This was our first time here in Victoria British Columbia. We decided to check out this place full of sporting and camping equipment. MEC is a membership store it only costs $5 to join. The "WASHROOM" as it's called over here was clean. There's a large selection of everything you could possibly need for camping, biking, hiking and backpacking. It is an interesting place to visit and browse. My husband is very interested in cycling. He got on the demo Tacx bike which generates power and is an interactive game which you ride in competitions in famous locations like Central Park. As my husband rode a crowd gathered to watch and cheer. He was riding hard, shifting gears and working up a sweat!! He was not in his riding outfit or clip on shoes, but he rode quite a distance and was ready to buy if we weren't so far from home. The price is a huge factor. Our son briefly tried out the Tacx bike and thought it was awesome. read more

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I have shopped at a number of MEC locations over the years and this one seems a bit more cramped than the others. The shoe area is certainly tight. No worries. I love every MEC store and I've been a member since the 90s so I can never leave without buying something. Indeed, while others were scooping up deals on clearance merchandise -- this store was packed with people -- my two items were full price. Darn. I still left happy. read more

MEC Victoria - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

MEC is worse every time I go in. Today was depressing. Came here to report that the decline in selection, the move to crap like Blundstones, the resort to high end brands like Arcteryx, rather than high value, like their old stuff is just sad. read more

The Mountain Equipment Coop is the REI equivalent in Victoria and in some ways does it better. Even if you'd rather be home and don't have the next big trek yet planned, it's fun to come in here, dream, and then maybe act on it! Staff is super helpful and practical. This 11th store in the MEC chain is a conversion of a heritage structure, originally built as a hotel in 1892, and still sporting its timber post and beam structure. MEC itself started in 1971 in nearby Vancouver by some climbers who wanted a Canadian option instead of but similar to the nearby Seattle REI. Their first all volunteer effort was a typed single-page catalog taped to a door in the UBC Student Union Building. In 2011, the Co-op reaches its 40th year with $261 million in annual sales and 3.3 million members. read more

MEC Victoria - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

It's no wonder they have had to sell out to the Americans, this store really knows how to annoy their customers, I forgot to bring a mask with my and was offered to sell me one as they were mandatory, since I was planning on buying a Gortex rain jacket for me and my wife I was a-little put out. So I walked back to the car and came back, I found the rain coats I was looking for and paid top dollar, I was not given a bag but was once again offered one for sale, I already spent over $600 on two jackets and decided not to purchase the bag. the clerk decided to bunch my new jacket into the hood so I could carry it back to my car. he didn't even try to pack my wife's jacket in anyway. the membership was free because they didn't know how the sale was going to affect memberships. very pretentious store, I only purchased there because I couldn't find it anywhere else. Walmart makes me feel more like a valued customer. read more

So by accident I've discovered the REI equivalent in Canada! Look at the photos I've posted, it's just like REI except it's cheaper (check CA to US dollar exchange rate) and it called MEC! Just like REI, they're a co-op. In order to purchase or rent anything, you must be a member. It's $5 CAD for lifetime membership. Plus, everything you buy from MEC, 1% of the pre-tax total goes to Canadian environmental causes. Very cool! You can also purchase from their website and pick up in-store. Though if you spend more $150, it's free shipping. They have an excellent return policy if you're dissatisfied with any product purchased there! They offer the same US brands like Patagonia and Gregory while also offering their own brand line, MEC (of course). Everything was laid out neat and easy to find. The service was very friendly and helpful. If you're from the US like I am, MEC does ship to the states, it's $19 for up to $1000 in merchandise. Important to note: "Orders sent to the USA are shipped by Xpresspost. Orders shipped to the USA are not charged Canadian taxes; however, all orders pass through customs and are subject to import duties, taxes, and custom processing fees. A customs invoice will arrive with your parcel or may follow in the mail. Recipients are responsible for paying these additional fees." Check it out! read more

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I arrived yesterday in Victoria and forgot my umbrella. I was downtown and it was raining like crazy. I travel with my dog, in fact he goes everywhere with me, in stores into clinics, everywhere, he is rarely not at my side. I entered the store and asked an associate where the umbrellas were. Immediately I had at least three staff members come over and tell me that I must leave the store because I had my dog with me. I explained that I just want you to grab an umbrella quickly and they said no you must leave. I then said perhaps my friend can run over and grab one while I wait here by the door. was told that I must leave the store now. There is no awning or any coverage outside it was absolutely pouring and I was forced to stand in the pouring rain while my friend picked up an umbrella. All of this over a 2-minute umbrella transaction. I understand that some places are not pet friendly, though these days they are rare. It is become generally understood that dogs are ones companions and typically allowed to go most places. My dog is a quiet shy well-behaved whippets The behaviour of the staff in the store to be aggressive, forceful nd lacking any human compassion. I'm not trying to be dramatic but this was rather embarrassing. Shame in MEC for casting a senior out in the rain. Recognizing that this is a store policy one would expect some level of adjustments due to circumstances. Will not be going back to that store again! read more

