Sometimes family adventures call for 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.
AQ Outdoors – Aquabatics Calgary (#300 8435 Bowfort Rd NW)
While this store has some winter rental options, it’s 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.
Bow Cycle (6501 Bowness Road NW)
Bow Cycle rents all kinds of bikes, bike equipment, car racks, e-bikes and more. You can also check Bow Cycle East Village (632 Confluence Way SE), although they were updating their rental fleet at the time of writing.
Bow Habitat Station (1440 17a St SE, Calgary AB)
Bow Habitat Station rents snowshoes so you can explore beautiful Pearce Estates Park (on the south bank of the Bow River) without slogging through the snow!
Calgary Skate Rentals Hut (Central Commons Park NW and Prince’s Island Park Lagoon)
At select times, you can rent skates for all ages, plus helmets and skate aids for kids, from Calgary Skate Rentals at Central Commons Park and Prince’s Island Park.
Lazy Day Raft Rentals (720 3rd Street NW)
If you’re looking to float down the Bow River in a raft, Lazy Day Raft Rentals makes it easy.
Norseman Outdoor Specialist (4643 37 Street SW)
Norseman Outdoor Specialist is Calgary’s largest gear shop with a variety of different rentals for all our ‘core outdoor activities.’ Find everything from camping to climbing and disc golf to skiing.
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.
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!
Rest Easy Rentals ( 4055 Kovitz Ave NW — office only)
Find all the camping gear you’ll need at Rest Easy Rentals. They also offer free delivery anywhere in Calgary.
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.
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 in the car! In the summer, you can rent all kinds of water sport equipment, biking equipment, fishing and camping gear, and even golf clubs.
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.
Whatever you’re doing Calgary, let’s get out there and play!
