We all know Banff is gorgeous. From the towering mountain peaks to the turquoise waterways and lush forests, this place is paradise. But if you’re looking for something a little bit ... different … there are plenty of weird and wonderful things to check out in Banff too. Here are some of our favourites.

The Merman

Lake Minnewanka means, roughly, Lake of the Water Spirits in the language of the Îyârhe Nakoda. One of those spirits is quite possibly the mysterious merman – a half-man, half-fish creature that is rarely seen on the surface, but is said to live in the depths of the lake. Stories of this creature abound, from hearing its shrill screams to the occasional sighting, but it remains elusive in the large and mysterious lake. You can actually see a merman in the town Banff. Head to the Banff Trading Post to see a taxidermy specimen of this very creature with your own eyes.

Ghost Towns

Did you know Banff has two ghost towns nearby? Minnewanka Landing is at the bottom of the lake after it was intentionally flooded for a hydro-electric dam. The foundations of the coal mining town of Bankhead, however, are still available to explore. Take a walk through the ruins and learn about the coal-mining operation that extracted natural resources before it was banned in the national parks. The interpretative trail tells about the buildings, their purpose, life in the mines, and what it was like to live in this little mountain town.

Banff Park Museum

This museum is housed in the oldest surviving federal building in any Canadian national park. The log structure was built in 1903 with unique architecture to allow the sunlight in during any time of the day. It features a turn-of-the-century taxidermy collection with more than 5,000 specimens. These specimens were taken to showcase local wildlife to Victorian-era visitors. This museum provides a way to see wildlife up-close and personal, but it also provides a window into how we interpreted wildlife and nature at the turn of the century. There are some true treasures in this little museum!

Banff Ghost Walks

Want to learn some paranormal stories of the area? Take a tour with Banff Ghost Walks and discover the spookier side of the Rockies! Learn stories of haunted landmarks, unsolved mysteries, and terrifying encounters at hotels. This is an easy walking tour that is fun and informative. The guides definitely have some weird and wonderful stories to share with you!

Kate Barker