The town of Banff is surrounding by tens of thousands of miles of national and provincial parks. The nature in the area is far more inspirational than any art. This didn't stop the town from putting up some local talent for us to enjoy as we headed out on our walk through the park.
This piece was one of the better creations. The river, mountains and trees really brought out the stained glass embedded in a section of tree. 'The Path We Walk' leaves no one guessing what this is about.
Black bears are often found in and around Banff. These are black bears which aren't as scary as grizzly bears. Whomever painted this has a lot more talent than I do and it's the perfect piece to adorn a random tree.
How original, 'A Path' someone painted the path and put it on the tree next to the path. You would have to look to the right or left to see this in real life. It's still better than what most of us are capable of.
Glass bats are more of something we'd expect to see in the trees around Halloween. The town of Banff has some artist retreat called the Banff Center for Arts and Creativity. While I don't think they put on this event, It's almost certain there is an overlap of talent. Where else would you learn and collaborate about art in the area?
Another 'Black Bear'. The local wildlife and nature inspires artists. In Banff, Canmore and almost every mountain town there are dozens of art galleries, art studios and art programs. The above painting has the perfect background.
Here's the first piece I don't get. "Because of You" sure it's some trees but what does it have to do with you? Without you, there would still be trees, no offense.
This one is eye catching. Maybe I have a thing for glass art, the Chihuly Glass Museum has been the only art gallery we paid to enter in ten plus years. And if you follow me, we travel a lot SPOILER 2025 might be a record breaking travel year.
More bears. This would make some fine yard art if you happen to own a house in the Rockies. It might be something I'd pay for and could be a great gift.
There are no polar bears anywhere near Banff. What was this person smoking? We have seen so much of the Northern Lights recently but I can assure you, the Aurora Borealis does not look like that. Maybe it's psychedelics.
Yup, a this is a classic and could represent someones garden near a lake. I don't think carnations are native to the region and there aren't many wildflowers that look anything like those around here. This painting looks like something one would paint at one of those wine and painting group events.
Classic, a red Canoe being carried by bears. Now I get it, the Bear-Tage instead of portage. Nothing quite says Canadian wilderness like a canoe, bears, trees and water. That might even be someones red canoe in the background, although this would be an idiotic place to Canoe being just above the Banff Waterfall.
No joke, see how swift the river has become in the next shot, just a little further downstream? Here two foxes are at plan on a log. The red fox is native to the region. They're fun critters.
Someone painted the trees and mountains again. "The Resilient Forest' How original, especially when hanging in that very forest. Perhaps this is of a spot in the area where there was a forest fire and it's coming back.
Pinecone #21, but I wasn't counting. They clearly don't want people adjusting the pine cone. Maybe someone cheeky tried turning upright to sit on it. There's an expression here "It's like shoving a pinecone up your butt." This one would definitely hurt.
Okay that picture we already saw above looks better here with the background. Now I get it. 'A River is Born' but is it? This is at least 100 km downstream from the source of the Bow River seen behind the painting.
Flower deers is a fan favorite. Made from metal, this wouldn't be the ugliest rusty hunk of metal found on lawns in the region. It's the second piece of art we wouldn't mind having on our property.
Perfectly timed. I wonder if they have the photo to match the painting since it probably took at least a few minutes to make this.
What's a forest walk without some inspirational quotes. I concur with Albert Einstein here. Nature does help clear the mind.
Raven time. Raven's are big black birds, sort of like giant crows. They're smart, scary and friendly. Look at that person's crib in the background. You've got to be a millionaire to own something like that and the rule states you must work in the town of Banff. That means they likely brought money from outside and didn't buy this with the proceeds of washing dishes at the Banff Springs Hotel.
Edgar and the Golden Branch, I like it. Must be based on some sort of story because where is the Golden Branch? Maybe we were too busy to notice what Edgar saw.
By Discovering Nature, You Discover Yourself - Maxime Lagace. Couldn't agree more.
Thanks for reading and joining us on our walk. It's always a pleasure.
All photos were taken with an iphone 15 pro.