It had been years since I last stepped foot in an MEC store. The last time I did was in Montreal perhaps eight years ago. That particular store is long gone. My friend and I stopped by to check it out. She let me know that you no longer need a membership. Yep, I live in a cave. This store is huge. It's two floors of camping gear, bicycles, apparel, snacks, and more. I know many folks who think that MEC is strictly for campers. I have never done any camping in my life. It's not because I don't like nature. It's because I'd get eaten alive by mosquitoes. My bug bites get puffy and extremely itchy. Instead, I can enjoy getting hats and tumblers. We saw a flat flask that we both liked. It would be great in a bag or purse. Is it bad that I was thinking of filling it up with booze instead of water?! It was a bit expensive at roughly $60. Every water bottle that I own does not exceed a third of that price. I like the sling bags at MEC. They are durable, have many zippered compartments, and are comfortable. I still have my red one. This store had more updated styles. If it came in purple, I would have bought one without any hesitation. There were some sales going on. Prices are high to begin with, so if you can get something on sale, do it. I saw a sun sombrero that fit my large skull. I couldn't justify paying $40 for it. I hope that it goes on sale. I like the travel accessories. From charging adapters to mini flashlights, you can get everything here. My friend found a pair of Teva sandals in my size, at a reduced price. I haven't worn this brand in ages. I had just bought two pairs of sandals a couple of days earlier. Had I not, I would have probably bought this pair. Teva has velcro straps on all its sandals. I am into the convenience of velcro on footwear these days. This store had those massive Stanley tumblers that everyone seemed to want earlier this year. I held one in my hand. It was $60. I then put it down, similar to the flat flask. I enjoyed browsing around this store. I can now say that I've been to MEC in Ottawa. Yay! (286) read more

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We have had such a great experience with the MEC. We had shopped at a few other places for adventure clothes, gear, and more and they have a good selection. For clothes, yes come try, check out their sales. They also have a great selection of boots and shoes. Their clothing is varied and I appreciate them having a store brand. We actually like a lot of the store branded items. They seem to carry lots of sporting stuff. I would say a good strong selection of camping, biking, skis, hiking, and... climbing! I love their climbing selection. They even have ice picks. I would say definitely talk to their staff if you have questions. They are knowledgeable and helpful. read more

I placed an order almost a month ago and still have not recieved. When I checked the status of my item it said it was at a FedEx location in the same city as my delievery address. It sat in tje FedEx location for over a week and was then shipped back to the sender (MEC) and was considered undeliverable? No contact was made on MECs behalf to me to let me know about my order status..... I have contacted MEC 4 times with no reply. Very frustrating as I would just like way I ordered. read more

I used to never go into MEC because I thought it was just camping, hiking and mountain climbing gear. And I'll be the first to admit that I am not the outdoorsy adventure type. How can I go camping? Where the heck would I plug in my flat iron? Haha. That being said, one of my friends was wearing a really cute jersey dress one day and I asked her where she got it. She said MEC. I was shocked. "Don't they just sell camping kind of clothes?" I asked. That was when I learned that they sell regular clothes too. Well, I would describe the "regular clothes" there as "active lifestyle" clothes. So on the expensive side, and comfort and function first. However, they carry Toad and Co., Prana and Nau, which are brands I love for comfy causal dresses and skirts (which are great for travelling). Other reviewers here have already waxed eloquent about their camping, hiking, etc. gear. So I'll just add that they have clothes for people who are not their target demographic as well. Sure, I feel out of place there - no one else ever seems to be wearing high heels or makeup, but that's OK with me. Another reviewer mentioned that she didn't get good customer service there. No one ever asks me if I need help when I'm there, but again that's fine with me. I prefer to shop without salespeople bothering me anyway. If I go up to them and ask for a size or something, they will help me and are pretty pleasant about it. So I'm good with that. All their stuff is generally very expensive but they do have sales and a clearance section, which is almost exclusively where I shop when I'm there. read more

