Burmis Tree. A symbol of endurance. (This Image Was Published in the Richmond Times Dispatch).



This tree, located in Alberta Canada near Crowsnest Pass could easily pass as a “Halloween Prop”.

Last year, I spent some time in Alberta near Crowsnest Pass, photographing the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. One morning, while on my way to capture some Sunrise Images, I passed by this tree. In the Nautical Twilight, the tree seemed to give off an eerie look.

I later learned that this limber pine has marked the Eastern edge of Alberta’s Crowsnest Pass for several centuries. Named the Burmis Tree after a coal-mining town that thrived here in the 1900’s. The tree has become a symbol of endurance for the people of the pass.

This Burmis Tree died in the late 1970’s and in 1998 the tree lost its battle to the wind and the elements and toppled to the ground. The citizens refused to let it remain lying there. Through a partnership between the Provincial Government, local government and businesses it was raised and stabilized.

The Burmis Tree once again stands on its sandstone pedestal greeting visitors to the pass and welcoming residents home.


This photograph is protected by the U.S. Copyright Laws and shall not to be downloaded or reproduced by any means without the formal written permission of Hal Tyler Photography

Burmis Tree. A symbol of endurance. (This Image Was Published in the Richmond Times Dispatch).



This tree, located in Alberta Canada near Crowsnest Pass could easily pass as a “Halloween Prop”.

Last year, I spent some time in Alberta near Crowsnest Pass, photographing the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. One morning, while on my way to capture some Sunrise Images, I passed by this tree. In the Nautical Twilight, the tree seemed to give off an eerie look.

I later learned that this limber pine has marked the Eastern edge of Alberta’s Crowsnest Pass for several centuries. Named the Burmis Tree after a coal-mining town that thrived here in the 1900’s. The tree has become a symbol of endurance for the people of the pass.

This Burmis Tree died in the late 1970’s and in 1998 the tree lost its battle to the wind and the elements and toppled to the ground. The citizens refused to let it remain lying there. Through a partnership between the Provincial Government, local government and businesses it was raised and stabilized.

The Burmis Tree once again stands on its sandstone pedestal greeting visitors to the pass and welcoming residents home.


This photograph is protected by the U.S. Copyright Laws and shall not to be downloaded or reproduced by any means without the formal written permission of Hal Tyler Photography