Usually I love MEC, they have an awesome selection of outdoor gear and have a superb return policy with adequate prices. I went in to purchase a back pack for myself today and the cashier had made a strange comment about my nationality- asking how I felt about Trump trying to take over Greenland. Not only was this comment out of pocket and inappropriate, it could've also ended poorly for the cashier who had asked it, if it had been asked to a different person. I wish she would've just scanned the tag and let me pay for my back pack instead of making me feel awkward about asking me about my political beliefs. This is the second strange interaction I've had with this cashier, hopefully 3rd times the charm. read more

What can I say about MEC? They sell stuff people are excited about. What is not to like about getting gears/equipment for your next adventure. But....... This particular MEC is very shed like. A big box but not a big box because it's not Walmart? Why kid yourself, it is still dehumanizing how you know you are a chicken in a chicken coop. Walking in narrow robotic aisles. Meh to the crappy interior and ugly exterior. Ok. But what about the goods? Was looking for a few items where the online status shows availability but not on display and no salesperson around to ask or their automatic response is "whatever you see is what we've got". A statement that is more of laziness than true. ...Then why does your online presence say otherwise. So many items are either not priced or mispriced...it is frustrating. Again no salesperson to be found. Only cheerful ones are those going on a break or leaving for work. Then they will answer "whatever you see is what we've got". Terrible experience. read more

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I've shopped at different MEC locations across Canada but this was my first time at the North Vancouver store. I think this is the first one where I haven't encountered crowds. I must have been lucky but it helped me find two backpacks quickly and I was out the door in 30 minutes. read more

MEC North Vancouver - Outdoor Gear Near Me - North Vancouver, British Columbia

Like this store a lot as its not as busy and very clean but shoe dept is small and only has two people usually so you really have to wait and ask for help cashier was super nice and friendly read more

Atmosphere: everything is laid out that it was easy to access by type. it does get busy sometimes but the few times i have been i had no issues navigating the store. price: market value on basic items. customer service: super helpful and she answered my questions. i was looking for a specific color of back pack as i wanted to put some heavy metal and punk patches on them and they did not have it in stock, however, the lady was kind enough to look in her system and try and find other locations as well as other alternatives. additional notes: they're willing to bring items from one location to another. read more

While it's not as nice as the original on Broadway, other than the exterior, this is still the must-go if you're in the area. Always deals going on, and frankly, there's always something to buy. When you walk in, it doesn't have the grand entrance haha. Cashier's on the left wall completely, so you really have to go straight to the bikes or go right to see all the good stuff. They've got a pretty good camera bag selection that would rival Kerrisdale Cameras, esp. for knapsacks. But as per pick, this is a phenomenal selection of water bottles/cannisters/thermal, talk about selection. I don't care how many you have, it's never enough. How many times have you forgotten the one in your car, just before you leave the house? So it's good to have a backup, or in my case, backups (have about 5 I use on a regular basis lol) in the kitchen so no going back and forth. One for the gym, another for hockey, but I digress. I did see a bigger one for longer road trips ie. Portland, but there's no way the base would fit in my car holder lol Friendly staff as usual. Bonus is they have a few car-charging ports at the front for those with electric cars. read more

MEC North Vancouver - You know girls with their bags? This is for me... - Outdoor Gear Near Me - North Vancouver, British Columbia

Em E See, a place for retail therapy, camping equipment and every tough mudder's dream store! In the summer you will find a wide variety of bikes, paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, climbing equipment an outfit and backpack to go with each activity! I was impressed to see the electric car charger in the Parking Lot. I hope that this will generate a buzz and other retail location could add this option. Both Hybird and Electic car's have special parking spots. (Lucky Dawgs!) If you walk just outside the parking lot you will see Lynn Creek. Great place to cool off this summer or practice for next year's Warrior Dash! read more

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MEC in North Vancouver is the smallest MEC I've ever visited, but it's packed with thousands of high quality outdoor gear. Their backpacks are a must for students and travellers. Everything is well organized, and space is smartly used at this store. Items (jackets, packs, pants) are well stocked at this location, unlike the Broadway location. The staff are warm and friendly. Parking is free, but there aren't as many parking spots when compared to the Broadway location in Vancouver. read more

