Culture of Banff. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Banff is a relatively young city that was founded a little over a hundred years ago. Today, travelers come here not for historical attractions but for natural beauty and great opportunities for active recreation. Nevertheless, you will have a chance to diversify your leisure time by visiting interesting museums and historical sites. Banff got the status of a prestigious thermal resort at the end of the 19th century when the first luxury hotels opened here.

The historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel opened in 1888 is now one of the city's main symbols. Only the wealthiest travelers could afford to stay here in the 19th century. Fortunately, the hotel is accessible to absolutely everyone in our days. Externally, the hotel building resembles an old castle surrounded by beautiful forests and mountain ranges. Even budget tourists can afford staying in affordable standard rooms for a few days.

Château Lake Louise is an equally historical monument that was erected in 1890 on the shore of Lake Louise. The very first castle was built in this place entirely of wood but a strong fire broke out here at the beginning of the 20th century. The entire building was destroyed by fire and it was only possible to rebuild the castle by 1924. It has remained virtually unchanged since then. By the way, the castle houses a prestigious hotel as well. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

A visit to the Banff Center for Arts and Creativity would be a great entertainment option. This cultural center stands on the top of a mountain and holds a variety of entertainment events throughout the year. It often hosts classical and modern music concerts, as well as exhibitions of contemporary artists and photographers. In summer, many entertainment programs are organized in the open air. The center also has a small hotel and attracts many travelers with breathtaking observation platforms.

One of the most interesting museums in the region is the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum with its collection dedicated to the history and culture of the indigenous people of Canada. Among the exhibits are beautiful Indian costumes, hunting trophies, ancient works of art, and household items that native Canadians used hundreds of years ago. You will also be invited to learn about the traditional local crafts and get into a real Indian hut.

Another noteworthy historical attraction in Banff is the Parks Administration Building. It is one of the few in the city that has managed to fully preserve its original appearance. The beautiful historical building currently houses the city administration and is usually considered as a single attraction with a picturesque park surrounding it. Beautiful dark stones were used during the construction of the building. Its original facade and tiled roof have survived over a hundred years. Old stone-made decorations created many years ago can also be seen in the garden.

Also, Banff has some original religious sites that might be of interest to fans of guided tours. Head to the 19th-century St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, which is notable for its outstanding architecture. The spire of the church was once one of the tallest structures in town that was visible from many city streets. The church named after one of the city's main patron saints has always been highly revered by the townspeople. It’d be especially interesting to visit it on major religious holidays when solemn divine services are held here. On a normal day, you can admire the historic interior of the church and see religious artifacts brought here over a hundred years ago.

St. Mary's of the Assumption Church is considered one of the most beautiful in the region. This is a striking historical monument of the late 19th century. For the construction of this church, they also used dark stones from local quarries. The main decoration of the church is its colorful stained glass windows and murals. Here you can see beautiful porcelain sculptures, wooden decorations, and other unique elements. On the wall in one of the halls, you can see a collection of old black and white photographs depicting the city in the early 20th century. The church is distinguished by an extraordinary design of the adjacent territory where you can see ancient stone structures and beautiful statues.