Sights in Banff & Jasper National Parks
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Banff Gondola
In less than 10 minutes, the Banff Gondola whisks you up to the 2281m (7484ft) summit for spectacular views over the surrounding mountains, Bow River and Banff town. The upper terminal looks like something from an old James Bond movie and has the expected restaurant. Alternatively, you can hike up the steep east side of the mountain in about two hours one way. You will be aptly rewarded with great views.
The trail starts from the Upper Hot Springs parking lot. Or just hike down.
The lower terminal is just over 3km (2mi) south of Banff on Mountain Ave; it's adjacent to the Upper Hot Springs pool.
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Cave & Basin National Historic Site
The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is the birthplace of Banff. The discovery of hot sulfur springs in a cave here led to the area being set aside from development in 1885. Like condo developments of today, the idea spread rapidly and soon Banff National Park and Canada's national park system were created. The complex has been rebuilt to its 1914 appearance. Visitors can look at (and smell) the cave and sulfurous waters, but there's no bathing allowed.
The Middle Springs further down the hill are closed to visitors, to protect the delicate balance of waters. You can stroll around the attractive grounds, where you'll see both natural and artificially made pools, for …
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Museum
Be sure to join Babe Ruth as one of the visitors who've signed the guest book at the Banff Park Museum - he did so in 1922. Near the Bow River Bridge at the southern end of town, this lodge-style wood building was built by the CPR in 1903. Check out the surprising inner atrium.
Before trails first led curious wildlife watchers into the bush, the museum housed a zoo and aviary, so Victorian visitors to Banff could catch a safe glimpse of the park's wildlife. The museum, a National Historic Site, contains a collection of animals, birds and plants found in the park, including two small stuffed grizzlies and a black bear, plus a tree carved with graffiti dating back to 1841. …
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Whyte Museum Complex
The Whyte Museum complex features an art gallery and a vast collection of photographs telling the history of early explorers, artists and the CPR. Many of the exhibits rotate, but be sure to check out the Heritage Gallery with its story of the unlikely romance of Peter and Catherine Whyte, the museum's founders. On the property are four log cabins and two Banff heritage homes, one dating from 1907 and the other from 1931.
The museum conducts tours of the complex and walking tours of the town year-round.
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Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum
The Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum is in the fort-like wooden building. Popular with kids, it mainly explores the history of the First Nations of the Northern Plains and the Rockies, but also covers indigenous groups from all over Alberta. Through life-sized displays, models and re-creations, it depicts traditions such as buffalo hunts. The museum was started by Norman Luxton in 1952; he had lofty inclinations after years running a souvenir shop on the site.
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Canadian Ski Museum West
Scattered throughout the Cascade Plaza Mall, Canadian Ski Museum West exhibits chronicle Banff's ski history through bronze statues of skiers and panels describing the evolution of the sport and its growth in Banff. If you can survive the smells of potpourri from the boutiques, you can learn about everyone from the charming Swiss guide Bruno Engler to modern national ski greats such as Ken Read and Karen Percy.
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Banff Center
Banff Centre, off St Julien Rd east of downtown, contains one of Canada's best-known art schools, complete with facilities for dance, theater, music and the visual arts. Exhibits, concerts and various other events take place regularly. During the Banff Summer Arts Festival, which happens throughout the season, students and internationally recognized artists present pieces in workshops and performances.
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Lake Minnewanka
The largest reservoir in Banff National Park, Lake Minnewanka is 11km (7mi) east of the Banff town. Forests and mountains surround this scenic recreational area, and there are plenty of hiking, swimming, sailing, boating and fishing opportunities. The easy trail around the lake is a good option for a walk; the path is easy to follow and popular.
There is no public transport to the lake.
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Banff Upper Hot Springs
You'll find a soothing hot pool and steam room at the Upper Hot Springs spa, 4km (2.5mi) south of town. The water emerges from the spring at 47°C (117°F); in winter it has to be cooled before entering the pool, but in spring the snowmelt does that job. In addition to the pool, you can indulge in a massage or an aromatherapy wrap. Bathing suits, towels and lockers can be rented.
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Canada Place
You'll want to wave a maple leaf - or rent the South Park movie with the 'Blame Canada' song - after you visit this unusual, almost jingoistic location. Various exhibits and interactive displays celebrate all things Canuck. You can sit in a birch-bark canoe but try as we might, we couldn't find a Tim Hortons doughnut anywhere.
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Cascade Gardens
The Cascade Gardens, south across the Bow River Bridge, burst with flowers. A stream, ponds and a few benches dot the gardens. In summer the Siksiki Nation erects a tepee with displays of traditional culture and dance exhibitions.
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World Heritage Park
World Heritage Park houses displays about Unesco. It is also a good place to pause for air while negotiating Banff's main drag: Banff Ave. There are plenty of cafes nearby if the mountain air makes you hungry.
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Canada House Gallery
A large private gallery that sells work by Canadian artists and those from the Rockies in particular, Canada House Gallery is an excellent place to see recent trends and works.
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Central Park
Toward the south end of Banff Ave is Central Park where you can stroll along the mellow Bow River. From here you can follow the signed nature path north along the river.
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Walter Phillips Gallery
The Walter Phillips Gallery shows changing displays of contemporary art that are often provocative.
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