Banff Park Museum National Historic Site of Canada

What's New

Back to the Past

This Banff Avenue landmark, a showpiece of architecture and early natural history interpretation has recently undergone a wonderful facelift.

Banff Park Museum
© Parks Canada / A. Athwal

Using historical photographs as a guide, the landscaping was reworked to improve pedestrian access from Banff Avenue, to provide better integration to the trails in Central Park and to improve the look of the grounds around the museum while allowing for better interpretation, safety and security.

Time had also taken its toll on the museum roof. Re-roofing this autumn; with bright new cedar shingles now gives this charming grande dame a new lease on life. She is positively glowing!

This work is part of an overall project to make much needed improvements to the Museum and the grounds, both to improve visitor experience and to ensure commemorative integrity for this national historic site.

The overall plan for improvements to the Museum also include a project for improved lighting and for exterior finishing work to be done in 2009.

Banff Park Museum
© Parks Canada / A. Athwal

Banff Heritage Passport

Immerse yourself in the cultural history of Banff. The Banff Heritage Passport is a great way to explore 3 of Banff's premier cultural attractions: the Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada, the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site of Canada and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. Your Heritage Passport entitles you to a single visit to each site and saves you more than 20% off regular individual admissions. You can visit all three sites in one day or spread your three visits over several days.

Interpretive Tours

Come and join us for a tour of the site with a Parks Canada Interpreter. From October to mid-May tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday at 1430h. From mid-May to September 30th tours are offered daily at 1500h. Learn about the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site, Norman Sanson, the zoo and changing attitudes to wildlife. The tour is FREE with admission.

Banff National Parks Presents 'Night at the Museum' December 27, 2008 Open Late 1700-1900h

“Banff National Park Presents” is a program of 12 special events that will run over the holiday season. Join a Parks Canada Interpreter at the Banff Park Museum NHSC for this special evening and learn about various park animals and their winter habits. Free admission.

Canada Day - July 1, 2009

We are pleased to offer complementary admission to the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site of Canada on Canada Day. Explore the museum, a showpiece of architecture and early natural history interpretation and join us in celebrating Canada's Birthday.

Parks Day - July 18, 2009

At the Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada join a Parks Canada Interpreter for special interpretive/photographic walk. Details of this special program will be available late spring, 2009. Call 403.762.1566 for information.

The 10th Annual Summer Stroll With Sanson, starting at 0930h strolls to the top of Sulphur Mountain with a Parks Canada interpreter. Learn about Norman Bethune Sanson, one of Banff's most influential characters, as well as early Banff culture and the history of the area as you take in the amazing views. The stroll is 5.5 km with an elevation gain of 655m. After your hike, enjoy a complimentary soak in the warm mineral waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs . Space is limited. Pre-register at the Banff Information Centre or by calling 403.762.1558.

Banff Culture Weekend - August 8 - 9, 2009

Join us for Banff Culture Weekend. Pick up the Banff Culture Walk brochure and visit any of the participating locations to experience the art, history and culture of this mountain community. For more information on this special weekend, visit the website http://www.banffheritagetourism.com/culturewalk/ . Show your culture walk brochure and receive ½ price admission at the Cave and Basin and Banff Park Museum National Historic Sites of Canada in Banff this weekend.