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I grew up cycling in residential Toronto on park trails and tree-lined streets with minimal traffic, then moved away from the city for 14 years. Now I’m back and am living and working in the downtown core. Biking to work in Toronto is something I’d always wanted to try – fresh air and exercise seems like a great way to start the day – but I’ll admit I was nervous about taking on the rush-hour city streets.

To help me navigate my way through the city, I joined local bike group [Cycle Toronto](https://www.cycleto.ca/) for a ride along downtown routes to learn about bike infrastructure, and picked up a lot about biking in Toronto along the way. Here are some tips for newbie cyclists in Toronto:

## 1. Not all routes are created equal
Funny thing: to get to my meeting spot with Cycle Toronto, I had to bike there first – a little daunting when I was heading there to *learn* how to bike through the city. This was my intro to the [Toronto Cycling Map](http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=42b3970aa08c1410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD), which helped me figure out a safe way to Bloor and Shaw.

There are cycle tracks, bike lanes, shared roadways with cars, quiet residential streets in pockets of downtown, and multi-use pathways. You can usually link routes together and avoid the really busy traffic areas. (Use the fly-out menu in the top left corner to show the different options.)



## 2. Communication is key
We rode in a group of 20, so letting other riders know our plan was key to preventing mishaps. But even if you’re out solo, Cycle Toronto let me know how important it is to communicate with drivers and other cyclists. Brush up on your hand signals (left-hand turn, stop, right-hand turn) and use them. Eye contact with drivers is also big – assume no one sees you.

## 3. There’s a whole handbook
It’s a quick read, it’s free online and it comes in a [bunch of languages](https://www.cycleto.ca/news/toronto-cyclists-handbook). The *Toronto Cyclists Handbook* covers all you need to know before you start riding, like:

- The rules of the road
- How to turn at intersections
- Whether you can ride side-by-side
- Everything to do with passing

## 4. Bike classes exist (for adults, too)
Just because you know how to ride a bike doesn’t mean you know how to safely ride in a big city. Toronto has [Can-Bike classes](http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=e9f5970aa08c1410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD) to teach you and get you feeling confident (they’re the same classes the Toronto bike police need to take).

## 5. ease into it
It’s okay to take your time, especially if you’re new to navigating your way through the city. Practice on quiet weekends (i.e., not rush hour).

“Most trips in the city are less than 5km,” says Jared, the Executive Director of Cycle Toronto. “For those trips, cycling is the fastest and most convenient way to get from A to B. With a bit of practice on residential streets or park paths, most people can build up the confidence to ride on most streets. Take your time, plan your route, review the rules of the road and get out there!”



## 6. Streetcar tracks: watch out
Cross them so your wheels are perpendicular to the tracks, or your tires might get caught.

## 7. Cycling infrastructure involves lots of people
We stopped at several places on our ride, including Queens Park, to learn about some of the cycle advocacy issues that Cycle Toronto’s working on with the city. Making bike lanes usually involves a lot of steps and stakeholders, and local businesses also get involved to talk about how bike infrastructure ties into the city.

Some highlights of our ride? The planter-lined bike lane on Gerrard and the intersection of Richmond and Simcoe, where Cycle Toronto wants to install more signage to indicate a bike lane intersection for the safety of cyclists, drivers and pedestrians. They’re working with a local city councillor and City of Toronto Transportation Services staff to make this happen.

## 8. Any bike works
I was on a [Midtown](/en/product/5051-244/Midtown-Bicycle), but one thing that struck me was how many different bikes I saw. Any bike works for commuting, as long it’s tuned up and has a bell, front white light and rear red light or reflector. A helmet is always recommended.

## 9. Lock it or lose it
Like your bike? Whenever you park it, [lock your bike](/en/explore/locking-your-bike), and not with a skimpy cable lock either.



## 10. It’s a community
Something I noticed was that I felt a strong sense of community on the ride, not just within our group but from the other cyclists on their daily commutes. Despite riding a single file, we managed to have some great conversations about why people cycle in the city and the sense of freedom they feel riding downtown. Even through everyone has a different reason for cycling and are heading to different places, we all share the road.

*Since my intro ride, I’ve been bike commuting to and from work… hope to see you in the bike lane!*





Thinking about biking in Toronto but don’t know where to start? Here are 10 tips to help you navigate the city on two wheels.

A beginner’s guide to bike commuting in Toronto | MEC Blog

A beginner’s guide to bike commuting in Toronto

*We love that you love getting outside. That’s why we’re profiling inspiring members across Canada who connect with their communities through active outdoor lifestyles.*

Member: Melody Markle
Member since: 2007
Activities: mountain biking, camping, hiking

**Tell us about yourself. How do you like to get outside?**

I am Algonquin Anishinaabe-kwe and grew up in Algonquin Anishinaabe traditional territory in Ontario. I spent many summer seasons camping, fishing with my brother, playing in swamps to catch turtles and stargazing into the night sky. I was fortunate at an early age to have my mother sprinkle seeds of culture in me and around the importance of being First Nation. I often give thanks to her for instilling my pride to be loud and proud of my motherline.

During my adult years I moved to Toronto and attended Ryerson University. I also started spin classes with the goal of building my stamina and cardio levels for my move to BC.

**What was your first introduction to mountain biking?**

The summer of 2007 was full of endless trail adventures. I started riding with the Cumberland Ladies Ride Group. My first day of biking in Courtenay, BC, was a ride to remember. I borrowed a large downhill bike from the guys and threw my helmet on with hopes of not crashing. It was a short-lived dream – I ended up going over the handlebars five times during our ride on Tomato Creek. I even had my first panic attack during the climb on the logging road.



**What do you like about mountain biking? What’s changed for you since you started?**

I love the personal transformation, from increased confidence to leading a healthier lifestyle. I spent a lot of time in urban settings where trails are harder to find, and my health wasn’t a priority. It wasn’t until my first trail ride that I realized how much exercise was involved. I began to train four times a week on local group rides. I loved how supportive the riders were, and the weekly outings settled my anxiety around venturing off on my own in the forest.

I began to ride downhill and XC and built up my cardio to handle two-hour rides without being too exhausted. Now I’m learning to ride Kamloops terrain, which is primarily singletrack enduro, and I’m beginning to love the climb. I’m riding with intermediate to advanced riders now too, and enjoy how they encourage me to push myself. I love setting goals and watching the progress with a group or recording my time on [Strava](https://www.strava.com/athletes/21213135).

**How did you get involved with the Aboriginal Youth Mountain Biking Program?**

I was connected to [Patrick Lucas](http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/mountain-biking-helps-put-b-c-first-nations-youth-on-a-positive-path) and the [AYMBP](http://www.aymbp.ca/home.html) through a friend who works with the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Collective. She suggested we meet to chat about our love for mountain biking and engaging the Aboriginal community. After a few rides and conversations we created a video about how I connect to the territory when I’m riding the trails. I guess I consider myself a role model when riding because there are so many other elements I incorporate when pushing my pedals. Presently, I volunteer my time with various groups from surrounding communities if they need additional help with group rides.



Melody2015



**How is mountain biking a healing tool for you?**

I strongly believe in muscle and blood memory as a framework when decolonizing my body. I practice this by looking after my health holistically. There are many layers to tend to: mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. I strive to maintain balance in all the elements that make up a whole and assist me with my biking performance. This is how I work through the impacts of colonization and continue to heal myself from the effects of what happened to Indigenous people.

**Like Anishinaabe Aki, the traditional territories of the majority of Nations here in BC are also unceded. Does this impact how and where you ride in BC?**

I love to ride anywhere that good people have been involved with the trail building. I believe we don’t own the trails as this is Mother Earth that we all share. I’m also aware and understand that I am a guest here in BC, I respect the land and support the surrounding Bands when we defend land from future developers. I feel very honoured when I’m invited by a community member to ride in their territory and often chat about the history of the people and celebrate how biking has brought families together. I’m stoked that First Nation communities are becoming part of the trail building process and rebuilding their communities in healthy ways.

**What does the mountain bike community need to know about where they ride?**

I think everyone in the biking industry should be aware of the traditional territories their bike races take place in and acknowledge the original peoples that have resided for thousands of years. Also, maybe in the future, when trail building happens, involve the community and consult with them about Indigenizing the trail names. Incorporate medicine rides that teach people about the plants they are riding into.



**Do you see mountain biking as something that helps you connect with the land?**

When I’m riding my bike, I’m reminded of the all the plant and medicine diversity that is utilized to heal. As I ride through the trails, I’m mindful that Mother Earth has all the answers for me when I’m encountering a complex decision. Mountain biking always takes me far into beautiful backcountry that is full of plants, all of which have a role to play when we talk about holistic health with Indigenous people.

For example, while riding in Kamloops – the traditional territory of the Secwepemc people – I noted the sage that has been planted on the hillside for thousands of years. I always stop and reflect on the use of these plants and others by the Secwepemc people for food, medicine, technology and ceremonies. Around spring time, the smell of sage reminds me to clear my mind when I’m having a difficult time. It is when I’m out on the trails in the hills that I remember how important our traditional foods and medicines are to keep us whole. The only plant that I try and steer clear from would be [stinging nettle](/en/article/how-to-do-anything-spot-dangerous-plants)! It was the worst pain and rash experienced when I rode a trail in Ontario.

**Talk to us about identifying as a woman in sport known for its masculinity.**

I think the sport has evolved within the few years I’ve been biking. There are more women entering the sport at an early stage. More are racing, coaching and guiding. I used to be the only lady riding with men at the park and typically ran into men on the trail. I was lucky to have some patient guys who would wait for me at an intersection and cheer me along the way. I haven’t really noticed a difference of whom I’m riding with. All genders can become competitive for the same reasons and I’m grateful for my riding friends. Actually now that I think of it, I have a lady rider pal who loves to chat during a climb which is really helpful for me to keep on going. I find most men will have smaller conversations but want to focus on their breathing.

Another important trend that has changed quite a bit is women’s biking attire. I remember only owning one pair of riding shorts before and they were men’s. I think within the last 5–10 years, there’s been a lot more of a selection of women’s riding attire.



**On that note, what are your favourite MEC products?**

I have a lot from MEC, including a camping dish set, tent, sleeping bag, water bottles, hydration packs, clothing, and rain jackets to name a few.

**What are your favourite trails to ride?**

Within BC, I think my favourite is 7th Secret in North Vancouver on Mount Fromme. Also Full Nelson in Squamish, Beer Run in Kamloops, and Cupcake and Two-in-a-Juice in Cumberland.

**Tell us about your perfect day outside.**

Loading up my bike and camp gear and venturing to a new mountain. I love exploring with my wheels of health. That post-ride feeling of relief is the satisfaction I strive for on my weekends. I also enjoy good company of friends who share that passion for biking too.

**What is your hope for the future of the mountain biking community?**

I hope there will be more First Nation communities encouraging their people to ride and spend time in the beautiful forests and hills. I hope more young people will give biking a try and keep at it as a hobby.

**Are there bikers you follow or look up to?**

I just started using Strava and have been following my friend Carolyn, a Kamloops local. She’s a mother as well and reminds me to encourage my little ones to ride once I start a family. She’s also very kind and encouraging when we do weekly rides.



Meet MEC member Melody Markle, an avid mountain biker from Long Point (Winneway) First Nation who is all about trailblazing to mino-pimadiziwin (the good life).

MEC member spotlight: Melody Markle | MEC Blog

MEC member spotlight: Melody Markle

Even if you’ve lived in Canada your whole life, there’s a good chance you’ve only seen a small portion of the country. While Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver may be obvious spots on any cross-country road trip, there are plenty of Canadian hidden gems worth a visit for their individual quirks and outdoor activity potential. Canada’s small towns are exciting because you never quite know what to expect – from secret hiking trails to quiet nights under the stars, making the most of the outdoors always seems easier from these places than from the middle of a sprawling city.

If you’re packing up your car and hitting the road, put some of these places on your list:

## Carcross, Yukon


Carcross is located south of Whitehorse along the iconic Klondike Highway, rested just on the shores of Bennett Lake. Backdropped by Montana Mountain, this area is much less frequented than Dawson. For anyone who wants to fit in some hiking or mountain biking, the community’s old mining roads and prospector paths have been converted into public trails and are a must-visit.
Travel a mere 1km north, and you’ll find one of the Yukon’s stranger attractions: the Carcross Desert. Often considered the smallest desert in the world (though technically, it’s a series of sand dunes), the landscape feels out of place in the Great White North. This geological quirk is definitely worth a visit – in the summer, you can hike or sandboard, and come winter, the snowy dunes are perfect for cross-country skiing.

### Nelson, British Columbia


BC’s known for its natural diversity, from coastal landscapes to mountain ranges, and the town of Nelson is no exception. Not far from Valhalla and Kokanee Glacier provincial parks, Nelson is a laid-back place to spend a few days before you keep road-tripping. With lots of ways to explore in your hiking boots, by mountain bike, in a boat, or on skis in winter, any outdoor lover could easily stop here and want to stay forever (and some definitely do). I recommend visiting Lakeside Park on the west arm of Kootenay Lake, right by the iconic Nelson Bridge. The park has a sweet little beach, and you can [even rent SUPs and kayaks](/en/article/infographic-canoe-kayak-or-sup) from the shore for an afternoon paddle.

## Nordegg, Alberta


This town, often overshadowed by its neighbours Banff and Jasper, is one of the most underrated spots in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. If you want to visit the Rockies but don’t want to deal with peak-season crowds, this off-the-beaten-track stop is my gift to you. Conveniently located off Highway 11 (known locally as “The Road Less Travelled”), it’s also a great launch spot for anyone who wants to visit the Columbia Icefields.

Spotted with crags, the winding North Saskatchewan River, a mountain biking trail network and plenty of campgrounds, Nordegg is filled with chances to stretch your legs and spend some time in the fresh air. I recommend visiting in the summer, when the turquoise Abraham Lake – pictured above – is especially impressive.

## Huntsville, Ontario


Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario’s first provincial park, might not be the best-kept natural secret [in the province](/en/article/hidden-gems-6-awesome-ontario-campsites), but just 40km away lies the town of Huntsville, which very well could be. Located in the Muskokas, [one of Ontario’s cottage regions](/en/article/where-to-camp-in-ontarios-cottage-country), this town gives you a quintessential Ontarian experience. It’s a bit of a mecca for outdoors enthusiasts, and has been dubbed the triathlon capital of the country. With Arrowhead Provincial Park just 7km north of town, hikers, road bikers and paddlers can take advantage of all the ample trails and lakes. Arrowhead Lake is well-protected from strong winds thanks to the surrounding forest, so this is great place to fit in an overnight paddling adventure.

## Saint-Raymond, Quebec
Looking for some epic eastern Canada activities to fit into this leg of your road trip? There are lots to choose from, including some first-class mountain bike trails in Quebec, like the flowy ones at Vallée Bras-du-Nord above. [Vallée Bras-du-Nord](/en/article/hidden-gems-5-awesome-quebec-campsites), in Saint-Raymond, is also the place to go for a few days of camping, mixed in with some rock-climbing and via ferrata rappelling (a must-do from May to October).