MEC was previously one of my favorite outdoor brands, and I had been a member for 20 + years until a couple of months ago when I cancelled my membership. Overall, it's a great one stop shop for outdoor hobbies, but I have noticed several 'philosophical changes' over the years that made me turn in my member card. 1) Changing from Mount Equipment Co-op to "MEC." When MEC re-branded in 2013, they moved away from being a genuine outdoor adventure store, and instead adopted more of an 'urban' focus. Makes sense because most Canadians are urbanites, but we already have hundreds of stores to buy urban apparel. Walking around the city on a cold day is not the same as camping, or hiking in the mountains. There is way more of a focus on urban hipster clothing now. 2) High Pricing, and Discontinuing Tried & True designs. This seemed to occur more after re-branding. MEC used to carry many affordable backpacks for under $50. I bought my first bookbag there in the 90's (yes I'm aware of inflation, but even upto ~ 5 years ago they had many affordable bags), and slowly over the years they discontinued all the old, classic backpacks, and replaced them with semi-futuristic designs, usually more expensive, bright colours etc. Also, on average I find they seem to be carrying more premium brands such as Patagonia, Black Diamond, etc which gets very expensive very quickly. MEC used to be high value, and literally would have the best price in Canada on any product they've carried. Not so much anymore. 3) Colours. MEC seems to have moved away from earthtones, and instead feature so many neon orange, neon blue, bright red, etc colours that make you stand out like a sore thumb. There seems to be a company philosophy of shifting away from activities like hunting or fishing, to the 'leave no trace' urban outdoors person. 4) Virtue Signaling by the CEO about diversity. There was a study conducted and published in the CBC about how visible minorities in Canada "feel" there is a substantial barrier to enjoying the outdoors because not enough outdoor retailers feature visible minorities in their marketing material. My criticism would be that this is pseudo science based on feelings of a few people, and there is literally no barrier to anyone enjoying the outdoors in Canada except their own minds and bodies. Similarly, if I'm not an African-American and 7 feet tall doesn't mean I can't watch basketball, or buy a pair of Air Jordans. MEC latched onto this 'study' and the CEO issued an apology letter for not featuring enough visible minorities in their historical marketing. Alas, I refuse to support a retailer that dives into identity politics for their own financial benefit. Based on #4 primarily, I resigned my membership this spring after being a member for 20+ years. It was a sad day, because otherwise I could overlook the other criticisms of MEC I've made. The Victoria store is much smaller than the Vancouver, Toronto, or Calgary locations, but still a good store. But there's a problem when a company tries to be 'everything to everybody' and loses their way. Maybe I'll check back in a few years, but for now I'll be shopping at Atmosphere, Cabelas, Robinson's, or Eddie Bauer, where I don't need to run the gauntlet of identity politics to buy some outdoor gear. read more

I've got a love-hate relationship with MEC. Been a member for years and I agree with most of what the other reviewers say about how great the prices, equipment, and policies are. And last time I was in there, something absolutely magical happened! A friendly, knowledgeable staff member deigned to offer me some help. And offered good advice. Yay for the kid with the dreds! DON'T LET HIM GO, MEC!!! Because the rest of your staff in Ottawa, in Vancouver, and in Victoria think they are just too terminally cool to be arsed to talk to me. Though they don't seem to worry about invading my personal space -- by cutting in front of me, blowing me off so that they can talk to the all-too-cool-20-something-rock-climber-dude, and grabbing things off the shelf while I'm looking at them so that they can show the trinket to the buxom young thing just down the aisle. I'm not bitter. Really, I'm not. Yes, it turns out, I am bitter. Since discovering the place in the early 90s, it has always been the same. I'm pretty damned easy-going most of the time. I tip well, I understand when frazzled waiters flub my order, I get asked for directions everywhere I go. Seriously, people asked me for directions in Zimbabwe (I'm white), Sweden (I'm dark and Italian-looking), Quebec City (I am stupidly Anglophone). All of which is to say, I'm ridiculously approachable. They would rather ask me than a local. But not in *%^*! MEC, where I am a paid member. Did I mention Egypt, Greece and L.A.? Yup, people asked me for directions in those places. But I can assure you that if MEC Zimbabwe ever opens, I will get crappy service. Same for MEC Sweden, MEC L.A., and it irks me. read more

