Top 9 Experiences for a Rainy Day in Canmore and Kananaskis

If you love the mountains as much as we do, you have to love (or at least tolerate) some rain every now and then. The great news is, in Canmore and Kananaskis it’s easy to enjoy yourself no matter the weather. Don’t let some grey skies keep you from enjoying a spectacular visit – here are some ideas to keep the good times rolling, even during those rainy days.

When the fairways are wet but you’re still looking to hit some balls, look no further than Canmore’s ultimate virtual golfing experience at CanGOLF. Play one of the 80+ Championship courses, enjoy a range session, or play one of the many games such as putt putt, darts, and more. Their state-of-the-art simulators have something for everyone, and if you get hungry there is a menu full of comfort foods perfect for a rainy day.

Canmore Climbing Gym (CCG) is the place to be when the clouds start rolling in and the temperatures get a bit cooler. This bouldering-only facility is the easiest way to get a taste of climbing in the Bow Valley, whether you’re a seasoned climber or just looking to try something new. CCG offers day passes and welcomes people of all ages and skill levels to come out for a day of movement and play.

Sign up for a craft beer and distillery adventure on the Mountain City Brew Bus with Canmore Brewery & Distillery Tours. For only $55 per person, this hop-on-hop-off experience allows guests to travel around our beautiful mountain town to a variety of local breweries, distilleries, and taprooms where you can sample some of our award-winning beers and spirits. Stay as long as you want at your favourite location while taking advantage of the exclusive discounts offered as part of the tour. Tours run Friday through Sunday.

Not all adventure activities are affected by the weather! Canmore Cave Tours offers a truly unique day-long adventure tour that takes you underground, exploring narrow passages and repelling down hidden cliffs. This is exactly the adrenaline rush you’ve been dreaming of – plus it’s underground so the weather can do whatever it wants while you stay dry.

If you are craving some R&R on your holiday, indulge in a luxurious experience with one of our relaxing spas right here in Canmore. Visit Back At It Sports & Wellness for a rejuvenating therapeutic massage or have an outstanding massage therapist sent straight to your hotel room with Mobile Massage Canmore. If you’re looking to take it a step further, try booking an appointment with Float Canmore for a mindful, soothing experience drifting off in a tank of water and Epsom salts.

Rafting is not exactly an indoor activity but is still something you can enjoy in the rain! Try paddling along the Kananaskis River on an epic, family-friendly whitewater rafting experience with Chinook Rafting. Don’t let the rain stop you – as they say, “you’ll get wet anyway!”

The history of this area goes back nearly 10,000 years. Travel back in time and learn about Canmore’s past. From the Indigenous Stories program that shares the traditions, culture and language of the Stoney Nakoda to the more recent history of a railroad town and the days of coal mining, the Canmore Museum is the perfect location to delve into the past.

Visit other historic buildings downtown including the northwest Mounted Police Barracks and imagine what Canmore was like before the 1988 Olympics transformed it into the outdoor adventure and mountain lifestyle destination that it is today.

Canmore is an art enthusiast’s paradise. The panoramic mountain views and lush natural beauty are an inspiration to many local artists. Walking along Main Street, you can explore 11 different galleries. Be sure to admire the bold sculptures and contemporary paintings from Indigenous artist Jason Carter.

If you’re feeling inspired by all the incredible art pieces in the valley, why not try to create your own? Visit artsPlace, Canmore’s community arts centre, to sign up for an art class, watch a movie or check out a performance. For some more hands-on creativity, drop by Crock a Doodle for a family-friendly day of painting pottery.

With a world-class climbing wall, an impressive aquatics facility, fitness gym, library, and art gallery, you’re sure to find something to your liking at Elevation Place. The climbing wall has no-rope bouldering, self-belay systems, or manual belay routes; something for every age and skill level. The aquatics center is home to an eight-lane lap pool,  warm-up pool, waterslide, lazy river, splash-and-play area, fully accessible 25-person hot tub, and a steam room. You can even squeeze in a gym session, attend a fitness class, or browse the art gallery and library. With affordable rates, it’s easy to do it all.

In Canmore and Kananaskis, our natural ecosystems and stunning landscapes are the heart and soul of our local mountain culture. Before your visit, we encourage you to sign the Pledge to the Peaks, committing to mindful exploration to ensure the safety of all inhabitants of the region and preserve the beauty of our unfiltered wilderness for generations to come.