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This is my favourite place of all time ! Shop for being active All super cool stuff and fabulous staff! read more

MEC North Vancouver - Outdoor Gear Near Me - North Vancouver, British Columbia

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It is really sad to see all these negative reviews about MEC. They have some of the most attentive, responsive staff in the retail industry. You can tell their staff actually uses the products they sell and are knowledgeable. The materials of the items they buy are also amazing. I know with COVID, alot of retailers are not doing too well. I hope MEC does survive this. read more

The relocated digs from across the street is a brand new retail space constructed with the latest in green building materials and ecodesign features, that fully represent MEC's core values. Very conveniently located, just off the Second Narrows and the bike route. As soon as I got out of the car I did a double-take at some tanks in the corner of the parking lot.....whoa.....they were electric and hybrid car charging stations! Impressive stuff. There was no shortage of natural daylight inside the store itself -- skylights were found throughout the store, which makes for a pleasant shopping experience, as if one is shopping in the outdoors. I guess that was especially the case because it was a beautiful sunny day when I visited. Square footage wise it may not be as large as the Broadway store, but it is a tight little package that carries comparable stock as the main location and perhaps more, depending on what you are searching for. What's missing is the climbing wall, and the extra floor displays of large items like bikes, canoes, tents, and the like. The only downsides to this place are the lack of floor staff to assist when needed and the confusing parking lot layout. If the parking lot is designed to be one-way, then it should be labeled as such at the entrance. Really like shopping here; will likely be back before I know it. read more

This place sucks it is like an WalMart for out doors stuff. The staff was almost nonexistant, and the ones I could find couldn't be bothered to help. They knew nothing about the products they were selling and were so fake outdoorsy it was almost funny....unfortunaly it was just sad. MEC North Van is sad. If you are in the epicenter of the outdoors lifestyle stop worrying about the style and get staff that actualy uses the gear. If you are in the neighborhood...save your self the hassle and go somewhere else! read more

Of the two local MEC locations this is my favourite. The service is much nicer and although I find a lot of their products over priced I always like coming to this location. It is much smaller than the Broadway location but I think that's what gives it a better feel. The service is loads better and I can usually find what I need here when it's not available at a different store. I will definitely be back. read more

It only makes sense that they would put an MEC store near the actual mountains, eh? This abbreviated version of the Vancouver store stocks clothing and essentials for hiking, cycling, and kayaking/canoeing. I often find lots of good gear on sale here, and it's a lot less intimidating to shop than the bigger store. Parking is also easy, although it is a small lot, so you have to be careful around all those SUVs loaded down with bikes and kayaks and such. The store is just a couple of blocks from the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge, and the city of North Vancouver has finally seen fit to build a decent bike lane that runs past. Yay! read more

Mountain Equipment Co-Op is an outdoorsperson's dream come true. They carry all the equipment you could ever need and at very reasonable prices. And their housebrand stuff rocks!!! Looks good and last forever. I still have my original backpack that I bought 16 years ago that lasted me all through High School, College and many outdoor excursions. Minus one broken buckle(that I could have replaced) it still looks new. Love having a store in North Vancouver as it makes it a little easier to get to rather than having to trek into Downtown Vancouver. read more

This site needs to close it's doors for good. It simply doesn't have the items it should have. Check their website, yup, they carry it. Go to their store -nope, not in stock. Plus the North Van store has a ton of staff but NONE know how to ask customers if they need any help. I never get asked if I need help EVER! Seriously, I wish they had erected tents displayed on their floor because I am pretty sure I could set up inside one and never be bothered and go completely unnoticed and get to spent the night inside their store. I HATE going to MEC anyway with their no-dogs policy, so when I do go in there I want to go in and out as quickly as possible. Instead, I have to hunt for the item I am looking for, then I have to actually find a staff member, I wait to interrupt their story telling to other staff members, then they have them look up my item online, then get told they do not have any in stock. That's pretty much the way almost all MEC visits go -thank god for REI just a couple of hours away. One time I went to MEC and asked for a "Ursack" to which the employee kept asking "An Earth Sack?" In the end I had to spell it for her. She had never heard of it despite the fact that they do (claim) to sell them, but not this time because naturally they were out of stock of course. read more

Aug 30 2015: How many collisions or near collisions will it take before MEC puts up some signage regarding their one way in driveway? Same problem different date. The store is a ghost town and the staff they have don't know squat. Not sure how this location can continue to devalue the MEC brand read more

Nice location, I actually prefer a smaller location! The staff are so helpful here, easy parking. Very organized and clean.