## Where to find them
This list hardly scrapes the surface of towns dotted across Canada that are well worth a stop on your next cross-country roadtrip. Start with these ones to plot out a route and find lots more along the way:



[*Map of locations*](https://drive.google.com/open?id=1pboC4qjZZodmZ-5oZd9qABUoXl4&usp=sharing)

## Road trip packing essentials
No matter how many destinations you’re cramming into your trip, you’ll want to maximize space in your adventure mobile. Here are a few items that’ll keep you organized on your cross-country travels:

- A clothing packing system: the [MEC Outpost Duffle](/en/product/5035-334/Outpost-Duffle) is a good choice for storing your necessities in the trunk or backseat.
- Packing cubes, like the [Travel Light cubes](/en/product/5043-147/Travel-Light-Packing-Cube-3-Pack-Multisize), minimize the mess of packing and unpacking.
- A [versatile jacket](/en/product/5045-419/Vienta-Windshell) to withstand Canada’s varied landscapes and weather.
- An [alternative power source](/en/product/5054-692/Platypus-Car-Charger%26-Power-Bank?org_text=5054692) for extended time exploring or in case of emergency.
- A tough mug, like the [Stanley One Hand Vacuum Mug](/en/product/5040-743/One-Hand-Vacuum-Mug-354ml), to keep your drinks hot or cold during long days and nights on the road.

Enjoy the journey.

*Photos: Shutterstock / Tomas Kulaja**, Shutterstock / Kacey Greening**, Shutterstock / BGSmith**, Shutterstock / ah_fotobox, Shutterstock** / Blazej Lyjak*



Planning an epic road trip across Canada? Add these places to your list – see 5 small towns that are worth the stop.

Small towns to explore on a cross-Canada road trip | MEC Blog

Small towns to explore on a cross-Canada road trip

A well-stocked camp kitchen is an essential part of any camping getaway. Whether you like to get a little gourmet with camp cooking or prefer to just heat up something on a simple camping stove, having the proper camp kitchen box and food prep gear makes everything easier outside.

Use the items below to whip up tasty camping meals, and when you’re back from your camping trip, give everything a good cleaning and pack it away in preparation for your next getaway. It’s handy to get a big plastic storage tub to keep everything in one place.

If you’re planning to hike to your campsite, you’ll likely want to leave the cast-iron pan behind – check out the [backpacking checklist](/en/article/backpacking-checklist) for a minimalized list of camp kitchen gear.

### Camp stove cooking
- [Camp stove](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/stoves-fuel-and-fire/c/1279)
- [Fuel and fuel bottles](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/stoves-fuel-and-fire/fuel/c/1283)
- [Matches or lighter](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/stoves-fuel-and-fire/fire-starters-matches-and-lighters/c/1282)

### Open-fire cooking
- [Fire starter and matches/lighter](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/stoves-fuel-and-fire/fire-starters-matches-and-lighters/c/1282)
- [Hatchet or axe](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/trekking-poles-knives-furniture-and-accessories/knives-and-tools/saws-axes-and-camp-shovels/axes/c/1605)
- [Firegrill](/en/product/5046-765/Grandpa%27s-FireGrill) (when a forked stick just won’t cut it)
- [Roasting sticks](/en/product/5039-029/Telescoping-Fork)

### Camp cookware
- [Pots or pot sets](/en/products/gear/camping-and-hiking-gear/kitchen/cookware-and-utensils/outdoor-cookware/pots-and-pot-sets/c/1788) (at least one small and one large pot works well)
- [Pot grabber](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/camping-cookware/outdoor-cookware/pots-and-pot-sets/pot-handles-grippers-and-accessories/c/1793)
- [Frying pan](/en/products/gear/camping-and-hiking-gear/kitchen/cookware-and-utensils/outdoor-cookware/frying-pans/c/1785) (cast iron is an excellent versatile choice)
- [Dutch oven](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/camping-cookware/outdoor-cookware/pots-and-pot-sets/dutch-ovens-and-pressure-cookers/c/1789)
- [Plates and bowls](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/camping-cookware/mugs-cups-and-dishes/bowls-and-plates/c/1774)
- [Cups and mugs](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/camping-cookware/mugs-cups-and-dishes/mugs-and-cups/c/1775) – you can find some options that double as measuring cups
- [Cooking utensils](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/camping-cookware/camping-utensils-and-cutting-boards/cooking-utensils-and-food-prep/c/1278), like spatulas, tongs and big spoons for stirring
- [Cutlery](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/camping-cookware/camping-utensils-and-cutting-boards/forks-spoons-and-cutlery-sets/c/1275) (sporks are classic camp items)
- [Sharp knife](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/trekking-poles-knives-furniture-and-accessories/knives-and-tools/fixed-blade-and-pocket-knives/camp-kitchen-knives/c/1656?b=100-1549-1267-1271-280)
- [Cutting board](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/camping-cookware/camping-utensils-and-cutting-boards/cutting-boards/c/1276)
- [Can opener](/en/product/1699-040/Can-Opener-2-Pack)
- [Coffee maker](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/coffee-makers-and-kettles/c/1272)
- [Water bottles](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/water-bottles-and-reservoirs/water-bottles/c/1233)
- [Water jug](/en/brand/gsi/products/packs-and-bags/hydration-packs-and-accessories/bladders-reservoirs-and-accessories/c/1229)

### Food storage and clean-up
- [Portable camp table](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-and-beach-furniture/tables/c/1435)
- [Cooler](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/coolers-food-storage-and-bar-items/coolers/c/1269)
- [Food storage bins](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/coolers-food-storage-and-bar-items/food-containers/c/1270)
- [Reusable bags](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/coolers-food-storage-and-bar-items/food-containers/c/1270)
- Aluminum foil
- [Biodegradable soap](/en/brand/sierra-dawn+dr.-bronner%27s+druide/products/camping-and-hiking/first-aid-health-and-safety/bath-and-sanitation-products/soap-dental-hygiene-and-camping-showers/c/806)
- [Quick-dry dish cloth](/en/product/5050-866/Camp-Dish-Cloth-Large)
- [Pot scrubber/sponges](/en/product/5026-915/Alpine-Dish-Brush-Scraper)
- [Pot scraper](/en/product/5013-050/Compact-Scraper)
- Garbage bags
- [Portable sink](/en/brand/seattle-sports/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/camping-cookware/clean-up/c/1273)

### If you want to get gourmet…
- [Ice cream ball](/en/brand/uco/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/camping-cookware/camping-utensils-and-cutting-boards/cooking-utensils-and-food-prep/c/1278)
- [Popcorn popper](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/stoves-fuel-and-fire/campfire-and-fire-pit-accessories/c/1796?text=popcorn&org_text=popcorn)
- [Hand-crank blender](/en/product/5027-635/Vortex-Blender)
- Unbreakable [wine tote and glasses](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/coolers-food-storage-and-bar-items/flasks-growlers-and-wine-storage/wine-storage-and-wine-glasses/c/1779)
- Unbreakable [growler and pint glasses](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/coolers-food-storage-and-bar-items/flasks-growlers-and-wine-storage/growlers-and-beer-glasses/c/1778)
- [Flask](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/coolers-food-storage-and-bar-items/flasks-growlers-and-wine-storage/flasks-and-shot-glasses/c/1777)
- Corkscrew and [bottle opener](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/stoves-fuel-and-fire/fire-starters-matches-and-lighters/c/1282?text=bottle+opener&org_text=bottle+opener)
- [Epic s’mores recipes](/en/article/craft-smores-boost-your-camp-snack-game)

The great things about many camp kitchen tools is that they can do double-duty at outdoor festivals, picnic lunches at the beach, family roadtrips, or even backyard BBQs. Want more camping meal ideas? Check out [camp kitchen secrets](/en/article/camp-kitchen-secrets) and our [coffee addict’s guide to camp coffee](/en/article/a-coffee-addicts-guide-to-camp-coffee).



## Related articles
- [How to choose a camp stove](/en/explore/choose-your-camp-stove)
- [Camping meal ideas with a twist](/en/article/camping-meal-ideas-with-a-twist)
- [Gift ideas for camp chefs](/en/article/gift-ideas-for-camp-chefs)





Use this handy list to remember all you need, from sporks to the camp kitchen sink. (Whatever you do, don’t forget the coffee.)

Camp kitchen checklist | MEC Blog

Camp kitchen checklist

The only dark side of camping and slowly building your collection of rad outdoor gear? Inevitably, you’ll start to wonder where you’re going to store it all while you’re waiting for the weekend or your next trip to arrive.

As urbanization increases and our living quarters shrink (anyone else’s apartment under 600 square feet?), it’s wise to invest in gear that’s space efficient, does double-duty inside and out, and packs up small for storage. Luckily, there are solutions and camping gear picks that fit the bill for your tiny – but still super cute – apartment.

### Tip 1: Go ultralight and ultra-compact
You don’t have to be an ultralight backcountry hiker or camper to reap the benefits of ultralight products. Gear that’s designed to pack up small to fit in a backpack means that it’s also space-efficient for storage. This is especially ideal if you don’t have a storage locker, a garage or a spare room, and need to stash your tent and sleeping gear in your cupboards or under your bed.

##### Fits in a drawer
Case in point, our newly redesigned [popular Volt LT 2](/en/product/5036-982/Volt-LT-2-Tent) (also in 3- or 4-person versions) and the [mega-light Spark 2](/en/product/5036-964/Spark-2-Tent) (also in a 1-person version) for camping. Not only are these tents super lightweight, they also pack down really small. Since they’re so compact, you can fit them in your closet or even a drawer.



##### Like a puffy jacket for sleeping
For sleeping pads, the latest from our material engineers and designers is the [VectAir sleeping pad](/en/product/5042-420/VectAir-Insulated-Sleeping-Pad). It’s an insulated pad that weighs 0.8–1kg (depending on the size) and rolls up into a small package for storage. When it’s inflated, it gives you a cushy warm surface to sleep on, thanks to PrimaLoft synthetic insulation – the same insulation used in some puffy jackets. You can use your breath to blow it up, or use a little pump (sold separately) to inflate it.



VectAir Pump / Pompe VectAir



Another good pick is the Therm-a-rest [ProLite Sleeping Pad](/en/product/5041-051/Prolite-Plus-Sleeping-Pad). Made of highly compressible foam, it expands as quick as it deflates. Depending on the size you use, it rolls up to about 28–33cm long and 10–13cm in diameter (about the size of a tall Nalgene bottle). You can also store it unrolled with the valve open under your bed, couch or behind a door.

### Tip 2: Camping pillows for your couch
Is it just me or could these pillows double as throw cushions? Brands are stepping it up in terms of prints and colours for camp gear, which makes them useful on your couch or in your tent. The [Poler Nod](/en/product/5045-949/Nod-Pillow) and [compressible pillows](/en/brand/therm_._a_._rest/products/gear/camping-and-hiking-gear/sleeping-bags%2c-sleeping-pads%2c-quilts-and-pillows/pillows-and-pillowcases/c/1408) from Therm-a-rest roll up into their built-in pockets and are quick-drying in case you drool a little (we all do).



### Tip 3: Water gear that packs down
If you spend a bunch of time camping lakeside, inflatables have two benefits for city dwellers: easy storage at home and easy transport if you don’t have a vehicle (or a roof rack).



##### Inflatable SUPs
There are lots of inflatable SUPs to choose from. The newest ones from [Level Six](/en/brand/level-six/products/watersports/paddleboarding/paddleboards/c/921) are 30% lighter than traditional inflatables and also roll up smaller (win/win). You can pump it up in about 10 minutes, so you spend as little time possible inflating and more time paddling.

The SUP comes with everything you need (except for a paddle), like a high-pressure pump, leash, and repair kit. It all fits in a nifty carry bag with shoulder straps so you can easily catch the bus or train to the water. To go with your inflatable SUP, look for a [3-piece paddle](/en/product/5053-049/Octane-Carbon-3-Piece-Adjustable-SUP-Paddle) that will fit in the carry bag, like this Accent Octane paddle.



### 

If you’ll be paddleboarding, you’ll need a PFD. [Inflatable PFDs](/en/brand/mustang-survival/products/gear/paddling-gear/pfds%2c-helmets-and-safety-equipment/pfds/c/1398) are compact options that you wear around your waist or your chest (this one is from Mustang Survival), and don’t take up much room in your closet.



##### Inflatable kayaks
[Inflatable kayaks](/en/products/gear/paddling-gear/boats-and-boards/kayaks/inflatable-kayaks/c/912) are becoming increasingly popular with urban dwellers since they store easily, inflate fast and dry quickly. They take the need for a roof rack out of the equation, pack down to about the size of a piece of luggage, and are still stiff and responsive enough to handle rough water, including rivers up to Class II (i.e., sections of the Bow river, or any other novice-level river with wide clear channels and straightforward rapids). To go with your inflatable kayak, choose a packable [4-piece paddle](/en/product/5053-036/Lanai-Select-4-Piece-Paddle).



### Tip 3: Camp gear for your kitchen
With limited kitchen counter space in most condos (barely enough for one person), it’s often not realistic to use a big drip coffee maker at home – plus it’s not as delicious as coffee from an [Aeropress](/en/product/5046-862/Coffee%26-Espresso-Maker) or [Handpresso](/en/product/5030-728/Handpresso-Pump). Many MEC staffers, myself included, use [camp coffee addict’s gear](/en/article/a-coffee-addicts-guide-to-camp-coffee) even when we’re not camping. Most are super easy to clean and stow away in a drawer when you’re done.



### 

Once 5 o’clock rolls around at home or at camp, you can swap the Aeropress for a [Happy Hour System](/en/product/5044-950/Happy-Hour-System-SS), complete with a citrus reamer, shaker and jigger cap which conveniently stacks into itself for easy storing in a drawer or kitchen cupboard. Lime margarita anyone?



### Outdoor/indoor blankets
Rumpl makes multi-use blankets made from the same materials as a sleeping bag. From your bed to the cabin to a picnic, they transition easily from indoors to outdoors so you can be cozy anywhere. One that stands out? The [Rumpl Old Growth blanket](/en/product/5054-700/Old-Growth-Original-Puffy-Blanket), which is printed with an image of an old-growth forest, captured by mega-talented photographer Jeremy Koreski.



### The biggest space saver of them all
[Renting gear](/en/explore/gear-rentals) means that when your camping trip is finished, so is your need to store anything. Most MEC stores rent tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads. If you’re heading to the water, there are also rentals for kayaks, canoes and SUPs (heads up: you may need a roof rack).

Another option? If you camp with your friends as a group, try splitting the gear responsibility for shared items… maybe you have the big tent and other friends are in charge of the camp kitchen tub or SUP. Not only can this save money, it also spreads your camp gear storage needs across the city instead of solely in your apartment.

If you have any more tips on smart gear for small apartments, let us know on social media. Need more tips for keeping things light and small? Check out our [lightweight packing tips](/en/explore/lightweight-packing-tips).



## Related articles
- [A coffee addict’s guide to camp coffee](/en/article/gift-ideas-for-people-who-really-really-like-coffee)
- [How to choose a tent](/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-tent)
- [The gear you need to live a nomadic life](/en/article/the-gear-you-need-for-a-nomadic-life)





Anyone else’s apartment under 600 square feet? If you live in a small condo or tiny studio, check out these smart multi-use, space-efficient gear options.

The best camp gear for your small apartment | MEC Blog

The best camp gear for your small apartment

Since the Fundy Footpath (FFP) opened in 1994, people have underestimated its difficulty and duration, which has resulted in tougher-than-anticipated hikes and expensive search and rescue operations. We wanted to make some videos to highlight the safety precautions needed to hike the FFP. But who would ever watch a safety video about hiking? Enter our main character, Bruce “should-I-say-my-last-name” Persaud and our *Surviving the Fundy Footpath* films. Bruce grew up in Toronto and had just moved to New Brunswick from Montreal when we met him. When he agreed to have his first serious hike filmed, we knew we had our hook.

