Banff Attractions
Banff or Banff Townsite, lying in a charming valley in the south of Banff National Park and dominated by high mountains, has a permanent population of some 4200 and ample accommodation makes it the tourist center of the park. During the summer months its broad main street, Banff Avenue, is crammed with visitors, and it is almost as busy as a city. Between Wolf Street and Bow River will be found row upon row of shopping streets. Here, too, is the Parks Canada Information Centre, where information about events, "backcountry permits", and maps and guides for excursions and tours can be obtained.
In summer there are pleasant excursions available by horse-driven coaches around Banff and the surrounding countryside. On Banff Avenue - between Rocky Mountains Resort Avenue and the Banff Springs Hotel - runs a tram or trolleybus line constructed in early 20th c. style.
In summer there are pleasant excursions available by horse-driven coaches around Banff and the surrounding countryside. On Banff Avenue - between Rocky Mountains Resort Avenue and the Banff Springs Hotel - runs a tram or trolleybus line constructed in early 20th c. style.
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Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
This historic landmark hotel was built in 1888 and is today the town's grandest hotel, and a popular tourist attraction.
Banff Natural History Museum (Closed)
It is worth paying a visit to the Natural History Museum, on the first floor of the Clock Tower Village Mall. Exhibits explain the formation of the Rocky Mountains and the topography of the region.
Hours
May 1 to June 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 | 20:00 |
July 1 to August 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 |
September 1 to April 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Facilities
Gift shop
Banff Park Museum
Banff Park Museum is housed in a building dating from 1903, which used to be the park administration offices.
The original exhibits of stuffed animals still stand, allowing visitors a chance to see the wildlife they may not encounter in the park. It also demonstrates what a natural history museum represented in the early 1900s, since little has changed from the time the museum was first opened..
For this reason, the Banff Park Museum is a national historic site.
All values are in Canada Dollars
The original exhibits of stuffed animals still stand, allowing visitors a chance to see the wildlife they may not encounter in the park. It also demonstrates what a natural history museum represented in the early 1900s, since little has changed from the time the museum was first opened..
For this reason, the Banff Park Museum is a national historic site.
Banff Park Museum
91 Banff Avenue
Banff, AB T1L1K2
Canada
91 Banff Avenue
Banff, AB T1L1K2
Canada
Phone 1 (403) 762-1558
Fax 1 (403) 762-1565
Hours
May 15 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
October 1 to May 15
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
| Family | $ 9.80 |
| Annual pass or membership | $ 9.80 |
| Adult | $ 3.90 |
| Senior | $ 3.40 |
| Group discounts | $ 3.40 |
| Child 6-16 | $ 1.90 |
Cascade Gardens
Banff Avenue ends on the far side of Bow River in Cascade Gardens. These beautiful gardens are laid out in terrace fashion, and this is where the park administration buildings can be found.
From Cascade Gardens there are great views down the street itself to Cascade Mountain. It is a nice place to stroll or take some photos.
From Cascade Gardens there are great views down the street itself to Cascade Mountain. It is a nice place to stroll or take some photos.
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