Good quality products, great prices, and helpful staff. Very yes! Here's where things fall down... specifically, pants. Oh yes, the pants they fall down. Last week I tried on 23 pairs of pants at MEC. Every pair I tried on were so low-rise that they gave even my Size 0 waist a muffin top when I leaned over. Not cool! I had to go up to a size 8 to find a pair of pants that fit my waist; then the rest of the pants' proportions were out of whack. So an hour later, sweaty, disheveled, frustrated Alex left the store without new pants, her money burning a hole in her purse. I understand that sizing can fluctuate a bit between brands, and between styles. A bit. Not from a 0 to an 8. There wasn't a single style of pants in the store that were even close to my correct size or body type. Nothing against the short-waisted body type, but a little variety (and slightly more realistic sizing) in clothing fits would be nice, so I could actually spend money there. read more

I went into MEC during my lunchtime in an effort to avoid the gong show the store can become on most weekends, and it was the right decision as the place was nearly empty. I was looking for a headlamp for running and the clerk that I had helping me knew his stuff. He recommended a few different models and was quick to point out the pros and cons of each unit. I was going to buy one of the more expensive lights when he persuaded me to get a different model that was almost half the price. He assured me it was just as good of a lamp, if not a better, then the more pricey unit. I'd have to say that I was more then impressed with the level of service, especially when the staff talks me out of a more expensive purchase. read more

MEC doesn't need anymore great reviews...but, I must chime in for the Victoria store. The locations are quite similar to each other but Victoria always seems to be a little more interesting. I was looking for a new wetsuit and was helped by someone that had actually tried the very one I was looking at...great service as always. If you have been to MEC, I'm jealous because the first time is truly like Christmas morning. read more

MEC Victoria - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

I am taking a first time runners course through MEC. So, while I have been to MEC several times over the past few years I had no idea until now just HOW knowledgable the staff is. These are NOT the average kids you would expect to find in big retail. These are VERY experienced sales staff. I was very impressed talking to them. Plus as already mentioned the quality of the products is about the best there is. I love this store. TIP: check out their various training programs, bike maintenance, bike riding, running etc etc read more

Worst service, terrible customer skills. Second time in trying to find lace up walking shoes. Employee offered one option, did not bother to see if it was what I wanted. Moved off to take up lengthy conversation with someone else while myself and several other customers just stood there. I went elsewhere, will not return. Others beware. read more

I went to Mountain Equipment Co-Op (MEC) in Victoria, BC. This is a store where I regularly purchase products. I have always felt excited to shop at MEC for their excellent camping gear, to bike accessories, and climbing equipment. Sure sometimes things can be more expensive there, but I always know they will carry good quality products, and their fair treatment of customers as a Co-Op has always been beyond exceptional. In saying so, as a paying customer, especially since I refer people to their store there all the time I deserve good and fair treatment when corresponding with MEC employees. I recently purchased a MEC helmet and then later went back to do an exchange for a different color since I have heard through word of mouth MEC has an excellent refund policy. Unfortunately, I was poorly mistreated as a customer, July 10, 2017 after bringing back a helmet that was, on my part the wrong one (roommate's, it looked similarly) and, not the product they carried. Granted, I made a mistake and I owned it that same day by bringing back the additional helmet I had now. By the time I made it back to the MEC store they already destroyed the original helmet I wrongfully returned. It wasn't that I made a mistake that was such a bad experience, because I made a mistake and wanted to correct it. What happened was when I did bring it back, the female store manager that came down after being called by the cashier, came down to talk to me but did it with a strong negative attitude about it. When the store manager was on her way I was informed by the same store cashier that I would get a gift card, so of course while I was waiting for the manger to arrive I anticipated it. That didn't happen. To my surprise I had been talked down at the entire time I was there. So much so, that I left feeling heavily negative for the rest of the day. It seems so, Victoria BC's MEC store location doesn't value having staff trained on customer satisfaction. I wanted to also mention, I still gave back the unused new helmet so they could re-sell it on their floor and yet I was still not compensated for destroying the now missing helmet. All in all I have been a regular customer for years and I really have enjoyed purchasing products from the MEC store in Victoria, BC. I give this store 1 star. No one needs to be mistreated with this kind of disrespect. I have now reconsidered where I want to purchase my outdoor and recreational equipment. read more

MEC is the go to for outdoor gear in Victoria. This store has good selection and typically very helpful staff. I bought a backpack here and was impressed by the help I received and have always felt really welcome. They also have a good selection of gear and a surprisingly large clothing section. If you didn't know, MEC also sells and services bikes here, offering workshops for people interested in learning more about their bikes. The only reason I don't give this store a 4 out of five is the cramped layout, compared to other MEC stores and prices that are fairly average. Check it out if you're in Victoria. read more

I shop here about twenty times per year, I make about a dozen purchases.