These films are a must-watch before you head out on a challenging hike. Bruce illustrates that you don’t need to be a hardcore backpacker to complete the FFP, but you do need some good knowledge before you head out, and helpful advice from experienced hikers can make a huge difference when you’re a beginner backpacker.

### Episode 1: Is He Ready?


Episode 1: Is He Ready? (CENSORED)



##### What is the Fundy Footpath?
Where the resistant igneous rock of the Caledonia Highlands drops off into the mega-tidal Bay of Fundy in Southeastern New Brunswick, you’ll find the treacherous Fundy Footpath. It’s over 60km long, crosses nearly 20 watercourses and traverses very steep terrain that culminates in over 4000m of elevation gain (and an equal amount of loss).

##### What is the FFP’s reputation?
It’s rocky, rooted and riddled with steep elevation changes. Backpackers are lured by the promise of a one-of-a-kind coastal experience and an intimate encounter with the great Fundy tides, but it’s also a raw wilderness experience.

### Episode 2: Many of Firsts


Episode 2: Many of Firsts (CENSORED)



##### What are some misconceptions about the footpath?
Many hikers expect the FFP to be flatter, smoother, more forgiving and faster to complete. These misconceptions can lead to people pushing themselves too hard, too fast or to trying to take short-cuts, resulting in injuries or just a bad time.

### Episode 3: Threading the Eye of the Needle


Episode 3: Threading the Eye of the Needle (CENSORED)



##### Where should beginner hikers start before tackling the footpath?
Train by putting some weight on your back and finding some elevation to climb and descend. Anything technical with tricky footing is good practice and using trekking poles will be very helpful, especially on steep downhills. Pole placement can seem complicated at first, as each step is one more task for your brain.

##### What does hiker preparedness mean?
Here are some things you’ll need to be prepared:

1. Mental toughness: be ready for the challenge and recognize when you’re tired and not thinking clearly. Not everything will go according to plan.
1. Physical conditioning is a key preparation activity; learn some good stretches to reduce soreness.
1. Proper gear choices and packing covers a lot of things, from boots, backpacks and clothing to shelters, personal hygiene and kitchen equipment. Take only what you need and make your pack as light as possible. Make a list of essentials.
1. High calorie, lightweight food is key. Have a plan to treat or filter your water and remember to keep drinking; dehydration leads to all kinds of physical problems.
1. Tell people where you’re going and when you’ll be done. Register before beginning the FFP on either end so help knows your hiking agenda. Take a first-aid kit, map of the trail, guide book, tide chart and a cell phone/GPS. Cell coverage is very thin, so don’t depend on it. If you must call 911, be ready to give them detailed information on your exact location and the nature of your situation.

### Episode 4: Hitting the Wall


Episode 4: Hitting the Wall (CENSORED)



##### What do you want people to know about the footpath?
The mega-tides of the Bay of Fundy are impressive along the trail and vary by as much as 11.4m (nearly four storeys). Tide level is vitally important here, as it can close routes, limit your travel, and even trap you on the cliffs when exploring the beach. The wrack line – a line of dead seaweed and driftwood – shows the reach of the tide, making it a safety line of sorts. Camp above it and don’t lose track of the tide while you’re exploring.

### Episode 5: Becoming a Hiker


Episode 5: Becoming a Hiker (CENSORED)



##### What are some instances of things going awry on the footpath?
The example in “Episode 5: Becoming a Hiker” is one of the best. Two men hiking the FFP were worried they wouldn’t get out on time because the trail was taking longer than expected and decided to take an intertidal short cut. With darkness falling, they likely panicked and tried to climb up the cliff back to the trail, only to become stuck. An expensive helicopter rescue saved them. Another time, a hiker nearly froze to death in the winter, while one called for rescue due to sore knees, only to be found later, living it up on the beach.

##### What else do you want people to know?
If you’re an experienced hiker, then help others get out and take on outdoor challenges. Everyone should spend time in the wilderness and it is up to others with experience to help them along, whether through guiding, teaching or just encouraging them. In an urbanizing landscape we must all stay connected to nature and gain experiences that will allow us to understand the importance of conservation.

### Episode 6: Some Serious Chafing Going On


Episode 6: Some Serious Chafing Going On (CENSORED)

### 

*MEC was proud to provide a grant to the Fundy Biosphere Reserve, and ultimately help Ben Phillips, Alonzo Leger and Marc Leger lead Bruce Persaud along the Fundy Footpath safely while Craig Norris captured each moment. Congratulations to Bruce for surviving the FFP! Time to pick up some [real water shoes](/en/gender/men%27s/products/footwear/sandals/water-sandals/c/1801).*

*Photos by Craig Norris.*



Follow Toronto-born first-time camper Bruce Persaud as he attempts to complete the Fundy Footpath, one of Canada’s toughest multi-day hikes.

Surviving the Fundy Footpath | MEC Blog

Surviving the Fundy Footpath

At one point in our lives, many of us have experienced an uncontrollable urge to roam. Even if we have important jobs and commitments – *especially* if we have important jobs and commitments – the impulse can be hard to ignore.

Many of us want to unleash our inner nomad because we desire the freedom that comes with [minimal possessions](/en/explore/lightweight-packing-tips) and the opportunity to experience a more fulfilling existence. But as romantic as it may seem to just pick up and go, if you’re planning an extended trip around the country – or the world – a bit of planning and some proper gear will ensure a much smoother journey (trust me, I learned the hard way).

Whether you’re an adventurer who wants to test the waters of nomadic living, or someone who’s already one step away from being completely off the grid, here are some tips and gear suggestions from the people who’ve been there, done that.

## Tip 1: Plan your second skin
Adventure experts everywhere concur with the age-old motto of almost every parent on the planet: bring layers. A few must-pack pieces are 3 key layers: a packable [insulated layer](/en/products/clothing/jackets/insulated-jackets/down-jackets/c/1022?f=CFIdealForSimple%3ACamping+and+hiking), a [lightweight fleece](/en/products/clothing/fleece-hoodies-and-sweaters/fleece-jackets/c/1023) and a lightweight [waterproof layer](/en/products/clothing/jackets/rain-jackets/c/1025). It’s not unusual to come across “unseasonal” weather. You simply can’t rely on traditional weather patterns, so a variety of lightweight layers work across a range of conditions.

MEC Ambassador [Bruce Kirkby](https://meccms.imgix.net/wp-json/ambassadors/bruce-kirkby) has travelled to more than 80 countries and amassed over 2000 expedition days (follow him on Instagram for some serious travel inspiration). He champions the [MEC Uplink Jacket](/en/products/clothing/jackets/c/1018?text=uplink) as his piece to take along, wherever he goes. “I’ve taken it everywhere from the Himalayas to the Arctic. It’s light and packable, as well as being windproof and warm. And when conditions fall apart, I pretty much always have my [Synergy Jacket](/en/products/clothing/jackets/rain-jackets/c/1025?text=synergy) for lockdown mode, when I need bombproof protection from wind, snow, rain and all other nastiness.”

When he’s travelling, Bruce also is one of MEC’s [field testers](/en/explore/materials-and-technology) to see how new gear performs; here’s the [Lite Obsession Hoodie](/en/product/5045-076/Light-Obsession-Hoodie) in action:



As for your other layers? Bruce weighs in: “I tend to wear soft-shell pants everywhere (currently [the Uptrack](/en/products/clothing/bottoms/pants/c/1005?text=uptrack)) and underneath, usually [T3s on the bottom](/en/brand/mec/products/clothing/base-layers-and-underwear/base-layers-and-underwear/base-layer-bottoms/c/1054?text=t3) and [T1 up top](/en/products/clothing/base-layers-and-underwear/base-layers-and-underwear/base-layer-tops/c/1055?text=t1).” (The “T” refers to thermal insulation, with T1 offering lightweight protection, and T3 providing more comfort and warmth.)

## Tip 2: Create a mini-kitchen
Food prep is super important when you’re on the road, especially since conditions can be unpredictable. You don’t always know when or where the next grocery store might be, so it’s always a good idea to have an assortment of easy-to-make meals and snacks handy.

If you’re into road trips and #vanlife, you can safely store, transport and cook food with a lightweight, durable and decent-sized cooler (the [Yeti Roadie](/en/product/5044-239/Roadie-20-Cooler) is a crazy durable option) and a portable kitchen ([camping kitchen sets](/en/product/5031-132/Destination-Kitchen-24-Set) pack down small). If your adventure is a bit too intense to a lug a cooler along, make sure to always have a few granola bars and other [snacks](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/food-and-drink/snacks-and-energy-bars/snacks/c/1182) tucked away for long stretches of road where you don’t have time to stop for a meal.



## Tip 3: Perfect your pack
Your nomadic travels mean you’ve got to find some ways to artfully transport all your gear, no matter how minimal it may be. “In the woods and wild, I love the MEC Alpinelite packs – I probably use the [AlpineLite 32](/en/product/5042-082/AlpineLite-32-Backpack) the most,” says Bruce. “And when travelling overseas, I can get everything I need into the [Forge 65](/en/product/5039-728/Forge-65-Backpack).”

If you’re travelling with just a backpack, it’s also important to know how to organize everything it so it’s comfortable – check out our [video on how to pack a backpack](/en/explore/how-to-pack-a-backpack). For ways to squeeze the most out of your bag, check out some [packing tips from experts](/en/article/roll-or-fold-packing-tips-from-the-pros).



You’ll be surprised how much gear can fit into the bag on your back. But with that said, anything you pack should have more than one purpose. That big jar of moisturizing cream? Toss it in favour of coconut oil, which you can use to cook, clean teeth, relieve chapped lips, dry skin and sore throats.

For any travellers who miss having access to a proper bath, look into bringing along a [portable shower](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/health-and-safety/bath-and-sanitation-products/soap-dental-hygiene-and-camping-showers/c/806?text=shower). Easy to carry and use, this device is a game changer for anyone who resists getting too grimy on adventures. Best of all, you can use it to rinse off boots, dishes, clothing or any other items you need to wash too.

## Tip 4: Connect with comforts of home
Creating a sense of home on the road is vital. Home isn’t necessarily a place, but it’s a feeling you want to hold onto (especially when you have tough travel days, which happens to everyone). Send texts, write postcards or call the people you care about to tell them something funny that happened – whatever gives you a feeling of connection.

And don’t forget about the more tangible comforts. Bruce’s recommendations? “My go-tos are the [inflatable sleeping pad](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-and-pads/sleeping-pads/c/1416), a [good sleeping bag](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-sleeping-pads-quilts-and-pillows/sleeping-bags/c/1410) (down for winter, synthetic for on the coast in the summer) and a [headlamp](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/flashlights-headlamps-and-lanterns/headlamps/c/1306). If I have those three things, I feel at home anywhere.” Another pro tip: a [sleeping bag liner](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-sleeping-pads-quilts-and-pillows/sleeping-bag-liners/c/1406) means less frequent washing for your actual sleeping bag.



## Tip 5: Have a lifeline and a sense of confidence
If you want to get off-the-grid, that’s great, but make sure you have a way to get help if you need it. That means a [GPS](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/electronics/handheld-gps252c-maps252c-and-accessories/c/1139), a cell phone, a [map](/en/products/travel-gear/books-maps-and-dvds/maps/c/936)/[compass](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/navigation-maps-and-guidebooks/compasses/c/1247?text_redirected=compasses&org_text=compass) or a VHF radio. As always, pack a [first aid kit](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/first-aid-health-and-safety/first-aid-kits-and-supplies/first-aid-kits/c/1210) and the rest of the [10 essentials](/en/explore/the-10-essentials-hiking-camping) too.

To begin your foray into travelling with a solid foundation – or you just want to get a taste for it without committing to a new way of life – one way to start is with an outfitter. An organized small group trip gives you the chance to instantly start exploring, trying new things, and meeting new people, without actually needing to spend weeks or months on the road. Tours are also great if you want to maximize limited vacation time.

Of course, the days will be a lot tougher without the right gear, so [don’t skimp on quality](/en/article/camping-gear-where-to-splurge-vs-save). Your life on the road may not feature many possessions, but the ones you do have matter big time, so make sure they’re fit to travel for the long-haul.



## Related articles
- [Travel checklist](/en/explore/travel-checklist)
- [16 rad travel hacks for adventurous Canadians](/en/article/16-rad-travel-hacks-from-adventurous-canadians)
- [Gift ideas for people who live in small spaces](/en/article/gifts-for-people-who-live-in-small-spaces)



Are you all about road trips, travelling to new places and #vanlife? See tips on gear to pack from adventure and travel experts.

Travel tips for a nomadic life | MEC Blog

Travel tips for a nomadic life

Wieners on a stick are just the start of what’s possible with campfire cooking. If you’re looking for new camping food ideas and want to make the most of cooking outside, then there are plenty of campfire cooking tools you can use to bring out your inner chef. From portable fire-pits to making pizza in the forest, see some fresh ways you can get sizzling.

### Breakfast: Portable fire
No firepit? No problem. See how to elevate your campfire – and your pancakes – and keep the ground from getting charred (à la [Leave No Trace](/en/article/7-ways-to-camp-and-hike-responsibly) principles):



Camp Kitchen: Breakfast

The campfire cooking tools: [Primus Kamoto OpenFire Pit](/en/product/5052-155/Kamoto-OpenFire-Pit) and the [OpenFire Pan](/en/product/5052-461/OpenFire-Pan)

### Lunch: Outdoor pizza oven
Take your meaty or margherita creation to-go, and charge your phone while you’re at it:



Camp Kitchen Lunch

The campfire cooking tools: [Biolite BaseCamp Pizza Stone & Lid](/en/product/5050-704/BaseCamp-Pizza-Stone%26-Lid), plus the [BaseCamp Grill](/en/product/5038-544/BaseCamp-Grill)

### Dinner: Flame-kissed dishes
Make the most of your campfire with cast-iron and fire-friendly pots that have handles that won’t melt:



Camp Kitchen: Dinner

The campfire cooking tools: [Barebones Dutch Oven](/en/brand/barebones/products/gear/camping-and-hiking-gear/kitchen/cookware-and-utensils/outdoor-cookware/dutch-ovens-and-pressure-cookers/c/1789) and [Primus Campfire Pot](/en/product/5046-160/Campfire-Pot-3L)

For Dutch oven recipes like fresh-baked bread, cinnamon rolls, cobbler and even Dutch oven pizza, check out:

- [Dutch oven and cast iron cooking](/en/product/5038-884/Dutch-Oven%26-Cast-Iron-Cooking)
- [101 things to do with a Dutch oven](/en/product/5020-217/101-Things-To-Do-With-A-Dutch-Oven)

### More camp cooking ideas
If you want to get even more gourmet at your campsite, scope these [6 craft s’mores recipes](/en/article/craft-smores-boost-your-camp-snack-game) and our [camp kitchen secret videos](/en/article/camp-kitchen-secrets).



## Related articles
- [How to choose a camp stove](/en/explore/choose-your-camp-stove)
- [Camping checklist](/en/explore/camping-checklist)
- [7 ways to hike and camp responsibly](/en/article/7-ways-to-camp-and-hike-responsibly)



Take your camping meals to the next flame-kissed-level with these ideas. See what possible for breakfast grilling, lunch pizzas and Dutch-oven dinners.