How can you not like MEC? Especially in the new location! What an upgrade...the new location looks like a million bucks (probably cost waaaaay more than that but anways). The old location was super small, cramped, and good luck finding parking. The new spot is super well layed out and easy to find anything you are looking for. MEC has really come along ways in terms of clothing you can wear around the city or at work. In the good old days, you would only want to wear their clothes out on the trail and sometimes you hoped no one would see you. Now, they still have trail/camping specific stuff but a lot more stuff you can wear daily. Well made and well priced. Only downside is the cashing out part. I dont know what it is...but every MEC i have every been in has long waits at the cash register. This one is no different. They have lots of registers but no people to be at them. I dont know why they dont call for more cashiers when there is 10 people in line and only one person at the till - maybe they dont have enought staff? Makes wonder. Anyways, really good MEC. Check it out. read more

This is a great store location. Love the eco-friendly vibe and high quality gear. These guys will back up anything they sell to you (much like Costco). Highly recommend this place. read more

Since the relocation, getting to this MEC store has been a lot easier. With a bigger parking lot to accommodate customers, and a larger store to house all the latest stock, it's tough not to find what you're looking for. As per usual, the staff members here are extremely helpful and true assets to MEC. Kudos to MEC for becoming more eco-friendly, not just with the design of the building, but also the electric car chargers in the lot. For all your outdoor gear for all seasons, this should be your one-stop shop. If there's one bone to pick, the bigger building no longer retains that cozy atmosphere I admired and remembered from last winter. It's a shame to see the old building become a dollar store. read more

This is a review for the North Vancouver location, but I truly feel that most of my gripes about MEC are universal to all locations. First and foremost, this new location stinks. The layout of the store is convoluted and difficult. Someone else also commented on the parking lot. An engineering fail. Total nightmare. Second, the staff in this place... if you can find any. I am not your run of the mill MEC shopper. I eat meat, I dye my hair and I shave my legs. While I have nothing against those who choose to live their lives in other ways, I expect that I would receive common courtesy from staff when shopping at MEC. Not the case. I have been spoken to rudely in this store each time I have gone there. This most recent time I told the cashier I didn't need a bag for my purchase. His response was a very callous: "Good. I wasn't going to give you one". A little bit unnecessary to be so abrasive! I used to be the biggest MEC lover in the early 90's (when it still was a co-op and their stuff was made in Canada, not Vietnam). I would go to the Broadway store and spend hours in there. I loved it and the staff. Now I feel like it's a pretentious snot nosed yuppie hippie eco groovy exclusive culture that I am just not part of. Their prices have also gone off the rails. $350 for a MEC brand Gortex shell only?? Throw me a bone! I am much happier to spend my money at REI in Seattle these days where I can get service and a much better shopping atmosphere. And typically about 30% less than the cost of MEC. MEC, you stink. My loyalty to you has been dwindling over the years. I really don't think I will be shopping here anymore. The eco groovy Aussie hippie who snapped that he wasn't going to give me bag today was the final nail in my MEC coffin. read more

What can I say other then every time I go in there, the staff is always very helpful and knowledgeable about just about everything I am interested in that store. Most recently I purchased a pair of winter trial runners that I am very happy with. My only concern is their prices recently seem to be getting a little on the high side for my wallet. read more

Great shopping experience Sunday at MEC had great person helping with a bike purchase . I should have got their name but forgot to ask. 5 stars in this visit read more

Why did I buy a $5 MEC co-op membership to buy a $1.50 item? I am least outdoorsy person in all of British Columbia - nature confuses me and camping terrifies me. Because it was same price as going to Futureshop who wanted $6.50 for the exact same watch battery. In fact, the $1.50 unit price was cheaper than buying the batteries in bulk online. Plus that fact that MEC was a closer drive and there's free parking in their lot. So now I have a shiny MEC membership card along with a newly resuscitated 10-year-old G-Shock. MEC: See you in several years when I need another watch battery. Good thing the memberships are lifetime. read more

