Calgary Outdoor Centre-University of Calgary

An inexpensive place to grab sports rental equipment of all sorts, and they have a range of equipment calibre available. Stock depth is moderate, so it helps to reserve ahead of time, especially for specialized or high demand equipment such as touring skis or rafts respectively. A good tip is that if you rent equipment over a long weekend, you often get a day for free, since they are not open for returns on the stat holiday.
This is more than just a rental shop… the facility also has a well-​used climbing wall. Another aspect to this place is the wide assortment of courses on offer, from beginner climbing, to snowshoe intro, to paragliding, to organized sea kayaking trips on the West Coast. Pick up a program guide or check out the Web site for the seasonal offerings.

I can really only speak for the climbing gym facilities, the one time I tried the gear rental they were out of what we needed. Although trying to get a raft during summer long weekend wasn’t too bright on my part… Call early to avoid disappointment!
The U of C climbing centre is a wonderful and unique experience. This isn’t a typical holds-​on-​plywood wall, but rather a behemoth of cement with embedded pebbles and real rock holds with varying grades for all levels. The best part? floor to ceiling cracks. From tiny finger squeezers to full chimneys you’ll never get tired of laybacking. Okay, you totally will.
Because of the bombproof holds and awesome cracks you can easily make use of your cams and nuts all winter long.
This place can get kind of crowded in the evening so if you’re not comfortable with sharing the wall you can mosey on down to the bouldering wall in the basement. There’s a few regular walls and boards but no extra special overhangs or features.
After taking your belay test you sign a waiver that allows you to do pretty much anything you’re comfortable with. (provided you do it safely) You’re free to do rapelling, lead and trad climbing with no further test needed! Although I highly reccomend taking a full intro course if you’re new to the sport or don’t have a very experienced partner.
As usual, the require a belay test as well as a piece of ID and watching a safety video before using the facility. They also offer gear rentals for cheap and a Black Diamond gear pack (harness, shoes, chalkbag, ATC) for under $ 80. Seriously good deal there.
Oh, and U of C students get in free. I’m kinda jealous.
Climb on!

Recently went and hired snowshoes and XC ski package from these in the last couple of weeks and was really satisfied with the gear and how it is organised.
Prices are very competitive, I hired the XC ski gear on Friday pm and returned Monday pm for $ 35, couldn’t find any one else near that.
They have tons of gear whatever you want to try, so thumbs up from me!