14 Places to Rent Bear Spray in Alaska, A Complete List

Chances are if you're visiting Alaska and planning to spend some time in the outdoors - whether it's hiking to an epic view, fishing on the river, or just hanging out in town - you run the risk of running into a bear. With around 100,000 black bears and 30,000 brown bears throughout the state, the probability of seeing at least one during your visit is pretty high. And if for some reason it feels like you're a threat and charges you, then you'll want to have a bear spray deterrent nearby.

*If you have any questions that aren't answered in this post, please leave them in the comments section where I do my best to answer all Alaska related questions directly!

My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are my favorite websites and resources to help plan an incredible trip to the 49th State.

For flights, I recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska.

Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars!

I always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates.

To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, I always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

For fun things to do, I recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.

Don't BYOBS [Bring Your Own Bear Spray]

Before you "prepare" and purchase bear spray before your trip to Alaska - don't. Bear spray isn't allowed in your carry on, and is only allowed in a checked bag if it is less than 4 ounces and has less than 2% of the active CS or CN ingredient. Similar to airlines, certain boat companies like ferries and tours also don't allow bear spray onto the vessel or require that you have it safely tucked away in a backpack or storage container, so make sure to keep that in mind. 

​The best way to make sure you're prepared and have bear spray on you is to purchase or rent a can once you land in Alaska. I also want to point out that because we've always purchased our own bear spray to have on us anytime we're camping or hiking, my husband and I have never personally rented from these companies, but we hope that this list gives you peace of mind and makes your visit to Alaska a bit easier! Based on our research, most bear spray rentals cost about $10-$20 per can, and purchasing bear spray costs around $40-$50.

The best tour to see bears up close :
- Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park

Where to Rent Bear Spray in Anchorage and Beyond

Below you'll find my list of 15 places that rent bear spray in Alaska, organized by the town they're in/closest to. If you don't have any luck with these, try checking out this Facebook Group where locals and travelers buy/sell/exchange bear sprays for pretty cheap or even sometimes for free!

Anchorage 

• Alaska Bear Spray Rental - $12/day, and the more days you rent the lower the price will be (never exceeding $28), they'll also deliver to you for only $10!
• Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental - $18/day or $40/week
• REI - they have bear canisters available for rent, so chances are they might have Bear Spray for rent as well

Cooper Landing

• Gwin's Lodge Tackle Shop - they used to have bear spray rentals on their site, but right now it seems like they've taken it off
• Kenai Cache Outfitters - I've heard some people say they've rented bear spray from here, however I can't seem to find anything on their website
• Lakeview Outfitters - $10/24 hours

Denali

• Bike Denali - each of their 24 hour bike rentals includes bear spray
• Denali Mountain Works - their website lists bear canister rentals, so there's a chance they have bear spray as well

Fairbanks

• Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental - $15/day or $20/week​

Homer

• Beluga Air - they have 2 types of camping "sets" that they rent including bear spray
  

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Kodiak

• Harborside Cafe - their website doesn't have any info on bear spray, but last time we visited Kodiak both their locations had bear spray available for rental

Seward

• Adventure Sixty North - 2 day rental minimum, $12/day
• Seward Bike Shop - daily rentals available
• Seward Outdoor Store

Talkeetna

• Talkeetna Gear Shop - $10/day

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Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in : 
-> 11 Best Waterfalls in Anchorage and Beyond
-> 15 Easiest Glaciers to Visit in Alaska
-> 7 Best Tours in Alaska

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Pin this Bear Spray list for later!