If you’ve ever wandered through Banff, marveled at the town’s architecture, historic homes and properties and wondered what they were like inside, your opportunity to visit is at hand.
On Sunday (Aug. 9), the popular Doors Open Banff event will again take place, with homeowners, commercial ventures, churches, and national historic sites open to the public.
In all, more than 20 properties will be available for viewing, with many also featuring interpreters or the homeowners themselves as guides.
The event is hosted by the Whyte Museum, which will open the doors to several properties on its grounds, with assistance from the Town of Banff.
A small sampling of properties includes (alphabetically): Abegweit, a Tudor and Mission style arts and crafts home; Cascade No. 5 Masonic Lodge, one of the oldest still in operation in Canada; the Luxton Historic Home, one occupied by the Luxton family through two generations, and the Windy Warden Cabin, which was originally built in the Panther District.
For years, Doors Open was a Town program, then was taken over by the Whyte Museum.
Organizing the event now is the Whyte’s community engagement programmer, Nathalie Delbecq, who first attended Doors Open herself in 2006, when she was working for Parks Canada.
“A number of the properties are owned by the Whyte Museum, the tour includes Banff Cemetery and the Banff Springs and it’s a real cross-section of buildings in town,” she said.
Banff Springs tours take place at 1 and 3 p.m. and those interested are asked to sign up ahead of time ([email protected]) and author/historian Chic Scott will conduct tours of the cemetery at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.
“Many people see all these buildings from the outside, but wonder about their stories, so this is a unique opportunity,” said Delbecq. “We’re very fortunate to have Chic’s help with this, he’s a great, great resource.”
At most properties, an owner or interpreter will provide information regarding the building, while at some others, signage is in place.
“The best idea,” said Delbecq, “is to park centrally and walk. Most of the properties, except the museum and Banff Springs, are within easy walking distance.”
