Weather-Proof Your Trip: Best Indoor Activities in Banff and Lake Louise
- Jul 29, 2025

Discover the Top Things to Do Inside on Rainy, Hot, Cold, or Overcast Days
If you’ve come to Banff National Park enticed by its natural beauty and exceptional outdoor activities, you might be wondering what to do when the weather has different plans for you. But what if that unexpected change is actually your chance to experience a new side of this mountain destination?
Banff is recognized for having a cosmopolitan flair that you might not expect from a small mountain town. Combine its culinary, shopping and arts scenes with an enthralling history, and you’ll find that some of Banff’s best-kept secrets are found indoors.
Here are our best ideas for indoor activities, whether you’re planning a culturally rich visit, or wondering what to do on a rainy day in Banff and Lake Louise.
Jump ahead:
Fun & Fitness
Don’t miss these indoor activities in Banff that will get your heart pumping, whether you’re getting a sweat on or simply hitting a high on the fun scale.
- Reserve online | $29-$40/person; 1-hour slots | 229 Bear Street
This is a fully immersive, interactive puzzle that you can do with friends and family. Look for clues and escape the room before time runs out.
- Reserve online | $45-$59/lane+ shoe rental | 110 Banff Avenue
Daily happy hour (including half-price bowling) is from 4-6 pm. Reserve a lane for ten-pin bowling in a fun atmosphere!
- Reserve online | min. 6 people; minimum food spend is required | 208 Wolf Street
Sing your heart out at this retro sushi restaurant in one of its private karaoke rooms.
- Check hours | Drop-in price $16-$20/person; under 4 free | 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff Centre
Head up to Banff Centre’s Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation to enjoy a full-size pool and hot tub, as well as indoor climbing (gear rentals available).
- Get tickets online or at cinema kiosk | $8-$14/person | 229 Bear Street
Grab some popcorn and see the latest blockbusters right downtown at Banff’s only movie theatre.
Culture & Connection
Connect with Canadian Rocky Mountain and local Indigenous culture through art galleries, history museums, and live performances. These fantastic experiences, come rain or shine.
Banff Centre
All event info | 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
This renowned Canadian arts institution hosts live performances, Indigenous artists, concerts, and an art gallery, as well as the world-famous film festival. View upcoming events to plan ahead or see what’s happening right now.
Art Galleries
Banff has galleries representing Canadian, Indigenous and Inuit artists, as well as some hosted by local, independent artists. Here is the full listing of galleries and a few highlights:
- Brandon T. Brown Wilderness Gallery (#108, 211 Bear Street)
- Canada House Gallery (201 Bear Street)
- All in the Wild Gallery (105 Banff Avenue)
- Carter-Ryan Gallery (229 Bear Street)
- Willock & Sax Gallery (210 Bear Street)
- Heritage Homes Tour
Info/Tickets | $20-$42/person | 206 Beaver Street
Explore three of Banff's iconic heritage homes, all nestled within the charming Beaver Street Historic District.
Museums
- $7-$14/person, under 7 free | 1 Birch Ave
This iconic museum exhibits Indigenous arts and culture, housed in a striking log structure by the Bow River.
- $10-$15, under 17 free | 111 Bear Street
Regional mountain culture museum, complete with a permanent exhibit, art gallery, archives, book shop and guided tour of historic homes.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
- $7.50-$9, under 17 free | 311 Cave Avenue
The birthplace of the Canadian Parks national parks and a museum with interactive exhibits, short films, and seasonal activities.
- $4-$4/50, under 17 free | 91 Banff Avenue
Step back in time at the oldest natural history museum in western Canada, featuring more than 5,000 vintage botanical and zoological specimens.
Relax & Rejuvenate
From its very beginnings as a Hot Springs Reserve, Banff National Park has been a hub for wellness and relaxation. The tradition continues today through a wide range of spas and studios.
Spas
Book a treatment, mani/pedi or spa package at one of Banff’s many wellness establishments. Some recommendations:
- Cedar and Sage Co. (Book online, 220 Bear Street)
- Meadow Spa and Pools (Book online, 345 Banff Avenue)
- Red Earth Spa (Book online, 521 Banff Avenue)
Massage
Unwind or get some knots out with the help of a certified massage therapist at a Banff massage clinic or spa.
- Banff Wellness Practice (Book online, 201 Bear Street)
- Back at It Sports & Wellness (Book online, #214, 215 Banff Avenue)
- Angela von Krogh (Book online, 111 Banff Avenue)
View the full list of massage options
Yoga
Stretch it out in a yoga class in Banff whether you’re up for Power Flow or Yin & Meditation.
- Flow State Yoga (Book online, 211 Bear Street)
- Banff Wellness Retreat (Book online, 1029 Banff Ave)
View the full list of yoga studios
Eat & Drink
From the Far East to Canadian Rocky Mountain fare, and everything in between, restaurants and cafés in Banff National Park beckon you inside for a memorable culinary experience.
Get Cozy with a Drink
Looking for a quick stop on a Banff rainy day? Go for a pint or a cappuccino and reminisce on your trip so far.
Gin Making and Distillery Tour
Info/Hours | Free, add-ons $15/$75 | 219 Banff Avenue
Learn how Park Distillery’s award-winning spirits are made. Add on a spirit tasting or option to blend your own gin! Learn more.
Reserve | $195/person, ages 14+ | 405 Spray Avenue
This is an exclusive 2.5-hour tour with food and beverage pairings, as well as stories from the culinary team at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Live Music at the Rose & Crown
See who’s playing | 202 Banff Avenue
Order some shareables to go with the tunes! The Rose & Crown has late-night live music every night of the week.
Reserve | Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Head over to the Balkan for free live entertainment with your meal, complete with belly dancing and plate smashing.
Dine In
Plan a relaxed meal at one of the region’s diverse restaurants serving classic Canadian cuisine, Indian, Korean, Japanese, Mexican, and much more!
Souvenirs & Shopping
Whether you’re looking for a memento or need some gear for your next adventure, the quality shops in Banff and Lake Louise will have everything you need.
- 10am-8pm daily | 204 Banff Avenue
Natural face and body products handmade in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
- 10am-8pm daily | 129 Banff Avenue
Sports apparel and equipment store, family owned since 1949.
- 10am-8pm daily | 225 Bear Street
Quality and cozy flannel products for the whole family.
- 10am-6pm daily | 101 Birch Avenue
Founded in 1903, the trading post sells authentic Indigenous handicrafts, moccasins and mukluks.
- 8am – 6pm | 101 Lake Louise Drive (Samson Mall)
Quality outdoor gear and apparel right in the heart of Lake Louise.
Has this list inspired you to start planning your trip to Banff and Lake Louise? Use the Trip Builder to make the most of your visit, rain or shine.
Plan Your Trip to Banff and Lake Louise
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