REI Co-op is diving deeper as a tour operator, with the expansion of rentals, day tours, and multi-day adventures. They have launched three additional Canadian Rockies trips that will take place year-round — as well as new destinations in the United States.

“We are growing REI Experiences to enable everyone to connect with the best version of themselves through nature,” said Mark Seidl, divisional vice president of REI Experiences. “Whether someone joins us for an afternoon paddle in a metro area or on a backcountry camping trip under the stars, the benefits of time outside are undeniable. The best part is that we take care of all the details.”

Canadian Rockies Adventures

REI Co-op’s Canadian Rockies adventures include a five-day Canadian Rockies Hiking and Camping trip to Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper. Guests will see hiking trails, lakes, and glaciers, and be taken on a whitewater rafting adventure on the Kicking Horse River.

For those who prefer to explore by two wheels (traditional or e-bike), a six-day, 200 mile Canadian Rockies Cycling – Banff to Jasper — takes guests through the Icefields Parkway.

REI’s six-day Banff and Beyond Winter Adventure takes guests to Lake Louise and Banff, Kootenay, and Yoho National Parks during winter, which may include Johnston Canyon, frozen waterfalls, or snowshoeing through high alpine wilderness.

Multi-day Adventure Expansion in the U.S.

REI Co-op has added nearly 30 multi-day itineraries in 2023, including new destinations of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (backpacking) in Tennessee, Boundary Waters (canoeing) in Minnesota, CumberIand Island National Seashore (backpacking, kayaking) in Georgia, New River Gorge National Park (hiking, kayaking, rafting) in West Virginia, Sante Fe, New Mexico (hiking), and Tahoe National Forest in California (snowshoe).

Bryce National Park continues to be one of REI’s most sought-after destinations. This year, REI doubled the size of its Bryce National Park signature camp to meet growing customer demand. Guests enjoy camping in spacious tents and sleeping cots, homemade meals, and private bathrooms and showers. REI also added four trips to expand the company’s assortment to 13 itineraries in the park.

REI added a five-day Denali Cycling trip that rides the 135-mile Denali Highway through open tundra and rivers, peaks, and glaciers. In addition, guests on the co-op’s Haines Multisport trip will bike, hike, and paddle, including an overnight kayaking expedition to Chilkat Inlet or Chilkoot Lake (location determined on conditions).

Day Operations Additions

REI continues to grow rentals and tour operations in metropolitan areas and tourist destinations, including:

  • Chicago kayak rentals and day tours
  • Washington, D.C. paddleboarding and kayaking
  • Bellevue, Washington’s Enatai Beach Park and Meydenbauer Beach Park

Later in 2023, bicycle and e-bike rentals and day tours will be available on San Francisco’s famed Fisherman’s Wharf, complementing its new Bay Area Adventure Center that opened last year in Richmond, California.