Banff Park Museum

The oldest natural history museum in western Canada still has something interesting to say. The museum was created in 1895 to help attract visitors to the new “Rocky Mountains Park” (itself established in 1887) and explain unfamiliar ecology. Exhibits of Rocky Mountain flora, fauna and geological specimens were moved into this building in 1903. Its architectural style, especially the crossed log motif, was popular in Banff at the time. The interior has changed little since then, and the exhibits reflect museum interpretation as practised around 1914.

Visitors to Banff’s showpiece of architecture and interpretation will learn about the geology, mammals, birds, fish and insects of Banff National Park. Find out how animals were studied in the Victorian era, and about scientists’ research in the park today. The Discovery Room features wildlife videos as well as hands-on displays, and the Reading Room is perfect for a leisurely read. One of the oldest surviving buildings constructed for the National Park system, the Banff Park Museum was designated a National Historic Site in 1985.

Open daily. Admission is charged. 91 Banff Avenue, next to Bow River Bridge, Banff. .

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