Welcome to Canadian Artisans...

Dragon architectureDragons at Canadian ArtisansWe hope our name Canadian Artisans Bed & Breakfast has created an interest to stay with us. We are Valerie and Bob Knowlden, your hosts and founders of Canadian Artisans. As the name implies, we have designed and built this retreat with our own hands.  This initiative to ‘hammer our own nails’ began a laborious undertaking and compelled us to attempt and master many processes.

Valerie's extensive creative outlets also provide much of the Canadian Artisans B&B decorum. Val specialized in Fine Arts and Native Studies with a degree in Education. An advocate of self healing and holistic health, she is a certified Reflexologist who incorporates the use of Essential Oils.

Bob and Val at GrassiBob recognizes the artist in every person and has high regard for the artisans or 'makers' of every culture in any form. Bob is a professional who spent a decade overseeing the Sculpture Shop at the Banff Centre for the Arts.

Our children are Jesse and Julia. The progression since first opening our home to guests is now a history, we are now empty nesters.  

Canadian Artisans joined the Canmore-Bow Valley Bed & Breakfast Association in 1996. Our first guests were in the main house with a shared bathroom.  We have come a long way.  The present website is a collage of old and new photos and comments to retain the original inspiration, show history and still be current.

 

The Story of Canadian Artisans