11 Things To Do On A Rainy Day in Banff National Park

The sun can't shine every day in Banff National Park, so don't let a little rain get in your way! Here are just some of the options available for you if the rain is coming down in our Canadian Rockies.

Tip: Before you head out, check the most up-to-date weather conditions on the webcams page.

Lake Cruise On Lake Minnewanka

Head out to the infamous 'Devil's Gap' on the Lake Minnewanka Cruise. The ride out includes some great interpretive facts from the engaging guides, and you never know what animals you might see on the shore. There are four exciting cruises to choose from including the new Beer Voyage, starting June 28.

Take A Drive On The Bow Valley Parkway

The drive on the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A) in between Banff and Lake Louise is a spectacular stretch of road filled with great views, interpretive stops, beautiful cabins, numerous trailheads (like Johnston Canyon and Castle Mountain Lookout) and some tasty lunch options at places like Baker Creek or nearby Storm Mountain Lodge. This route is also teeming with wildlife so please remember to follow the posted speed limits and be respectful when watching wildlife from the car.

Soak In the Banff Upper Hot Springs

Rain won't matter when you are soaking in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, located up Mountain Ave and near the Rimrock Resort Hotel and Banff Gondola. Reputed to have healing powers, the waters are heated from thermals under Sulphur Mountain. Read more in our Complete Guide to Spas and Hotsprings.

Go To A Movie

The Lux Cinema in Banff has 4 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.

Hit The Bowling Alley

Located on Banff Avenue, High Rollers has six 10 pin bowling lanes, along with a great menu and 50 beers on tap. The Fairmont Banff Springs has bowling lanes available, as well as a new HD golf simulator where you can play the Banff Springs course, or 20 others, inside and out of the rain. It is also fun to explore the hotel's history of being named the 'Castle In The Rockies' by walking through its impressive hallways and public rooms.

Take In A Performance at The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

The heart of Banff's arts culture resides at the world-renowned Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Regularly hosting some of the world's best musicians, artists, performers, poets, adventurers and thinkers, The Banff Centre has 7 intimate venues and also some amazing dining options at Three Ravens and Maclab Bistro.

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 1 hour to win.

The two rooms are themed and designed completely different, with no room having the same objective. You will need to figure out the puzzles in order to complete your task!

Dine at A Scenic Restaurant

Don’t let the chance of rain stop you from enjoying the views! While the weather may not be what you expected, there is still a lot of beauty to be seen in the mountains. Take the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain and dine above the clouds at Sky Bistro. Or watch the weather go by at the Juniper Bistro which offers seasonal cuisine and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

For more options check out Dining in Banff and Lake Louise.

Go Whitewater Rafting

You are going to get wet anyways! There are several great rafting companies that will take you on exhilarating guided trips down the whitewater of the nearby Kicking Horse River in Yoho National Park. There are also more relaxing float trips down the Bow River in Banff.

Go Caving

Join in a guided caving adventure, deep under Grotto Mountain in Canmore, with Canmore Cave Tours. The 'Rat's Nest Cave' is filled with underground chambers and tunnels, with no hand rails or overhead lighting. No experience necessary.

Visit A Museum

The Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum, Historic Luxton Home, Whyte Museum Of The Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park Museum, and newly renovated Cave and Basin National Historical Site are just some of the great stops to learn about the history and culture of the area.

Looking For More Ideas?

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.