DIGITAL LIBRARY

Everyone loves a good story, and The Whyte’s Archives are full of them. From Mary Schäffer’s lantern slides and Norquay’s ski history to mountaineering books shaped by decades of research, discover how filmmakers, writers, and historians are using archival collections to bring Canadian Rockies stories back to life. Explore how photographs, letters, film, and field notes continue to inspire new ways of understanding the people, places, and adventures that shaped these mountain

When our eyes touch invites visitors to look again at Catharine and Peter Whyte’s portraits, relationships, and legacy. Through archival research, community engagement, and close attention to portraiture, the exhibition explores intimacy, agency, colonial context, and the humanity behind familiar stories of The Whyte’s founders.

Before you visit The Whyte this summer, here are five details worth slowing down for. From hidden stories and rare Rodin sculptures to archival photographs, portraits, and unexpected moments of recognition, Thick as Thieves and When Our Eyes Touch invite visitors to look closer at art, memory, power, and connection. Use this guide before you go, then step into the galleries and see what catches your eye.

On May 2nd, 2026, The Whyte hosted a special curator’s talk with Crystal Mowry, Curator of Thick as Thieves, in conversation with Christina Cuthbertson, Chief Curator at The Whyte.

Stop by The Bookstore at The Whyte and discover a staff-curated summer reading list featuring Canadian authors. From award-winning fiction and playful poetry to forest ecology, bison conservation, and meaningful reflections on allyship, these five books offer fresh ways to connect with story, place, and the landscapes that shape us.

Every summer, The Whyte’s Museum Interpreters bring Banff’s art, history and culture to life. Meet this year’s team and discover how their guided tours help visitors connect with the stories, people and places that shaped the Canadian Rockies. From the Heritage Gallery and Historic Homes to walking tours and summer exhibitions, each experience offers a fresh way to see Banff.

When you support The Whyte, you are supporting the daily work of individuals and departments caring for art, preserving stories, researching histories, building exhibitions, and creating meaningful visitor experiences. Discover a few highlights of the breadth of careful work across departments and disciplines. This summer, we ask you to become part of the community of donors who support our museum work.

This spring, The Whyte was pleased to accept a donation of 14 works by artist James Tanner. When we were approached by Mark Tanner, James’ son, about adding these works to the collection, we were immediately captivated by them, both for their content and for their bold, expressive use of classical figure drawing and still-life techniques.