Free Outdoor Equipment Rental
While many outdoor activities can be done without equipment, there are some that require some expensive technical gear, which can quickly become expensive. Renting equipment is a great option to try a new sport at a more affordable price. There are many places that rent gear for a fee, but we’ve compiled a list of places that rent outdoor equipment completely for free. These organizations are organized by province/territory in alphabetical orderfrom west to east coast. We recognize that not everyone can use typical outdoor gear, so where available we have also listed organizations that rent adaptive outdoor recreational gear free of charge.
If there aren’t any free lending libraries near you, be sure to check your local library as they may have equipment available to rent that is not listed online. Additionally, if you are aware of any organizations offering free outdoor gear loans that are not listed here, please contact us.
British Columbia
| Program | About | Winter Gear | Summer Gear | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colour the Trails | Colour the Trails works with brand partners, businesses, and organizations to break barriers and create accessibility in the outdoors. | Contact form | ||
| Go Fish BC! Rod Loan Program | This program will be offered through visitor centres in Terrance, Prince George, Williams Lake and Quesnel. | Rods
Tackle Fishing information |
Corporate Office
Regatta Landing, Suite 101 Victoria, BC V9A 7S2
888-601-4200 |
Alberta
| Program | About | Winter Gear | Summer Gear | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cochrane Public Library Outdoor Equipment Lending Program | Cochrane Public Library Card holders can borrow outdoor equipment for a 7-day loan period. Items are subject to regular library overdue policies and fees. | Snowshoes
Hiking poles Ice traction cleats |
Camping gear:
|
405 Railway Street West
Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2
403-932-4353 |
| Pincher Creek Municipal Library | Information gathered from Read Alberta. | Classic camping equipment
|
899 Main Street
Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0
403-627-3813 |
|
| Okotoks Public Library | Information gathered from Read Alberta. Equipment can be borrowed for up to a week. | Snowshoes
Poles |
23 Riverside Drive West
Okotoks, AB T1S 1A6
403-938-2220 |
Saskatchewan
| Program | About | Winter Gear | Summer Gear | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SaskOutdoors Lending Library | A variety of outdoor equipment is available to members only, with the exception of the Nature Detective Backpacks. | Air horn
Bamboo poles Binoculars (x10) and bird books (x10) Carving kit Compasses Earth ball Nature Detective Backpacks Solar oven Stove kit (no fuel provided) 2 burner propane stove (no fuel provided) Symphony of the Soil film Tarp kit MEC 3 person tent MEC 4 person tent (x2) To Make a Farm film Large blue water jugs (x2) MSR Mini-works water pump and filter Water Rangers Explorer Water Testing Kit |
RR1 Box 59
Lumsden, SK S0G 3C0
|
Manitoba
| Program | About | Winter Gear | Summer Gear | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winterpeg | This is a mobile ski library that travels to different parks across Winnipeg.
They also rent adaptive equipment, see below. |
Skis
Skates |
||
| The Icicle Garden | This is a winter pop up at the Plain Bicycle storefront with a lending library of winter activity equipment. | Skis
Skates Sleds More |
Adaptive Recreation Equipment
| Program | About | Equipment | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winterpeg | This is a mobile ski library that travels to different parks across Winnipeg. | Wheelchair skates
Kicksleds |
Ontario
| Program | About | Winter Gear | Summer Gear | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa Outdoor Gear Library | The OOGL offers outdoor equipment loans free of charge. They are always taking equipment donations, check their website for Wishlist items. | 877a Boyd Avenue
Ottawa, ON K2A 2E2
|
||
| BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library | Coming soon to Guelph. | |||
| TackleShare | Available at many locations across the province including Ontario provincial parks, conservation authorities, and libraries. Follow fishing rules, a license is required except for specific dates (Family Fishing Weekend in February, Mother’s Day Weekend, Father’s Day Weekend, and Family Fishing Weekend in July). | Fishing rods and reels | ||
