20 Striking Photographs that Showcase Rustic Canada
Updated: Jan. 14, 2022
Are you a little bit country? You'll love the results of our Theme Pic Challenge, which was to capture the essence of "Rustic" Canada. These 20 photographs in particular made us want to pack our bags and head back to the farm. Enjoy!
Hitting the slopes
Although it could easily double for the Alps, Kim Goslin’s atmospheric shot is set much closer to home. The talented shutterbug snapped the old log barn on the slopes of Francois Lake, British Columbia.
Happy trails
Vickie Emms really nailed the “Rustic” vibe in this moody photo. According to Vickie, it’s one of three old wagons in a pasture near Pincher Creek, Alberta. In that lovely sepia filter, it looks like it could very well have been taken 100 years ago!
Check out how Our Canada contributors captured Canadian history on camera!
Worn and weathered
Photographer Sean Donnelly certainly has a “handle” on our rustic theme. You can almost feel the texture of the flaking paint and rusted metal on this worn and weathered door.
Out of gas
You can’t help but wonder what the price of gas was when those vintage pumps were last used… Photographer Helen Rempel snapped this old-school storefront near Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
Take a look at one photographer’s journey through Saskatchewan.
How does your garden grow?
A study in contrast, this brilliant fuchsia lily postively pops against the backdrop of a timeworn wagon wheel. Thanks for sharing, Grace.
All fall down
Against the backdrop of Ontario’s Blue Mountains, this collapsed, grapevine-choked barn is a wistful tribute to bygone farm days. Thanks to first-time contributor Doug Burlock for sharing!
Discover what a northern Ontario winter looks like in this photo essay.
Out to pasture
When you think about it, this old tractor doesn’t have it so bad. There are certainly worse places to spend your retirement than these gently rolling fields. Thanks for sharing, Janice.
Rustic ride
This old Ford’s road-faring days might be long since past, but it makes a fascinating subject for shutterbug Mike Lane. He snapped this pic at Heritage Acres in Central Saanich, British Columbia.
Get inspired by this gallery of more great Canadian car photography.
Last outpost
“I was out for a walk this afternoon and just happened to look at this fence post, and for some reason it jumped out at me,” writes photographer Marc Beach. “Not sure if it was because of the lighting from the setting sun or not, but I decided to snap a shot of it.” We’re so glad you did, Marc!
Hauntingly beautiful
“Prairie life is wonderful, especially with sights such as these to capture,” writes photographer Kim MacDonald Cameron.
You can check out more of Kim’s spectacular work in our “Shine” Theme Pic Challenge roundup!
Close encounter
Photographer Cathy Gauthier captured a young fawn nibbling grass around some old farm equipment.
All the world’s a stage
This old fishing stage in Burin, Newfoundland, is stubbornly holding onto the remains of its last coat of red paint. Great shot, Cheryl.
From tall ships to scenic kayak trips, check out this gallery of spectacular boat photography from across Canada.
Under the rainbow
This church outside Winnipeg stands in striking silhouette against a turbulent sky. Great eye, Helen.
Reflect on this
“While photographing the beautiful sunset over the Miramichi River, I noticed the sunset reflecting in this old abandoned building,” writes contributor Linda Sweeney. Talk about perfect timing!
Don’t miss this gorgeous gallery of Canada’s most beautiful lighthouses.
Home on the range
Bernie Johnson found inspiration in this old tractor and barn in a farmer’s field near Grand Forks, British Columbia.
Back in time
Although this looks like a vintage photograph, contributor Amy Newport assures us it’s very much a product of this century. “It was actually my friend’s daughter dressed in rustic clothes and I just happened to have a house full of antiques to set the scene!”
Professional shooter Clive Branson shares expert advice for taking stunning black-and-white photos.
On the farm
This postcard-perfect image of country living was snapped by photographer Cheryl Power in Innisfil, Ontario, last summer. “I love the rustic look of the old barns,” she says. “I believe this beauty to be recently abandoned.”
Sap tappers
Every spring, these maple sap buckets come down from their pegs to collect their sweet harvest. Thanks for sharing, Karen!
Take a look at these sweet shots of Canadians enjoying awesome winter activities.
Lucky charms
The rustic theme inspired Karen Carley-Schieman of Okotoks, Alberta, to send in this charming vignette.
This old house
With its shingle siding and elegant arched dormers, this was probably a handsome house at one point. Now, as captured by the talented Anne Doerksen, it sits abandoned in rural Carrot River, Saskatchewan.
Next, check out this gallery of incredible bird photography from across Canada.
