Spirit Bear to the Snowy Owl: What These Canadian Icons Teach Us About Wild Beauty

Canada is home to some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring wildlife on Earth. From the rare and mystical Spirit Bear of British Columbia’s coastal rainforests to the ghostlike Snowy Owl of the northern tundra, each species we photograph and feature on our products tells a powerful story — not just about nature, but about ourselves. Their strength, mystery, playfulness, and resilience are reflections of the wild beauty we all carry within.

In this post, we’re sharing some of our favourite Canadian wildlife icons — and what they can teach us about presence, purpose, and the deep connection between nature and soul.

Spirit Bear – The Wisdom Keeper
Elusive and sacred, the white Kermode bear is a genetic rarity found only in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest. Often called the "ghost bear," this Spirit Bear is revered by Indigenous cultures as a reminder of balance and the need to protect the natural world.

What it teaches us:
Stillness. Patience. Trusting the journey even when you can’t see what’s ahead.

We spent a week in the Great Bear Rainforest with local guide, Marvin Robinson, and were blessed to see 4 different spirit bears. They spent hours with us as they fished for salmon in the streams surrounded by the lush mossey forest. This image now graces our “Spirit Bear” collection - a tribute to nature’s calm power.

Red Fox – The Clever Explorer
Quick, curious, and adaptable, the red fox is one of the most widely recognized mammals across Canada. We’ve watched them trot through snowy fields, leap for prey, and tuck into dens with their young — always alert, always agile.

What it teaches us:
Resourcefulness. Joy in the little things. The power of play.

This gorgeous red fox image was captured in our backyard during the golden hour, just after sunrise, early one morning. Our playful fox kits and striking adult fox images have become some of our best-loved accessories — especially among fellow fox lovers.

Snowy Owl – The Silent Guardian
Regal and rare, the Snowy Owl drifts across frozen fields with quiet grace. These Arctic nomads often appear unexpectedly, capturing the imagination with their piercing eyes and ghostly presence.

What it teaches us:
Intuition. Clarity. Embracing solitude.

Every December we wait in anticipation for the return of the beautiful snowy owls that come down from the north for the winter. Finding these white ghosts of the prairie is no easy task amongst the white snow covered fields. We often hear from customers who say the Snowy Owl reminds them to pause and listen - and our snowy owl cushion covers and beanies help bring that quiet energy home.

Wild Horses – The Spirit of Freedom
Alberta’s wild horses are powerful symbols of untamed beauty and resilience. Watching them run together through wind-swept valleys is one of the most emotional wildlife experiences we’ve ever had.

What they teach us:
Freedom. Loyalty. Living wild and true.

We were fortunate to capture 3 bands of Wildies that had come together this afternoon, where the colts were bedded down in the wildflowers, the mares were grazing and the stallions were fighting to keep their dominance. Upon returning the next day, we drove for miles-  and never saw one. Our wild horse images are more than beautiful prints - they’re declarations of independence and heart.

Final Thoughts:
We don’t just create wearable art - we create reminders. Each image you wear or display is a piece of the wild, and a spark of the spirit within you. These animals live fiercely, love deeply, and move through the world with grace.

Which one do you feel most drawn to today?

👉 Explore our collection and discover your kindred creature in our wearable wildlife art.
Browse our online store and see which image speaks to you → https://backtonatureapparel.com/

For the love of nature - Keltie & Stan Masters