The Whyte — Attraction in Banff

Disappointing and confusing museum. The museum boasts Indigenous art (which they have, and it's absolutely stunning) however on the history side it's a Euro-centric retelling of colonial history and the development of the Rockies. I actually joined the history tour but couldn't bring myself to stay through the whole thing.

The tour guide was sweet and great at her job, but the content she had to work with was lacking. They talked about European "discoveries" and explorations on the land without giving a clear/honest account into the violent nature of those displacements and "discoveries" on the native communities living in those areas. They glossed over it. The focus was on affluent European families, settlers and explorations.

Side bar//They also mentioned how the Prime Minister at the time, and other European settlers/new Canadians built the Canadian Pacific Railway, and hailed them as heroes, but completely ommitted the use of Chinese immigrant labour. 90% of the workers who built that railway were Chinese, and thousands of them actually died due to the poor working conditions/dangerous nature of the work. Despite that, they weren't mentioned at all.

All in all: It's irresponsible, and imo false, storytelling. Telling the history behind the western development of the Rockies is important, but be honest about it. It was an uncomfortable experience.

I hope atleast some of the proceeds from this museum are going to the surrounding Indigenous communities and groups, and that there is some partnership with them, as the main attraction is...

Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies – A Cultural Treasure

The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich history and culture of the Rocky Mountains. This beautifully curated museum offers a captivating blend of art, photography, and historical artifacts that celebrate the region's Indigenous heritage, pioneering spirit, and natural beauty.

The exhibits are thoughtfully designed, showcasing everything from vintage mountaineering gear to stunning landscapes captured by local artists. The rotating art galleries add a fresh perspective with each visit. The museum's archives and library are also a treasure trove for history buffs.

Located in the heart of Banff, the museum’s setting perfectly complements its focus on the Rockies. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the area, this museum offers an enriching and memorable experience. Highly...

The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies is a gem in Banff.

The displays are incredibly well done and there is lots to see and learn about. There are lots of panels on local history and some unique panel designs as well. The exhibits are also thoughtful and there is a special exhibit that is frequently rotated through with a new exhibit theme.

The staff are also wonderful and gift shop is excellent. I was surprised by the large number of books by local authors and Indigenous authors including Katherena Vermette, Tanya Talaga, and Thomas King.

The staff at the archives are also excellent. I spent several days in the archives and Kayla and Elizabeth were super helpful. They were always willing to answer questions, chat, and offer suggestion for fonds or items to look at.

The Whyte Museum is somewhere I think everyone should visit and I will...