Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

The Whyte Foundation was established in the mid-1950s by local artists Peter and Catherine Whyte to help preserve artistic and historical material relating to the Canadian Rockies. Their museum (111 Bear St., 403/762-2291; daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; adult $8, senior and child $4.50) opened in 1968 and has continued to grow ever since. It now houses the world’s largest collection of Canadian Rockies literature and art. Included in the archives are more than 4,000 volumes, oral tapes of early pioneers and outfitters, antique postcards, old cameras, manuscripts, and a large photography collection. The highlight is the photography of Byron Harmon, whose black-and-white studies of mountain geography have shown people around the world the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. The downstairs gallery features changing art exhibitions. The museum also houses the library and archives of the Alpine Club of Canada. On the grounds are several heritage homes formerly occupied by local pioneers. Don’t miss this one.

The Whyte Museum hosts interesting walking tours through summer. The most popular of these is the Historic Banff Walk, which departs from the museum daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., taking around 90 minutes.