When trees and chainsaws are combined, the result isn’t usually an innovative walking tour. But stroll around the core of the city and you’ll witness an artistic partnership that has resulted in 12 beautifully carved trees. At a leisurely pace, you could easily visit the whole dozen in less than three hours—and all for free!

Each tree has a name, from the self-explanatory Squirreltopia on Waterloo Street (a network of castles fit for a squirrel), to the more abstract Convergence on Peter Street (carved animals, plants and symbols all blending together). Two local carvers completed the work, using a chainsaw for 95 per cent of the cutting and finishing off with chisels and smaller power tools. Many portions have been painted, and all have a final coat of enamel to protect against the elements.

The Woodfield Community Association got the log rolling by carving the first five trees, and has expanded the project in partnership with STIHL Canada (a major chainsaw manufacturer, headquartered in London), the City of London and Tourism London.

londontourism.ca