This is an absolutely incredible museum, and would recommend to everyone visiting Banff. When I was there they had a great art exhibit called “For the birds”, which was brilliant, plus their permanent displays about the history of the Rockies. There are also some amazing stories about women explorers, which is great to see. I also thoroughly recommend the gift shop - easily the best selection of books about the area, exploration, the arctic and related topics I’ve been to on my trip.

I went in looking for a book in their bookstore and ended up spending a couple of hours. Well lit, attractive, easy to read exhibits that don't make you look through glares on glass on bend over to read small print. A variety of topics including local history, culture, natural sciences and art. A docent even offered a short lecture about a room of paintings that greatly enhanced the experience. Well worth your time, although not sure that children until teen years would get anything out of it. Easily accessible in town with a municipal lot nearby.

Good for a cold day. It was not in our plans but the cold canceled all our activities. We were pleasantly surprised we really enjoyed all the landscape scenes photos in particular. The historical side about the history of area was interesting as well and had activities like coloring books and puzzles to do. Only took about 1.5 hours to see everything

Currently featuring a photography exhibition. Interesting pictures from Ya Ha Tinda horse ranch in Alberta. Very interesting Banff and Alberta history. $12 entrance fee for adults.

The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies is a marvellous place. I feel that I have a special connection to it. When I attended the University of Alberta in 1964, Jon Whyte (the nephew of the founders of the Museum Catharine and Peter Whyte) was a noticeable spokesperson for many campus and world issues. All U of A students knew about him because he articulated so well the issues of the day. When I encountered his book "Mountain Chronicles" (now out of print), it was the first time that I had ever thought of how weather and climate form a person and a culture. Not many people can write about weather so interestingly. The current art exhibit at the Museum is an incredible chronicle of the places in and around Banff. The exhibit is called "The O'Hara Era with J.E.H. MacDonald", one of the very well known Canadian Group of Seven artists, who visited and painted the Banff area. What was particularly striking was that each painting was accompanied by a photograph of the same spot. Before people have seen the Canadian Rockies they might be tempted to think that they aren't really as magnificent as paintings suggest. Not true!!! There's also a wonderful bookstore and gift shop. And the staff, as residents of Banff, are very knowledgeable. As well, you can take tours of Banff history and Banff special historic homes from there. All in all, a wonderful and informative day's adventure.