Bear Spray Rental on Vancouver Island: What Travellers Need to Know
If you're coming to Vancouver Island to hike or camp you might be wondering if you should bring bear spray with you. The problem is if you're flying here, you can't bring bear spray on the plane. So a lot of people end up buying a brand new can once they get here, use it for a few hikes, and then they're stuck with bear spray they have to get rid of before they fly home. It seems like such a waste to buy something brand new, barely use it (and hopefully never actually use it!) and then have to get rid of it at the end of your trip. Super wasteful.
This is why we rent bear spray. You use it while you're here, return it when you're done, and then it can go out with the next person instead of another can being bought and thrown away or left behind at an Airbnb or campsite. Makes sense to me!
DO YOU NEED BEAR SPRAY ON VANCOUVER ISLAND?
We have alot of black bears here and on the north end of the island apparently we have Grizzle Bears. Ah that freaks me out! So if you're spending anytime hiking, camping or exploring more remote areas of Vancouver Island wildlife is definitely something you need to be aware of and take seriously. According to WildSafeBC, black bears are most active from April through November. Our climate is quite mild here so bears can stay active outside of that typical season when food is available (which it usually is). PLUS bear spray isn't only for bears. We also have ALOT ALOT ALOT of cougars on Vancouver Island. The population is estimated at around 800 to 1,100 and Vancouver Island is known for having one of the highest concentrations of cougars in North America. WildSafeBC actually recommends carrying bear spray year round when you're recreating in the backcountry or forested areas (which is pretty much all of Vancouver Island). I worry about cougars more than I worry about bears. So for me, bear spray is a must when out hiking.
IF YOU'RE GOING TO CARRY IT MAKE SURE YOU CAN ACTUALLY GET TO IT
Make sure when you pack your bear spray you dont pack it at the bottom of your bag. If you actually need it you want to be able to get to it quickly. That is why our rentals come with a holster. You can keep it attached to you and actually accessible while you're hiking. Before heading out on the your hike make sure to read the instructions and know how it works plus check the expiry date (which we always do but its a good idea to always check your own gear as well) and remember that it is a pressurized canister so it should not be left sitting in a hot vehicle.
BEAR SAFETY
Carrying bear spray is one part of it but when we're hiking it is important as well to make noise, especially around corners or anywhere with thick bush where you could surprise something. Keep an eye out for signs of wildlife and if you're camping, make sure your food and garbage are stored properly. We also keep the kids close and we don't let them wander too far ahead.
Also, bear spray is definitely not like bug spray. It is not safe to spray it on yourself, your tent, or around your campsite in order to keep bears away, and NEVER spray it at another person. You use the bear spray as a last resort if you encounter wildlife and hopefully something you never actually have to use.
I am not by any means an expert, so rather than taking all your bear safety advice from me.. make sure you also check out WildSafeBC before you head out. They have a ton of really good information about bears, cougars, how to carry and use bear spray and what to do if you actually come across wildlife. Parks Canada has some really good information too.
https://wildsafebc.com/learn/bear-spray/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
WHY RENT INSTEAD OF BUYING IT?
If your only here for a short time buying something you can't take home with you does not make alot of sense. Instead, you can rent one from us. Pick it up, take it hiking (and hopefully never use it) and bring it back when you're done. Then someone else can use the same can for their trip instead of another one being bought and thrown away. Plus it costs a fraction of the price of buying your own, creates less waste and you're supporting our little Vancouver Island business at the same time. WIN WIN WIN. You also don't need to worry about buying a holster because that comes with the rental.
RENTING BEAR SPRAY IN PORT ALBERNI
We rent bear spray and holsters from Alberni Adventure Gear here in Port Alberni. If you're coming from any part if the island and heading to Tofino or Ucluelet, you're already coming right through Port Alberni so it's super easy and convenient to stop on your way to the coast. You can rent it for a day or for your whole trip and then bring it back when you're done. Check our website for current pricing and availability. We also rent full camping and backpacking bundles as well as individual gear items such as hiking poles, backpacks, headlamps, water filters and power banks, etc.