Is there much to do in Bannf that does not include the outdoors? Shopping, museums, ect. Also, what is the weather like in June? Thanks

not, not much to do if you don't like the outdoors. june should be nice weather...maybe some rain.

Unfortunately, the main attraction in Banff is the scenery, nature and outdoor activities. I don't think there are any museums - they have a main town center with tourist shops, but if your main purpose is culture, nightlife, fine dining and museums, you're at the wrong place.<BR><BR>Going to Banff for museums and shopping is equivalent to going to Las Vegas for the nature and wilderness.

I think that did I read something about a small museum in Banff. I didn't get the impression that it is of a scale however, that would in and of itself attract tourists. It sounded more like a short diversion.

Thanks for the help. I guess I was wondering whether Banff was similar to an Anspen or Jackson Hole. I know those are ski resorts but was curious.

YES THERE ARE LOADS OF THINGS TO DO IN BANFF. And if the people that sent the notes above would go there, they would find out about them. <BR>1. Sulphur Mountain Gondola <BR>2. Banff Park Museum - a heritage building in 1903 - with a collection of animals from the park.<BR>3. Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies<BR> a collection of artifacts and photos on the history of Banff and the forming of the national park. <BR>4. Banff Centre of Fine Arts - a school of fine arts, started in the 1930's. During the summer they have different shows and concerts by the students and guest performers that are wonderful.<BR>5. Banff Springs Hotel Tour - they charge a small fee, that is donated to local fund. Usually about 45-60 minutes to see what this hotel is all about. Built in 1928 with a few changes since, the history of this place and the railroad that built is worth your time.<BR>There, that's five things you can do and you will be hard pressed to do them all in one day. Have fun, Banff is a great place

Hi, just thought that I would give you more information on activities in the Banff area that are not outdoor related and also, Banff has much more to offer other than scenery.<BR><BR>Hot springs were once considered therapeutic, the waters are now appreciated for their relaxing effect; the temperature is about 104 degrees (40 degrees Celsius). Or for something even more relaxing, try out the spa. Sit in the steamroom or let them "wrap you up" so you can snooze a while on the specially designed beds. It's the perfect way to finish a day.<BR><BR>Banff Park Museum - This museum houses a taxidermy collection of animals indigenous to Banff National Park, from birds to grizzly bears. Built in 1903, this is the oldest natural history museum in Canada, and the building, an unusual type of architecture known as "railroad pagoda", is a National Historic Site. <BR><BR>Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum - All visitors enjoy the exhibits honouring the heritage of the natives of the Northern Plains and Canadian Rockies. Displays include costumes, hunting equipment, and dioramas of native and pioneer life. The building that houses the museum is an old fort-like structure overlooking the Bow River. The museum is operated by the Buffalo Nations Cultural Society, representing Stoney, Blackfoot, Blood, Sarcee, and Peigan tribes.<BR><BR>Canada Place ? Canada Place is a centre where visitors of all ages can discover interactive displays which explore Canada?s natural and built historical heritage, as well as the events and people who shaped them. Admission to the Canada Place exhibit is free.<BR><BR>Cave & Basin National Historic Site - The discovery of natural hot springs here in 1883 led to the creation of Canada's first National Park in 1885, created to preserve the hot springs and to encourage visitors to come to the area. You will pass through a tunnel to discover the cave where the hot springs were discovered. The Centre shows videos and exhibits year-round, telling the story of discovery. A short interpretive walk along the boardwalk on the hillside above the Centre leads you to the vent (an opening in the cave's roof) and a spring that flows from the hillside. Another boardwalk follows a Marsh Trail, which shows how the heated mineral water from the hillside has resulted in lush vegetation. Guided interpretive walks are also available.<BR><BR>Natural History Museum - If you are interested in the geological history of Banff, the Natural History Museum is for you. Featuring a rare collection of fossils, rocks and gemstones this museum is sure to delight both young and old. For a real treat they also have a lifesize model of the legendary "bigfoot".<BR><BR>Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies - The museum is home to three art galleries, a cultural history collection, and a renowned research archives. Contemporary and historic art exhibitions change monthly with works by local, regional and national artists. Also located on the pleasant wooded museum grounds are several historic homes and cabins, authentically furnished as fascinating examples of pioneer life in the mountains. Guided and private tours are available. Summer programs for children and families are frequently offered.<BR><BR>Art Galleries - Art Galleries offer art and handcrafts, from landscape paintings by local artists, to sculptures and beadwork by Canada's Native people.<BR><BR>You might also want to check the calendar of events located at www.banfflakelouise.com for different events, concerts and such at the Banff Centre for Performing Arts. <BR><BR>There are also fabulous restaurants in Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore. Lake Louise has one restaurant that has a wine cellar comprising of over 28,000 bottles of wine. <BR><BR>If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected]<BR><BR>Cheers <BR>Christine Sweet<BR>

Hi, just another note to agree with the message above mine. The Canadian Rockies are a great place to visit. I was in Aspen/Snowmass 2 years ago and wasn't thrilled with Aspen. Tons of shopping but I find that Banff has more to offer. Jackson Hole is more like Jasper (located 3 hours northwest of Banff).<BR><BR>Also, the Banff Springs Hotel was originally built in 1886..sorry, I had to mention that one.<BR><BR>Cheers