Sports Rent

I just want to say this - I come rent (only ever a raft) from this place time to time. Im familiar with my order and its usually a painless transaction. Ive learned if you rent from them 1st thing you need to return same day.
If you rent past (approx) 430pm they will let you return it the next day anytime before they close = extra long rental by default.

Ive broken paddles and theyve been nice about it - maybe theyre a dime a dozen im not sure.

Reasonable rates, decent gear, right on the road to Banff. We've used them several times and never had an issue with rentals. The skis are maybe not top end, but are definitely not the lowest either.

Excellent location for our canoe trip to Banff. Sports Rent provided all of the ratchet ties and foam spacers to secure the canoes to each vehicle and they are reasonably priced. The staff was very friendly and helpful and we will definitely rent from them again. They did forget to give us the emergency kits for the canoes, so we were worried about being stopped by park rangers while canoeing, but luckily we did not get stopped while we were canoeing. The staff was very apologetic and said they would have covered any fines if we incurred them on our trip. Everyone should know that all watercraft including canoes and rafts MUST stop at the mandatory watercraft checkpoint on highway 1 towards Banff. Cars who pass by can be photographed and fined. The canoes were great (spacious and sturdy). So happy this company exists. An overall great experience.

Equipment good, service bad.

Started off great - a friend and I rented a tandem for the day. The bike worked fine, though whether we worked well together is another story. Due a hiccup in our plans we were scheduled to arrive a little bit late. We tried calling as the store was closing, but there was no answer. We arrived at 8 minutes past close, and of course the store was closed and the employees gone. Since we couldn't transport the tandem, we had to leave it locked outside. I went first thing the next morning to return the keys. The clerk told me they had to cut the lock, due to safety concerns in the area. He seemed upset, so I explained when I called/arrived, and he then told me I was wrong and didn't do what I said I did, even though I have the call log on my phone. He said he stayed late for another rental (although I don't think anyone who has worked in retail would consider staying until 8:02 (his exact words) late, when the store closes at 8pm.)

Maybe he thought I was trying to weasel out of paying, but I just didn't want him to think I intended to return late or be a bad customer. Regardless, he was not interested in what I had to say.

Anyways, we were late and it was fair to pay for the lock. It was cheaper than paying for another day's rent. As I paid, I apologized and the clerk pretty much just scoffed at me. I'd like to rent the tandem again, but quite frankly I don't think I'm welcome there anymore. I'm not saying we weren't in the wrong, but the clerk was unnecessarily aggressive and I left feeling really awful.

A small change in attitude would make a world of difference. If the clerk had said " hey, we were closing up and didn't get your call. Next time call a bit earlier and we can work something out" instead of attacking me, I'd be back next week.

Update July 19th:

Per manager comment I followed up with the staff. The manager expressed his apology for the mix up and offered me a store credit.

Changed rating from 2-4 stars. Looking forward to rafting with Sports Rent again as the follow-up and willingness to resolve the issue shows good customer service.

Original post:

Called earlier last week to rent two 6 person rafts. I was quoted the amount for the rafts, which is what I paid. However, I specifically asked about costs associated with life vests and paddles. I was told that life vests were $3.00 each, which was correct, however I asked if paddles were included. I was told twice that paddles were included and we could have a paddle per person on the raft. Once we arrived to pick up our rafts we were told that paddles were also $3.00 each. This is not what I was told on the phone twice. The employee helping us had a "tough luck deal with it" attitude. I asked for a manager who told us the same thing. No attempt was made by the staff to offer any sort of solution. I am not angry about the cost, but I am angry that I was told one thing on the phone, and another thing in person.

The rafts themselves are fantastic, durable and inflate much faster than expected (takes about 10 minutes per raft).

The service was affordable, quick, and very friendly. Will go again to fix my road bike.

Best service I've seen in a long time

Had a fantastic experience at this establishment, prices are awesome and everyone has a smile on there face. I will back as long as I am in Calgary! Great place!

Be aware that "Store Policy" is to charge full pop, even if equipment is returned early due to illness. No consideration for special situations...Sunshine ski resort happily gave us a credit for our ski passes when two people suddenly got ill and had to leave the hill after only one run. I will rent at the hill from now on.