When you think of Canmore, chances are the astounding natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains and endless outdoor recreation come to mind. But on those occasional snowy or rainy days—and let’s face it, alpine weather can be unpredictable—indoor Canmore activities can save the day. Thankfully, this scenic mountain town offers plenty of family-friendly options to keep your kids (and you!) entertained.
Elevation Place
Think of Elevation Place as the hub of indoor Canmore activities. It's the community's recreation centre, but its offerings are far from standard. The star attraction is the indoor rock-climbing gym, perfect for beginners and aspiring young climbers hoping to strengthen their skills. In addition to public climbing hours, Elevation Place offers a range of climbing programs specifically for youth and adults. For those more comfortable in the water, there’s also a heated indoor pool with a waterslide and lazy river. Parents, you can swim in the lap pool or unwind in the hot tub while keeping an eye on the little ones.
Beyond the pool and climbing wall, Elevation Place also houses the Canmore Public Library and the Canmore Art Guild. If your kids need a break from all the action, these spaces offer a quieter, creative alternative. Both also host a number of family-focused events, programs, and, in the case of the art guild, shows, making Elevation Place one of the all-around best activities for a snowy day in Canmore.
Tap Into Your Inner Artist
Taking your kiddos to artsPlace is an excellent way to let their creativity shine. This community arts centre offers a variety of family-friendly programs and workshops, including everything from beginner pottery wheel classes to songwriting and music sessions. For example, the “Mini Melodies” program, which combines music and movement, is designed for children aged 0–5 and their parents. Another highlight is Family Sundays, when families can drop in for free art workshops where they can explore different mediums and crafts together.
Another artistic option is Crock a Doodle, a fun studio where visitors can paint their own pottery. You can drop in or sign up for one of the special themed events, and the studio also hosts children's birthday parties.
Explore Canmore’s Cultural Side
For a deeper look at the town's rich history, head to the Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre. This small but engaging museum is packed with kid-friendly exhibits, including interactive displays and even virtual reality experiences. Learn about Canmore’s origins as a coal mining town, its transformation into a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, and its important Indigenous heritage. Parents and guardians, you'll especially appreciate that the museum adds a bit of education into the fold during your stay. In addition to rotating exhibits, the museum also hosts special and seasonal community programming.
The Canmore Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday year-round. The Northwest Mounted Police (NWMP) Barracks Provincial Historic Site, which the museum manages, is open from mid-June through the end of August each summer, hosting the popular Indigenous Stories Program on Saturday afternoons.
Tee Off at CanGolf
Want something that's cozy and warm, that the entire family will enjoy? Head to CanGolf! One of the town's newer attractions, it's quickly become known as one of the best activities for a snowy day in Canmore, with state-of-the-art golf simulators featuring over 80 championship courses. Their simulators also offer mini-games like putt-putt and darts, making it easy for younger kids (and non-golfers) to join in. CanGolf also features a range of other types of indoor games, including Foosball, air hockey, shuffleboard, darts, and more, plus a full-service restaurant where you can refuel after the fun. This is hands-down the best spot in town to watch the big game in any sport, with giant floor-to-ceiling screens throughout the space.
Major bonus for parents: fantastic mountain views and daily specials, such as Thursday night wing night and cocktail specials on Mondays.
Splash Around an Indoor Waterpark
At the Grande Rockies Resort, you don’t even have to leave the premises to give your kids an incredibly fun, memorable adventure. And it doesn't matter what the weather is like outside, either! That's right—the resort has an indoor heated pool with a huge three-story waterslide, plus a dedicated splash pool for younger children. Parents can enjoy the adjacent indoor-outdoor hot tub, perfect for relaxing while the kids burn off energy going down the slide over and over again. If you're on the fence about where to stay with kids Canmore, having an onsite waterpark makes the decision a bit easier.
Bonus: Go Underground at Rat’s Nest Cave
While not technically indoors, Rat’s Nest Cave offers a year-round adventure that’s perfect for families. Located a short drive from downtown, this natural cave maintains a constant temperature of 5°C (41°F), making it one of those rare truly all-weather Canmore activities. For older kiddos (10 and up), guided tours range from two-hour introductions to more advanced hands-on experiences that teach the basics of cave geology and also give participants the thrill of exploring underground.
Where to Stay for Family Fun in Canmore
Whether you're visiting for a quick weekend or an extended getaway, Grande Rockies Resort is not only a fantastic base for exploring the area's indoor gems, it's also the best option for where to stay with kids Canmore. With our family-friendly perks and Stay® | Well amenities, including heated underground parking, complimentary rentals of fat tire bikes, snowshoes, binoculars, and stand-up paddleboards, and of course, our indoor waterpark, Grande Rockies is the top resort Canmore has to offer for your family adventure. Check out our current packages, and book your family vacation today!
One last thing: pets are members of the family, too, and Grande Rockies is pleased to welcome dogs and cats in select Annex rooms. To book a pet-friendly room, please call 877-223-3398.
