Artist in Residence – Lois A. Unger
A Bear and Bison Inn

Luxury Bed & Breakfast & Wedding Venue
in Canmore, Alberta

Lois A. Unger Photo

May 26, 2022

Artist in Residence – Lois A. Unger

Photo Artist

Taking pictures as a young teenager on our small rural farm brought many hours of joy under the big open prairie sky.

It was natural to have a camera in hand.  I was always experimenting with light and angles. I currently live in Saskatoon and have plenty of time devoted to my passion and travel. It’s been delightful to see the progress of the camera styles and how this effects the emotions of an image.

Using light, colour, and texture, I seek to create curiosity.  Whether I’m shooting a vast landscape, historic buildings, or delicate flowers, I am inspired by the whole process of photography and deciding how to portray it.  Being mostly self taught has brought me to appreciate how to capture these moments of wonder. Having my work published is a huge honor as I love to share my images with others. I realize the lens and my eye often don’t see the same.  Editing is a option depending on how the image is being presented.

 

I was thrilled and honored to be chosen to participate in A Bear and Bison Inn’s Artist Residency program. The location, nestled in the mountains, drew my attention. I find so much inspiration in nature and natural beauty.

This opportunity brought me to another season to capture images.  I love the vast landscapes, sweeping mountains, and how the sun hugs the jagged tops, as well as the tender moss floor in the forest. As a Photo Artist, I am always seeking to connect with my creative energy and the various light in time of day.

 

The support of this program helped magnify my artist goals. From early sunrise to sunset and beyond, these few days really amped up my photography goals.

A Bear and Bison Inn’s Artist Residency also included homemade 3 course breakfasts.  The delight of this service to your room really starts the day off right and is so appreciated.  There seems be art in the food presentation too!!! The tastes and smell of this amazing full tray of earth goodness is a unforgettable experience.

Lois A. Unger Breakfast

     

The rooms and beds are comfy, and we enjoyed the hot tub on a full moon night!!. The atmosphere and grounds are amazingly beautiful and the staff are friendly and helpful.

I am forever grateful for this unique experience and how I was able to capture an abundance of images in my creative energy zone.

 

See more of Lois A. Unger

Facebook – Lou unger
Instagram – Fabulois.05 

 

Stay up to date with our Artist Residency Program


Words can hardly express the gratitude and admiration we have for the entire team at the Bear & Bison Inn in Canmore. From the very beginning of our wedding planning journey to the final farewell on Sunday morning, every moment was handled with such care, professionalism, and heartfelt attention that we were left speechless more times than we can count.

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but the Bear & Bison made it feel effortless. Their team was not only incredibly organized but also intuitivethey seemed to anticipate our needs before we even realized them ourselves. Every detail was handled with such precision, from the ceremony setup to the timing of each meal, that we were able to be fully present and truly enjoy every second of the weekend. That is a rare and priceless gift to give a couple on their most important day.

One of the standout features was the food. “Out of this world” doesn’t even begin to do it justice. Each dish was crafted with obvious love and expertise—beautifully presented, bursting with flavour, and consistently praised by all our guests. Whether it was the thoughtfully curated breakfasts or the exquisite wedding dinner, every bite was unforgettable. We received so many compliments from friends and family who said it was the best wedding meal they’ve ever had. It truly felt like dining at a five-star restaurant, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies.

The inn itself is warm, inviting, and steeped in charm. It felt like home the moment we arrived, but better—like the kind of cozy retreat you dream of escaping to. The rooms were spotless, comfortable, and offered stunning mountain views that added a magical touch to every morning. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful the venue was and how relaxing and enjoyable their stay had been.

What really made the Bear & Bison so special, though, was the people. The staff’s dedication to excellence and their genuine kindness were felt in everything they did. We never once felt like “just another event” or like things were being done out of routine. Instead, we felt seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. There was heart behind every decision, and that made all the difference.

Our wedding weekend turned out better than we ever could have imagined. It was filled with love, laughter, beauty, and unforgettable memories—all thanks to the incredible team at the Bear & Bison Inn. We are forever grateful for the role they played in the most meaningful weekend of our lives. If you are considering hosting your wedding here, do not hesitate—it will be the best decision you make.

James M. June 2025

A Truly Unforgettable Wedding Experience at the Bear & Bison Inn

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