MEC has changed for the worse over the past decade: 1. Clothing not made in Canada 2. Clothing has serious issues - one pant leg larger than the other etc. 3. Products are expensive in general and for the low quality 4. New CEO does not mean better and its reflected in the products and lack of co-op mentality which it is known for - after all that's why we give them that initial $5 to be a stock-holder 5. Parking and store convoluted 6. Some staff are barely recognizable and need better training - for instance when they call the higher ups in the store through loud speaker whether you are a customer or interviewee (same difference because every customer can be an interviewee and vice versa) and no one actually comes to meet you after you wait 30 mins and have to call them again tells me the lack of training and conscientiousness is apparent 7. At the store they ask for feedback. When you as a customer or interviewe ask for feedback they give you none. When you ask again, you get ignored. When you apply to a position they use bait and switch because the same person who is interviewing you is the supposed job you were applying for which is impossible, because they are not leaving their position to open it up for you..so they offer a lower sales position - less money and more labour! The management is the people who asked to interview me, and they don't care about my growth in interviews especially being self-employed and not gone to an interview in a few years. Sadly, if you were a mother or father and out of the working world for years, they actually hold it against you like many places! Behavioral questions...silly. Not a fan of this store anymore! read more

What would we do without MEC? It's a sure stamp of any Canadian while traveling abroad. If there is something you need, look no further, especially for the outdoors. Well you might want to price compare and look further for some items as sometimes MEC doesn't fit all your sizes or needs but really you can't go wrong. Bike helmets, bike lights, labtop travel bags, massive travel bags, snow shoes, are all items I have purchased over the last few years. read more

This location is nowhere near as big as the Vancouver MEC but it is still well worth checking out. Even being small they find a way to pack a ton of great products in for your purchasing pleasure. If the Broadway store does not have the product you are looking for this one just might. When I was shopping for a tent last I ended up coming to this location as they had the tent I was looking for in stock and the other one did not. If its hiking or climbing, boating or cycling you are into this is a store you should be going to. It is like a holy site for outdoorsy people. The staff is very knowledgeable of all the products that they carry and will help make sure that what you are looking to purchase is right for you. Like all MEC locations they have the best return policy every. If what you buy was not what you expected it to be or it did not hold up as it should you can just bring it back. Customers of MEC are loyal to this store and it is all about how they treat their customers. As a co-op you have to be a member to shop here but it is only a $5 lifetime membership so it is not cost prohibitive. Drop everything you are doing and head there now! Well that is unless they are closed that would just be stupid!! There is currently a new North Vancouver store in the planning and construction phase as well so that they are able to better help you in your outdoor gear needs! read more

I think if I were allowed to, I would live in this place. They have the best outdoor products, and the prices are good and the quality is amazing! I was visiting a friend in North Van and popped in the new store, and it was really nice. Glad I got to see it, because I would otherwise got to the Broadway location. It was difficult trying to find someone to help me or talk to but other than that, what a great store! read more

What I loved there yesterday: Very close (by car) to my Hastings-Sunrise home; bright; lots of selection; lots of service (in my half-hour there, two different staff members approached me asking if I needed help, then gave excellent service); had the exact goggles I was looking for, and much more. I love MEC in general, because I know everything I pick up there is practical, comfortable, and of excellent quality, and also because it has a phenomenal return policy (which I rarely need to take them up on). Also, out of five stores (the others all dedicated bike shops), MEC (Broadway) was the only one with a bike that fit the bill for a child in my life. I'm seriously considering making MEC my first stop for all clothes, bikes, etc, from now on! I agree with the previous poster that one staff person was really hard to identify as such; it was only after she'd asked three times if any of us (in that area of the store) needed help that I was brave enough to take her up on it :) read more

They are the reason why I registered to Yelp. The staff are really friendly and knowledgeable. My experience with them was on getting them to set up my bike. The price is reasonable but slightly on the high side. But you get what you pay! read more

