Wilderness Equipment Rentals

Our Canmore shop. We rent an extensive array of front and back country camping equipment, stand-up paddle boards and bear spray. We also sell slightly used camping equipment, bear spray and an assortment of waterproof maps.

Sharing today the weekly Wildsmart Report:

Bear Report - July 23, 2026 — Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley Did you know that WildSmart is a program of the Biosphere Institute, a local charity? Our work relies entirely on donations and sponsors. If you would like to support our community-based efforts to promote human-wildlife coexistence, please donate now! BEAR ACTIVITY UPDATE (July 23, 2026)

Great advice.

🐻 Are you carrying bear spray? Make sure you know how to use it.

Bear spray is an important safety tool in Banff National Park, but it only works if it's readily accessible and you know how to use it before an encounter occurs.

Here's a quick refresher:
✅ Carry bear spray in a holster or somewhere easy to reach, not in your backpack
✅ Know how to remove the safety clip
✅ If a bear approaches, remain calm, prepare your bear spray and check the wind direction
✅ If the bear comes within range, aim slightly downward toward its face and spray in short bursts to create a cloud between you and the bear
✅ Leave the area once it is safe to do so

Remember: bear spray is for emergency situations only. The best way to avoid a close encounter is to give wildlife plenty of space, travel in groups, make noise, stay alert on the trail and always keep your dogs on a leash.

💡 Before your next hike, take a few minutes to review how your bear spray works. Being prepared can make all the difference. Learn more about hiking safely in bear country: https://ow.ly/Oik050ZmYee

Tomorrow (Saturday) is Alberta Parks day.

Tomorrow is Parks Day! From hot and dry badlands to vast boreal forests to alpine tundra, Alberta parks protect some of the most diverse, unique, and breathtaking landscapes in the world. 💚

Join us at a Parks Day event tomorrow, July 18, to celebrate the incredible diversity of our provincial parks and protected areas.

Find an event near you at AlbertaParks.ca/ParksDay

📍 Castle Provincial Park

Compare the difference in price between hotels and camping. Then consider how absolutely incredible it is to spend time fully immersed in nature. There is no comparison...... being surrounded by nature and beautiful sights, the starry nights, the enjoyment of a campfire, the call of a loon, and on and on and on. We dare you to compare..... the price and the experience.

The spectacular summer wildflower show is NOW on at locations across Alberta & BC national and provincial parks. Best viewed from your campsite and nearby hiking trails. It is a double-header! Come for the wildflowers and stay for the starry show featuring millions of stars, the Milky Way and perhaps even a guest appearance from the Aurora. Ditch the popcorn in favour of s'mores.