Top Things to do in Banff
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What to do and see in Banff, Canadian Rockies: The Best Museums
Flanked on all sides by the Rockies, Banff offers an irresistible combination of perfect powder, luxury lodges, fine dining and lively nightlife. A thriving arts scene and proximity to Lake Louise and Kananaskis County add to its allure. Don’t miss the hoodoos, intriguing rock spires, in Banff National Park.
Restaurants in Banff
1. All In The Wild Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
All in the Wild Photography provides beautiful and artistic photographs of wildlife from Western Canada, Canada's Arctic and Alaska. The photographer and owner is Jason Leo Bantle. Jason has been photographing wildlife for over 10 years and has a deep passion and respect for nature. Most of Jason's works are still captured on 35mm film. No digital enhancements or filter are used.
Reviewed By Greenlakereener - Vancouver, Canada
You have to go to this gallery if you are in The wildlife photographs by Jason Bumtle are absolutely incredible, as he is an award winning wildlife photographer. If it’s not too busy, get the salesperson to tell you the stories behind each one. There is a whole series of polar bear photos that are amazing. Each one is unique and so wonderful to see! We spent over an hour in the gallery and loved every minute. The photos are sold in a variety of sizes and the smaller ones are very affordable. The bigger ones, which are really the best, cost a lot more, $500 and up. But even if you don’t buy, you need to see these photographs!
2. Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 575 reviews
The Whyte Museum inspires discovery and wonder where people and the Rocky Mountains meet. The Museum's founders, Peter and Catharine Whyte, were local artists and philanthropists who wished to offer a place where people could gather and appreciate the culture and beauty of the area. Explore the culture shaped by this mountain landscape through our exhibitions, events, heritage homes, archives, library and museum shop. Our programming is made possible through generous support from you - the Museum's Members, donors and sponsors.
Reviewed By JeffB64CPR - Derby, United Kingdom
The combination of art - mix of pictorial and impressionist, I suppose - and especially the museum, with the history of the railroads, and the arrival of settlers, inter-action with First Nations, and arrival of Chinese and East European workers, is told very well and with examples of original clothes, documents etc throughout. Do go!
3. Canada House Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Since 1974 Canada House Gallery has been a destination for Canadian art in Banff. Representing over 50 painters, 20 sculptors, 3 jewellery designers plus Inuit art there's always something new and exciting to see. You'll receive a warm welcome from friendly and informative gallerists. If you don't see what you're looking for, let us know - we have many works tucked away in the back room. Everyone is welcome... come on in after hiking, skiing, cycling, horseback riding.... our art friends enjoy our gallery in their jeans, gortex and spandex!
Reviewed By Typical-60plus - Calgary, Canada
We have bought several paintings from there over the years. We always stop by to see what they have new even when we are not in the market. They have a broad selection.
4. The Historic Luxton Home Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
OPEN May 16 - October 7, 2019 What do these 3 things have in common: a west coast Nootkan canoe, Winnipeg, and the Banff Hot Springs? Answer–Norman Luxton of Banff. Norman, born in Winnipeg in 1876, landed in Victoria, BC in 1901 and decided to sail around the world with Captain John Voss in a retrofitted 38-foot dug-out Nootkan canoe named Tilikum. Both have varying tales of the trip, but they agree that Norman almost died from coral poisoning. Back in Victoria, concerned friends mentioned Norman looked "rather terrible" and should take a trip to Banff for the medicinal hotsprings. Norman did, and the Luxton Legacy begins. With an energetic personality and a savvy business mind, Norman became “Mr. Banff”. His business ventures were many, he had ties to the Stoney First Nations, he assisted with the Calgary Stampede. Norman's home remains in Banff as a museum, and is full of curiosities. Come visit to hear more adventurous tales about Norman, his wife Georgina, and daughter Eleanor.
5. Willock & Sax Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
6. About Canada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
To locals and regular visitors we are destination store for quality Canadian product. We strive to make the shopping experience interesting and enjoyable and to make the shopping environment comfortable. Our core philosophy is to provide neat Canadian products at an attractive price, and are consistently described by our customers as a beautiful store with lovely products.
Reviewed By sarahpWiltshire - Trowbridge, United Kingdom
When you think of a souvenir shop a tacky shop comes to mind selling mass produced rubbish. This shop however is a breath of fresh air selling lovely gifts made in Canada. The prices are not too high and the products are good quality. Definitely worth a visit.
7. Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont Banff Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Located in The Fairmont Banff Springs, Mountain Galleries is a favourite stop for collectors of Canadian art, featuring museum-quality paintings, sculpture and unique Inuit carvings. Frequently hosting exhibitions, artist demonstrations and workshops, the mission of the gallery is to support and promote Canadian artists.
Reviewed By landlw - Maghull, United Kingdom
We have been to Canada a few times and just love to visit the Mountain Galleries located in the Fairmont the staff are always so helpful and knowledgeable about the pieces on display. We are big fans of Canadian art especially the bear sculptures created by native artists from the Inuit dancing bears to the grand statement pieces by Katherine Jenkinson we just wish we could take them all home with us. I had called in on my own and had a walk around the gallery with one of the staff talking about some of the pieces when I saw two small bronze bears by Katherine Jenkinson I knew as soon as I went in with my wife we would buy at least one of them. A couple of days later I called in with my wife before we went out skiing for the day and as soon as she saw the bronze bears she agreed that we should have one of them but when we decided on which one we liked most the other one looked so lonely we had to buy them both. We talked to the staff who were extremely helpful about the bears and they were more than happy to keep them to one side while we went skiing for the day. On our return we called back into the gallery where the bears we all ready for us to pick up they were well wrapped for us to take back to the UK . Now that we are home they look so good and compliment the dancing bear we purchased the other year in Whistler, maybe next time we will buy one of the larger bears and arrange for it to be shipped back to the UK we just need to find a space for it.
8. Banff Park Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 429 reviews
Western Canada's oldest natural history museum, Banff Park Museum offers visitors a chance to browse some 5,000 vintage specimens - from stuffed bears to minerals and plants. A visit to this 'Museum of a Museum' is a great way to get an up-close look at Banff wildlife and see how natural history was interpreted a century ago. Plenty of interactive and kids' activities - including the Xplorers Club.
Reviewed By erfield5 - Tampa, United States
This museum provides priceless examples of the animals that enjoy the Canadian Rockies environment. Some you were aware of and many you are not. What an eye opening and fun experience. The ranger hosting your visit willingly shares his knowledge and engages your interest. Enjoy.
9. Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 349 reviews
This natural history and Canadian First Nations museum is named after Norman Luxton who once operated a trading post in the Banff area. Come in for a tour of what life was like for First Nations before settlers came and then view authentic First Nations artifacts, borrowed from both personal collections and the Glenbow Museum. Tours of the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum guided by staff who are local First Nations. Ask questions, learn and experience something truly Canadian.
Reviewed By M1121PRjohns - Gulf Shores, United States
I thoroughly enjoyed the authentic artifacts, displays and dioramas depicting the life and culture of the First Nation people who lived in this part of Canada. The museum is owned and operated by a Council of First Nation representatives and is a must see for anyone having an interest in First Nation history. Ideal for families and children. Convenient location on the river, near the Main St. bridge.
10. Canadian Ski Museum West
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