I've been a member of MEC for years and have shopped their Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver stores repeatedly. For me, outdoor equipment stores, including REI and Eastern Mountain Sports, don't compare to this true Canadian original. While MEC does carry a lot of items that are available in the States, they have a wider selection of higher-quality goods that make this store a must. I bought a winter parka here a few years ago that kept me toasty warm on a minus-20 degree Fahrenheit day. This store location has special meaning for me because my grandfather used to own a small business just a few doors down the way in the 1950s/1960s. The area has changed a lot, but I'm glad MEC is here because it always gives me a reason to stop in the neighborhood when I'm in Ottawa. I love this place. read more

Canceled my order- SCAM company I've paid for my order , 5 days later they sent me email that said this item it's not available ,sorry for that . This spam fake company deserve bad real feedback Order Number:12483856-000 Received: 21/08/25 read more

Ordered 2 piece of equipment on the web site. They don't have any of these. They canceled only 1 of those. During a call to the service line I did have a voice confirmation I'll receive all 2 items in 10 business days. After that I got another cancelation BUT for another amount of money: 33.79-(16.90+18.84) are they stupid? I know your are American's today, but... Will never order a thing with them. read more

Waiting to see what comes of the take over by the US raider. Selection has decreased, staff have been laid off and good will is evaporating. They had a great internal product development team that designed the best things and sourced the rest. Still hoping.... read more

With the overpriced items and exaggerated mark up you'd expect a better customer service. Ordered 3 items, Canada post lost one item, they won't even discuss a replacement or a store credit -not a refund- for the item that was lost and I had to suck up the $ as a customer. Their reasoning is that I have to notify them within 2 weeks. My mistake I guess, the delay was from Canada post employees as they didn't get back to me to inform me that they lost my item and that I should contact the sender (MEC). What is more ridiculous it that the item is only ~$50 so you'd think it should be easy for a big company to resolve the matter considering it is not a super expensive item. Oh well, never again. read more

Warning. Don't have your skis sharpened here. They will be duller than when they started.

Yeah, you have to buy a $5 membership your first time purchasing. No big deal; it lasts forever, so you're all set even a decade later. The selection for outdoor enthusiasts is pretty decent and in some areas, it's fairly competitive pricing (though I stay far away when it comes to my running gear - if I want to buy a $60 running shirt, I'll find better brands elsewhere). My real problem has been with the service the last few times. Maybe it's just me? I don't have that outdoorsy look about me? I'm too short? Don't look like a buyer? There's no denying other people were being served, but this last time, even after politely asking a salesguy if he could help me with backpacks when he was free... nothing. And in my whole 40 minutes in the store, no one asked me if I needed help (I clearly did! Even another customer tried to help!). So I left empty-handed, even though I'd come in fully intending to buy. I'll still come back here (hey, I don't want that $5 membership I bought in 2006 going to waste!), but I'll come equipped with online research and not expect a lot of help from the busy staff. read more

MEC has gone so downhill this year.to start with they have had a big problem keeping stock in the store so you must always order online.we went out of our way to shop local this year.i ordered darn tough socks for my girls in November. almost two months later i am still waiting and yet MEC refuses to file the service ticket required so that Canada post can investigate.i was told finally by a supervisor that tifg i did not receive the item in the next week i could call and they would put it through .i called today to be told no they still would not do it.as well i called a couple weeks ago and a call person just cut me off put me on hold and never came back. these socks were available on Amazon and would have been here way before Christmas but we were loyal to MEC sadly they were not loyal back. plenty of other good outdoor stores many with better sale and service and stock on hand read more

I have visited twice in the past week to get myself all set up for the camping season. My first stop was the backpack section where one of the staff helped me SO much, he wasn't trying to push the most expensive or elaborate bag, but one that fit right. I actually ended up walking out of there with an amazing deal on a MEC brand bag that he found in the back, discounted because it was last year's model. He actually found a second one that was the right size for my friend so he got that bag too. We picked up a few other items - dry sack, bug repellent, cookware, everything we wanted was in stock and priced better in store than you would find on Amazon or the like which was surprising. We went back because my friend's bag was missing some of the extra straps that mine had, no questions asked they grabbed some off of the rack and provided them free of charge. Although there are a few stores we can go to for similar camping goods, I found MEC was the most helpful and fairly priced. read more

