Shades of Grey: The Best Black and White Photography From Across Canada
Updated: Feb. 23, 2021
Colour often steals the spotlight, but there's something elegant and understated about black and white photography. Here are 25 breathtaking shots of Canada captured in glorious greyscale.
Storm warning
This incredible shot looks like a modern, black-and-white version of an Andrew Wyeth painting. Taken near Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, photographer Helen Rempel used a self-timer as she stood at the edge of a canola field.
Beacon of hope
The Maritimes don’t have a monopoly on lighthouses! Richard Main really nailed the vibe of our Theme Pic Challenge with this gorgeous photo of the Battle Island Lighthouse on Lake Superior.
Peak potential
Alberta’s Crowsnest Mountain has never looked more majestic than it does here. A truly awe-inspiring photo—thanks for sharing, Tracey!
How well do you know your peaks? Take our Canadian Rockies quiz and find out!
Silent protector
According to Indigenous legend, the moon guards the earth at night and has the ability to change the moods and thoughts of humans. With this photo, Wes Tollefson captures the moon in all its amazing and unknowable glory.
Check out more fantastic moon photography.
Lake, eerie
Photographer Tanya Allen of Ontario took this serene (yet undeniably spooky) shot from the docks at the Mattawa Adventure Camp on a cool and foggy Thanskgiving weekend.
If this atmospheric photo fires your imagination, you won’t want to miss our roundup of the Canada’s most haunted places.
Mother and son
Nothing says happiness like some quality family time. Alden Mahoney snapped this shot of his wife and son walking at dusk on Deadman’s Cove Beach in Newfoundland.
Here, 50 Canadians reveal what their “happy place” looks like.
Field of dreams
The fascinating thing about a black-and-white landscape photograph is that it’s hard to tell whether it was taken yesterday, or 100 years ago. A striking testament to Alberta’s rich agricultural history.
Read the heartwarming story of one Alberta family’s farming traditions.
Station to station
Photographer Dale Matthies found black-and-white photo inspiration in the old Beach Street Station Restaurant in Goderich, Ontario.
Here are 10 must-try Canadian dishes—and the best places to find them.
Under the canopy
We might be biased, but we’ve never seen a maple leaf we didn’t love. Kim MacDonald Cameron took this stirring photo during a visit to Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Check out 50 of the most beautiful parks across Canada.
Hot rod
Anyone in the mood for a race? Dave Carnahan of Ontario took this photograph at Cobourg’s waterfront, where a selection of vintage and classic cars can often be seen cruising.
How well do you know your classics? Take our vintage cars quiz and find out!
Burning ambition
Linda Sweeney of New Brunswick writes: “My husband doing what loves to do in his retirement years—splitting next year’s wood!” He’s done a great job by the looks of it!
Find out what it was like logging in Quebec in the 1940s.
Gearing up
The black-and-white theme inspired photographer Sean Donnelly of Sarnia, Ontario, to take this high-contrast (and amazingly detailed) shot of worn-out gears.
Check out more of Sean’s snaps in this gallery of gorgeous rainbows across Canada.
Round the bend
This postcard-perfect image of winding railroad tracks was captured by Welland, Ontario’s Cindy Herbert.
You’ll find more of Cindy’s artful images in this gallery of beautiful boat photography.
Frosted delight
What a stunning shot! This farmhouse, located in Bloomsbury, Alberta, looks as if it’s being held prisoner by those frost-covered trees. Great eye, Linda!
Check out more striking photography of winter in Alberta.
Mint condition
Wes Tollefson of Saskatchewan captured this shot of an old buggy in storage. That must be quite the garage—although it’s certainly antique, the buggy looks brands new!
You won’t believe these incredible (true!) stories of treasures found in old barns.
Ranch life
Janice Storch used black-and-white to her advantage by capturing this slice of life in rural Alberta. Who else wants to be a cowboy for a day?
Here’s what it’s like harvesting in the Canadian heartland.
Keeping a watchful eye
Photographer Jim Stickel of Alberta captured this shot of a stoic owl perched on a fence post during a chinook in the south of the province.
Don’t miss this roundup of our favourite Canadian bird stories.
Moment in the spotlight
Photographer Deb Sandau grabbed her camera to take this cute shot of Angel, the farm cat. Judging by her perfect pose, she might have a star on her hands.
Here are more of Canada’s cutest pets.
Seeing spots
Although you might think photographer Karen Allin captured this spectacular wildlife shot on safari, she didn’t have to travel any further than the Toronto Zoo!
Check out 10 of the best day trips from Toronto.
Winter wonderland
Canadian winters can often be brutal, but Norma Keith’s photograph of a peaceful, ice-covered lane proves there’s beauty to be found in the bone-chilling cold.
Here are 50 more shots that celebrate the beauty of the Canadian winter.
What lies beneath
Photographer Wilmar Chopyk was lucky enough to get a glimpse of this passing iceberg at Cape Bonavista, Newfoundland. These vast chunks of freshwater ice attract huge crowds in the province every year. Great timing, Wilmar!
Here are more awe-inspiring natural wonders across Canada.
On the tracks
No longer in use, the Vancouver Island Railway runs from Victoria to Courtenay, where this shot was taken. Photographer Bailey Beatrice Holliday writes, “This railroad is an amazing testament to the history of the Island.”
Check out more incredible railway photography.
Till the cows come home
Photographer Cathy Martin snapped this lovely shot of dairy cows heading out to pasture in the early morning in Napan, New Brunswick.
Don’t miss this showcase of beautiful barns across Canada.
Bay of Fundy
What a view! Photographer Roger Lafontaine writes: “While waiting for the high tide to go kayaking, we took a walk by the Hopewell Rocks and took a few pictures from the lookout tower near by.” Thanks for sharing, Roger!
Psst—the Bay of Fundy also made our countdown of the best places to see fall foliage across Canada!
Enter… If you dare!
Photographer Doug Burlock’s shot of an abandoned farmhouse in rural Ontario is daring you to explore the mysteries within. The cavernous trees make it even more creepy!
If you enjoyed this collection of black and white photography, you’ll love these hauntingly beautiful photos from across Canada.
