Tarry-a-while, Banff, Alberta. A Municipal Historic Resource.
Photo: Peter and Catharine Whyte Foundation, Edward J. Hart, 2003
- Built
- 1912–1913
- Recognized
- 2003
- By
- Local government
The register’s text, word for word
Description
Tarry-a-while is a one and one-half storey wood framed residence situated on three well-treed lots on a corner location in a residential area in Banff, Alberta.
Heritage value
The historical value of Tarry-a-while lies in its direct association with Mary Schaffer Warren, who is well-known for her early explorations, writings and paintings chronicling the Canadian Rockies, and William (Billy) Warren, who was a prominent outfitter and Banff businessman. It was built, in 1912-1913, as the residence of Mary Schaffer Warren who lived there until her death in 1939.
With its steeply pitched hipped roof, shed dormers, cedar shingle siding and cottage-style windows, Tarry-a-while is architecturally significant as an exceptional example of the rustic, cottage character of traditional residential architecture in Banff.
SourceTown of Banff Municipal Historic Resource Designation File 03HD02 and Town of Banff Registry of Recognized Heritage Resources File 117 Grizzly Street
Character‑defining elements
The character-defining elements of Tarry-a-while include:
- the form, scale and massing of the residence;
- the position, number, size and arrangement of shed dormers and red brick chimneys on the steeply pitched hipped roof;
- the window and door fenestration including the position, number, size and arrangement of the cottage style windows;
- the exterior cedar shingle siding;
- the setting of the structure on the large, well-treed corner lot;
- the rustic building identification sign "Tarry-a-while" under the eave on the east facade.
End of the register’s text
Location
117 Grizzly Street, Banff, Alberta, T1L, Canada
51.17503° N, 115.56524° W
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Nearby
All 7 places in Banff
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From the Canadian Register of Historic Places, as last updated on December 12, 2025. The register’s text is shown word for word.