| Ontario Parks | Available at 70 parks across Ontario. | Personal flotation devices (PFDs) | ||
| City of Burlington Lending Library | Borrow a wide-range of fun and unique play equipment, free of charge! | 426 Brant Street
PO Box 5013 Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6
905-335-7777 |
||
| Pembroke Sport Equipment Lending Hub | Hours are 8am-10pm 7 days a week | Adventure packs (birds & tree idenfication booklets, magnifying glass, binoculars, flashlight, note pad & first aid kit)
Baseball bats Baseballs & tee balls Baseball gloves Bicycles (adult & children) Fishing rods (tackle not included) Footballs Kayaks Nordic walking poles Stand up paddle boards Soccer balls Volleyballs |
Riverside Park
961 Pembroke Street W Pembroke, ON
613-735-6821 ext. 1504 |
|
| Greater Sudbury Public Library – Snowshoe Lending Program | Available at 10 GSPL locations on a first-come, first-serve basis. They can be checked out for periods of one week with a CSPL card. | Snowshoes | ||
| Greater Sudbury Public Library – Junior Gold Membership Lending Program | Youth between the ages of 12 and 18 are able to participate. Checked out on a first-come, first-serve basis and may not be reserved in advance. | Set of five (5) golf clubs, right or left-handed
Junior Membership pass for the Lively Golf Club |
Lively Public Library & Citizen Services Centre
15 Kin Drive, Unit A Lively, ON P3Y 1M9
705-688-3959 |
|
| Greater Sudbury Public Library – Outdoor Games | Can be borrowed for 3 weeks, available at multiple GSPL locations. | Shuffle bag
Texas horseshoe Magnetic dart set Barrel bash 5 game combo Ring toss set Backyard bocce Backpack cornhole Spikeball |
||
| Greater Sudbury Public Library – Pickleball Lending Program | Available at South End Library, Levack/Onaping Library and Valley East Library and Citizen Service Centre.
Equipment must be returned to the same location you picked it up. |
Pickleball bag that includes 4 paddles, 2 balls, and a portable net system | ||
| Greater Sudbury Public Library – Tennis Equipment Lending Program | Available at Copper Clip Public Library, New Sudbury Public Library and Valley East Public Library. | Family sets of rackets (2 adults and 2 children)
Adult rackets (2) Children’s rackets (2) Set of 1 adult/1 child racket Tennis balls |
||
| Greater Sudbury Public Library – Tackle Share Program | Available at Main Public Library and New Sudbury Library. | Rod and reel
Assortment of tackle |
Quebec
| Program | About | Winter Gear | Summer Gear | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parc national d’Oka | All children’s equipment is available to rent for free for the day.
Adult equipment $9.50-$36.50/day. Park entrance and parking fees not included. |
X-Country skiing equipment
Sled Fatbike Snowshoes |
2020, chemin d’Oka
Oka, QC
450-479-8365 |
|
| Centre de prêt de materiel de plein air in Verdun | No monetary deposit required but the centre asks for a driver’s license/Medicare card.
No hourly limit but equipment must be returned the same day by 5pm. |
Bicycles in a variety of sizes
Bicycle trailers that can be pulled or converted to a jogging stroller Inline skates Badminton nets Tennis equipment Slacklines Soccer balls Child carriers for hikes Lawn games Scooters |
4400 LaSalle Boulevard
Lasalle, QC H4G 2A8
438-935-7773 |
|
| McGill Outdoors Club | Gear rental for 1 day use for MOC members.
Listed gear is free, other equipment available to rent for low costs ($1-$15) |
Ski poles
X-Country skis X-Country ski boots X-Country ski poles Skates |
3480 Rue McTavish
Montreal, QC
514-398-4400 ext. 09581 |
New Brunswick
| Program | About | Winter Gear | Summer Gear | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Carleton Provincial Park | Equipment provided by the Friends of Mount Carleton free for day use.
First-come, first-serve. |
Snowshoes
X-Country skis |
7612 Route 385
Saint-Quintin, NB E8A 1N4
506-235-0793 |
|
| Mactaquac Provincial Park | Equipment provided by Friends of Mactaquac Park group free for day use.
First-come, first-serve. |
Snowshoes
X-Country skis |
1256 NB-105
Mactaquac, NB E3G 7L7 |
|
| Daly Point Nature Reserve | Rental is free but donations are appreciated. | Snowshoes | 2105 Carron Drive
Bathurst, NB E2A 5Z7
506-548-0778 |
|
| Chipman Public Library | Information pulled from Hiking NB Map.
