Stone Wood & Steel
Stone Wood & Steel
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Stone Wood & Steel - traditional blacksmithing experiences in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies Located on an organic garlic farm bordering Kananaskis Country in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, Stone Wood & Steel is a family-run blacksmith studio offering hands-on experiences to forge contemporary and traditional pieces with steel and fire.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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5.0
51 reviews
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Lesley M
Calgary, Canada12 contributions
Sep 2022
My husband and I took the introduction to blacksmithing workshop on September 30th and had the best day. The setting is spectacular, at James' and Cheryl's farm. James is a patient master and guided us and the rest of the group (a total of 5 of us) through the safety and technique basics. He made it look easy, like an art, though it is much tougher than it looks. By noon, I was ready for a break and had lunch overlooking the Foothills watching the beautiful fall colours from the front yard. The afternoon was spent finishing two projects and I was exhausted by the end. I don't think I will master the art of blacksmith, but this was a fantastic way to spend a day, bending and hammering steel. I also got to cuddle a friendly chicken. If you like garlic, James' wife, Cheryl, cultivates garlic and sells all kinds of garlic products in the farm store. I highly recommend spending at least one day at Stone Wood & Steel.
Written October 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Steve C
1 contribution
May 2022
My brother-in-law and I attended a class over the weekend and had an incredible time at the forge. I had absolutely no previous experience and walked away with several items that I felt very proud of. My brother-in-law had previous experience and got to put his skills to the test. It was nice for us to both be able to attend at the same time with different levels of experience. We had a blast getting to know James during the day and were very happy with his level of knowledge, expertise and willingness to help us but to still let us be free to do what we liked.
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Cara T
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Friends
This had been on my bucket list for years and the beginner class was everything I had hoped for, and more! James is an incredible teacher and human and made the class fun and educational. I was initially intimated but he put me at ease and there is truly no experience necessary to take a class. Not only was the class amazing, but their ranch where the classes take place is stunning as well. I couldn’t possibly have asked for a better experience. Highly recommend!
Written February 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Cory G
1 contribution
Nov 2021
This is something I had always wanted to try but had no idea how amazing it would actually be. James is a fantastic host and teacher. He provides enough guidance to allow you to be successful but also pushes you to explore and learn on your own. When you need him he is there but allows you the space needed to truly experience a forging environment and the mental piece found in such places and activities.
Written December 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Carson H
9 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
Wow! What an incredible experience for anyone with a passion and desire to learn a new skill. With a full day of hammering on metal using my own two hands, feeling the heat and working up a sweat, I'm still smiling! James our instructor was so kind and patient with everyone in our class from young to old. He started off teaching us some history of blacksmithing and about the tools we were going to use throughout the day. We then received some steel to forge a choice of objects laid out. James demonstrated and showed us how to create what we wanted and how to be safe thoughout the process as well.

James welcomed us with open arms on his farm also where his wife who owns Forage and Farm grows Black Garlic and sells various other homemade products you can purchase on your way out. I purchased some Black Garlic Butter and spread it allover some chicken and pasta we cooked tonight, again, incredible! Can't wait to try it on a steak and whatever else. Anyhow, exhausted as I am, I am so grateful for this experience like no other. Thank you James & Cheryl!!
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Chris Y
1 contribution
Sep 2021
I am sad I didn't do this sooner. This was by far one of the most incredible experiences I have done. If you haven't booked your session yet what are you waiting for? The instruction was amazing and James is very attentive and helpful. He welcomes you into his forge and will give you an experience you will remember for ever. Once the hammer hits the iron you will be hooked and will have a smile on your face for the entire day.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Shane W
2 contributions
Sep 2021
Such an amazing experience, James is the perfect host for anyone looking to try something new and exciting. Stone Wood & Steel has nailed it when it comes to Blacksmith instruction in a safe and fun environment. The incredible knowledge, craftsmanship, and artistry that James shared with us was awesome.
Written September 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Rene L
2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
What an incredible family experience for my son and I as well as my brother and his son. James was patient, understanding and an excellent teacher as we forged amazing things. He guided and helped us gently reconsider when our ambitions were too big. My son walked away with the most incredible sword as well as cherished memories. Thanks again James, I highly recommend this experience to anyone humble enough to be schooled by steel.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Vern M
1 contribution
Apr 2021 • Solo
Outstanding experience which “quenched” my curiosity of this art and fuelled the fire for more. From the first viewing of James’s website to walking out of his shop with a couple of my handmade trinkets, the entire journey was beyond expectation. His shop is a total classic with anvils that have witnessed decades of pounding and have many stories of their own, to the roaring of the forge, all enclosed in a comfortable and functional area that found me gazing in every corner trying to take it all in. Then, there is James. A guy who seems to have found his calling as he plies his trade while engaging with his students. Upon arrival he immediately puts you at ease as he places a cup of coffee in your hand, and immediately creates a welcoming friendly atmosphere, in which you spend your day. He knows his stuff, has passion for it, is humble and forthright, and a true pleasure to be around. I walked out the door at the end of the day, hooked, and planning my next trip back! If you have any curiosity in this craft, I’d strongly recommend James and his gem of a forge in the backdrop of the scenic eastern slopes!
Written April 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Jamie L
Calgary, Canada2 contributions
Apr 2021
What an experience! My 13-year-old son and I spent the day with James in his shop. He has an amazing way with people. Very knowledgeable, very patient, and after a few hours of instruction he really lets you do your own thing. We plan on taking more courses from him in the future.
Written April 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Stone Wood & Steel (Millarville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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