the basics before you go if you’re new to photography.
Shutter Speed – Learn more about shooting in shutter priority mode. This is primarily used to move subjects to avoid motion blur.
Aperture – Shooting in aperture priority allows you to focus on your depth of field. It is mainly used for still subjects.
ISO – Controls how much light is let into your camera when exposing your picture.
White Balance – Color temperature. Cloud, shade, sun, and also custom settings.
PHOTOGRAPHING THE DEEP BAY MARINA
This location offers spectacular views, and with some planning, you can create incredible images. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the experience.
1. Plan your shoot around the weather – The one cloud in our image was great, but we wish there were more. Sunrise may be perfect here, too.
2. Give yourself plenty of time to shoot.– It’s a good idea to arrive at East Point Lighthouse well before sunset to have time to find the perfect spot for your photos.
3. Use a tripod – If it is windy and the water is moving, you can do long exposures, so a tripod is essential for keeping your camera still and ensuring sharp images. On our visit, it was very still.
4. Set your camera to manual mode – This will give you complete control over your camera’s settings and allow you to experiment to find the perfect exposure for the milky water images. If you don’t want to focus on moving waters to achieve the milky water effect (the waters were still when we were here), shoot in shutter priority. The birds fly by, and you will need a high shutter speed to get them crystal clear.
HOW TO GET TO DEEP BAY MARINA
Deep Bay Marina is situated on the east side of Vancouver Island, near Denman Island and Qualicum Beach, off Crome Point Road in Bowser, BC.
By Airplane and Float Plane
Whether you are flying in from Alberta, Washington State, or other destinations, arriving on Vancouver Island by plane is easy. Daily direct flights are available from WestJet, Pacific Coastal Airlines, and Harbour Air to Comox or Nanaimo. Direct shuttle service and car rental services are available from either of these airports.
Get to Deep Bay Marina by Ferry
If you are arriving from Vancouver or other Lower Mainland locations, regular ferry service from West Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) or Tsawwassen is available from BC Ferries to Nanaimo, BC. The crossing time for this trip is approximately 95 minutes.
Alternatively, if part of your travels includes visiting Victoria or the southern part of Vancouver Island, regular ferry service from Tsawwassen is available from BC Ferries to Victoria, BC. The crossing time for this trip is approximately 95 minutes.
If you are arriving from Washington state, the Black Ball Ferry – the M.V. Coho – provides ferry service between Victoria, B.C., Vancouver Island, and Port Angeles, WA. The scenic 90-minute crossing allows you to relax and prepare for your vacation at the Qualicum Breeze House!
From Victoria, BC
If you are from Victoria or have started your trip further south on Vancouver Island, traveling by car to Qualicum Breeze Resort is pleasant and scenic. Travel northbound on Highway 19. Once you arrive in Parksville (just 15 minutes north of Nanaimo), you may continue on Highway 19 to Bowser or get on Highway 19A for a more leisurely, scenic, ocean-view route of the eastern side of Vancouver Island.
From Nanaimo, BC
Suppose you are from Nanaimo or have arrived by BC ferries from Vancouver or the Lower Mainland. In that case, Qualicum Breeze Resort is just a 45-minute drive northbound on Highway 19, or once you arrive in Parksville (just 15 minutes north of Nanaimo), you may get on Highway 19A for a more leisurely, scenic, ocean view route of the eastern side of Vancouver Island.
We don’t go anywhere without our Think Tank Camera Bags. Special offer!
Qualicum Breeze Resort – Mesmerizing Melody
-by Pamela Goodyer
The moment I opened my eyes, the sensation was indescribable. A mesmerizing melody of life filled every inch of the atmosphere, and I felt an immense connection with the ocean and its ever-changing rhythm. The sun had finally revealed itself from behind a thick blanket of mist that hung in the air. Its golden rays touched my skin only for a second, then disappeared as if the universe was blessing me for this one spectacular moment.
This is what the owner had spoken of the night before: it was almost like standing on the deck of an old schooner, feeling the wind brush over my skin and the salt fill my lungs with every deep breath I took. From this moment onwards, I knew why this place was special.
I looked around in awe, taking in the majestic mountains that bordered this wondrous scene across the ocean. As I sipped on my cup of hot tea to savor each second here, I could feel that at any moment, this beautiful serenity would be taken away by a drizzle of rain or the time to head back to the ferry to journey home.
As I sat outside, I read the resort information book and found the hotel was for sale. A powerful connection was embedded within me and my spirit; I wanted nothing more than to wake up every day and feel this peace, so I entertained the thought of purchasing the resort. Everywhere I looked, I saw beauty and luxury – from the remarkable architecture to the gracefully appointed furnishings – it almost felt like this paradise had chosen me.
I was in Canada, its majestic beauty stretching before me. Even the coldest days offer a captivating view from this room, with its three large windows overlooking the ocean—steps away. This sight, a gift of nature, filled me with gratitude and pure awe.
I could survive the winter’s chill and endure these cold days if I could only have moments like this for eternity; perhaps I could build a magnificent room of crystal and glass that overlooks the infinite sea. Then, a snowbird I could become, flying off in search of warmth during the long winter months. My journeys would be filled with extravagant private jet photo tours to exotic locales while I teach my clients, and a caretaker runs the resort.
This morning’s memories are a singular experience of such magnitude that they will indelibly imprint on my soul. If I cannot acquire this paradise, I shall traverse the shorelines and mountaintops of the world in pursuit of a place that could bring forth the same inner delight with the same euphoric energy that reveals itself to me… For this moment, an aura of contentment shall linger within me until my dying days; its essence will be engraved in my heart permanently.
I now realize I was someday going to move somewhere warmer than New Jersey, but. Still, I came to a stark realization that as long as I have a place that brings me moments of true serenity and divine solace while overlooking the water, when the weather is not right, I can still live in the actual serenity and divine solace even when the weather is bad. I can be enveloped in the sacred bliss of any location while looking through the glass.
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DEEP BAY MARINA AREA INFORMATION
ABOUT THE MARINA
There are no fees to visit the Marina. There are numerous places to take photos along the water while driving the scenic route.
Located in the picturesque Deep Bay, British Columbia, Canada, the harbor boasts top-notch amenities, including power outlets and convenient pump-out stations. The location is just a short stroll or dinghy ride away from the local cafe and store. The Deep Bay Yacht Club (DBYC) proudly shares a state-of-the-art floating clubhouse with the Lighthouse Country Marine Rescue Society, offering members access to various events and activities.
HOTELS NEARBY
QUALICUM BREEZE RESORT – Website
See the photos above and read our story about our stay.
Tel: 250-757-8595
Email: info@qualicumbreezeresort.com
6695 Island Highway West
Bowser, British Columbia, Canada
V0R 1G0
CAMPING
Open to put your campground near Deep Bay Marina here.
WHERE TO EAT, AND WHERE NOT TO EAT NEAR DEEP BAY MARINA
WHERE NOT TO EAT!
Sandbar Cafe – Which was worse, the waitress or the meal? We are having a hard time deciding. And as you can see, we rarely have this kind of horrible experience. There aren’t many restaurants around here, but I highly suggest you add extra time when going out to eat to be sure to pass right by this place. We are going to give her the Worst Waitress of the Year award.
EAT BREAKFAST HERE!
Tam’s Takeout.
Go past the horrible restaurant to Tam’s Takeout and have cooking and service by someone who cares about your satisfaction. The menu is limited, but the service is good and fast. It’s right on the main road, at 5874 Island Hwy W, Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, CA.
We give them 5 out of 5 stars.
