From The Fairmont Banff Springs Best Nearby Attractions & Activities (10 Overall Closest) Metro: Banff, AB Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Attractions & Activities - Sightseeing) 405 Spray Ave, Banff  AB  T1L 1J4 • 403-762-2211 Distance: ~165 m User Rating: 10 / 10         Description: Built in 1888 to accommodate Victorian tourists who came to visit the area's hot springs, this spectacular hotel was the world's largest when it opened. Built and furnished to resemble a Scottish castle, it was designed by Bruce Price, a New York architect, at the urging of William Van Horne, General Manager of Canadian Pacific Railways. The hotel, which is known as "Canada's Castle in the Rockies," remains as Banff's signature property and, following renovations begun in 1999, is still one of the most beautiful hotels in Canada. Day visitors are permitted to enjoy its restaurants, shops, and spa. Walter Phillips Gallery (Attractions & Activities - Museums) 107 Tunnel Mtn Rd Banff Centre for the Arts, Banff  AB  T1L 1H5 • 403-762-6281 Distance: ~0.596 km         Description: This spare, intimate space, located on the grounds of the Banff Centre for the Arts, is home to a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. A substantial permanent collection is also available, much of which is displayed throughout the campus. Dedicated to contemporary art, the gallery represents national and international artists. In addition to the exhibitions, there are also lectures and other events that help to elucidate and inform the issues that the art addresses. Video and performance art are cultivated, along with more traditional media, such as photography, painting and sculpture. Upper Hot Springs (Attractions & Activities - Parks) 101 Mountain Ave Sulphur Mountain, Banff  AB  T0E 1E0 • 403-762-1515 • 800-767-1611 Distance: ~0.677 km         Description: Just a brief drive south of town, these thermal springs draw bathers year-round to their warm, soothing waters. The complex, which was renovated in 1996, has attracted visitors since the 1880s and now boasts modern facilities, including a large outdoor pool, a wading pool, and an indoor spa. Several shops and a cafe are available as well. If you're ambitious, you can hike from town to the site over somewhat steep terrain. If not, simply enjoy the incredible vista from the comfort of the pool. Canada Place (Attractions & Activities - Museums) 101 Mountain Ave, Banff  AB  T1L 1K2 • 403-760-1338 Distance: ~0.716 km         Description: Canada Place is a multi-faceted attraction with wide appeal. For the history buff, there are exhibits detailing Canadian culture and achievements, plus the fascinating Siksika Nation Interpretive Centre. For nature fans, there's beautiful Cascade Gardens where the view extends well beyond the colorful borders to include the mountains beyond. You'll also find Banff National Park administration building here. Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum (Attractions & Activities - Museums) 1 Birch Ave, Banff  AB  T1L 1A8 • 403-762-2388 Distance: ~0.841 km         Description: Commemorating the contributions and presence of native Americans in the area, this museum has been in operation since 1952. Named for a local shopkeeper and friend of the Indians, the facility maintains displays on hunting, culture, and domestic activities. Clothing, a teepee, and quilts are among the many items available for perusal. A gift shop offers related merchandise, showcasing the heritage of a society who lived close to nature in a time before Europeans inhabited Canada's western plains and mountains. Cave and Basin National Historic Site (Attractions & Activities - Parks) 311 Cave Ave, Banff  AB  T1L 1K2 • 403-762-1566 Distance: ~0.894 km         Description: First discovered in 1883 by railroad workers, this underground spring is the reason that Banff and the Banff National Park exist today. Wealthy Victorians flocked to take the heated waters, believing the mineral-infused springs to be healing and therapeutic. The town was created around the site, and the springs operated until 1976. They were restored and reopened in 1985 for the centennial celebration of the park and have been open ever since. Although bathing in the pool is no longer permitted, visitors may explore the area via trails and informational displays. A fascinating excursion and a great attraction for kids and adults alike. Alpine Anglers (Attractions & Activities - Tours and Excursions) 113 Otter St, Banff  AB  T1L 1C2 • 403-762-8223 Distance: ~0.925 km         Description: One of the larger fly-fishing tour operators in Alberta, Alpine Anglers has a network of guides all over the province, so you have loads of options. Whether you choose a half-day float excursion, a six-day camping trip or a helicopter fly-in, you can expect top-notch service from exceptionally knowledgeable and professional guides. The lower and upper Bow River, and even smaller streams like Crowsnest and Oldman, are legendary fishing spots and Alpine can get you to any or all of them! Banff Gondola at Sulphur Mountain (Attractions & Activities - Tours and Excursions) Mountain Ave, Banff  AB  T1L 1K2 • 403-762-2523 Distance: ~0.929 km User Rating: 10 / 10         Description: In a mere 8 minutes, visitors are whisked to the summit of this 7500 ft mountain, where they have a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. Several observation platforms provide vantage points for the area, and a boardwalk runs along the summit for those who want to explore a bit. A large observatory houses several restaurants, and a gift shop sells souvenirs and film. Enjoy the sights from the comfort of the building, or venture out into the fresh air. It's a good idea to bring a coat along to help ward off the chilly temperatures and breezes found at this elevation. You're also likely to encounter local wildlife; just don't approach or feed them. Banff Park Museum (Attractions & Activities - Museums) 91 Banff Ave, Banff  AB  T1L 1J4 • 403-762-1558 Distance: ~0.945 km         Description: Set in a rustic pagoda near the Bow River, this museum dates from the turn of the last century. It houses a collection of native creatures that have been stuffed and mounted for display. Most of the specimens date from 1890 to 1930 and were acquired when hunting was permitted in the area. The museum, which has the distinction of being western Canada's oldest natural history museum, provides a glimpse of both the diversity of the Rockies and the Victorian conception of a wilderness. A reading room and a hands-on discovery room for children are also part of the complex. Warner Guiding and Outfitting / Trail Rider Store (Attractions & Activities - Tours and Excursions) 132 Banff Ave, Banff  AB  T1L 1C1 • 403-762-4551 • 800-661-8352 Distance: ~1.021 km User Rating: 9.75 / 10         Description: For all things Western, this shop is a sure winner. If it's cowboy hats, boots or clothing you're in the market for, the best selection in town is right here. And if dressing the part isn't quite good enough, you can arrange a horseback riding trip here as well. Whether you just want a quick jaunt around town, a full-day tour ending with an outdoor barbecue, or an overnight camping trip, Warner can accommodate. Tours depart either from Warner Stables in Banff or Spray River Corrals in Canmore. They can also arrange cross country skiing trips and carriage rides. Copyright ©2001 10Best Inc. All rights reserved.