The art of open-fire cooking | MEC Blog

The art of open-fire cooking

New deals dropping – see what’s fresh

Free store pickup and returns. Find out more

Phone: 519.896.4972

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike Fitting services are temporarily paused.

## Tune-up packages
###### *Parts are not included in tune-up prices.* **Add-on services for all Tune-up packages: bike cleaning fee $20, hub repack (single) $20, spoke replacement $10 (spokes and nipples not included).



#### Basic Tune-up $100
*For when your bike hasn’t had a tune-up after a season of light use. Designed to get you rolling smoothly again by solving your drivetrain issues, imprecise shifting, loose feeling brakes, or when the whole bike is feeling slightly off.*

- Full bike safety check; all bolts, pivot points, and components inspected for proper torque and wear levels
- Light cleaning -- Frame and fork wiped down and inspected 
- Tires inflated, chain lubricated, and grease applied to seatpost
- Bearing adjustments -- including headset, and front and rear hubs
- Brake systems adjusted -- including cable adjustments and pad position 
- Shifting systems adjusted  -- including cable adjustments and hanger alignment
- Minor wheel truing -- lateral truing and light radial adjustments (spoke replacements extra)
- Minor components installed (chain, cassette, brake pads, tubes) 

#### Advanced Tune-up $140
*For when your bike hasn't had a tune-up after a season of regular riding or has issues caused by dirt, component wear, or light damage. If your bike has poor or inconsistent shifting, soft brakes, or the wheels aren’t straight, this package is for you.*

- Includes every service from the Basic Tune-up, plus:
- Major wheel truing as needed -- including tension and dish adjustments
- Drivetrain removed and fully washed, lubricated, and reinstalled
- Frame, fork, and wheels cleaned -- including braking surfaces
- Installation of up to 2 cables, with housing **parts extra

#### Advanced Plus Tune-up $220
*A comprehensive service for well-used bikes that need of some TLC.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced Tune-up, plus:
- Headset and Wheel bearings cleaned and repacked
- Hydraulic brakes bled, or the installation of all cables and hosing for non-hydraulic systems
- Installation of intermediate-level components (bottom bracket, spoke replacements, tubeless sealant refresh) **parts extra

#### Premium Tune-up 
*Available in Road and MTB specific packages. This complete service gets your bike looking and feeling brand new.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced PLUS Tune-up, plus:
- Complete tear down and rebuild (MTB includes linkages)
- Full frame, component, and wheel detailing
- ** NOT included -- Specialty services such as: Suspension services, dropper post services, and wheel building.




### A la carte bike services
 
|**Wheels**|**Price**|
| ---|--- |
| Tire or tube install| $12|
| Specialty Tire or Tube Install (e-bikes, fat bikes, etc)| $20|
| Wheel true| $15 – $20|
| Wheel build| $70 and up|
| Hub adjustment| $10 – $20|
| Hub overhaul| $25|
| ---|--- |
|**Brakes**|**Price**|
| Brake adjustment| $15 – $25|
| Brake bleed| $30|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
| ---|--- |
|**Drivetrain**|**Price**|
| Gear adjustment| $15 – $20|
| Chain installation| $8 - $17|
| Bottom bracket replacement -- *BB Removal, frame prepped, installation (parts not included)*| $30|
| Shimano internal geared hub service -- *Disassembly, fluid replacement, and lubrication*| $70|
| Shimano Di2 reprogramming and firmware update -- *call for store availability*| $35|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
|---|--- |  
|**Other services**|**Price**|
| Headset adjustment| $10|
| Headset overhaul| $30|
| Miscellaneous accessory install| $10 – $35|
| Bar tape installation -- *Tape extra*| $25|
| Bike boxing -- *Partial disassembly and packaging for shipping or airplane travel*| $60|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $80/hr|





Bike shop

Your local MEC store is more than just a place to get gear – it’s a hub for your outdoor community. MEC All Out (our community program) has all kinds of ways to help you get outside:

### Local events
Year-round, MEC offers low cost (or even free) clinics and workshops. Find [MEC events](https://events.mec.ca/&organization=mec) near you see what’s happening in store, learn new outdoor skills from friendly staff instructors, and spark ideas for your next outdoor trip.

### Grants and donations
Our community program has given tens of millions of dollars to help people in Canada get active outdoors. Have an awesome outdoor idea? Check out our [community grants](/en/explore/spring-and-fall-grants) and [grassroots product donations](/en/explore/grassroots-product-donations) for criteria and applications.



### Free meeting room
*We’re taking precautionary steps due to COVID-19, and pausing all bookings of the Community Room for the moment.  We take your health seriously and are following the recommendations of public health agencies to practice social distancing and limit gatherings. We will continue to monitor and reassess the situation as it evolves. For groups with a current booking, we’ll contact you by email to ensure you can plan accordingly.  *



It’s small, but it does the trick. Available for use by local outdoor clubs, environmental groups and NGOs that have a similar mandate as MEC. Please email at least a month before your event to reserve the space.

- Space: fits 15–20, large windows, natural light
- Equipment: Wall-mounted TV with HDMI, projector with HDMI input, mobile projector display, dry erase whiteboard, MEC guest wifi
- Seating and tables: long tables, office chairs, folding chairs



Community

MEC Kitchener is a new purpose-built store that has been constructed to our specifications. The store will join the co-op’s growing portfolio of high-performance green buildings.

All MEC facilities are subject to our internal green building program, which establishes minimum performance standards. MEC Kitchener will be no different. Like all MEC buildings, we’re proud to say that this store will be operationally carbon neutral.

The building incorporates key elements of MEC’s renewed architectural brand, including a distinctive floating canopy to mark the store’s entrance and wood-infused interiors to define the store and display merchandise.

Green building features will include:

- A high-performance building envelope and heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) system
- A high R-value thermal barrier, allowing for superior insulation and energy savings.
- Energy-efficient LED lighting and low-flow fixtures throughout the store.

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) will be purchased for all energy consumed by MEC Kitchener. We purchase Green Electricity Certificates and Green Natural Gas Certificates from [Bullfrog Power](https://www.bullfrogpower.com/). Bullfrog procures renewable energy (wind, micro-hydro and biogas) on our behalf for electricity and natural gas.

MEC aims to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts in our stores. Learn more about our [green buildings](/en/explore/green-buildings).



Green building features

Professional ski and snowboard shop services to set you up for the season. Some services may not be available year-round. Call us to set up a visit.

Buy two of the big three – board/skis, bindings, boots – from MEC and we’ll mount your bindings for free. This offer applies to all types of snowboard and ski equipment sold at MEC. If you’re shopping online, take advantage of this deal by calling your store to arrange an appointment to mount your bindings before you visit. Our ski techs get busy, and we don’t want to let you down.



| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Binding removal*With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|

| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs*Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Boot liner molding*With purchase of boots*| Free|
| Boot fitting| $20|

| Snowshoe services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Binding replacement| $70/pair|
| Rivet replacement (per rivet)| $15/unit|
| Binding strap replacement (per strap)| $15/unit|



Ski services

We are following the advice and guidance of local health authorities to ensure we are providing the safest possible environment to MEC members and staff.

We aim to provide a safe environment that respects everyone’s comfort level and risk tolerance. Thanks for looking out for each other.

Order online and [pick up](/en/explore/in-store-pickup) at this location.

You can [return](/en/explore/covid-19-shipping-and-returns-updates) products to any store.



**MEC is closely monitoring provincial government guidelines to ensure the safety of all members and staff.**

#### Safety measures
- Number of people inside stores is limited and controlled at all entrances.  
- Social distancing guidelines are posted outside and inside stores.
- Lineup areas have two-meter markers on the floor.
- Staff are required to wear personal protective equipment, including masks.
- Hand sanitizer stations are set up for members and staff to use.  
- Staff practice and promote everyday preventive behaviours including frequent hand washing and social distancing.  
- Common areas including doors, staircases, cash desks, and bike fitting areas are regularly disinfected.  
- Cleaning processes are enhanced for the entire store. 
- Restrictions on the type of clothing and gear members are permitted to try on.  
- Plexiglass shields are installed at cashier stations. 

#### Service updates  
- Climbing walls and play areas are closed.  
- Clinics, events and community room bookings are paused.  
- Rental services are paused.  
- Repair shops are open for bike and ski repairs only.

#### Facilities and supply chain
- We are following all government advisories regarding gathering sizes and retail operations  
- We remain committed to our responsible sourcing practices. MEC continues to uphold standards for the health and safety of people who make and distribute the products we sell.   









Welcome

Phone: (780) 433-0293

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike fitting services are temporarily paused.





## Tune-up packages
###### *Parts are not included in tune-up prices.* **Add-on services for all Tune-up packages: bike cleaning fee $20, hub repack (single) $20, spoke replacement $10 (spokes and nipples not included).




#### Basic Tune-up $120
*For when your bike hasn’t had a tune-up after a season of light use. Designed to get you rolling smoothly again by solving your drivetrain issues, imprecise shifting, loose feeling brakes, or when the whole bike is feeling slightly off.*

- Full bike safety check; all bolts, pivot points, and components inspected for proper torque and wear levels
- Light cleaning -- Frame and fork wiped down and inspected 
- Tires inflated, chain lubricated, and grease applied to seatpost
- Bearing adjustments -- including headset, and front and rear hubs
- Brake systems adjusted -- including cable adjustments and pad position 
- Shifting systems adjusted  -- including cable adjustments and hanger alignment
- Minor wheel truing -- lateral truing and light radial adjustments (spoke replacements extra)
- Minor components installed (chain, cassette, brake pads, tubes) 

#### Advanced Tune-up $160
*For when your bike hasn't had a tune-up after a season of regular riding or has issues caused by dirt, component wear, or light damage. If your bike has poor or inconsistent shifting, soft brakes, or the wheels aren’t straight, this package is for you.*

- Includes every service from the Basic Tune-up, plus:
- Major wheel truing as needed -- including tension and dish adjustments
- Drivetrain removed and fully washed, lubricated, and reinstalled
- Frame, fork, and wheels cleaned -- including braking surfaces
- Installation of up to 2 cables, with housing **parts extra

#### Advanced Plus Tune-up $240
*A comprehensive service for well-used bikes that need of some TLC.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced Tune-up, plus:
- Headset and Wheel bearings cleaned and repacked
- Hydraulic brakes bled, or the installation of all cables and hosing for non-hydraulic systems
- Installation of intermediate-level components (bottom bracket, spoke replacements, tubeless sealant refresh) **parts extra

#### Premium Tune-up 
*Available in Road and MTB specific packages. This complete service gets your bike looking and feeling brand new.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced PLUS Tune-up, plus:
- Complete tear down and rebuild (MTB includes linkages)
- Full frame, component, and wheel detailing
- ** NOT included -- Specialty services such as: Suspension services, dropper post services, and wheel building.




### A la carte bike services
 
|**Wheels**|**Price**|
| ---|--- |
| Tire or tube install| $12|
| Specialty Tire or Tube Install (e-bikes, fat bikes, etc)| $20|
| Wheel true| $20 – $25|
| Wheel build| $70 and up|
| Hub adjustment| $10 – $20|
| Hub overhaul| $25|
| ---|--- |
|**Brakes**|**Price**|
| Brake adjustment| $15 – $25|
| Brake bleed| $30|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
| ---|--- |
|**Drivetrain**|**Price**|
| Gear adjustment| $15 – $20|
| Chain installation| $8 - $17|
| Bottom bracket replacement -- *BB Removal, frame prepped, installation (parts not included)*| $30|
| Shimano internal geared hub service -- *Disassembly, fluid replacement, and lubrication*| $70|
| Shimano Di2 reprogramming and firmware update -- *call for store availability*| $35|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
|---|--- |  
|**Other services**|**Price**|
| Headset adjustment| $10|
| Headset overhaul| $30|
| Miscellaneous accessory install| $10 – $35|
| Bar tape installation -- *Tape extra*| $25|
| Bike boxing -- *Partial disassembly and packaging for shipping or airplane travel*| $60|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $80/hr|




### Free display space
Not-for-profit groups and local clubs that share MEC values can use our floor space to tell people what’s going on. Let people know about outdoor issues, collect input on plans, or just get the word out about your club. For more info, please email eso_aa@mec.ca or phone the store.

### Free meeting room
*We’re taking precautionary steps due to COVID-19, and pausing all bookings of the Community Room for the moment.  We take your health seriously and are following the recommendations of public health agencies to practice social distancing and limit gatherings. We will continue to monitor and reassess the situation as it evolves. For groups with a current booking, we’ll contact you by email to ensure you can plan accordingly.  *





If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC South Edmonton for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.

Opening the Edmonton South store involved retrofitting an existing building.

The completely refurbished building incorporates key elements of MEC’s renewed architectural brand, including a distinctive floating canopy to mark the store’s entrance and wood-infused interiors to define the store and display merchandise.

MEC Edmonton South joins the co-op’s growing portfolio of high-performance green buildings.

Like all MEC buildings, we’re proud to say that this store will be operationally carbon neutral, using renewable energy.

Green building improvements include a new roof with R40 thermal protection and a high-performance heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) system, as well as extensive LED lighting:

- The high-performance building envelope includes structural insulated panels (SIPs), which allows for superior insulation and energy savings.
- The HVAC system features a heat recovery ventilator with underfloor air distribution, and energy efficient heat pumps for heating and cooling.
- Energy-efficient LED lighting are installed in 80% of the retails areas.

We purchase Green Electricity Certificates and Green Natural Gas Certificates from [Bullfrog Power](https://www.bullfrogpower.com/). Bullfrog procures renewable energy (wind, micro-hydro and biogas) on our behalf for electricity and natural gas.

MEC aims to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts in our stores. Learn more about our [green buildings](/en/explore/green-buildings).



| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Telemark| $50|
| Alpine touring| $50|
| Binding removal*With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|

| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs*Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|
| Pine tar*Call for availability*| $30|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Skin fit and shaping*Call for availability*| $25|
| Boot liner molding*With purchase of boots*| Free|
| Boot fitting| $20|

| Snowshoe services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Binding replacement| $70/pair|
| Rivet replacement (per rivet)| $15/unit|
| Binding strap replacement (per strap)| $15/unit|



Store Pickup

Phone: 450.688.2712

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike fitting services are temporarily paused.



## Tune-up packages
###### *Parts are not included in tune-up prices.* **Add-on services for all Tune-up packages: bike cleaning fee $20, hub repack (single) $20, spoke replacement $10 (spokes and nipples not included).




