Description of Historic Place

Situated on the edge of a mature spruce forest, fronting an open glade facing the Red Deer River, the Sandhills Warden Cabin is a simple, rectangular, one-storey, gable roofed structure built of rustic round-log wood construction style with saddle-notched corners. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Sandhills Warden Cabin is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical value
The Sandhills Warden Cabin is a good example of a building designed to provide shelter, both to wardens on patrol and also to the general public when not in use by park officials. It is also associated with the ideals of protecting and enhancing designated wilderness areas for the pleasure and benefit of the Canadian people.

Architectural value
The Sandhills Warden Cabin is a good, early example of a Number 3-type rustic design one-room overnight patrol cabin. This type reflects the aesthetics favoured by National Parks in the west during the early to mid 20th century. Consistent with Parks’ tradition local gathered building materials were used. It is a good functional structure exhibiting good workmanship.

Environmental value
Situated on the edge of a mature spruce forest, fronting an open glade, and facing the Red Deer River the Sandhills Warden Cabin maintains its relationship with its natural surroundings. It is familiar to wardens and hikers within the park. The Cabin is compatible with the present character of its mountain park setting.

Source: Sandhills Warden Cabin, Banff National Park, Banff, Alberta. Heritage Character Statement 96-025.

Character-Defining Elements

The following character-defining elements of the Sandhills Warden Cabin should be respected.

Its Rustic style with Tudor Revival details and very good quality materials and craftsmanship as manifested in:

Its utilitarian design and rustic character and quality craftsmanship as evidenced in:
-the simple low massing of the one-storey structure;
-the rectangular plan, and gabled roof clad in cedar-shingles;
-the rustic round-log wood construction style with saddle-notched corners;
-the entrance door to one side counterbalanced by a window;
-the red-brown paint with white trim.