Rental is free with a library card. |
Snowshoes (children’s and adult’s sizes) | 8 King Street
Chipman, NB E4A 2H3
506-339-5852 |
|
| Minto Public Library | Information pulled from Hiking NB Map.
Rental is free with a library card. |
Snowshoes (children’s and adult’s sizes) | 420 Pleasant Drive, Unit 2
Minto, NB E4B 2T3
506-327-3220 |
|
| Nashwaaksis Middle School (Public Library) | Information pulled from Hiking NB Map.
Rental is free with a library card. |
Snowshoes (children’s and adult’s sizes) | 324 Fulton Avenue
Fredricton, NB E3A 5J4
506-453-3241 |
|
| Hanwell Recreation Department | Free rentals, returned the next business day.
Hours 8am-4pm. One piece of ID must be provided and those under 18 must have a parent/guardian with them. |
Snowshoes (x30)
X-Country skis (x15) |
18 Nature Park Drive
Hanwell, NB E3E 0G7
506-460-1177 |
|
| Dieppe Refrigerated Skating Oval | Outdoor rink with free rentals on Fridays (6-9pm), Saturdays and Sundays (12:30-5pm) from November to March.
They also have free hot chocolate on Fridays! |
Skates and helmets | Place 1604 behind City Hall
243 Gauvin Road Dieppe, NB E1A 1M2 |
Prince Edward Island
| Program | About | Winter Gear | Summer Gear | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlottetown Winter Active | In the winter months, snowshoes are available for a daily sign-out from Monday-Friday between 8am-4pm. | Snowshoes | 199 Queen Street
Charlottetown, PE C1A 4B7
902-368-1025 |
|
| Credit Union Place | Information taken from the Credit Union Place “Free Activities around Summerside“ | Snowshoes
Ice skates Nordic poles |
511 Notre Dame Street
Summerside, PE C1N 1T2
902-432-1234 |
Nova Scotia
| Program | About | Winter Gear | Summer Gear | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emera Oval | Outdoor ice skating rink with free rentals.
*Currently, due to COVID-19 equipment rentals are unavailable. |
Ice skates
Helmets |
5775 Cogswell Street
Halifax, NS B3K 4B2
902-490-2347 |
|
| Cape Breton Regional Library – McConnell | Equipment available for free with CBRL card.
Tennis rackets can be sent to other branches by request. |
Snowshoes
Poles of various sizes |
Tennis rackets (4 sizes – 3 youth and standard adult)
Hiking/walking poles Pedometers |
50 Falmouth Street
Sydney, NS B1P 6X9
902-562-3279 |
| Cape Breton Regional Library – Baddeck | Victoria County Active Gear Loan Program
Equipment available for free with CBRL card. |
Snowshoes
Poles of various sizes X-Country skis Boots Ice traction cleats |
Hiking/walking poles
Pedometers |
526 Chebucto Street
Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0
902-295-2055 |
| Cape Breton Regional Library – North Sydney | Equipment available for free with CBRL card. | Snowshoes
Poles of various sizes |
Be Fit Kits
Pedometers |
309 Commercial Street
North Sydney, NS B2A 1B9
902-794-3272 |
| Cape Breton Regional Library – Glace Bay | Equipment available for free with CBRL card. | Snowshoes
Poles of various sizes |
Be Fit Kits
Pedometers |
143 Commercial Street
Glace Bay, NS B1A 3B9
902-849-8657 |
| Cape Breton Regional Library – Victoria North | Equipment available for free with CBRL card. | Snowshoes
Poles of various sizes |
Hiking/walking poles | 35243 Cabot Trail Road
Ingonish, NS B0C 1K0
902-285-2544 |
| Cape Breton Regional Municipality Recreation | Snowshoes
Trekking poles Snow cleats |
320 Esplanade
Sydney, NS B1P 7B9
902-563-5510 |
||
| St. Mary’s Boat Club | July 1 – September 30 11am-6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Maximum 1-hour rentals. All safety equipment is provided. Book in advance by calling or online at www.halifax.ca/myrec |
Stand-Up Paddleboards
Canoes (fits 2 adults and 2 small children, or 3 adults) |
1641 Fairfield Road
Halifax, NS B3H 2A6 (Inside Conrose Park)
902-490-4688 boatclub@halifax.ca
902-490-6666 for booking rentals |
|
| Dalhousie Outdoors Society (DOS) Gear Library | Free rental for Dal students with a $20 deposit, which is returned upon return of the gear. | Camping gear
Hiking backpacks Lanterns and headlamps Outdoor cooking equipment |
Camping gear
Hiking backpacks Lanterns and headlamps Outdoor cooking equipment |
Dalhousie Student Union Building office #353
6136 University Avenue Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
|
| R.E.C. Van | Starting in July, the R.E.C. Van will visit public parks, municipal beaches, spray pads, playgrounds, and seniors homes throughout HRM and provide free recreational sports and activities to children, youth, families, and seniors. | Equipment for more than 50 activities including:
|
recvan@halifax.ca | |
| Kentville Parks and Recreation Equipment Loan Program | A driver’s license master/ID number will be required at booking.
