Best known as one of the coast's most celebrated artists, Mark Hobson is also a trained biologist, former park ranger and high school teacher. His love of nature and of people has enthralled Maple Leaf guests for decades. Mark lives in Tofino, B.C. and has painted professionally for just over 20 years. His paintings of the wildlife and landscapes of the B.C. coast are created in a remote floathouse studio surrounded by the natural beauty of Clayoquot Sound. His work has won international awards and been featured in shows as far afield as Europe and Hong Kong. The National Geographic Society included his work in a display at their headquarters in Washington D.C. in 2002 and his designs have graced 3 coins produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. In 2003 and 2005 his underwater images won the Pacific Salmon Foundation's stamp competition, and appeared on B.C. salt water fishing licences.

A fascination with the natural world and overseas travel has combined to his leading tours to places such as the Galapagos, Costa Rica and the Arctic. A strong advocate for wilderness, Mark has been involved in several environmental campaigns and in the donation of hundreds of images to conservation efforts around the world. Mark is also a fine guitar and mandolin player who delights in singing sea shanties on board Maple Leaf.

As if that weren't enough, Mark often gives us his extraordinary watercolour lessons!