Mountain Equipment CO-OP (MEC) is a true cooperative. A lifetime membership is a mere five dollars, but is a must on your first purchase. The floor staff at the location are extremely nice and very well informed. MEC gear is usually very good, is "inspired" by popular and tested designs from the major outdoor gear/clothing companies, and in most cases is MUCH MUCH less than a comparable item. ex: A stretchy softshell jacket from North Face is $400, MEC's comparable item is $200. Great selection across most outdoor pursuits, well informed *professional* staff who have no incentive to sell you stuff you don't need *and* low-to-compeitive prices? Why would you shop elsewhere? ^^Ok for outdoor clothes I can understand. But for camping/hiking gear like stoves and packs? NO WAY. MEC is the only way. read more

Terrible! Tried to buy a wedding gift. Started with their toll free line trying to avoid the obvious cash grab of a $5 member fee which I have no use for because it is a gift at a store I never shop at. The woman on the line couldn't get my address right and told me the $5 was necessary regardless. went to the website which wouldn't accept my credit or debit credit cards which are both valid. called my local store only to be be told they would not transfer the item unless it is prepaid on their website which would not allow me to enter my info! Lost sale and will never shop there again! read more

This store is fantastic for outdoor gear, but also for oh so much more! As mentioned, you have to pay a $5 lifetime membership (what a bargain right?!), but I kind of like the membership component, since they run as a coop model store. A bit of a bummer? You have to pay for parking (even though there is no paid parking in Westboro), but I'm assuming it's because of the co-op model that they follow. They also set aside parking for hybrids, car coops and they have to electric charging stations (cool!). I love that MEC holds all kinds of workshops and events and is really active in the Ottawa community. They recently held MEC Bikefest, they run a Trail Run club, bike riding club and more. They offer a meeting space in their massive (and pretty!) store and will give tours upon request. Anything I've ever purchased from MEC has been awesome quality. They have great shoes for kids as well! Awesome camping materials, cool clothing and way more. Check it out if you love the outdoors! read more

This is a review for MEC's bike services, not the store itself. I'm a fan of MEC. I pretty much buy most of my sport clothing here. I even buy most of my bike stuff here as well. For the past probably 10 years, I've been taking my bike to Bertrand's in Hull for my tune ups. They do good work, but they are pricey and while not that far away, a closer place is always more convenient. As such, I've been willing to try other places. The last time I did this was with Bushtukah. While this is another store I like to shop at, there bike service really let me know as they made soo many mistakes I refused to go back. This year I thought I'd try MEC as their price for an overhaul is $140 (vs. $165 at Bertrands). Well, I guess you get what you pay for as MEC too seems a bit out of their league for bike repair. I think these guys mean well as they are polite and you get the sense they want to help you but they just are not on the ball. In bringing my bike in for a tune-up, they did not preform everything that was listed on the invoice. In addition, the invoice stated that my chain should be replaced but they never advised me of this until I went in to pick it up. So, essentially, I wasted my time going to pick up a bike that wasn't ready even though I was told it was. I think their skill level is oriented more towards the casual cyclist even though their prices and what they 'state' they offer for service covers the intermediate and advanced cyclists. Maybe I've just been spoiled by the service I've gotten at Bertrand's but so far, I haven't found another place in Ottawa that has that level of expertise and confidence in what they are doing. Shame really. Biking is becoming a big business and it is really hard for cyclists to find a good bike shop. read more

Over the past year my wife and I have bought the following from MEC: 2 outdoor backpacks, 1 sleeping bag, 1 inflatible matress, 1 mini stove, and 1 pair of socks (yes, socks). Haven't had any problems with any of these items - quality products for sure. Also, the customer service is good. My only complaint is that you have to be a member to buy things (not a big deal, and it comes with the "co-op" territory, but still a minor pain). read more

These guys have gone so badly downhill with regards to service. They had a special promotion that gave you $10 gift card for every $100 spent up to $40 worth of gift cards. So I went shopping and accumulated just under $600 which should have given me $40 worth of gift cards. The lady at the cash in store told me that because my husband and myself are both members (30-40yrs) that she could split into two purchases, one on each of our memberships, so that we could get one gift card for $30 and one for $20. The emails came with the gift cards. When I went shopping in January they would not accept the $20 card without any explanation. I spent over 2 hours on the phone and they would not honour it. Said I "wasn't entitled" and that they went "above and beyond the norm" to satisfy me which they absolutely did not. No more BS we are through read more

Friendly and helpful staff. Love the products and the policies the store has. Thanks for always going the extra mile for customers!

