The Wardens don’t just sing about the land—they’re part of it. Hailing from the Rocky Mountains, this band’s music is deeply rooted in the landscapes they’ve spent years protecting as Canadian national park wardens. With haunting three-part harmonies and gripping storytelling, their unique blend of folk, roots, and western styles captures the spirit of Canada’s wilderness. From the return of wild buffalo to encounters with grizzly bears, from solitary nights on the pack trail to reflections on an environment in crisis, The Wardens deliver what has been called “the quintessential mountain-culture concert experience.”
Name:
The Wardens – Ray Schmidt, Scott Ward and Scott Duncan
Genre:
Folk/western – we like to call it mountain music from the Canadian Rockies
Founded:
2009
# of Albums:
4: Self-titled, Bear 66, Sleeping Buffalo, Sold Out at the Ironwood
Latest Album:
Sold Out at the Ironwood (2021)
Latest Single:
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Young
Favourite musician now:
John Prine, Tom Russell, Ian Tyson, Gordon Lightfoot
Guilty Pleasure Song:
Hello in There by John Prine
Live Show Ritual:
All band members fist pump just before going on stage
Favourite Local Musician:
Carter Felker, Happy Trails Prospector
EP or LP:
Seems like the EP is the way to go these days! But there’s still something special about completing a full record
Early Bird or Night Owl:
Scott Duncan, our fiddler, is a night owl. Ray and Scott are earlier, but not quite what you might call early birds… unless we have horses to catch for the day.
Radio or Studio:
We like them both!
Any shows or albums coming up?
We’ll be working on some new studio and live recordings.
Where can we follow you?
Facebook | Instagram | Website | Contact us
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
The Summit Cafe in Canmore (that’s the official breakfast and lunch place for The Wardens)
What is your favourite street in your city?
Main Street Canmore
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
We are surrounded by amazing parks- Banff, Kananaskis, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay, the whole thing is amazing!!
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Arts Place in Canmore
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Roosters Acoustics in Canmore
