bear spray!

If you're hiking in the Rockies, having bear spray is a smart and essential safety measure. It is bear territory and you're likely to run into one at any time. If you have bear spray and plan to bring it on your flight - you cannot. It's prohibited and the only option is to buy or rent it from Calgary or different spots in the Rockies. Buying may be expensive so many stores allow you to rent it which sometimes works out to be cheaper (depending on how long you're there) and it is the more sustainable option.

In Banff, you can pick up bear spray from Snowtips-Bactrax on Bear Street, Ultimate Sports on Banff Avenue, Bear Street Outfitters, or the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub. In Lake Louise, check out Wilson Mountain Sports in Samson Mall or Chateau Mountain Sports inside the Fairmont Chateau. Jasper also has several local outdoor stores offering bear spray rentals. Prices typically range around $10–$12 per day, and most shops provide a quick tutorial so you know how to use it properly. It’s best to rent early in the day during peak season to ensure availability, and always keep the spray accessible on your hike—not packed away.