The Canada House Gallery is home to a stunning collection of artwork produced by a multitude of Canadian artists. Masterful paintings and evocative sculptures are showcased alongside Inuit art and exquisite jewelry. Unlike most art galleries of this caliber, the Canada House Gallery is a welcoming place, open for admiration and exploration. Step inside and witness the world through the eyes of the artist and allow yourself to be taken on a journey through the rich cultural landscapes of Canada. Exhibitions and other special events are often organized at the gallery, attracting an audience that is as eclectic as the art on display.

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies celebrates the arts and culture of the Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park. The Whyte's art collection reflects the evolution of visual arts in the Rockies, featuring many local artists. The history of mountain recreation, transportation and commerce, pioneering artifacts, Native Canadian materials and Japanese materials make up the museum's unique Heritage Collection. The museum shop offers a large selection of books, postcards and posters devoted to area's culture. Call ahead for more details.

With a passion for nature that is backed by the skill of a true artist, nature photographer Jason Leo Bantle brings you face to face with some of Canada's most awe-inspiring landscapes and intriguing wildlife at the All In The Wild Gallery. Each photograph captures the untouched beauty of the Canadian wilderness and its inhabitants, bringing to life a world that for most of us exists only in our dreams. Through the lens of his camera Bantle transports the casual observer through time and space to some of the country's most remote regions for a close encounter with the wild. Visit the gallery for a look at some of Bantle's most inspiring work. The gallery offers photographic prints, coffee table books and children's books for sale.

This wildlife model museum offers visitors a close glimpse of the area's spectacular and sometimes menacing wildlife and nature. Housing a taxidermy collection of Banff's indigenous animals, visitors can spy on cougars, grizzlies, brown bears, beavers and mountain goats; all set in recreations of their natural habitats. Wildlife related art, models, displays and a library of natural history are also here.

This Banff museum celebrates the history and culture of the Plains Indians. Wander through the gallery and learn about their life, their contact with Europeans and their spirituality. This beautiful lakeside museum features displays of Native Canadian bead work and clothing, quill work, weapons and hunting implements, musical instruments and photographs. The life-size displays of daily life and special ceremonies are especially interesting.

If you head down Banff Avenue between the Bow River Bridge and the Cascade Plaza, you'll be surprised with the amount of stores, restaurants and nightclubs packed into the small area. You can walk down either side of the street and find unique boutiques and countless souvenir shops. Find the perfect gift at Lush or if you have a sweet tooth don't miss The Fudgery. Time will fly by as you window shop the day away.

Located just 2 kilometers (1.3 miles) from the city center, the Bow Falls are among Banff's top attractions. Though not particularly high, these falls are wide and paint a mesmerizing picture against the forest-covered landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts can take the Bow Falls Trail and hike to the falls. The scenery is picturesque and the trail is easy for all ages. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like elk and bears during your visit. Don't miss this easy-to-reach photo op while visiting the city; you're sure to create memories you'll cherish for years to come.

Just a short drive away from Banff lie the pristine Vermilion Lakes. The three lakes lie sprawled at the foot of Mount Norquay, surrounded by the peaks of the Canadian Rockies and sheltered by the blue canopy of an open sky. The lakes and their surroundings offer visitors a chance to indulge in a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing and wildlife watching. The site is especially popular amongst amateur and professional photographers who cannot resist the lure of the lakes' untouched beauty. The lakes are clearly visible from the highway and make a remarkably breathtaking sight indeed, especially at sunset when the scene is awash in the red, gold and crimson hues of the setting sun. The scene inspires romance and is a great choice for a leisurely drive on date night.

Visitors to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site will learn all about Canada's National Parks System, as this was e country's first national park, set up in 1885. The site offers visitors a glimpse into the world of the parks system through hands-on displays in a fascinating interpretive center. Outdoor lovers will find fascinating trails that wind through the beautiful surrounding area and down into a cave system that can be visited on guided tours or individually. Warm mineral springs are located within the caves, while many species of wildlife can be seen in the forests surrounding the center.

These steaming sulfur pools in the mountains which have been around since 1883, are frequented by locals and visitors alike as they seek to soak away their skiing and hiking aches. Especially inviting in winter and on cold rainy days, these hot pools are open year round. Located 1,585 metres (5200.131 feet) high, it is famous for being Canada's highest hot spring. The water flows from the Sulphur Mountain Thrust Fault and the source is believed to be Mount Rundle. When the flow is affected during winters, local municipal water is added to the pool. For a touch of extra luxury, there are spa services offered on site, including massages, facials, and soothing body treatments.

Ride this safe, glass-enclosed gondola system to the top of Sulphur Mountain for unparalleled views of Banff and the Rocky Mountains. The eight-minute journey is a year-round attraction, and during the summer you can hike around the summit area. Marvel at the breathtaking and photo-worthy vistas from the observation deck, have a snack and visit the gift shop. Check the website as the hours of operation are subject to change without notice and vary seasonally.

The name Minnewanka comes from the word the Stoney Nakota First Nations people used to refer to the lake: "Minn-Waki," or "lake of the spirits." Aboriginal people first began exploring the lake's shores and waters over 10,000 years ago. They believed that the dark waters housed spirits to be respected. The early Europeans also felt the power of the lake, which they called Devil's Lake. It wasn't until the late 1800s that the lake began attracting tourists. Two cruise boats began operating out of Minnewanka Landing, a small town on the edge of the lake. Today, that town is underwater, as the lake was dammed in the 20th-Century. Visitors to the lake can explore the old town on scuba diving trips, or take a tour of the lake on a boat tour.