Good to know
Good to Know
- Founded in 1885, Banff is Canada's first national park and part of the first national park system in the world.
- National Historic Sites like the Cave and Basin often require a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, which can be a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple sites.
- The First Nations who discovered the cave consider the hot springs a sacred site.
- Many museums and galleries are concentrated in downtown Banff on or near Banff Avenue and Bear Street; plan your visits in clusters to minimize travel time.
Art Galleries
Walter Phillips Gallery
- Location
- 107 Tunnel Mountain Dr
- Description
- Located within The Banff Centre of Arts and Creativity. Since 1976, committed to the production, presentation, collection and analysis of contemporary art and curatorial practice.
Canada House Gallery
- Location
- 201 Bear Street
- Description
- Nested in Banff, has been a prominent fixture since the 1970s. It boasts an extensive collection of art by resident artists from across the country and is known for its focus on contemporary local art, sculpture, and native crafts.
Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont Banff Springs
- Location
- 405 Spray Ave
- Description
- Part of the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, this gallery offers a captivating showcase of contemporary Canadian art inspired by the breathtaking natural landscapes that surround it.
BearHead Photography Gallery
- Location
- 201 Lynx St
- Description
- Renowned for its breathtaking images of wildlife, pristine alpine lakes, and towering mountain peaks. Whether it's the ethereal play of light on turquoise glacial waters or the raw power of a grizzly bear in its natural habitat, Bearhead Photography excels in evoking a deep connection to the wild.
Must See Sites
Banff Park Museum National Historic Site
- Hours
- May 15 to October 15 - Thursday to Monday: 9:30am to 5pm. October 16 to May 14 - Closed
- Description
- Located in the heart of downtown Banff, the museum houses more than 5,000 vintage botanical and zoological specimens — from bears and bighorns, to birds and bees. Built in 1903, it is the oldest surviving federal building in any Canadian national park.
- Proximity Note
- Downtown Banff, central location
Admission
- Discovery Pass Annual
- CA$136
- Note
- Included in Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Check Parks Canada website for standalone admission pricing.
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
- Hours
- Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Description
- Named after its patrons, Peter and Catharine Whyte – who were determined to enhance Banff's cultural life – the museum is dedicated to portraying the art and culture of the Canadian Rockies while respecting the traditional values and history of Indigenous peoples.
- Proximity Note
- 111 Bear Street, downtown Banff
Admission
- Adults
- CA$15
- Locals
- CA$10
- Members
- FREE
- Seniors
- CA$13
- Students
- CA$13
- Youth Under 17
- FREE
- Indigenous Visitors
- FREE
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
- Description
- The Cave and Basin National Historic Site in Banff National Park is more than just a neat place to explore. Interactive interpretive exhibits make the birthplace of Canada's national parks system—known today as Parks Canada—a must-visit.
- Proximity Note
- Within Banff National Park
Admission
- Discovery Pass Annual
- CA$136
- Note
- Free admission with Parks Canada from June 19 to September 7, 2026. Outside this period, requires Parks Canada Discovery Pass or daily park pass.
Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum
- Description
- Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum is dedicated to preserving the culture and heritage of the First Nations who lived in and around the Canadian rockies.
- Proximity Note
- 1 Birch Avenue, downtown Banff
Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- Museum hours can vary by season. Always check the official website or call ahead before your visit.
- For sites like the Cave and Basin, a Parks Canada pass is usually required for entry into the national park. The pass covers your entry to many national historic sites and national parks.
- Use BanffNow for real-time congestion information and parking availability. Better yet, take transit or a local shuttle and let us do the driving.
Parks Canada Passes
- Annual Discovery Pass
- CA$136
Valid for a full year until the end of the calendar month from the date purchased. The Annual Discovery Pass provides entry into over 100 National Parks, National Marine Conservation Areas and National Historic Sites.
- Daily Pass Note
- Youth (6-17) free with Parks Canada. Free admission and 25% off camping and overnight stays with Parks Canada is in effect from June 19 to September 7, 2026.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this history, museums & sightseeing research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Banff
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.