Gearing up for summer activities in Banff National Park
- Jan 7, 2022
You’ve got your bucket list planned for everything you want to do in Banff National Park. Wondering how you’ll get the gear to make it all happen? Leave your worries (and equipment) behind and travel light. Between rental companies and gear shops, you’ll be well-equipped for any adventure in Banff and Lake Louise.
Here’s where to get the goods:
Wheels and Transportation
Bicycle
Eager to experience the park on two wheels? Choose from mountain bikes, road bikes, e-bikes, or fat bikes at Banff Adventures, the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub, Snowtips-Bactrax, Banff Soul, Banff Cycle, Ultimate Sports (Banff), and Wilson Mountain Sports (Lake Louise). Got kids in tow? Try a tandem, trail-a-bike hitch, or Chariot.
Scooters
Put a motor with two wheels and you’ve got another great option for sightseeing in the mountains. Conveniently located in Banff, Banff Scooter Company and Banff by Scooter have everything you need to hit the road.
Tip: Many companies now also rent electric bikes. Not to be confused with scooters, these are battery-powered, but also pedal-assisted. You decide how much extra oomph you want as you cycle.
Car Rentals
Various regional transit options can make your trip easier, including airport shuttles that’ll bring you straight to Banff. If you’d like to rent a car once you’re in the park, you can do so at Avis, Enterprise, or Hertz.
For Your Adventures
Climbing Gear
Whether you’re mountaineering with an accredited guide or in need of some extra equipment for your own adventure, gear up with helmets, ice axes, crampons, and more at Snowtips-Bactrax or Wilson Mountain Sports.
Bear Spray
If you’re planning on hiking, camping, or spending any time on the trails in Banff National Park, you’ll need to carry bear spray. Rent a canister at Snowtips-Bactrax, Ultimate Sports, Radventures, the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub in Banff, or Wilson Mountain Sports in Lake Louise.
Camping Equipment
Sleeping under the stars sounds simple enough, but camping requires a lot of equipment. Get everything you need for backpacking or car camping at Snowtips-Bactrax or Radventures.
Other Sports
Water Sports
Banff National Park has some of the most beautiful lakes and rivers on the planet. The best way to experience them is to get right on the water. Rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from the Banff Canoe Club and paddle your way up the Bow River. You can also find transportable canoes, kayaks, and SUPs from Radventures. Easily transportable, inflatable SUPs are available at the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub and Bow Valley SUP allowing you to venture out of town to Two Jack Lake or Johnson Lake. Head to Lake Minnewanka and hit the water on a rented motorboat, canoe, or kayak. Enjoy an hour or more exploring this expansive lake, and try your luck at fishing (Don't forget to check with Parks Canada for your fishing license). Or, bob in a canoe while you enjoy the splendour of Lake Louise (boat rentals are available right on the lakeshore).
Golf Clubs
Ready to play on a world-renowned course? You can leave the clubs behind because the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course rents out the latest TaylorMade M2 golf clubs.
Tip: You’ll find many other unique rental options to make your trip more enjoyable. Wilson Mountain Sports, for example, rents out hiking poles, gaiters, child carriers, and backpacks! Simply inquire at the store.
ARE YOU COMING TO BANFF NATIONAL PARK?
Plan ahead before visiting Banff National Park. Reserve shuttles, accommodation, and restaurants where possible. Purchase your Parks Pass in advance for express entry into the park.