I went in today to exchange a sports bra that I accidentally grabbed the wrong size of. It was a sale item and luckily there was one left of the correct size I need on the same sale peg. So I took them up to the counter for a straight exchange. Unfortunately the correct size bra was not actually part of the sale. It is 'marked items only" on the peg, even though they are all the exact same item. I have never noticed the "marked items only" small print... I always just see the red SALE tag on the peg holding the items :P Probably a common mistake because the clerk kindly pointed it out, but then STILL gave me the sale price and straight exchange! :D I thought this was such a nice gesture!! I am a frequent customer and loyal member, and I truly appreciated the kindness and generosity the employee showed when dealing with my exchange. It was completely my error... not only picking up the wrong size the first time, but assuming all items on the peg were sale items and it would be a straight exchange. I just want to say thank you thank you for being so understanding, flexible, and kind while dealing with this!! I will definitely continue to be a frequent shopper and avid enthusiast of everything MEC :) read more

This is specifically in regards to the cycle-repair shop. Location is convenient, and cost can be reasonable. However, I have had numerous problems with work not being completed as requested, additional problems with bike (that became apparent to staff during repair) that they did not address, having to re-visit shop as problems still existed with bike when I brought it home, delays in service (as I write this I am waiting for my bike that was dropped off 5 days ago, and which they told me twice would be ready yesterday, but they are now saying that they can't guarantee that it will be done today because "it is sunny and people just drop in"). Also, customer service has been less than stellar. This is my last time dealing with the bike repair shop at MEC...will likely go to John Henry as the service is far more dependable. read more

I am a long-time member of Mountain Coop and I usually find everything I need for my outdoor activities. The new North Shore location is easy to access and has a great outdoor green area where you can rest, picnic or just shoot the breeze! I recently purchased hiking boots and as the two sales people there where busy serving other customers, I asked a person who was re-filling the stock for help. Instead of saying "sorry I can't help you" which would have been the response I would have received in any other retail store, he went out of his way to get the boots I wanted to try, and I ended up buying very comfortable boots. Thanks to all staff for being super-friendly and very helpful. I also concur with other people's comments that their refund and/or exchange policy is better than at most other places. read more

Awesome quality products and return policy. I particularly like the Clearance section where I found great deals. Lots of variety to choose from the regular and new items. Sales staff are friendly and efficient. My family and friends keep on coming back! read more

I really enjoy this place. Great friendly service with smart answers to everything you need I highly recommend.

After trying a few different bike shops in the search for a new mountain bike, I finally settled on a Ghost SE 1800 at MEC. I'm not a super experienced rider but unlike other stores, they didn't treat me like a total idiot. On the contrary, they helped me find a great fitting bike, at the right price, and they seem to stand behind the product by providing service for a year. Very happy! read more

MEC is a great spot. Lots of selection and helpful people. Perhaps due to the "jack of all trades" spirit they sometimes don't have the best advice in one area; however, they have the Rocksolid Guarentee which means they will take back anything they've sold you that isn't working out. That's great for outdoors stuff where you have to try it out. Great store. read more

I joined MEC in 1978 when the outfit was a funky little joint down on 8th Ave in Vancouver and have shopped there for my outdoor stuff ever since. I've found the selection to be very good for my needs but there's a bigger reason I keep going back. They will stand behind their stuff (just like Costco) with a policy of "the customer can return anything at almost any time with no reason required". I once had to return a set of boots that did not work well for me on long hikes. Any other company would have told me (fairly too, I think) that I am responsible for making sure they fit before leaving the store. And they seem to be able to retain staff for long periods (at least I keep seeing the same faces year after year) meaning their crew actually know a lot about what they're selling because they have some experience. This is quite contrary to the usual Vancouver shopping experience that is operated by sixteen year-olds who could give two figs about helping any customer and seem to be on the premises solely to congregate with each other in social gabfests and texting. The staff also are outdoors guys/gals themselves who have provided a lot of excellent tips along the way. e.g. to avoid blisters on your feet when hiking wear a tight set of very thin inner socks under your regular set of outer hiking socks. Another e.g. buy the muti-fuel MSR camp stove because, if you get desperate for fuel, you can burn darn near anything and the incremental cost is not much. Keep going guys; I wish you another successful 35 years. read more