All equipment is available year-round, free of charge. |
Snowshoes
Snow blocks Kick sleds and two dog harnesses Binoculars |
Lawn games
Scooters Skateboards Soccer balls Skipping ropes Yoga mats Hula hoops Binoculars Pylon Scoop ball Sidewalk chalk Frisbee Volleyballs Helmets Walking poles Soft archery set KanJam Turnball Camping gear
|
354 Main Street
Kentville, NS B3N 1K6
902-679-2539 (Ashley) |
| Municipality of the District of Lunenburg | 4-day loan periods, Tuesday-Friday or Friday-Tuesday.
Equipment is allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis and requests must be made 24 hours in advance. A refundable deposit may be required but renters will be notified in advance. |
Snowshoes
X-Country skis, boots and poles Nordic walking poles
Rec @ Home Activity Kits
|
Rec @ Home Activity Kits
|
10 Allée Champlain Drive
Cookville, NS B4V 9E4
902-541-1343 |
| Truro Equipment Loans Program | Equipment is available to borrow free of charge.
Pickup is Thursdays between 9am-4pm for return Mondays between 9am-4pm; or pickup Fridays between 9am-4pm for return Tuesdays between 9am-4pm. They also rent adaptive recreation equipment, see below. |
Classic X-Country skis
Skate skis Snowshoes Sledges Snowcoaches Skates (sizes ranging from children’s to adult – borrow from Colchester-East Hants Public Library) |
Yard games (washer toss, bocce ball, etc.)
Parachute Small pylons Flag rugby Ladder ball Giant badminton rackets Frisbees Flying ring golf |
902-893-6078 |
| Tallassee Recreation Centre | Free equipment rental. | Snowshoes | Tandem bicycle | 168 Redoubt Way
Eastern Passage, NS B3G 1E4
902-465-5267 |
| Region of Queens Municipality Recreation Department | $25-$45 deposit required, returned upon inspection of the equipment. | Snowshoes (30-80lbs)
Snowshoes (60-160lbs) Snowshoes (100-225lbs) Igloo making kit |
Parachute
GPS unit Flag football set |
249 White Point Road
Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0
902-354-5741 |
| Municipality of Pictou County Loan Equipment Program – Town of Pictou | People from throughout Pictou County can receive equipment from any municipal unit, including cottage renters.
Can be loaned for a few days at a time. They also rent adaptive recreation equipment – see below. |
Skis
Snowshoes |
Activity kit bag
Adventure day pack Adult & youth bikes Canoe Kayak Paddleboards Nordic walking poles Roller blades Washer toss |
40 Water Street
Pictou, NS B0K 1H0
|
| Municipality of Pictou County Loan Equipment Program – Town of New Glasgow | People from throughout Pictou County can receive equipment from any municipal unit, including cottage renters. | Skis
Snowshoes |
Audible tennis sets
Adult bike Bean bag toss Bocce ball Disc slam E-bike |
111 Provost Street
New Glasgow, NS B2H 5E1
|
| Municipality of Pictou County Loan Equipment Program – Municipality of Pictou County | People from throughout Pictou County can receive equipment from any municipal unit, including cottage renters.
