Hotel Canoe & Suites
Visual Identity | Hospitality
How it Started
Having worked with the team behind Canoe Hotel & Suites on previous projects, I was excited to help develop the identity for this new addition to Banff. Living in the Bow Valley, the connection between the landscape and the character of the places within it is something I know well and appreciate.
Set against a stunning mountain backdrop at the entrance to town, Canoe was envisioned as a welcoming, elevated hotel experience connected to its surroundings. The architecture and interiors, inspired by the rivers and alpine landscape, provided a natural starting point for its visual identity.
What They Needed
Canoe needed a distinctive identity that complemented its striking architecture and nature-inspired interiors while establishing a recognizable personality of its own. The challenge was to balance the sophistication of the hotel experience with the warmth and adventurous spirit of Banff, creating something refined yet approachable, with a connection to the canoe theme that never felt too literal.
Where We Landed
The result was a contemporary visual identity that balances understated sophistication with a rustic, adventurous edge. A distinctive wordmark incorporates a subtle canoe paddle into the lettering, creating a memorable connection to the hotel's name.
An earthy, alpine-inspired palette of muted greens, warm neutrals, and rich ochre complements the surrounding landscape and interior materials. Together with versatile logo variations and graphic elements, the identity extends naturally across signage, guest materials, and other hotel applications.
What I Loved
What I loved most about this project was seeing how naturally the identity became part of the space. From the handcrafted canoes in the soaring lobby to the thoughtful use of paddles and natural materials, every detail contributes to the hotel's unique character.
Watching Canoe take shape throughout construction and working alongside the hotel team and signage company to bring the identity into the physical environment was especially rewarding. There's something pretty special about seeing a project evolve from concept to completion, particularly when it's right here in my own backyard.