#### Basic Tune-up $100
*For when your bike hasn’t had a tune-up after a season of light use. Designed to get you rolling smoothly again by solving your drivetrain issues, imprecise shifting, loose feeling brakes, or when the whole bike is feeling slightly off.*

- Full bike safety check; all bolts, pivot points, and components inspected for proper torque and wear levels
- Light cleaning -- Frame and fork wiped down and inspected 
- Tires inflated, chain lubricated, and grease applied to seatpost
- Bearing adjustments -- including headset, and front and rear hubs
- Brake systems adjusted -- including cable adjustments and pad position 
- Shifting systems adjusted  -- including cable adjustments and hanger alignment
- Minor wheel truing -- lateral truing and light radial adjustments (spoke replacements extra)
- Minor components installed (chain, cassette, brake pads, tubes) 

#### Advanced Tune-up $140
*For when your bike hasn't had a tune-up after a season of regular riding or has issues caused by dirt, component wear, or light damage. If your bike has poor or inconsistent shifting, soft brakes, or the wheels aren’t straight, this package is for you.*

- Includes every service from the Basic Tune-up, plus:
- Major wheel truing as needed -- including tension and dish adjustments
- Drivetrain removed and fully washed, lubricated, and reinstalled
- Frame, fork, and wheels cleaned -- including braking surfaces
- Installation of up to 2 cables, with housing **parts extra

#### Advanced Plus Tune-up $220
*A comprehensive service for well-used bikes that need of some TLC.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced Tune-up, plus:
- Headset and Wheel bearings cleaned and repacked
- Hydraulic brakes bled, or the installation of all cables and hosing for non-hydraulic systems
- Installation of intermediate-level components (bottom bracket, spoke replacements, tubeless sealant refresh) **parts extra

#### Premium Tune-up 
*Available in Road and MTB specific packages. This complete service gets your bike looking and feeling brand new.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced PLUS Tune-up, plus:
- Complete tear down and rebuild (MTB includes linkages)
- Full frame, component, and wheel detailing
- ** NOT included -- Specialty services such as: Suspension services, dropper post services, and wheel building.




### A la carte bike services
 
|**Wheels**|**Price**|
| ---|--- |
| Tire or tube install| $12|
| Specialty Tire or Tube Install (e-bikes, fat bikes, etc)| $20|
| Wheel true| $15 – $20|
| Wheel build| $70 and up|
| Hub adjustment| $10 – $20|
| Hub overhaul| $25|
| ---|--- |
|**Brakes**|**Price**|
| Brake adjustment| $15 – $25|
| Brake bleed| $30|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
| ---|--- |
|**Drivetrain**|**Price**|
| Gear adjustment| $15 – $20|
| Chain installation| $8 - $17|
| Bottom bracket replacement -- *BB Removal, frame prepped, installation (parts not included)*| $30|
| Shimano internal geared hub service -- *Disassembly, fluid replacement, and lubrication*| $70|
| Shimano Di2 reprogramming and firmware update -- *call for store availability*| $35|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
|---|--- |  
|**Other services**|**Price**|
| Headset adjustment| $10|
| Headset overhaul| $30|
| Miscellaneous accessory install| $10 – $35|
| Bar tape installation -- *Tape extra*| $25|
| Bike boxing -- *Partial disassembly and packaging for shipping or airplane travel*| $60|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $80/hr|



### Free display space
Not-for-profit groups and local clubs that share MEC values can use our floor space to tell people what’s going on. Let people know about outdoor issues, collect input on plans, or just get the word out about your club. For more info, please email lav_aa@mec.ca or phone the store.

### Free meeting room
*We’re taking precautionary steps due to COVID-19, and pausing all bookings of the Community Room for the moment.  We take your health seriously and are following the recommendations of public health agencies to practice social distancing and limit gatherings. We will continue to monitor and reassess the situation as it evolves. For groups with a current booking, we’ll contact you by email to ensure you can plan accordingly.  *



It’s small, but it does the trick. Available for use by local outdoor clubs, environmental groups and NGOs that have a similar mandate as MEC. Please email lav_aa@mec.ca at least a month before your event to reserve the space.

- Space: fits up to 35
- Equipment: wall-mounted TV with HDMI, dry erase whiteboard, MEC guest wifi
- Seating and tables: long tables, office chairs, folding chairs



If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC Laval for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.

The space we are taking over provides great potential to bring the MEC brand to life inside and out.

The design will be in-keeping with the new architectural embodiment of the MEC brand, with extensive use of wood on both the inside and outside of the building. Green building features will include a high-performance building envelope and heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) system.

All MEC facilities are subject to our internal green building program, which establishes minimum performance standards. MEC Laval will be no different.

Two of the most important aspects of green buildings are the building envelope and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (or HVAC) system. The Laval store will provide R40 and R60 thermal performance in the walls and roof, respectively, and feature a best-in-class roof top HVAC system.

Energy efficient lighting will also be used throughout the store. Plus, Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) will be purchased for all energy consumed by MEC Laval.

MEC aims to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts in our stores. Learn more about our [green buildings](/en/explore/green-buildings).



Professional ski and snowboard shop services to set you up for the season. Some services may not be available year-round. Call us to set up a visit.

When you buy 2 or more of the big 3 items (skis, boots or bindings), we’ll mount your bindings for free. This offer applies to all types of ski equipment sold at MEC, and proof of purchase is required. If you’re shopping online, you can take advantage of this deal by placing your order via phone at 1.888.847.0770 or 604.876.6221.



| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Telemark| $50|
| Alpine touring| $50|
| Binding removal*With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|

| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs*Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|
| Machine sharpen and wax| $35|
| Pine tar*Call for availability*| $30|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Skin fit and shaping*Call for availability*| $25|
| Boot liner molding*With purchase of boots*| Free|
| Boot fitting| $20|



Phone: 705.792.4675

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike fitting services are temporarily paused



### Free display space
Not-for-profit groups and local clubs that share MEC values can use our floor space to tell people what’s going on. Let people know about outdoor issues, collect input on plans, or just get the word out about your club. For more info, please email bar_aa@mec.ca or phone the store.

*We’re taking precautionary steps due to COVID-19, and pausing all bookings of the Community Room for the moment.  We take your health seriously and are following the recommendations of public health agencies to practice social distancing and limit gatherings. We will continue to monitor and reassess the situation as it evolves. For groups with a current booking, we’ll contact you by email to ensure you can plan accordingly.  *



If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC Barrie for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.

Located on the way to northern Ontario’s outdoor playgrounds, MEC Barrie opened in 2010. Compared to a conventional retail building about the same size, it was made to be 70% more efficient than those built during the same period. Here are some of the green features:

- A high-efficiency building envelope reduces the amount of energy needed, and has significantly more thermal insulation than conventional buildings.
- The wood, concrete and steel structure is designed to be disassembled and repurposed when the building reaches the end of its useful life.
- To cut down on the amount of energy required for heating and cooling, a concrete slab floor acts as a thermal reservoir which is warmed or cooled by a geo-exchange system that pumps fluid through embedded piping.
- The sawtooth-shaped roof is oriented so the less-intense northern light can help naturally light the store. The more-intense southern light hits the long side of each “tooth” and gets captured by a photovoltaic array.
- Many high clerestory windows at roofline reduce the need for artificial lighting. The lights we do have turn down or off automatically when there’s enough natural light to save energy (for both the lights and the energy needed to cool heat from the bulbs).
- A solar thermal collector on the roof preheats hot water used in the kitchen and bathrooms. The residual heat from this grey water is partially captured and used to preheat other potable water.
- The combo of low-flow fixtures and grey water usage cuts potable water requirements by half.
- Captured precipitation (stormwater) provides water for all non-potable uses, such as toilets. Stormwater gets retained and infiltrated on site and won’t discharge water to municipal storm drains (except under extraordinary circumstances, like an enormous storm).
- Landscaping uses non-invasive species that encourage bird and insect populations, and doesn’t need irrigation except for in drought conditions.

Like all MEC buildings, we’re proud to say that this store is carbon neutral. We purchase Green Electricity Certificates and Green Natural Gas Certificates from [Bullfrog Power](https://www.bullfrogpower.com/), which means that Bullfrog procures renewable energy (wind, micro-hydro and biogas) on our behalf for electricity and natural gas.

MEC aims to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts in our stores. Learn more about our [green buildings](/en/explore/green-buildings).



For the safety of staff and members, we are pausing in-store gear repair services for a while. Thanks for your understanding. Want to try some repairs on your own? Learn how to fix your own gear with these [how-to articles and videos on popular gear repair topics](/en/explore/product-care-and-maintenance).

### Recycling
If you bought any of the items below at MEC, you can bring them back to our store for recycling:

- Batteries (no broken or corroded ones please).
- Bike tires (no tubes) – they can get ground up for tarmac or playground surfaces.

Due to safety concerns, we do not accept used flammable goods, including camping gas canisters, stove fuel, flares, bear bangers and bear spray. Please contact your local waste management office to find out how to properly dispose of these items.

Have a question about something that’s not on the list above? Give us a call or contact your local municipal recycling program.



Repairs and recycling

| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Binding removal*With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|

| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs*Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|
| Pine tar*Call for availability*| $30|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Boot liner molding*With purchase of boots*| Free|
| Boot fitting| $20|

| Snowshoe services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Binding replacement| $70/pair|
| Rivet replacement (per rivet)| $15/unit|
| Binding strap replacement (per strap)| $15/unit|



Phone: (204) 943-4202

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike fitting services are temporarily paused.



We are following the advice and guidance of local health authorities to ensure we are providing the safest possible environment to MEC members and staff.



### Free display space
*We’re taking precautionary steps due to COVID-19, and pausing all bookings of the Community Room for the moment. We take your health seriously and are following the recommendations of public health agencies to practice social distancing and limit gatherings. We will continue to monitor and reassess the situation as it evolves. For groups with a current booking, we’ll contact you by email to ensure you can plan accordingly.*



Not-for-profit groups and local clubs that share MEC values can use our floor space to tell people what’s going on. Let people know about outdoor issues, collect input on plans, or just get the word out about your club. For more info, please email win_aa@mec.ca or phone the store.



### Parking
You can park for free for 1 hour with a $10 minimum purchase at MEC at two locations:

- Indigo Lot, [329 Hargrave Street ](https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Indigo/@49.8947446,-97.1463099,17.18z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x52ea715901e7f247:0x6dac33c6723994fe!2s329+Hargrave+St,+Winnipeg,+MB+R3B+2C3!3b1!8m2!3d49.894627!4d-97.145302!3m4!1s0x52ea7158e285aa9d:0xa9d729f4ba97e0f7!8m2!3d49.894627!4d-97.145302)
- Impark lot, [125 330 Smith Street](https://www.google.ca/maps/place/330+Smith+St+%23125,+Winnipeg,+MB+R3B+2H1/@49.8948779,-97.1449574,17.18z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x52ea71596edf24cb:0xc27fb7c2e7abff06!8m2!3d49.8948779!4d-97.1430291)



If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC Winnipeg for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.

MEC Winnipeg opened in 2002. Before we moved in, it was the site of three buildings – two of them too dilapidated to be occupied. The buildings were carefully dismantled, and the materials were meticulously inventoried and used to build new sections of the store. About 95% of the existing buildings got reused or recycled in some form.

MEC Winnipeg is LEED Gold certified, and was the second retail building in Canada to meet the national C2000 Green Building Standard (the first was MEC Ottawa). All the energy-saving features in the store make it 65% more efficient than the standards set out in the Model National Energy Code. Here are some of the green features:

- Almost 4000 tonnes of material in the existing buildings was diverted from the landfill.
- All structural materials were reclaimed, including the brick and wood floor, joists, exterior masonry, cast iron columns and steel beams.
- To cut down on new materials required, the ceiling’s exposed, the floors are uncarpeted, and we used minimum drywall.
- Composting toilets provide fertilizer for our rooftop garden. Plus they cut down waste water volume by more than half (which saves 73 cubic meters of water each year).
- CO2 sensors keep a good balance of fresh air coming in, so energy isn’t wasted in heating or cooling.
- To reduce heat loss and energy consumption, outer walls are insulated to an R value of 30, more than twice the R12 called for in the building code.
- A central skylight means we don’t need as much artificial lighting. The lights we do have are high-efficiency with motion sensors to turn them off if no one’s around.
- The green roof provides evaporative cooling and also helps insulate building, which cuts down on energy for heating and cooling.

Like all MEC buildings, we’re proud to say that this store is carbon neutral. We purchase Green Electricity Certificates and Green Natural Gas Certificates from [Bullfrog Power](https://www.bullfrogpower.com/), which means that Bullfrog procures renewable energy (wind, micro-hydro and biogas) on our behalf for electricity and natural gas.

MEC aims to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts in our stores. Learn more about our [green buildings](/en/explore/green-buildings).



For the safety of staff and members, we are pausing in-store gear repair services for a while. Thanks for your understanding. Want to try some repairs on your own? Learn how to fix your own gear with these [how-to articles and videos on popular gear repair topics](/en/explore/product-care-and-maintenance). 

### Recycling
If you bought any of the items below at MEC, you can bring them back to our store for recycling:

- Batteries (no broken or corroded ones please).
- Bike tires and tubes – they can get ground up for tarmac or playground surfaces.

Have a question about something that’s not on the list above? Give us a call or contact your local municipal recycling program.



| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Binding removal*With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|

| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs*Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|
| Pine tar*Call for availability*| $30|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Skin fit and shaping*Call for availability*| $25|
| Boot liner molding*With purchase of boots*| Free|
| Boot fitting| $20|

| Snowshoe services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Binding replacement| $70/pair|
| Rivet replacement (per rivet)| $15/unit|
| Binding strap replacement (per strap)| $15/unit|



Phone: (902) 421-2667

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike fitting services are temporarily paused.



## Tune-up packages
###### *Parts are not included in tune-up prices.* **Add-on services for all Tune-up packages: bike cleaning fee $20, hub repack (single) $20, spoke replacement $10 (spokes and nipples not included).



#### Basic Tune-up $100
*For when your bike hasn’t had a tune-up after a season of light use. Designed to get you rolling smoothly again by solving your drivetrain issues, imprecise shifting, loose feeling brakes, or when the whole bike is feeling slightly off.*

- Full bike safety check; all bolts, pivot points, and components inspected for proper torque and wear levels
- Light cleaning -- Frame and fork wiped down and inspected 
- Tires inflated, chain lubricated, and grease applied to seatpost
- Bearing adjustments -- including headset, and front and rear hubs
- Brake systems adjusted -- including cable adjustments and pad position 
- Shifting systems adjusted  -- including cable adjustments and hanger alignment
- Minor wheel truing -- lateral truing and light radial adjustments (spoke replacements extra)
- Minor components installed (chain, cassette, brake pads, tubes) 

#### Advanced Tune-up $140
*For when your bike hasn't had a tune-up after a season of regular riding or has issues caused by dirt, component wear, or light damage. If your bike has poor or inconsistent shifting, soft brakes, or the wheels aren’t straight, this package is for you.*

- Includes every service from the Basic Tune-up, plus:
- Major wheel truing as needed -- including tension and dish adjustments
- Drivetrain removed and fully washed, lubricated, and reinstalled
- Frame, fork, and wheels cleaned -- including braking surfaces
- Installation of up to 2 cables, with housing **parts extra

#### Advanced Plus Tune-up $220
*A comprehensive service for well-used bikes that need of some TLC.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced Tune-up, plus:
- Headset and Wheel bearings cleaned and repacked
- Hydraulic brakes bled, or the installation of all cables and hosing for non-hydraulic systems
- Installation of intermediate-level components (bottom bracket, spoke replacements, tubeless sealant refresh) **parts extra

#### Premium Tune-up 
*Available in Road and MTB specific packages. This complete service gets your bike looking and feeling brand new.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced PLUS Tune-up, plus:
- Complete tear down and rebuild (MTB includes linkages)
- Full frame, component, and wheel detailing
- ** NOT included -- Specialty services such as: Suspension services, dropper post services, and wheel building.




