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Weather-Proof Your Trip: Best Indoor Activities in Banff and Lake Louise

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Jul 29, 2025
Man smelling products with friends washing hands and trying out products at Rocky Mountain Soap Company.

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.

Eureka Escape Room

  • 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.

Bowling at High Rollers

Daily happy hour (including half-price bowling) is from 4-6 pm. Reserve a lane for ten-pin bowling in a fun atmosphere!

Karaoke at Hello Sunshine

  • 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.

Pool and Indoor Rock Climbing

  • 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).

Lux Cinema

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:

Explore three of Banff's iconic heritage homes, all nestled within the charming Beaver Street Historic District.

Museums

Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum

  • $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.

Whyte Museum

  • $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.

Banff Park Museum

  • $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:

View the full spa listing

Massage

Unwind or get some knots out with the help of a certified massage therapist at a Banff massage clinic or spa.

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.

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

Find a pub or café

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.

Eat the Castle

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.

Greek Night at The Balkan

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

Find a restaurant

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.

Rocky Mountain Soap

  • 10am-8pm daily | 204 Banff Avenue

Natural face and body products handmade in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Monod Sports

  • 10am-8pm daily | 129 Banff Avenue

Sports apparel and equipment store, family owned since 1949.

Rocky Mountain Flannel

  • 10am-8pm daily | 225 Bear Street

Quality and cozy flannel products for the whole family.

Banff Trading Post

  • 10am-6pm daily | 101 Birch Avenue

Founded in 1903, the trading post sells authentic Indigenous handicrafts, moccasins and mukluks.

Wilson Mountain Sports

  • 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

Start planning your dream trip to Banff and Lake Louise today with our easy to use Trip Builder. Curate you perfect trip from start to finish with accommodation, dining, activities, sightseeing adventures and more!

Meghan J. Ward

Meghan J. Ward

Meghan J. Ward is an outdoor, travel and adventure writer based in Banff, Canada, and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.