Sometimes family adventures call for some specialized equipment, but there’s no point in investing big bucks in stuff you’ll only use once. Gear rentals save you money and storage space and can also let you ‘try before you buy’. They’re also great for your out-of-town visitors who can’t bring all their own stuff.

Here’s where you can rent sporting equipment and outdoor gear in Calgary:

NW

University of Calgary Outdoor Centre (2500 University Drive NW): this great place rents everything from summer to winter. They have skis and snowshoes, ski sleds, winter clothing and even avalanche safety equipment. In the summer find these like backcountry camping gear, paddleboards, and bikes. They also have a location at Bowness Park to rent boating equipment and skates.

Sports Rent (4424 16th Ave NW): Billing themselves as “For Sports of All Sorts”, they carry a big selection of gear. Think skis, snowboards, snowshoes, ski wear, skates and hockey equipment AND the luggage box you need to get it all on the car! In the summer you can rent all kinds of water sport equipment, biking, fishing, and camping gear, and even golf clubs.

AQ Outdoors – Aquabatics Calgary (8435 Bowfort Rd NW #300  NW): With some winter rentals options, this store is known for its paddle sports, like SUP paddleboards and kayaks, with a full range of gear and accessories to rent, including booties and dry suits.

Lazy Day Raft Rentals (720 3rd Street NW): If you looking to float down the Bow River in a raft, Lazy Day Raft Rentals makes it easy.

The Paddle Station (Shouldice: 5227 13 Ave NW): With another way to float down the Bow River, here you can rent rafts, kayaks, or SUP paddleboards.

SW

MEC Calgary (830 10 Avenue SW): MEC rents gear for both summer and winter activities. Reservations are highly recommended for weekends and holidays. Rentals are paused at time of writing ~ November 2022.

Rapid Rent at Outlaw Sports (903 Heritage Drive SW): Rapid Rent rents downhill and cross-country ski equipment, snowshoes and ice skates. When the snow is gone, rent whatever you need to have a great biking season. Think of Rapid Rent as your non-motorized sports rental shop!

Bow Habitat Station (1440 17a St SE, Calgary AB) rents snowshoes so you can explore beautiful Pearce Estates Park (on the south bank of the Bow River) without slogging through the snow!

SE

Rocky Mountain Paddling (1975 26 St SE, Calgary, AB): Located in the Bow Waters Canoe Club, you can rent rafts, SUP paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes here. You can even rent a canoe trailer.