### A la carte bike services
 
|**Wheels**|**Price**|
| ---|--- |
| Tire or tube install| $12|
| Specialty Tire or Tube Install (e-bikes, fat bikes, etc)| $20|
| Wheel true| $15 – $20|
| Wheel build| $70 and up|
| Hub adjustment| $10 – $20|
| Hub overhaul| $25|
| ---|--- |
|**Brakes**|**Price**|
| Brake adjustment| $15 – $25|
| Brake bleed| $30|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
| ---|--- |
|**Drivetrain**|**Price**|
| Gear adjustment| $15 – $20|
| Chain installation| $8 - $17|
| Bottom bracket replacement -- *BB Removal, frame prepped, installation (parts not included)*| $30|
| Shimano internal geared hub service -- *Disassembly, fluid replacement, and lubrication*| $70|
| Shimano Di2 reprogramming and firmware update -- *call for store availability*| $35|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
|---|--- |  
|**Other services**|**Price**|
| Headset adjustment| $10|
| Headset overhaul| $30|
| Miscellaneous accessory install| $10 – $35|
| Bar tape installation -- *Tape extra*| $25|
| Bike boxing -- *Partial disassembly and packaging for shipping or airplane travel*| $60|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $80/hr|






### Free display space
Not-for-profit groups and local clubs that share MEC values can use our floor space to tell people what’s going on. Let people know about outdoor issues, collect input on plans, or just get the word out about your club. For more info, please email hal_aa@mec.ca or phone the store.



If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC Halifax for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.

MEC arrived in the Atlantic region in 2001 with our Halifax store. We moved into an existing building and used as many of the on-site structural elements as possible. While this store wasn’t built from the ground up, we still found ways to make small changes that add up to energy savings over time. Here are some of the green features:

- Moved into an existing building, which saved on construction materials and the embodied energy costs.
- To cut down on materials required, there are minimal floor and ceiling coverings.
- We’re replacing some of the conventional lighting with energy saving LED fixtures.

Like all MEC buildings, we’re proud to say that this store is carbon neutral. We purchase Green Electricity Certificates and Green Natural Gas Certificates from [Bullfrog Power](https://www.bullfrogpower.com/), which means that Bullfrog procures renewable energy (wind, micro-hydro and biogas) on our behalf for electricity and natural gas.

MEC aims to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts in our stores. Learn more about our [green buildings](/en/explore/green-buildings).



For the safety of staff and members, we are pausing in-store gear repair services for a while. Thanks for your understanding. Want to try some repairs on your own? Learn how to fix your own gear with these [how-to articles and videos on popular gear repair topics](/en/explore/product-care-and-maintenance).

### Recycling
If you bought any of the items below at MEC, you can bring them back to our store for recycling:

- Batteries (no broken or corroded ones please).

Have a question about something that’s not on the list above? Give us a call or contact your local municipal recycling program.



| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Telemark| $50|
| Alpine touring| $50|
| Binding removal*With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|

| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs*Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|
| Pine tar*Call for availability*| $30|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Skin fit and shaping*Call for availability*| $25|
| Boot liner molding*With purchase of boots*| Free|
| Boot fitting| $20|

| Snowshoe services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Binding replacement| $70/pair|
| Rivet replacement| $15/unit|
| Binding strap replacement| $15/unit|



Phone: (613) 729-2700

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike fitting services are temporarily paused.



## Tune-up packages
###### *Parts are not included in tune-up prices.* **Add-on services for all Tune-up packages: bike cleaning fee $20, hub repack (single) $20, spoke replacement $10 (spokes and nipples not included).




#### Basic Tune-up $100
*For when your bike hasn’t had a tune-up after a season of light use. Designed to get you rolling smoothly again by solving your drivetrain issues, imprecise shifting, loose feeling brakes, or when the whole bike is feeling slightly off.*

- Full bike safety check; all bolts, pivot points, and components inspected for proper torque and wear levels
- Light cleaning -- Frame and fork wiped down and inspected 
- Tires inflated, chain lubricated, and grease applied to seatpost
- Bearing adjustments -- including headset, and front and rear hubs
- Brake systems adjusted -- including cable adjustments and pad position 
- Shifting systems adjusted  -- including cable adjustments and hanger alignment
- Minor wheel truing -- lateral truing and light radial adjustments (spoke replacements extra)
- Minor components installed (chain, cassette, brake pads, tubes) 

#### Advanced Tune-up $140
*For when your bike hasn't had a tune-up after a season of regular riding or has issues caused by dirt, component wear, or light damage. If your bike has poor or inconsistent shifting, soft brakes, or the wheels aren’t straight, this package is for you.*

- Includes every service from the Basic Tune-up, plus:
- Major wheel truing as needed -- including tension and dish adjustments
- Drivetrain removed and fully washed, lubricated, and reinstalled
- Frame, fork, and wheels cleaned -- including braking surfaces
- Installation of up to 2 cables, with housing **parts extra

#### Advanced Plus Tune-up $220
*A comprehensive service for well-used bikes that need of some TLC.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced Tune-up, plus:
- Headset and Wheel bearings cleaned and repacked
- Hydraulic brakes bled, or the installation of all cables and hosing for non-hydraulic systems
- Installation of intermediate-level components (bottom bracket, spoke replacements, tubeless sealant refresh) **parts extra

#### Premium Tune-up 
*Available in Road and MTB specific packages. This complete service gets your bike looking and feeling brand new.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced PLUS Tune-up, plus:
- Complete tear down and rebuild (MTB includes linkages)
- Full frame, component, and wheel detailing
- ** NOT included -- Specialty services such as: Suspension services, dropper post services, and wheel building.




### A la carte bike services
 
|**Wheels**|**Price**|
| ---|--- |
| Tire or tube install| $12|
| Specialty Tire or Tube Install (e-bikes, fat bikes, etc)| $20|
| Wheel true| $20 – $25|
| Wheel build| $70 and up|
| Hub adjustment| $10 – $20|
| Hub overhaul| $25|
| ---|--- |
|**Brakes**|**Price**|
| Brake adjustment| $15 – $25|
| Brake bleed| $30|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
| ---|--- |
|**Drivetrain**|**Price**|
| Gear adjustment| $15 – $20|
| Chain installation| $8 - $17|
| Bottom bracket replacement -- *BB Removal, frame prepped, installation (parts not included)*| $30|
| Shimano internal geared hub service -- *Disassembly, fluid replacement, and lubrication*| $70|
| Shimano Di2 reprogramming and firmware update -- *call for store availability*| $35|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
|---|--- |  
|**Other services**|**Price**|
| Headset adjustment| $10|
| Headset overhaul| $30|
| Miscellaneous accessory install| $10 – $35|
| Bar tape installation -- *Tape extra*| $25|
| Bike boxing -- *Partial disassembly and packaging for shipping or airplane travel*| $60|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $80/hr|




Your local MEC store is more than just a place to get gear – it’s a hub for your outdoor community. MEC All Out (our community program) has all kinds of ways to help you get outside:



### Local events
Find [MEC events](https://events.mec.ca/&organization=mec) near you to see what’s happening in store, make connections with interesting people and get active outdoors. Year-round, MEC offers low cost (or even free) clinics and workshops from friendly staff instructors, plus events happening in the larger community – everything from backcountry navigation classes to film screenings.



### Grants and donations
Our community program has given tens of millions of dollars to help people in Canada get active outdoors. Have an awesome outdoor idea? Check out our [community grants](/en/explore/spring-and-fall-grants) and [grassroots product donations](/en/explore/grassroots-product-donations) for criteria and applications.



### Free meeting room
*We’re taking precautionary steps due to COVID-19, and pausing all bookings of the Community Room for the moment.  We take your health seriously and are following the recommendations of public health agencies to practice social distancing and limit gatherings. We will continue to monitor and reassess the situation as it evolves. For groups with a current booking, we’ll contact you by email to ensure you can plan accordingly.  *



If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC Ottawa for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.

MEC Ottawa opened in 2000. Before we started construction, there was a 40-year-old building on the site. We carefully dismantled it and then reused as much material as possible for our store. In the end, about 75% of the existing building (by weight) was incorporated into our store. To add to that accomplishment, this was the first retail building in Canada to comply with Canada’s C2000 Green Building Standard. Here are some of the green features:

- 80% of all the material travelled less than 500km to the site, which cuts down on transportation emissions. For example, rock excavated from the site was used in cladding.
- The floor is made from timber reclaimed from the St. Lawrence River and the previous building.
- During construction, we used panelized material and screwed connections, so the building can be taken apart, reused and recycled more easily when it’s reached the end of its life.
- One of the walls on the upper floor is infilled with bailed straw, a natural, renewable resource. (Check it out in the viewing portal.)
- Rock Wool insulation in other walls have 50% recycled content.
- The heating system uses a 94%-efficient natural gas hydronic boiler system to heat water.
- CO2 sensors keep a good balance of fresh air coming in, so energy isn’t wasted in heating or cooling.
- A skylight and roof monitor means we don’t need as much artificial lighting.
- To keep landscaping looking good, the irrigation system uses non-potable rainwater that gets gravity-fed to plants.
- Electric vehicle charging stations have reserved parking spots.

Like all MEC buildings, we’re proud to say that this store is carbon neutral. We purchase Green Electricity Certificates and Green Natural Gas Certificates from [Bullfrog Power](https://www.bullfrogpower.com/), which means that Bullfrog procures renewable energy (wind, micro-hydro and biogas) on our behalf for electricity and natural gas.

MEC aims to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts in our stores. Learn more about our [green buildings](/en/explore/green-buildings).



For the safety of staff and members, we are pausing in-store gear repair services for a while. Thanks for your understanding. Want to try some repairs on your own? Learn how to fix your own gear with these [how-to articles and videos on popular gear repair topics](/en/explore/product-care-and-maintenance).

### Recycling
If you bought any of the items below at MEC, you can bring them back to our store for recycling:

- Batteries (no broken or corroded ones please).

Due to safety concerns, we do not accept used flammable goods, including camping gas canisters, stove fuel, flares, bear bangers and bear spray. Please contact your local waste management office to find out how to properly dispose of these items.

Have a question about something that’s not on the list above? Give us a call or contact your local municipal recycling program.



Recycling and repairs

| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Telemark| $50|
| Alpine touring| $50|
| Downhill| $50|
| Binding removal*With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|

| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs*Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (machine)| $15|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|
| Machine sharpen and wax| $35|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Skin fit and shaping*Call for availability*| $25|
| Boot liner molding*With purchase of boots*| Free|
| Boot fitting| $20|
| Boot punching (First punch)| $50|
| Boot punching (Additional punch)| $25|

| Snowshoe services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Binding replacement| $70/pair|
| Rivet replacement (per rivet)| $15/unit|
| Binding strap replacement (per strap)| $15/unit|



Phone: (416) 340-2667

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.



## Tune-up packages
###### *Parts are not included in tune-up prices.* **Add-on services for all Tune-up packages: bike cleaning fee $20, hub repack (single) $20, spoke replacement $10 (spokes and nipples not included).



#### Basic Tune-up $100
*For when your bike hasn’t had a tune-up after a season of light use. Designed to get you rolling smoothly again by solving your drivetrain issues, imprecise shifting, loose feeling brakes, or when the whole bike is feeling slightly off.*

- Full bike safety check; all bolts, pivot points, and components inspected for proper torque and wear levels
- Light cleaning -- Frame and fork wiped down and inspected 
- Tires inflated, chain lubricated, and grease applied to seatpost
- Bearing adjustments -- including headset, and front and rear hubs
- Brake systems adjusted -- including cable adjustments and pad position 
- Shifting systems adjusted  -- including cable adjustments and hanger alignment
- Minor wheel truing -- lateral truing and light radial adjustments (spoke replacements extra)
- Minor components installed (chain, cassette, brake pads, tubes) 

#### Advanced Tune-up $140
*For when your bike hasn't had a tune-up after a season of regular riding or has issues caused by dirt, component wear, or light damage. If your bike has poor or inconsistent shifting, soft brakes, or the wheels aren’t straight, this package is for you.*

- Includes every service from the Basic Tune-up, plus:
- Major wheel truing as needed -- including tension and dish adjustments
- Drivetrain removed and fully washed, lubricated, and reinstalled
- Frame, fork, and wheels cleaned -- including braking surfaces
- Installation of up to 2 cables, with housing **parts extra

#### Advanced Plus Tune-up $220
*A comprehensive service for well-used bikes that need of some TLC.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced Tune-up, plus:
- Headset and Wheel bearings cleaned and repacked
- Hydraulic brakes bled, or the installation of all cables and hosing for non-hydraulic systems
- Installation of intermediate-level components (bottom bracket, spoke replacements, tubeless sealant refresh) **parts extra

#### Premium Tune-up 
*Available in Road and MTB specific packages. This complete service gets your bike looking and feeling brand new.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced PLUS Tune-up, plus:
- Complete tear down and rebuild (MTB includes linkages)
- Full frame, component, and wheel detailing
- ** NOT included -- Specialty services such as: Suspension services, dropper post services, and wheel building.




### A la carte bike services
 
|**Wheels**|**Price**|
| ---|--- |
| Tire or tube install| $12|
| Specialty Tire or Tube Install (e-bikes, fat bikes, etc)| $20|
| Wheel true| $20 – $25|
| Wheel build| $70 and up|
| Hub adjustment| $10 – $20|
| Hub overhaul| $25|
| ---|--- |
|**Brakes**|**Price**|
| Brake adjustment| $20 – $25|
| Brake bleed| $30|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
| ---|--- |
|**Drivetrain**|**Price**|
| Gear adjustment| $15 – $20|
| Chain installation| $17|
| Bottom bracket replacement -- *BB Removal, frame prepped, installation (parts not included)*| $30|
| Shimano internal geared hub service -- *Disassembly, fluid replacement, and lubrication*| $70|
| Shimano Di2 reprogramming and firmware update -- *call for store availability*| $35|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
|---|--- |  
|**Other services**|**Price**|
| Headset adjustment| $10|
| Headset overhaul| $30|
| Miscellaneous accessory install| $10 – $35|
| Bar tape installation -- *Tape extra*| $25|
| Bike boxing -- *Partial disassembly and packaging for shipping or airplane travel*| $60|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $80/hr|






### Free meeting room
*We’re taking precautionary steps due to COVID-19, and pausing all bookings of the Community Room for the moment.  We take your health seriously and are following the recommendations of public health agencies to practice social distancing and limit gatherings. We will continue to monitor and reassess the situation as it evolves. For groups with a current booking, we’ll contact you by email to ensure you can plan accordingly.  *





If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC Toronto for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.

| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Binding removal*With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|



| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs*Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|
| Pine tar*Call for availability*| $30|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Boot liner molding*With purchase of boots*| Free|
| Boot fitting| $20|

| Snowshoe services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Binding replacement| $70/pair|
| Rivet replacement (per rivet)| $15/unit|
| Binding strap replacement (per strap)| $15/unit|



Christmas Day

Boxing Day

Canada Day

Labour Day

Thanksgiving Day

**MEC is closely monitoring provincial government guidelines to ensure the safety of all members and staff.**

#### Service updates  
- Climbing walls and play areas are closed.  
- Clinics, events and community room bookings are paused.  
- Rental services are paused.  
- Repair shops are open for bike and ski repairs only.

#### Facilities and supply chain
- We are following all government advisories regarding gathering sizes and retail operations  
- We remain committed to our responsible sourcing practices. MEC continues to uphold standards for the health and safety of people who make and distribute the products we sell.   









Phone: (604) 872-7858

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike fitting services are temporarily paused.



## Tune-up packages
###### *Parts are not included in tune-up prices.* **Add-on services for all Tune-up packages: bike cleaning fee $20, hub repack (single) $20, spoke replacement $10 (spokes and nipples not included).





