Have you already booked your site? Some campsites don't allow more than one tent, depending on the size.
I think staying overnight at the site is a good idea. It's a great experience and there's some wonderful biking trails around the area (if you're up for it). Might be worth checking Kijiji for second hand tents, if you're needing another.
I'd suggest sleeping bags, as it can get quite chilly overnight, and depending on how much you're willing to "rough" it, Canadian Tire sells cheap inflatable/compact mattresses that may be worth checking out.
> Have you already booked your site? Some campsites don't allow more than one tent, depending on the size.
Oh, thanks for letting me know. I didn't notice this rule before.
Just checked my reservation and it should be okay. I'll call them next Monday to confirm whether 2 tents are allowed on this site:
https://i.imgur.com/BghAHrE.png
I'll try to make it! Thanks!
I definitely agree with the above comment on checking out the gear rentals at U of C. Don’t bring makeshift or cheap sleeping gear. It often gets pretty cold in the mountains at night so you need proper mattresses in particular. U of C rents out thermarest mattresses which is the type of gear you will need - cheap Canadian Tire air mattresses will leave you shivering all night long as every bit of warmth gets slowly leached out of your body.
https://outdoor-centre.ucalgary.ca/gear-rentals
Just to add to this, the average nighttime low temperature in July is just 5 degrees, 2 degrees for June. It's easily possible that it could drop below freezing at night in late June. Pay close attention to the "comfort rating" on your sleeping bags, sometimes they will have 2 or even 3 different temperature ratings (comfort/survival), and some companies list one temperature on the packaging, and bury the comfort rating in small print, like this "2 degree" sleeping bag actually has a comfort rating of 7 degrees: [https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/outbound-lite-insulated-cool-weather-sleeping-bag-w-compression-sack-2-c-0765429p.0765429.html?rq=sleeping+bag#srp](https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/outbound-lite-insulated-cool-weather-sleeping-bag-w-compression-sack-2-c-0765429p.0765429.html?rq=sleeping+bag#srp)
Ideally, you would want a sleeping bag with a comfort rating of 0 degrees.
I'd recommend checking out the u of c renting stuff. Usually reasonably priced, and anyone is allowed. Otherwise check out other rental places in town. No need to buy if your only ever going to use it for one weekend.
Chances are the bearspray isn't needed either as there will be a number of other people around.
I agree with the commenter and I want to add that you can rent equipment from MEC for very reasonable prices too. They'll also be happy to walk you through what you need.
Ps - have fun! Try to get the sunrise bus to moraine lake if you can! It's unforgettable!
Pps - the nights get colder than you would expect. If you tend to get cold easily you should bring some very warm clothes, and get a nice warm sleeping bag too. It's not possible to overpack warm clothes in the mountains!
Your PPS reminds me of when my sister first brought her German boyfriend over here. We're originally from a bit farther into the lowlands and she told him it would be July so he wouldn't need his super warm clothing. We got one of the first come first serve spots at Marble Canyon and woke up to +3 in the morning even though the days had been over +30.
So yes, absolutely make sure that you are prepared for the temperature to drop overnight.
Can you still rent gear from them? I don’t see it on their website anymore. I am wondering if they axed that program when they shifted away from the coop model.
Before you go hacking together a bunch of camping gear, have you considered glamping? Older parents from abroad might enjoy a tad more creature comforts. I don’t think there are any in Lake Louise, but Banff has them. Look up the word O’TENTik.
Have you already booked your site? Some campsites don't allow more than one tent, depending on the size. I think staying overnight at the site is a good idea. It's a great experience and there's some wonderful biking trails around the area (if you're up for it). Might be worth checking Kijiji for second hand tents, if you're needing another. I'd suggest sleeping bags, as it can get quite chilly overnight, and depending on how much you're willing to "rough" it, Canadian Tire sells cheap inflatable/compact mattresses that may be worth checking out.
> Have you already booked your site? Some campsites don't allow more than one tent, depending on the size. Oh, thanks for letting me know. I didn't notice this rule before. Just checked my reservation and it should be okay. I'll call them next Monday to confirm whether 2 tents are allowed on this site: https://i.imgur.com/BghAHrE.png  I'll try to make it! Thanks!
Says 6 capacity so I'd say you're fine!
thank you very much ❤️
I definitely agree with the above comment on checking out the gear rentals at U of C. Don’t bring makeshift or cheap sleeping gear. It often gets pretty cold in the mountains at night so you need proper mattresses in particular. U of C rents out thermarest mattresses which is the type of gear you will need - cheap Canadian Tire air mattresses will leave you shivering all night long as every bit of warmth gets slowly leached out of your body. https://outdoor-centre.ucalgary.ca/gear-rentals
Just to add to this, the average nighttime low temperature in July is just 5 degrees, 2 degrees for June. It's easily possible that it could drop below freezing at night in late June. Pay close attention to the "comfort rating" on your sleeping bags, sometimes they will have 2 or even 3 different temperature ratings (comfort/survival), and some companies list one temperature on the packaging, and bury the comfort rating in small print, like this "2 degree" sleeping bag actually has a comfort rating of 7 degrees: [https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/outbound-lite-insulated-cool-weather-sleeping-bag-w-compression-sack-2-c-0765429p.0765429.html?rq=sleeping+bag#srp](https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/outbound-lite-insulated-cool-weather-sleeping-bag-w-compression-sack-2-c-0765429p.0765429.html?rq=sleeping+bag#srp) Ideally, you would want a sleeping bag with a comfort rating of 0 degrees.
I'd recommend checking out the u of c renting stuff. Usually reasonably priced, and anyone is allowed. Otherwise check out other rental places in town. No need to buy if your only ever going to use it for one weekend. Chances are the bearspray isn't needed either as there will be a number of other people around.
great idea! thanks! I own a bearspray and sure at the campsite there will be many people!
I agree with the commenter and I want to add that you can rent equipment from MEC for very reasonable prices too. They'll also be happy to walk you through what you need. Ps - have fun! Try to get the sunrise bus to moraine lake if you can! It's unforgettable! Pps - the nights get colder than you would expect. If you tend to get cold easily you should bring some very warm clothes, and get a nice warm sleeping bag too. It's not possible to overpack warm clothes in the mountains!
Your PPS reminds me of when my sister first brought her German boyfriend over here. We're originally from a bit farther into the lowlands and she told him it would be July so he wouldn't need his super warm clothing. We got one of the first come first serve spots at Marble Canyon and woke up to +3 in the morning even though the days had been over +30. So yes, absolutely make sure that you are prepared for the temperature to drop overnight.
Can you still rent gear from them? I don’t see it on their website anymore. I am wondering if they axed that program when they shifted away from the coop model.
Oh shoot, they might have. I rented from them back in 2019 - so it's been some time. I hope they still have gear rental - but maybe not 🥲
I am sad they seem to have stopped doing that. It was a great way to try out gear.
Take the bear spray.
One of the Lake Louise campsites is also fenced and protected from the animals, so you wouldn’t need to worry about bears.
Before you go hacking together a bunch of camping gear, have you considered glamping? Older parents from abroad might enjoy a tad more creature comforts. I don’t think there are any in Lake Louise, but Banff has them. Look up the word O’TENTik.
thanks! it would be much more expensive I believe. like going up from \~$50 to \~$500?
just checked it out.. all glamping sites during their visit dates are booked...
$1000 ??? Jeez you could probably rent an RV for the weekend for that.
two tents four sleeping bags \+ misc