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7 great indoor adventures in Banff and Lake Louise

Published Date
Oct 7, 2021
Eat Drink Sky Bistro Banff National Park

The sun can't shine every day in Banff National Park, but don't let that slow you down!

Here’s our complete guide to the best indoor activities in Banff and Lake Louise.

1. Check out a museum

You’ve soaked in the panoramic mountain views, now learn about the iconic people who shaped the Bow Valley at The Whyte Museum Of The Canadian Rockies and The Historic Luxton Home. Explore the origins of Banff National Park and the Canadian national park system at The Cave and Basin or Banff Park Museum. Discover the rich history of First Nations at The Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum.

*Please check museum websites for the most up to date information on their hours and dates of operation

Banff Park Museum National Historic Site of Canada, Banff National ParkBanff Park Museum National Historic Site of Canada, Banff National ParkBanff Park Museum National Historic Site of Canada, Banff National Park

2. Hit the Bowling alley

Slip-on your bowling shoes and check out the bowling alleys of Banff! The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel has bowling lanes available on-site as well as a new high-definition golf simulator. If you’re looking for the classic combo of pizza and bowling, you’ll need to check out High Rollers. With over 50 beers on tap, everyone will have a great time on the lane.

A women bowls indoors at the High Rollers Bowling Centre in Banff, ABA women bowls indoors at the High Rollers Bowling Centre in Banff, ABA women bowls indoors at the High Rollers Bowling Centre in Banff, AB

*Reservations are encouraged to access the Fairmont Banff Springs Bowling Centre. Find more information and reserve your space here.

3. Make an escape

Looking for a challenge? Banff is home to the Bow Valley's only Escape Room at Eureka Banff Escape Room Adventures. Eureka is a fully immersive interactive puzzle room where you will need to work with your team to complete the set objective in under one hour to win. The two rooms are themed and designed completely differently, with their own objective.

Eureka Escape Room, Banff National ParkEureka Escape Room, Banff National ParkEureka Escape Room, Banff National Park

4. Take in an art gallery

Banff and Lake Louise have several galleries with impressive art collections and exhibits that will not disappoint. Carter-Ryan Gallery, Canada House Gallery, and Willock and Sax Gallery are just some of the spots to see beautiful paintings, sculptures, and a myriad of other original works. For a full list of galleries, check out our gallery listings.

Canada House Gallery, Banff National ParkCanada House Gallery, Banff National ParkCanada House Gallery, Banff National Park

5. Go caving

While not your traditional “indoor activity”, don’t miss your chance to head underground and explore the subterranean world beneath Grotto Mountain. Join a guided adventure with Canmore Cave Tours filled with underground chambers and tunnels - no experience required!

Rat's NestRat's NestRat's Nest

6. Explore the taste of Banff on a plate

Explore the incredibly diverse culinary scene in Banff and Lake Louise. For some tips and tricks, check out our list of 9 Ways To Eat Healthy In Banff National Park or The Best Ways To Enjoy A Coffee or Tea in Banff National Park.

Park Distillery Banff Ryan LongneckerPark Distillery Banff Ryan LongneckerPark Distillery Banff Ryan Longnecker

7. Go to a movie

The Lux Cinema in Banff has four theatres and shows the latest Hollywood features, including 3D showings. For more information on showtimes visit their listings page or swing by the ticket window on Bear Street.

Lux Cinema BanffLux Cinema BanffLux Cinema Banff

Check out one of our Visitor Centres for more tips

Banff & Lake Louise Tourism has knowledgeable staff on hand to offer even more suggestions for you. Visitor Centre locations are at 224 Banff Avenue, the Banff Railway Station in Banff, and at the Samson Mall in Lake Louise. For hours of operation and contact info, please visit our Visitor Centre page.

Banff & Lake Louise Tourism

Banff & Lake Louise Tourism

Real Banff is an inside look at the events and activities around the park, brought to you by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism. Our mission is to have a post on pretty much everything that is available for you to do in Banff, Lake Louise and beyond.