#### Basic Tune-up $100
*For when your bike hasn’t had a tune-up after a season of light use. Designed to get you rolling smoothly again by solving your drivetrain issues, imprecise shifting, loose feeling brakes, or when the whole bike is feeling slightly off.*

- Full bike safety check; all bolts, pivot points, and components inspected for proper torque and wear levels
- Light cleaning -- Frame and fork wiped down and inspected 
- Tires inflated, chain lubricated, and grease applied to seatpost
- Bearing adjustments -- including headset, and front and rear hubs
- Brake systems adjusted -- including cable adjustments and pad position 
- Shifting systems adjusted  -- including cable adjustments and hanger alignment
- Minor wheel truing -- lateral truing and light radial adjustments (spoke replacements extra)
- Minor components installed (chain, cassette, brake pads, tubes) 

#### Advanced Tune-up $140
*For when your bike hasn't had a tune-up after a season of regular riding or has issues caused by dirt, component wear, or light damage. If your bike has poor or inconsistent shifting, soft brakes, or the wheels aren’t straight, this package is for you.*

- Includes every service from the Basic Tune-up, plus:
- Major wheel truing as needed -- including tension and dish adjustments
- Drivetrain removed and fully washed, lubricated, and reinstalled
- Frame, fork, and wheels cleaned -- including braking surfaces
- Installation of up to 2 cables, with housing **parts extra

#### Advanced Plus Tune-up $220
*A comprehensive service for well-used bikes that need of some TLC.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced Tune-up, plus:
- Headset and Wheel bearings cleaned and repacked
- Hydraulic brakes bled, or the installation of all cables and hosing for non-hydraulic systems
- Installation of intermediate-level components (bottom bracket, spoke replacements, tubeless sealant refresh) **parts extra

#### Premium Tune-up 
*Available in Road and MTB specific packages. This complete service gets your bike looking and feeling brand new.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced PLUS Tune-up, plus:
- Complete tear down and rebuild (MTB includes linkages)
- Full frame, component, and wheel detailing
- ** NOT included -- Specialty services such as: Suspension services, dropper post services, and wheel building.




### A la carte bike services
 
|**Wheels**|**Price**|
| ---|--- |
| Tire or tube install| $12|
| Specialty Tire or Tube Install (e-bikes, fat bikes, etc)| $20|
| Wheel true| $15 – $20|
| Wheel build| $70 and up|
| Hub adjustment| $10 – $20|
| Hub overhaul| $25|
| ---|--- |
|**Brakes**|**Price**|
| Brake adjustment| $15 – $25|
| Brake bleed| $30|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
| ---|--- |
|**Drivetrain**|**Price**|
| Gear adjustment| $15 – $20|
| Chain installation| $8 - $17|
| Bottom bracket replacement -- *BB Removal, frame prepped, installation (parts not included)*| $30|
| Shimano internal geared hub service -- *Disassembly, fluid replacement, and lubrication*| $70|
| Shimano Di2 reprogramming and firmware update -- *call for store availability*| $35|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
|---|--- |  
|**Other services**|**Price**|
| Headset adjustment| $10|
| Headset overhaul| $30|
| Miscellaneous accessory install| $10 – $35|
| Bar tape installation -- *Tape extra*| $25|
| Bike boxing -- *Partial disassembly and packaging for shipping or airplane travel*| $60|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $


More than just a place to get gear – this store is a hub for your outdoor community. As a flagship, it’s home to a couple of cool extras, like a bouldering wall and a special space for events.

*We’re taking precautionary steps due to COVID-19, and pausing all community events for the moment. We take your health seriously and are following the recommendations of public health agencies to practice social distancing and limit gatherings.*

### Local events
Basecamp is our open-concept community space.  Year-round, MEC offers low cost (or even free) clinics and workshops from friendly staff instructors, plus events happening in the larger community – everything from backcountry navigation classes to film screenings. Find [MEC events](https://events.mec.ca/&organization=mec) near you

### Outdoor impact
This year, we’re  donating $1 million to Canadian outdoor organizations to teach outdoor skills, protect wild spaces and grow the communities of people getting active outside. Funding  supports groups across Canada with avalanche safety training, outdoor programs for youth, conserving wilderness and more. [Learn more about community partnerships](/en/explore/outdoor-impact)

### Free display space
Not-for-profit groups and local clubs that share MEC values can use our floor space to tell people what’s going on. Let people know about outdoor issues, collect input on plans, or just get the word out about your club. For more info, please email van_aa@mec.ca or phone the store.



If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC Vancouver for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.

MEC was born in Vancouver in 1971. Over the decades, we’ve moved through a number of spaces, and our current flagship store in Olympic Village was designed with sustainability from the ground up.

Here are some of the green features:

- **Wood is good**. In fact, when it’s a mass timber superstructure like this flagship store, wood is great. The timber is a composite, which means it doesn’t use old-growth sources. It’s also a renewable building material, stores carbon, and can easily be reused at the end of its life.
- **Drip, drip, drip**: It rains 150+ days a year here, so we make the most of it. The roof captures rainwater that funnels into an underground cistern to provide up to 80% of the water used for flushing toilets.
- **Less is more**: 30% less s’mores around the campfire? Not so good. 30% less energy used by a building? Brilliant. This space is designed to use almost one-third less energy than the standards set out by the national energy code for buildings.
- **A renewable day in the neighbourhood**: We’re connected to an innovative energy system that recovers heat from untreated urban wastewater (a sanitized way of saying sewage). It’s renewable and doesn’t rely on fossil fuels.
- **Behind the scenes**: Some of the biggest energy savings come from things you can’t see: heating and cooling systems. The building envelope has more insulation than most and the HVAC units are high-efficiency.
- **Carbon neutral**: Like all MEC buildings, this space is operationally carbon neutral. We buy renewable energy certificates (wind and low-impact hydro) to match the electricity we use in this location.
- **Safe for salmon**: It’s official: this building is certified as Salmon-Safe, thanks to its progressive water management practices. It’s only the second Salmon-Safe urban site in BC – [MEC Head Office](/en/explore/head-office) was the first.

MEC aims to minimize environmental impacts and make our buildings healthy, inviting spaces. Learn more about our [green buildings](/en/explore/green-buildings).



For the safety of staff and members, we are pausing in-store gear repair services for a while. Thanks for your understanding. Want to try some repairs on your own? Learn how to fix your own gear with these [how-to articles and videos on popular gear repair topics](/en/explore/product-care-and-maintenance).

### Recycling
If you bought any of the items below at MEC, you can bring them back to our store for recycling:

- Household batteries (no broken or corroded ones please)
- Bicycle tires and tubes
- Climbing rope – it could become dog leashes, acoustic insulation or stuffing

Due to safety concerns, we do not accept used flammable goods, including camping gas canisters, stove fuel, flares, bear bangers and bear spray. Please contact your local waste management office to find out how to properly dispose of these items.

Have a question about something that’s not on the list above? Give us a call or contact your local municipal recycling program.



| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Telemark| $50|
| Alpine touring| $50|
| Binding removal*With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|

| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs*Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (machine)| $15|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|
| Machine sharpen and wax| $35|
| Pine tar*Call for availability*| $30|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Skin fit and shaping*Call for availability*| $25|
| Boot liner molding*With purchase of boots*| Free|
| Boot fitting| $20|

| Snowshoe services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Binding replacement| $70/pair|
| Rivet replacement (per rivet)| $15/unit|
| Binding strap replacement (per strap)| $15/unit|



Thanksgiving

Remembrance Day

British Columbia Day

We are following the advice and guidance of local health authorities to ensure we are providing the safest possible environment to MEC members and staff.

We aim to provide a safe environment that respects everyone’s comfort level and risk tolerance. Thanks for looking out for each other.

Order online and [pick up](/en/explore/in-store-pickup) at this location.

You can [return](/en/explore/covid-19-shipping-and-returns-updates) products to any store.


Phone: Call(604) 990-4417

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike fitting services are temporarily paused.



## Tune-up packages
###### *Parts are not included in tune-up prices.* **Add-on services for all Tune-up packages: bike cleaning fee $20, hub repack (single) $20, spoke replacement $10 (spokes and nipples not included).


### Free display space
Not-for-profit groups and local clubs that share MEC values can use our floor space to tell people what’s going on. Let people know about outdoor issues, collect input on plans, or just get the word out about your club. For more info, please email nvn_aa@mec.ca or phone the store.

### Free meeting room
*We’re taking precautionary steps due to COVID-19, and pausing all bookings of the Community Room for the moment.  We take your health seriously and are following the recommendations of public health agencies to practice social distancing and limit gatherings. We will continue to monitor and reassess the situation as it evolves. For groups with a current booking, we’ll contact you by email to ensure you can plan accordingly. *



If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC North Vancouver for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.

Our MEC North Vancouver store is one of our signature green buildings. It opened its doors in 2012, and is officially designed as a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certified building. Here are some of the green features:

- The roof and walls make up a highly efficient building envelope through the use of structural insulated panels that cut down on heat loss because of leaking air. This provides significantly more thermal insulation than conventional buildings.
- To cut down on materials required, there are minimal floor and ceiling coverings.
- To cut down on energy required for heating and cooling, a concrete slab floor acts as a giant radiator that’s warmed or cooled by a geo-exchange system in which fluid is pumped through embedded piping. Predictive controls preheat or cool the slab based on forecasted weather.
- The building doesn’t use conventional ducting; the entire first floor acts as one large air duct (or plenum) requiring less fan energy.
- The sawtooth-shaped roof and clerestory windows are oriented so the less-intense northern light can help naturally enter and reflect off the ceiling to flood the retail floor with natural light.
- The lights we do have turn off automatically when there’s enough natural light to save energy (for both the lights and the energy needed to cool heat from the bulbs).
- The non-potable water system is supplied by an onsite well, and is used for toilets and to water the native species of drought-tolerant plants.
- Low-flow fixtures reduce overall water consumption.
- Captured precipitation (stormwater) is held and filtered through bioswales, rain gardens and permeable pavers before it goes back to the water table. There’s no connection to the municipal storm sewer.
- Landscaping seamlessly integrates with the nearby biking and hiking trails in Lynnmouth Park.
- Electric vehicle charging stations have reserved parking spots.

Like all MEC buildings, we’re proud to say that this store is carbon neutral. We purchase Green Electricity Certificates and Green Natural Gas Certificates from [Bullfrog Power](https://www.bullfrogpower.com/), which means that Bullfrog procures renewable energy (wind, micro-hydro and biogas) on our behalf for electricity and natural gas.

MEC aims to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts in our stores. Learn more about our [green buildings](/en/explore/green-buildings).



| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Telemark| $50|
| Alpine touring| $50|
| Downhill| $50|
| Binding removal*With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|

| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs*Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|
| Pine tar*Call for availability*| $30|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Skin fit and shaping*Call for availability*| $25|
| Boot liner molding*With purchase of boots*| Free|
| Boot fitting| $20|

| Snowshoe services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Binding replacement| $70/pair|
| Rivet replacement (per rivet)| $15/unit|
| Binding strap replacement (per strap)| $15/unit|



Phone: 450.766.1359

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike fitting services are temporarily paused.



## Tune-up packages
###### *Parts are not included in tune-up prices.* **Add-on services for all Tune-up packages: bike cleaning fee $20, hub repack (single) $20, spoke replacement $10 (spokes and nipples not included).




#### Basic Tune-up $100
*For when your bike hasn’t had a tune-up after a season of light use. Designed to get you rolling smoothly again by solving your drivetrain issues, imprecise shifting, loose feeling brakes, or when the whole bike is feeling slightly off.*

- Full bike safety check; all bolts, pivot points, and components inspected for proper torque and wear levels
- Light cleaning -- Frame and fork wiped down and inspected 
- Tires inflated, chain lubricated, and grease applied to seatpost
- Bearing adjustments -- including headset, and front and rear hubs
- Brake systems adjusted -- including cable adjustments and pad position 
- Shifting systems adjusted  -- including cable adjustments and hanger alignment
- Minor wheel truing -- lateral truing and light radial adjustments (spoke replacements extra)
- Minor components installed (chain, cassette, brake pads, tubes) 

#### Advanced Tune-up $140
*For when your bike hasn't had a tune-up after a season of regular riding or has issues caused by dirt, component wear, or light damage. If your bike has poor or inconsistent shifting, soft brakes, or the wheels aren’t straight, this package is for you.*

- Includes every service from the Basic Tune-up, plus:
- Major wheel truing as needed -- including tension and dish adjustments
- Drivetrain removed and fully washed, lubricated, and reinstalled
- Frame, fork, and wheels cleaned -- including braking surfaces
- Installation of up to 2 cables, with housing **parts extra

#### Advanced Plus Tune-up $220
*A comprehensive service for well-used bikes that need of some TLC.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced Tune-up, plus:
- Headset and Wheel bearings cleaned and repacked
- Hydraulic brakes bled, or the installation of all cables and hosing for non-hydraulic systems
- Installation of intermediate-level components (bottom bracket, spoke replacements, tubeless sealant refresh) **parts extra

#### Premium Tune-up 
*Available in Road and MTB specific packages. This complete service gets your bike looking and feeling brand new.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced PLUS Tune-up, plus:
- Complete tear down and rebuild (MTB includes linkages)
- Full frame, component, and wheel detailing
- ** NOT included -- Specialty services such as: Suspension services, dropper post services, and wheel building.




### A la carte bike services
 
|**Wheels**|**Price**|
| ---|--- |
| Tire or tube install| $12|
| Specialty Tire or Tube Install (e-bikes, fat bikes, etc)| $20|
| Wheel true| $15 – $20|
| Wheel build| $70 and up|
| Hub adjustment| $10 – $20|
| Hub overhaul| $25|
| ---|--- |
|**Brakes**|**Price**|
| Brake adjustment| $15 – $25|
| Brake bleed| $30|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
| ---|--- |
|**Drivetrain**|**Price**|
| Gear adjustment| $15 – $20|
| Chain installation| $8 - $17|
| Bottom bracket replacement -- *BB Removal, frame prepped, installation (parts not included)*| $30|
| Shimano internal geared hub service -- *Disassembly, fluid replacement, and lubrication*| $70|
| Shimano Di2 reprogramming and firmware update -- *call for store availability*| $35|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
|---|--- |  
|**Other services**|**Price**|
| Headset adjustment| $10|
| Headset overhaul| $30|
| Miscellaneous accessory install| $10 – $35|
| Bar tape installation -- *Tape extra*| $25|
| Bike boxing -- *Partial disassembly and packaging for shipping or airplane travel*| $60|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $80/hr|




### Free meeting room
*We’re taking precautionary steps due to COVID-19, and pausing all bookings of the Community Room for the moment.  We take your health seriously and are following the recommendations of public health agencies to practice social distancing and limit gatherings. We will continue to monitor and reassess the situation as it evolves. For groups with a current booking, we’ll contact you by email to ensure you can plan accordingly.  *



It’s small, but it does the trick. Available for use by local outdoor clubs, environmental groups and NGOs that have a similar mandate as MEC. Please email lon_aa@mec.ca at least a month before your event to reserve the space.



If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC Longueuil for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.

