Downtown Attractions in Banff
Downtown Banff is only a few blocks, but it is Banff National Park's only real commercial area. Contained within the 'downtown' is the famous, and busy, Banff Avenue. It's quite amazing to step a few blocks off of Banff Ave. and to feel how much less busy it suddenly becomes. For whatever reason, the rest of downtown is never even close to feeling as busy as Banff Avenue.
Bear Street runs parallel to Banff Avenue, and it is probably the second busiest street in Banff. It has restaurants, such as the Saltlik and Wild Flour, galleries, and shops. Two of Banff's art galleries are on Bear Street: the Canada House Gallery (one of the largest commercial galleries in Canada) and Willock & Sax Gallery, which is an independent gallery that recently opened in Banff. Bear Street also has Banff's only thrift store.
Along Banff Ave, some of the noteworthy shops are Welch's Chocolate Shop (aka "the Banff Candy Store"), the Spirit of Christmas, and Monod Sports. These businesses feel like they've been around forever. They are institutions on Banff Avenue. Also, Harmon Gallery is worth popping into. It is one of Banff's oldest art galleries, featuring the Harmon family's collection of mountain photography. The Fudgery is also a delicious place to drop by!
On Canada Day, Banff gets quite festive all throughout downtown. Canada Place (now the Banff Administration Building) is across the bridge from the shopping area, but it is the federal government's home in the National Park. It is the epicenter of Banff's Canada Day celebrations.
Bear Street runs parallel to Banff Avenue, and it is probably the second busiest street in Banff. It has restaurants, such as the Saltlik and Wild Flour, galleries, and shops. Two of Banff's art galleries are on Bear Street: the Canada House Gallery (one of the largest commercial galleries in Canada) and Willock & Sax Gallery, which is an independent gallery that recently opened in Banff. Bear Street also has Banff's only thrift store.
Along Banff Ave, some of the noteworthy shops are Welch's Chocolate Shop (aka "the Banff Candy Store"), the Spirit of Christmas, and Monod Sports. These businesses feel like they've been around forever. They are institutions on Banff Avenue. Also, Harmon Gallery is worth popping into. It is one of Banff's oldest art galleries, featuring the Harmon family's collection of mountain photography. The Fudgery is also a delicious place to drop by!
On Canada Day, Banff gets quite festive all throughout downtown. Canada Place (now the Banff Administration Building) is across the bridge from the shopping area, but it is the federal government's home in the National Park. It is the epicenter of Banff's Canada Day celebrations.
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