Can be loaned for a few days at a time. |
Skis
Snowshoes |
Activity kit bag
Camping equipment Inflatable paddle boards Audible tennis sets Adult bike |
45 Municipal Drive
Pictou, NS B0K 1H0
|
| Municipality of Shelburne Equipment Loan Program | The Recreation and Parks Department have a variety of sport and recreation equipment to borrow free of charge.
They also rent adaptive recreation equipment – see below. |
Snowshoes (children’s to adult sizes)
Nordic walking poles |
GPS units
Compasses Camping gear (tents, sleeping pads) Hiking gear (day pack, headlamp, compass) Skateboards and helmets/protective equipment Beach volleyball set Basketballs Soccer balls Baseball equipment Ground hockey gear (sticks, helmets, goalie gear, nets) Spikeball Scooters Yard games |
136 Hammond Street
Shelburne, NS B0T 1W0
902-875-3544 ext. 229 |
| West Hants Free Equipment Loan Program | The Community Development Department has free equipment loan programs which allow residents to borrow equipment.
They also accept donations of equipment in good working order to add to their inventory. |
Kayaks
Stand up paddle boards |
78 Thomas Street
Windsor, NS B0N 2T0
902-790-9647 (Bekah) |
|
| Digby Area Recreation Equipment Loan Program | Snowshoes are available for a 4-day loan from January through March.
DARC seeks donations from the community for new or used skates and bikes. |
Snowshoes
Skates |
Bikes | 27 Shreve Street
Digby, NS B0V 1A0
902-245-1949 (Cindy) |
Adaptive Recreation Equipment
| Program | About | Equipment | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truro Equipment Loans Program | This is a resource for those who experience physical challenges and/or individuals who would benefit from use. | Hippocampe (child and adult)
Duet-cycle Sledges Snowcoaches Tomato seats Skate helper skate aids (while using the Colchester Legion Stadium) |
902-893-6078 |
| Municipality of Pictou County Loan Equipment Program – Town of Pictou | Equipment available through the Town of Pictou. | Adaptable life vest
Sports wheelchair |
40 Water Street
Pictou, NS B0K 1H0
|
| Municipality of Shelburne Equipment Loan Program | Equipment available through the Municipality of Shelburne. | Hippocampe all-terrain wheelchair
Hockey sledges |
136 Hammond Street
Shelburne, NS B0T 1W0
902-875-3544 ext. 229 |
| Municipality of Cumberland Adapted Equipment Loan Program | Recreation equipment available for individuals with disabilities and their families. | Adapted life jackets
Pool hippocampe Odyssey semi-recumbent bike Terrier trike Ice hockey sledges |
Carolyn Bollwerk |
Newfound & Labrador
| Program | About | Winter Gear | Summer Gear | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Adaptive Recreation Equipment
| Program | About | Equipment | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint John’s Adaptive Equipment Lending Program | Hiking, skiing, sliding and skating should be enjoyed by everyone and we have the equipment to help.
Borrowing adaptive equipment removes financial and ability related barriers. |
Small hippocampe (16″ seat width & 23″ leg length) with wheels or skis
Large hippocampe (16″ seat & 36″ leg length) with wheels or skis Standard sledge (14″ seat) with rear push bar or set of ice picks Large sledge (16″ seat) with rear push bar or set of ice picks Snowcoach adapted slide Top-end excelerator hand cycle trike |
Inclusive Services
City of St. John’s P.O. Box 908 St. John’s, NL A1C 5M2
709-576-6972 |
| Easter Seals NL | Equipment is available free of charge as a short-term loan for any ESNL families and participants. | Trailriders
Hippocampe (wheels or skis) Kicksled Ice sledges Snowcoach |
Dayna Penney
709-754-1399 |
Yukon
| Program | About | Winter Gear | Summer Gear | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Northwest Territories
| Program | About | Winter Gear | Summer Gear | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nunavut
| Program | About | Winter Gear | Summer Gear | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|