From its insufferable "bag-free" philosophy, to its unco-operative prices, to the fact that they don't refund parking, going to Mountain Equipment is an experience in being nickle and dimed, this after you wait and wait for service. Want to be bag-free? Go to LLBean.com read more

Got into biking at the wrong time a year but my motivation is high so why waste it. I needed some warmer winter clothes for biking and they help me get a nice wardrobe for the seasons. Happy and excited to flash my new attire read more

My spouse and I have visited this store on multiple occasions for our outdoor equipment needs. It offers a nice variety of products at reasonable prices. The MEC labelled products are of very good value. The staff is friendly and usually helpful; however some of them appear to be more knowledgeable than others. This store is one of the few good outdoor one in Ottawa that we always go to if we need some specific items or equipment. read more

Great place. However, you need to be a member, $5fee. We don't live in the area but needed stuff that the outdoor shop across the street didn't carry, so we signed up. Saved us looking for another outdoor place that sold freeze dried food. Mountain house is a favorite of ours. read more

MEC used to be known for it's house brand good quality, reasonably priced gear. Now it seems to want to move upmarket, carrying expensive brand names at the same price as every other ourdoor gear store in town. In my recent experience the Ottawa store has poor stock levels, my typical experience (about 80% of the time, latest time it was msr tarp poles, before that a specific sun screen) is seeing an item online, going to the store, not finding it on the floor, asking the friendly staff if they have the item, being told item isn't in stock but friendly staff can order item from other store and it will be in in a couple days. Thanks friendly staff! but why would I want to drive across town twice to buy an item without examining it, when I can buy it online and pick it up at the post office 5 minutes away? read more

This is the best outdoors store in the world. The only downside is that it is a bit pricey, but only a bit. The staff are amazing, helpful, knowledgable, passionate about what they do. The gear is quality, made to please those who use it. MEC is a Canadian gem. read more

Pretty much the best outdoor store chain in Canada if not the world. MEC brand stuff is a great way to get something that is high quality, ethically sourced (or even made in Canada a lot of the time), and most importantly cheap. The employees are very knowledgeable, they don't just work there, they live the lifestyle and practise what they preach. Sure you have to be a member ($5 for a lifetime membership) but it is well worth it just to have access to this fantastic chain in most majour Canadian cities and online. read more

The name says it all, MEC sells sporting goods for the hikers, climbers and adventurers out there. The Ottawa location is a massive building in Westboro. It's new, fancy and impressive. Walk in and you'll be in awe of all the products they carry. Although a lot of people shop here, the store is directed toward those who really know what they are talking about. The only downside to MEC is you have to sign up for a membership in order to shop there. That isn't a big deal really, but it is an extra step that isn't needed at a store like Trailhead, a store that competes in the same genre. The staff are all incredibly informed and will answer any questions you might have, no matter how small, silly or out there. You pay a bit more at MEC sometimes, but it can be worth it. They have quality products just like the have quality staff. There isn't much else to say, other than climbers and hikers should make this a stop next time they are in Westboro and see for themselves. read more

We have been to MEC now for the three years we have lived in Ottawa many times. It is not much different than going to REI in the states. Tons of things to buy and sometimes great sales. the sales people are great and very helpful. read more

Good selection of outdoor gear. Have met some super helpful staff and others that were terrible. The quality of customer service has never been consistent here. There are better stores on richmond road to purchase outdoor supplies.. read more

Great return policy...wish the staff was a bit more consistent and knowledgable. Expertise with equipment is hit or miss. But a real store for outdoors with good quality. read more

I do whatever I can to avoid MEC. The whole business annoys me. They sell non MEC gear, and call me crazy, but I feel that isn't fair to the guy across the street who can't compete with MEC prices because he doesn't have a network of stores ... isn't this exactly why people hate Walmart? I have been a member for (I think/fear) almost 30 years. One year I bought so much at MEC I received a dividend cheque - no kidding. But when they started selling Patagonia (which I love) I started dealing with the true small businesses - the independents that need my business. Oh, and charging to park is cheap. read more