13 Places To Rent Snowshoes On Cape Breton Island

Want to try snowshoeing but don’t want to commit to purchasing a pair? Borrow a set from one of these many locations around the island and take part in the fun! You never know-this may just become your new favourite winter activity. 

1. Inverness County Winter Gear Rentals

Come test out some winter activity equipment, thanks to the Inverness County Recreation/Tourism Department. They have skis, snowshoes, and walking poles available on a rental basis. If you are a school group, organization, or just want to rent a set for an enjoyable day outdoors give them a call at 902-787-3508.

Skis and Snowshoes can be rented Monday – Friday from 8:30 am until 4:00 pm.

2. CBRM Recreation Snowshoe Lending Program

The CBRM has 20 pairs of adult and young adult size snowshoes available, as well as 40 pairs of snow cleats, and 10 pairs of trekking poles. So what are you waiting for! Give Ashley Eisan a call, 902-563-5244.

3. Cape Breton Regional Library – McConnell Library Lending Program

The McConnell Library has a whopping 47 pairs of snowshoes and poles of various sizes. All equipment housed at McConnell Library in Sydney but can be picked up at any CB County library branch. Phone 902-562-3161 for details or place a hold online.

*Please Note: Borrowers: -must have a valid Cape Breton Regional Library card may borrow up to three pairs per library card at one time -can borrow free of charge for up to 1 week*

4. Ski Ben Eoin Snowshoe Rentals

Besides skiing and snowboarding, Ski Ben Eoin both sells and rents snowshoes. They have 100 pairs for rent, with both adult and children’s sizes available: Daily snowshoe rental: $15  Snowshoe Pass/Rental Combo: $23

5. FrameWork Cycle & Fitness Snowshoe Rentals

The fine folks at FrameWork Cycle & Fitness have 15 pairs of snowshoes available to rent, for just $8 a day or $20 for the weekend. Both children and adult sizes are available to rent or purchase.

6. Escape Outdoors

You’ll find the Escape Outdoors store in North Sydney. They have 12 adult pairs of snowshoes available to rent and 4 youth/kids pairs. The cost is $10 a day and $15 a weekend with a $20 deposit. Poles are an additional $2 a day.

7. Baddeck Library Branch – Winter Lending Program

The Baddeck Library Branch has 50 pairs and poles available in various sizes. Baddeck Library also has Cross-Country Skis, boots, and poles – children’s (Age 8 &up) to adult sizes, Ice Traction Cleats, and Walking Poles available for lending.

8. Richmond County Winter Gear Lending Program

Richmond County has purchased a number of snowshoes with poles, cross-country skis, and ice grippers that they will be renting out. The cost to rent a pair of snowshoes is just $1 a day, and they can be rented for a maximum of one week. For more information please call 902-226-2400.

9. Two Rivers Wildlife Park

The Wildlife Park has snowshoes upon request for visitors who wish to explore trails, wander into the petting zone, or even walk through the park feeding animals.

10. Ingonish Visitor Centre Snowshoe Rental

Take advantage of the rental options at the Ingonish Visitors Centre. Borrow snowshoes, sticks, and more for evenings and weekends.

11. Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort 

Rent a pair of snowshoes from Cabot Shores, and have a hearty lunch at the Go Bistro before enjoying the afternoon snowshoeing around the property. 

12. Cape Breton Nordic

After almost thirty-five years we, the members of North Highlands Nordic believe that the time is right to have a stand-alone facility dedicated to cross country skiing and snowshoeing in northern Cape Breton – and we couldn’t be more excited! Head to Cape North this winter and rent a pair of snowshoes for the whole family.

13. Town of Port Hawkesbury 

The Town of Port Hawkesbury invites residents and guests to stay active this winter season with their free equipment loan program. Here you can borrow a pair of snowshoes and spend the afternoon hiking the Strait Area Trails. So what are you waiting for?