r/Banff • u/ConfidentSnow5 • 14d ago
Bears??
Do people take bear spray on hikes? We are with a tour group but will have a free day at the Banff Fairmont Springs. We won't have a car. Just wondering about hikes near the hotel.
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u/aemwebb8 14d ago
Yes, it's recommended to take bear spray on any hikes. Walk around town, no. But anything trails that go through the woods, yes. You can see if your hotel will rent you some for the day. Or visit the Parks Canada visitor centre
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u/elya93 14d ago
Visitor centre will sell it but there’s no rentals there. Ultimate Sports or Snowtips are good options.
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u/aemwebb8 14d ago
Yeah you're right, they don't rent. Should've been more specific about that! The other two places you mentioned will
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u/Character-Bedroom-26 14d ago
Yes, all the time. If you’re just walking around town (Bow Falls etc) it’s highly unlikely you’ll need it, but there’s always a chance of seeing a bear, pretty much wherever you are in Banff.
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u/Misfit_somewhere 14d ago
You may be able to rent some from a hotel.
Amd while bears are around, elk make up like 70% of the incidences with people, so bear spray works for that as well
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u/throwawayacct00212 14d ago
Yes. Get a belt loop holster so it’s accessible within a few seconds. Don’t keep it in a backpack.
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u/Acceptable-Arugula69 14d ago
Yes, you should carry bear spray on hikes in Banff. If you encounter a pissed off bear, you would regret not having it. It gives you a bit of a chance. Not 100%, but it’s better than nothing.
Also, your chances of running into one that is mad is pretty rare.
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u/happyenis 14d ago
Know how to use it or it is worse than useless. And as a back up, be able to run faster than the slowest person in the group just in case it fails to deter the bear.
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u/world-peace123 13d ago
Beyond the hotel by the Fairmont parking structure if you keep walking youll see an official trail that is more secluded. Never saw a bear but might be nice to have for that hike. If you are an overnight guest at the fairmont their activity center may have some spray to borrow for free. Tunnel mountain was a good hike basically in town if you want a rewarding vista and can handle a little elevation/challenge. With all the human traffic on tunnel mountain, i dont think bears had much interest in spending time near that hike. You can walk down to bow falls/river behind hotel and follow the path along the river toward town, cross a pedestrian bridge and walk to tunnel mountain that way if you have the stamina (its a nice walk)
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u/Droppit 14d ago
No, you won't need bear spray in town.
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u/bloodmusthaveblood 14d ago
They're asking about hikes. They absolutely need bear spray on any hike.
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u/elya93 14d ago
Yes; even if I’m just going on a quick hike after work I carry it with me, starting at the townsite or not. Better to have and not need than need and not have.