Outdoor Centre FAQs

Q: Do I need an appointment?
Yes. You will be asked to select an appointment when you book online.

Q: Can I change my appointment?
We cannot guarantee that we will be able to change your appointment once it has been confirmed.

Q: I'm going to be late for my appointment - what do I do?
Please do not turn up at the Outdoor Centre outside of your appointment time. Send an email to outdoor@ucalgary.ca if you know you are going to miss your appointment and we will do our very best to make alternative arrangements. We are unable to guarantee changes at this time as we have limited appointments to ensure the safety of our staff, customers and the community.

Q: Is my payment secure?
Yes. Online payment is by credit card only on a secure University of Calgary server.

Q: I'm unable to sign the contract, and/or I forgot my password. What do I do? 
You can change your Active Living password here. If you are still having problems, email outdoor@ucalgary.ca.

Q: Where can I park when I pick up or drop off the rental gear?
Please arrive for the pick-up appointment time that you booked.  Parking is free in one of the designated pick-up parking spaces by our front entrance only. Put on your 4-way hazard lights.

Q: Can I drop off my item early?
No. We have limited time-slots, days, and staff to try to reduce congestion.

Q: I have a question about my rental item. Whom do I contact?
Email outdoor@ucalgary.ca. Please be advised that we receive a large volume of email and our staff will do their best to contact you in a timely manner.

Q: What if the weather is bad? Can I change or cancel my booking after confirmation?
If more than 72 hours notice of cancellation is provided prior to the pickup date on the contract, a full refund will be provided. If less than 72 hours notice is provided, you will receive a 50% refund. A change of date will be treated as cancellation, with rebooking subject to availability of appointment times.

Q:  What is the pick-up and drop-off procedure?

Pick-Up

1. Parking: Parking is free for 20 minutes in lot 5.  Please arrive for the pick-up appointment time that you booked, and drive up to one of the designated pick-up parking spaces by our front entrance. Put on your 4 way hazard lights.
2. Verification: Have your photo ID (driver's licence, passport or UCID card) and your work order number ready so that staff can verify your reservation.
3. Pick-Up: The next available member of staff will assist you with your reservation.
4. Gear Check: Ensure that you have everything on your order, and it is in good working order.  You are responsible for the gear. Do you have insurance? 

Drop-Off

1. Parking:  Please arrive for the pick-up appointment time that you booked.  Parking is free in one of the designated parking spaces by our front entrance only. Put on your 4 way hazard lights.
2. Unloading:  Unload your equipment and proceed to the front entrance.
3. Drop-Off:  The next available member of staff will direct you to place your equipment in the designated return zone. 
4. Complete the return: Please wait in until staff have checked equipment back in. 
    

Q: Is my payment secure?
Yes. Online payment is by credit card only on a secure University of Calgary server.

Q: I'm unable to sign the online waivers or forms, and/or I forgot my password. What do I do?
You can change your password here. If you are still having problems, contact Active Living Client Services at 403-220-7749.

Q: Can I withdraw from my program?
Yes. Please review our cancellation policy.

Q: I have a question about a program. Whom do I contact?
Email ocprograms@ucalgary.ca with all questions, and the relevant coordinator will reply.

Q: Are Outdoor Centre summer camps part of the University of Calgary summer camps?
Yes. Outdoor camps are run by the Outdoor Centre, but share some common operations with the other camps on campus, like parking, check-in systems, before and after camp care, bussing and more. Check the details of each camp to get information on pickup/drop-offs, absences, food, equipment, and the camp itinerary.

Q: Are outdoor camp leaders certified?
 All outdoor camp leaders have completed a Police Information Check with vulnerable sector search. Urban camp leaders are certified with Standard First Aid & CPR Level C or higher. Out-of-city camp leaders are certified with 40-hour Wilderness First Aid or higher. Out-of-city camp leaders who drive for us have a Class 4 business driver’s license and have completed the University of Calgary trailer driving course.

Bike Repair /Ski Tuning Services – Open
Bike Repair services are open. Please use our bike repair page to book an appointment. 

Bowness Park – Open for Winter 2024
Watch for skate shop updates here.

Climbing Walls – Open 

Kinesiology Complex - Open