As much as I like to support local, small business, MEC has totally swooned me. The quality of their products, great prices, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and a wicked product guarantee are all things that keep me going back. I buy mostly cycling gear, and everything that I've purchased so far has been great: Bags, lights, tire pumps, various tools and do-dads, you name it. I also used their bike repair shop services for the first time last weekend and was thoroughly impressed. Another thing that I find really helpful is their website and the fact that you can read product reviews from customers before you decide what to spend your hard-earned money on! I love you MEC! read more

My dream ...... I fall asleep in MEC, wake up and the store is closed and I have the whole place to myself. Just LOVE MEC, recently moved from Edmonton and was dreading giving up my comfort zone at MEC Edmonton however after visiting the Victoria location I was not disappointed. Fantastic in store stock and a much-anticipated expansion of the bike department (can't wait) The staff here are knowledgeable, courteous and did not make feel like an idiot when asking the most basic of questions. If you want suggestions on where to hike or bike then this the place to go, the staff are full of tips from outings they have taken themselves. I also found the staff did not push the most expensive item rather based their suggestions after listening to me first. The prices may not be the cheapest but then again their products are not cheap quality. Always looking for an excuse to go to MEC and now with Christmas coming the boyfriend is "Again" getting his present from MEC and I had better be to. read more

I wanted a particular pair of sunglasses and the guy behind the counter Matrix'd the hell out of the computer and found exactly what I was looking for, at the exact right price, in record time. Nice job, great service! Support the co-op! read more

My first experience with Mountain Equipment Coop was this weekend past in Victoria. It was a great store, with a lot of variety depending on what you are looking for... But here is what really irritates me... I spent over half and hour looking around the store, browsing, selecting items, and finally deciding to try something on... There was a 10 minute wait for the change rooms, and no where for you to show anyone you are with what you are trying on. I decided to make a purchase, and then waited another ten minutes in line for the check out. I get to the check out, and you need a membership to buy anything! Okay, WTF? Do they think they are Costco? It wouldn't have been so irritating if there was a sign somewhere, ANYWHERE that stated you needed a membership in order to make purchases... The membership is relatively inexpensive, and good for life, however it was quite frustrating given the amount of time spent in the store already. Definately not impressed with that small detail, which honestly puts me off the store in general. Bottom line, unless you have a membership, they don't want your money. read more

Awesome place to buy quality outdoor apparel and gear. Their children's outerwear is especially great - lasts and lasts.

I went here the other day to look at Vibram Five Fingers at first the male employee was helpful but walked away and didn't bother to check back on me, yet checked back on other customers. I ended up walking out not buying anything. read more

Arguably the best place to get outdoor equipment at good prices. Clothing and gear for climbing, camping, biking, running and other outdoor activities under one roof. Good variety including local and foreign brands. It requires membership as it is a cooperative, however tourists can omit such requirement. Will visit again every time I come to Canada. read more

This is THE outdoor to go to for almost everything you need. They have stuff for the casual hiker and outdoor person and many if not all the things needed for a serious expedition. The staff is always very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Their prices are cheap and their products are of the highest quality. Also a good place to go for simple, plain t-shirts and long Tees. I always go to MEC first (and usually last too). See Linn's review below for some details. read more

So they didn't have what I was looking for today, but the service was outstanding. My wish list was expanded and on it are some great Made In Canada items. I love that! And unlike many other stores Made In Canada doesn't mean bring your Visa 'cause you'll faint at the price. Everything in MEC has affordable and quality. Whether you're a serious camper, or a downtown bike commuter there's a plethora of finds for everyone who wants to be functional, and stylish in the great outdoors. read more

Bought my boots and other supplies here for the West Coast Trail. Staff were friendly and helpful, and there was a wide variety of options to choose from depending on the price range your'e in which was really nice. I also took advantage of their return policy in the past which was really hassle free so that was great as well. The MEC brand has proven itself to me to be a great choice if you don't have a huge budget and want to get the most value per dollar! 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. The Victoria store is a little bit smaller than others I've been to in Canada but I didn't really notice a lack of anything that I was looking for. read more

Once in a while people go out of their way to help. I need to congratulate MEC on their excellent staff, who were exemplary in helping when some equipment (walking sticks) became unusable. They tried to help me fix them and than replaced them without fuss. No question they are first when I need any sports equipment. read more

great store, great quality, great warranty service best value for sure in Canada love MEC forever read more

this is a great shop nice and big. I get all my bike stuff here except for the bikes itself. I like the location and the styles but sometimes it gets a bit crowded in the shop on a weekend and I cant get help read more

I've been to plenty of MECs in Canada and this one seems to be run terribly in comparison. The staff rarely know where things are or the correct usage for things. The bike area is particularly bad. The staff in this section will regularly sell you the wrong size or style of bike accessories (the fenders come to mind). read more

Good selection, ok prices. I did have a problem one time I was here and filled out a comment card - checked the box to yes, please contact me regarding the problem, and.... never heard back from MEC - that was disappointing. read more