The Longueuil store opened its doors to members in 2009. It’s a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certified building, and was made to be 65% more efficient than conventional retail buildings built during the same period. Here are some of the green features:

- When it was being constructed, 60% of the waste produced got recycled or reused.
- The countertops of the cash registers, bike shop and kitchen are tiled with PaperStone, a stone-like material made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper.
- To cut down on materials required, there are minimal floor and ceiling coverings.
- All the wood used in the construction of the store was sourced following strict sustainable forestry standards.
- Marmoleum flooring (made of renewable materials) is used in some areas.
- The staff kitchen cupboards are made of bamboo plywood (Plyboo®) that was harvested using no irrigation, fertilizers or pesticides.
- To cut down on the amount of energy required for heating and cooling, a concrete slab floor acts as a thermal reservoir which is warmed or cooled by a geo-exchange system that pumps fluid through embedded piping.
- A solar thermal collector on the roof preheats hot water used in the kitchen and bathrooms. The residual heat from this grey water is partially captured and used to preheat other potable water.
- Many high clerestory windows at roofline reduce the need for artificial lighting. The lights we do have turn down or off automatically when there’s enough natural light to save energy (for both the lights and the energy needed to cool heat from the bulbs).
- Captured precipitation (stormwater) is stored in an underground cistern and is used for non-potable water.
- Low-flow fixtures such as toilets, urinals and shower heads cut potable water requirements by half.

Like all MEC buildings, we’re proud to say that this store is carbon neutral. We purchase Green Electricity Certificates and Green Natural Gas Certificates from [Bullfrog Power](https://www.bullfrogpower.com/), which means that Bullfrog procures renewable energy (wind, micro-hydro and biogas) on our behalf for electricity and natural gas.

MEC aims to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts in our stores. Learn more about our [green buildings](/en/explore/green-buildings).



For the safety of staff and members, we are pausing in-store gear repair services for a while. Thanks for your understanding. Want to try some repairs on your own? Learn how to fix your own gear with these [how-to articles and videos on popular gear repair topics](/en/explore/product-care-and-maintenance).

### Recycling
If you bought any of the items below at MEC, you can bring them back to our store for recycling:

- Batteries (no broken or corroded ones please).
- Bike tires and tubes – they can get ground up for tarmac or playground surfaces.
- Bike parts.
- Climbing rope – it could become dog leashes, acoustic insulation or stuffing.

Due to safety concerns, we do not accept used flammable goods, including camping gas canisters, stove fuel, flares, bear bangers and bear spray. Please contact your local waste management office to find out how to properly dispose of these items.

Have a question about something that’s not on the list above? Give us a call or contact your local municipal recycling program.



| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Telemark| $50|
| Alpine touring| $50|
| Binding removal*With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|

| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs*Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|
| Machine sharpen and wax| $35|
| Pine tar*Call for availability*| $30|
| Base cleaning| $10|
| Base binder application| $10|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Skin fit and shaping*Call for availability*| $25|
| Boot liner molding*With purchase of boots*| Free|
| Boot fitting| $20|



Phone: (250) 386-2667

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike fitting services are temporarily paused.



## Tune-up packages
###### *Parts are not included in tune-up prices.* **Add-on services for all Tune-up packages: bike cleaning fee $20, hub repack (single) $20, spoke replacement $10 (spokes and nipples not included).

#### Basic Tune-up $100
*For when your bike hasn’t had a tune-up after a season of light use. Designed to get you rolling smoothly again by solving your drivetrain issues, imprecise shifting, loose feeling brakes, or when the whole bike is feeling slightly off.*

- Full bike safety check; all bolts, pivot points, and components inspected for proper torque and wear levels
- Light cleaning -- Frame and fork wiped down and inspected 
- Tires inflated, chain lubricated, and grease applied to seatpost
- Bearing adjustments -- including headset, and front and rear hubs
- Brake systems adjusted -- including cable adjustments and pad position 
- Shifting systems adjusted  -- including cable adjustments and hanger alignment
- Minor wheel truing -- lateral truing and light radial adjustments (spoke replacements extra)
- Minor components installed (chain, cassette, brake pads, tubes) 

#### Advanced Tune-up $140
*For when your bike hasn't had a tune-up after a season of regular riding or has issues caused by dirt, component wear, or light damage. If your bike has poor or inconsistent shifting, soft brakes, or the wheels aren’t straight, this package is for you.*

- Includes every service from the Basic Tune-up, plus:
- Major wheel truing as needed -- including tension and dish adjustments
- Drivetrain removed and fully washed, lubricated, and reinstalled
- Frame, fork, and wheels cleaned -- including braking surfaces
- Installation of up to 2 cables, with housing **parts extra

#### Advanced Plus Tune-up $220
*A comprehensive service for well-used bikes that need of some TLC.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced Tune-up, plus:
- Headset and Wheel bearings cleaned and repacked
- Hydraulic brakes bled, or the installation of all cables and hosing for non-hydraulic systems
- Installation of intermediate-level components (bottom bracket, spoke replacements, tubeless sealant refresh) **parts extra

#### Premium Tune-up 
*Available in Road and MTB specific packages. This complete service gets your bike looking and feeling brand new.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced PLUS Tune-up, plus:
- Complete tear down and rebuild (MTB includes linkages)
- Full frame, component, and wheel detailing
- ** NOT included -- Specialty services such as: Suspension services, dropper post services, and wheel building.




### A la carte bike services
 
|**Wheels**|**Price**|
| ---|--- |
| Tire or tube install| $12|
| Specialty Tire or Tube Install (e-bikes, fat bikes, etc)| $20|
| Wheel true| $15 – $20|
| Wheel build| $70 and up|
| Hub adjustment| $10 – $20|
| Hub overhaul| $25|
| ---|--- |
|**Brakes**|**Price**|
| Brake adjustment| $15 – $25|
| Brake bleed| $30|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
| ---|--- |
|**Drivetrain**|**Price**|
| Gear adjustment| $15 – $20|
| Chain installation| $8 - $17|
| Bottom bracket replacement -- *BB Removal, frame prepped, installation (parts not included)*| $30|
| Shimano internal geared hub service -- *Disassembly, fluid replacement, and lubrication*| $70|
| Shimano Di2 reprogramming and firmware update -- *call for store availability*| $35|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
|---|--- |  
|**Other services**|**Price**|
| Headset adjustment| $10|
| Headset overhaul| $30|
| Miscellaneous accessory install| $10 – $35|
| Bar tape installation -- *Tape extra*| $25|
| Bike boxing -- *Partial disassembly and packaging for shipping or airplane travel*| $60|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $80/hr|





### Free display space
*We’re taking precautionary steps due to COVID-19, and pausing all bookings of the Community Room for the moment. We take your health seriously and are following the recommendations of public health agencies to practice social distancing and limit gatherings. We will continue to monitor and reassess the situation as it evolves. For groups with a current booking, we’ll contact you by email to ensure you can plan accordingly.*



Not-for-profit groups and local clubs that share MEC values can use our floor space to tell people what’s going on. Let people know about outdoor issues, collect input on plans, or just get the word out about your club. For more info, please email vic_aa@mec.ca or phone the store.



If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC Victoria for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.

MEC Victoria is in a registered heritage building, known as the Vogue building, that was built as a hotel in 1892. This timber post-and-beam structure has a concrete front and fine architectural detailing, which we modified to expose wood features and improve natural light. It’s a distinctive retail space we’re proud of, and it opened as a store in 2006. Here are some of the green features:****

- Moved into an existing building, which saved on construction materials and the embodied energy costs.
- Used regionally sourced materials where we could to reduce transport emissions.
- Reclaimed wood and strawboard, approved by the Forest Stewardship Council, is used in many displays and fitting rooms.
- Decorative wood boards in fixtures come from reclaimed submerged trees, which are harvested from flooded reservoirs to reduce demand for living trees.
- Marmoleum flooring (made of renewable materials) is used in the lunchroom.
- Carpet tile in the meeting room and offices has recycled content and low VOC (volatile organic compounds).

Like all MEC buildings, we’re proud to say that this store is carbon neutral. We purchase Green Electricity Certificates and Green Natural Gas Certificates from [Bullfrog Power](https://www.bullfrogpower.com/), which means that Bullfrog procures renewable energy (wind, micro-hydro and biogas) on our behalf for electricity and natural gas.

MEC aims to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts in our stores. Learn more about our [green buildings](/en/explore/green-buildings).



For the safety of staff and members, we are pausing in-store gear repair services for a while. Thanks for your understanding. Want to try some repairs on your own? Learn how to fix your own gear with these [how-to articles and videos on popular gear repair topics](/en/explore/product-care-and-maintenance).

### Recycling
If you bought any of the items below at MEC, you can bring them back to our store for recycling:

- Batteries (no broken or corroded ones please).
- Empty CO2 cartridges used for bike tires and avalanche safety.
- Bike tires and tubes – they can get ground up for tarmac or playground surfaces.

Due to safety concerns, we do not accept used flammable goods, including camping gas canisters, stove fuel, flares, bear bangers and bear spray. Please contact your local waste management office to find out how to properly dispose of these items.

Have a question about something that’s not on the list above? Give us a call or contact your local municipal recycling program.



| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Telemark| $50|
| Alpine touring| $50|
| Binding removal*With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|

| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs*Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Skin fit and shaping*Call for availability*| $25|



Phone: (250) 448-7637

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike fitting services are temporarily paused.




#### Basic Tune-up $100
*For when your bike hasn’t had a tune-up after a season of light use. Designed to get you rolling smoothly again by solving your drivetrain issues, imprecise shifting, loose feeling brakes, or when the whole bike is feeling slightly off.*

- Full bike safety check; all bolts, pivot points, and components inspected for proper torque and wear levels
- Light cleaning -- Frame and fork wiped down and inspected 
- Tires inflated, chain lubricated, and grease applied to seatpost
- Bearing adjustments -- including headset, and front and rear hubs
- Brake systems adjusted -- including cable adjustments and pad position 
- Shifting systems adjusted  -- including cable adjustments and hanger alignment
- Minor wheel truing -- lateral truing and light radial adjustments (spoke replacements extra)
- Minor components installed (chain, cassette, brake pads, tubes) 

#### Advanced Tune-up $140
*For when your bike hasn't had a tune-up after a season of regular riding or has issues caused by dirt, component wear, or light damage. If your bike has poor or inconsistent shifting, soft brakes, or the wheels aren’t straight, this package is for you.*

- Includes every service from the Basic Tune-up, plus:
- Major wheel truing as needed -- including tension and dish adjustments
- Drivetrain removed and fully washed, lubricated, and reinstalled
- Frame, fork, and wheels cleaned -- including braking surfaces
- Installation of up to 2 cables, with housing **parts extra

#### Advanced Plus Tune-up $220
*A comprehensive service for well-used bikes that need of some TLC.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced Tune-up, plus:
- Headset and Wheel bearings cleaned and repacked
- Hydraulic brakes bled, or the installation of all cables and hosing for non-hydraulic systems
- Installation of intermediate-level components (bottom bracket, spoke replacements, tubeless sealant refresh) **parts extra

#### Premium Tune-up 
*Available in Road and MTB specific packages. This complete service gets your bike looking and feeling brand new.*

- Includes every service from the Advanced PLUS Tune-up, plus:
- Complete tear down and rebuild (MTB includes linkages)
- Full frame, component, and wheel detailing
- ** NOT included -- Specialty services such as: Suspension services, dropper post services, and wheel building.




### A la carte bike services
 
|**Wheels**|**Price**|
| ---|--- |
| Tire or tube install| $12|
| Specialty Tire or Tube Install (e-bikes, fat bikes, etc)| $20|
| Wheel true| $15 – $20|
| Wheel build| $70 and up|
| Hub adjustment| $10 – $20|
| Hub overhaul| $25|
| ---|--- |
|**Brakes**|**Price**|
| Brake adjustment| $15 – $25|
| Brake bleed| $30|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
| ---|--- |
|**Drivetrain**|**Price**|
| Gear adjustment| $15 – $20|
| Chain installation| $8 - $17|
| Bottom bracket replacement -- *BB Removal, frame prepped, installation (parts not included)*| $30|
| Shimano internal geared hub service -- *Disassembly, fluid replacement, and lubrication*| $70|
| Shimano Di2 reprogramming and firmware update -- *call for store availability*| $35|
| Cable and housing replacement -- *Installation cost per cable and housing length*| $10|
|---|--- |  
|**Other services**|**Price**|
| Headset adjustment| $10|
| Headset overhaul| $30|
| Miscellaneous accessory install| $10 – $35|
| Bar tape installation -- *Tape extra*| $25|
| Bike boxing -- *Partial disassembly and packaging for shipping or airplane travel*| $60|
| General repairs -- *Minimum shop charge is $5*| $80/hr|





If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC Kelowna for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.

Located in the heart of the city, MEC Kelowna is a prime location for Okanagan residents and visitors. The store opened in 2016 after doing extensive renovations to an existing building, which included updates to make the space more energy efficient. Here are some of the green features:

- Moved into an existing building, which saved on construction materials and the embodied energy costs.
- Significant updates to the roof insulation, since that’s a major spot to cut down on heat loss (just like people, buildings can lose a lot of heat through their highest point).
- Rooftop solar system pre-heats the hot water for the building to cut down on energy required.
- Upgraded to a high-efficiency HVAC to reduce energy use, and a heat recovery ventilator reduces the amount of energy required to heat the building.
- Furniture is certified by Level, a third-party sustainability certification program that looks at environmental and social impacts.
- To cut down on materials required, there are minimal floor coverings.
- To reduce energy consumption, we use predominately high-efficiency LED lighting controlled by auto dimmers and occupancy sensors in some areas, and on automated schedules elsewhere.
- Landscaping uses non-invasive species that encourage bird and insect populations, and doesn’t need irrigation except for in drought conditions.
- Low-flow fixtures such as toilets, urinals and shower heads reduce overall water consumption.

Like all MEC buildings, we’re proud to say that this store is carbon neutral. We purchase Green Electricity Certificates and Green Natural Gas Certificates from [Bullfrog Power](https://www.bullfrogpower.com/), which means that Bullfrog procures renewable energy (wind, micro-hydro and biogas) on our behalf for electricity and natural gas.

MEC aims to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impacts in our stores. Learn more about our [green buildings](/en/explore/green-buildings).



| Mounting| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Classic| $30|
| Skate| $30|
| Alpine| $50|
| Alpine touring| $50|
| Binding removal*With purchase of new binding or skis*| Free|

| Base tune-up| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| General repairs*Minimum shop charge is $5*| $70/hr|
| Hot wax (hand)| $35|
| Pine tar*Call for availability*| $30|

| Additional services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Boot liner molding*With purchase of boots*| Free|
| Boot fitting| $20|

| Snowshoe services| 
|----|----|
| ---| ---|
| Binding replacement| $70/pair|
| Rivet replacement (per rivet)| $15/unit|
| Binding strap replacement (per strap)| $15/unit|



(418) 522.8884

Our bike mechanics can do it all, from installing fenders to building wheels from scratch. Not sure what work your bike needs? Bring it in for a free safety inspection and we’ll let you know. Call us to set up a bike shop visit. Small repairs can be done while you shop.

Bike fitting services are temporarily paused.



Welcome back! MEC in Quebec is open with limits to the number of people inside, plus reduced hours and services. We are following the advice and guidance of local health authorities to ensure we are providing the safest possible environment to MEC members and staff.

Note, we are not yet accepting returns in person. For the safety of MEC staff, we are accepting returns by mail only.



If you love trails, snow, water or fresh air, this is your store. Visit MEC Québec City for outdoor gear, know-how and inspiration.