Buffalo Nations Museum

Visiting the Buffalo Nations Museum was one of the most meaningful parts of our trip to Banff. Tucked away near the Bow River, this beautiful museum offers a powerful and immersive glimpse into the lives, culture, and history of the Indigenous peoples of the Northern Plains and Rockies. From the moment we walked in, we were struck by the depth of knowledge and respect shown for Indigenous traditions and ways of life. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, with incredible displays of traditional regalia, beadwork, hunting tools, tipis, and artifacts that speak to the strength, resilience, and beauty of the cultures represented. What stood out most was how personal and grounded everything felt. There was a real sense of storytelling — not just facts and dates, but the voices and histories of people who have called this land home for thousands of years. It’s a museum that invites reflection, respect, and appreciation for cultures that too often go overlooked. The gift shop is also lovely — small but full of meaningful items, many of them made by Indigenous artisans. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful souvenir or a gift with cultural significance, it’s definitely worth browsing. The location itself couldn’t be more beautiful — nestled in the picturesque town of Banff with the mountains as a backdrop. It’s a peaceful and inspiring place to spend a few hours, and a must-visit for anyone wanting to better understand the land they’re standing on. If you’re in Banff and looking to connect with the deeper roots of the area, don’t miss this museum. It’s not just history — it’s living culture, and it’s told with care, heart, and authenticity.

Visited this museum on a rainy day in Banff. It took about 40 minutes to walk through. Reading the history and seeing the items on display were so interesting. It was also cool to be able to hit the drum. There are 2 videos playing but it's hard to hear with people talking and the drum being played. The gift shop has a large selection and alot of "Made locally in Canada" items which I appreciated. The staff were super friendly. Definitely recommend checking it out!

Nice small museum..gift shop..staff we're helpful and polite..disabled friendly ramp inside to get to display area...have to pay to get in..lots of items on display..screens with information playing you can sit and watch and listen....can take photos..just don't touch glass displays or exhibits...can get a guide to show you and explain everything you see...do groups as well...

Beautiful artefacts and certainly worth your support. However, the museum struggles to find a red threat and/or guiding red thread throughout all that it has to offer. Also, the lack of a washroom for guests is a minus.

Good resource for information on first nation. Would have been nice to have had some first nation people there to share experiences first hand. Although the videos do tell of the atrocity and slow genocide suffered by the people and children.

Great experience with the kids. Even a drum room to try out. Amazing artifacts and history pieces. Highly recommend!

The Buffalo Nations Museum is a charming, medium-sized museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into indigenous history. You can expect to spend up to an hour exploring the exhibits. While the displays are engaging, the museum could benefit from more comprehensive information on indigenous cultures and histories. Despite a slightly higher admission fee compared to previous years, the overall experience was good. One notable disappointment was the removal of the Sun Dance exhibit, which I was eager to share with my children. However, the drum room was a big hit, providing an interactive and enjoyable experience for them. The museum shop also deserves a mention for its delightful selection of animal stuffed toys native to Canada, making it a perfect stop for kids.

Amazing museum about Indigenes culture and life style. Highly recommended