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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

### We're so excited to announce the opening of an all-new MEC store centrally located in Nanaimo. 

Come discover your new hub for the biggest outdoor brands, a huge assortment of gear, community events, a bouldering room for testing climbing shoes and passionate staff with firsthand experience – it's all coming December 2025. 

You’ll find us at **2517 Bowen Road**, in a beautiful 24,000+ sq. ft. space packed with everything you need to get outside on the trails all year round. 

### What to expect:
- A full-service bike and ski shop, with trained technicians who can tune, repair, and help you keep your gear adventure ready. 
- A 580 sq. ft. bouldering room to test out climbing shoes. 
- Expert staff who live and breathe spending time outdoors on Vancouver Island — and are ready to help you gear up for your next adventure. 
- The best selection of gear and apparel from top brands like Arc’teryx, Patagonia, Black Diamond, and Salomon. 
- Community events and workshops all year long. 

### Join us for the Grand Opening:

2517 Bowen Road, December 13 - 14, 10:00am - 3:00pm 


**What's happening:**
- First 50 people each day get a free swag bag 
- Major giveaways 
- Activations and gear demos from top brands 
- Local community groups 
- Live music, snacks, and more 
- More details coming in late November. 

### We’re hiring 
If you love to camp, climb, bike, hike, ski, paddle and get outside, we want to hear from you. Get awesome perks and work with a team of outdoor enthusiasts. **[Apply now](/en/explore/careers)**. 

### Why we’re excited 
Nanaimo has an incredible outdoor community and a perfect location between north and south Vancouver Island. Whether you’re coming off the ferry and heading to Tofino, going paddling in Telegraph Cove or going skiing at Mount Washington, MEC Nanaimo will be your go-to stop along the way. 

Follow **[@mec](https://www.instagram.com/mec/)** on social media for updates and sneak peeks as we get closer to opening day. We can’t wait to welcome you in. 

MEC Nanaimo opens soon

### Redeem or transfer your Breathe Outdoors gift card balance to an MEC gift card in-store at MEC Alberta stores before December 31, 2025. 

Breathe Outdoors, a local retailer in Alberta, has recently closed its doors after 60+ years in business. We’re here to support Alberta’s outdoor community by honouring Breathe Outdoors gift cards at MEC. Breathe Outdoors and MEC have always shared the same mission, helping people get out on the trails by providing high quality outdoor gear. 

By redeeming or transferring your Breathe Outdoors gift cards to MEC gift cards, you’ll have access to MEC’s wide assortment of top outdoor brands so you can gear up for the season ahead. 

### How it works 
Bring your valid Breathe Outdoors gift card (with card number and PIN/Security Code) to one of MEC’s three Alberta locations: Calgary, Edmonton Downtown or Edmonton South.

Choose one of these options: 

Redeem in-store: Use your card for a purchase. If you have a remaining balance, you’ll receive a new MEC gift card for that amount. 

Transfer your balance: Move your full remaining balance to a new MEC gift card, redeemable in-store or online at mec.ca. 

### What you get at MEC 
By transferring your card, you’ll gain access to: 

 - A wide selection of top outdoor brands, including our in-house MEC Label brand for everyday value 

 - Expert staff ready to help you find the right gear for all your winter adventures 

 - Free clinics, workshops and events to connect with your outdoor community 

### Have questions? 
Our staff at qualifying MEC store's can support. For other questions, connect with our **Customer Care Team** at **1-888-847-0770**, through **Live Chat**, or visit the [Help Centre](https://mecice.icescape.com/Custom/iceMessaging/ )

 

### Terms and conditions  
Redemption or transfer of Breathe Outdoors gift cards is valid from October 30 2025, to December 31, 2025, and is available in-store only at MEC’s three Alberta locations (Calgary, Edmonton Downtown, Edmonton South).
Bring your valid Breathe Outdoors gift card (with card number and PIN/Security Code) to one of MEC’s three Alberta locations: Calgary, Edmonton or Edmonton South. 

MEC gift cards are subject to MEC gift card terms available on www.mec.ca/giftcard. MEC gift cards are redeemable for products or services purchased online at mec.ca, by phone, or at MEC stores. Gift cards cannot be redeemed or exchanged for cash, unless required by law. MEC is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged cards. Protect your card number like cash. Gift cards have no associated fees or expiration dates. Gift cards are issued by MEC Mountain Equipment Company Ltd.  


Your Breathe Outdoors gift cards are welcome at MEC

**Update**: We’re stoked to announce that on our Trail Giveback Day on June 28, we raised **$100,086** to support our local trails! To all of you who attended our events or supported local trails through your MEC Label purchase, we want to say a great big thank you. We couldn’t do what we do without you.   

For 50+ years, we’ve been dedicated to giving back to the outdoors. Now that we’re back in Canadian hands, the July long weekend feels like the perfect time to celebrate with our members. 

On June 28, **MEC is donating 25% of all MEC Label sales to Canadian outdoor organizations** who advocate for access, education, maintenance and protection of the Canadian trails where we hike, run, bike, camp, climb, and ski. 

“For many of us, this Canada Day feels especially meaningful. I believe it has never been so important to protect what makes Canada unique – our landscapes, trails, and shared access to nature. We are proud to be a company that was founded in Canada, that operates with 100% of our employees in Canada, and that has recently returned to Canadian ownership,” says Peter Hlynsky, CEO at MEC. “MEC has always been more than a retailer. MEC was founded in 1971 as a hub for the outdoor community, known for our staffer expertise, our commitment to sustainability, and our homegrown MEC Label products designed in Vancouver and trusted by you for a combination of quality and value.” 

### Organizations receiving the funds

We couldn’t do what we do without our network of incredible local and national [Outdoor Impact partners](/en/explore/outdoor-impact). Funds collected on June 28 will go to support both new and longtime partners in the outdoors.  

[Trans Canada Trail](http://tctrail.ca/about/): Our newest partnership couldn’t have come at a better time: we’ll be supporting Trans Canada Trail, the longest multi-use trail system in the world. The Trans Canada Trail organization advocates for, stewards and champions Canada’s nationwide trail system. 

>“The Trans Canada Trail is a truly national treasure that belongs to all of us. As more and more people look to experience Canada's iconic natural landscape, it is crucial that we all come together to protect the places we love. We’re thrilled to work with MEC to keep Canada's nationwide trail system safe, well-maintained and accessible to all.” 

-Mathieu Roy, Chief Executive Officer, Trans Canada Trail 

[Alpine Club of Canada (ACC)](/en/explore/alpine-club-of-canada): Canada’s national mountain club since 1906. With over 15,000 members, the ACC brings together outdoor enthusiasts and facilitates guided trips, local events and volunteer opportunities on the trails. They also maintain a huge network of backcountry huts from family cabins to remote climbers’ refuges. 

[Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG)](/en/explore/association-of-canadian-mountain-guides): A non-profit association that trains and certifies guides and instructors in higher risk activities such as climbing, backcountry skiing and hiking. Many of these folks go on to guide and instruct the public when getting out on the trails. 

[Avalanche Canada](/en/explore/avalanche-canada): As Canada’s national public avalanche safety organization, they produce daily avalanche forecasts for mountainous regions across western Canada. They also administer the national standard in recreational avalanche safety training and deliver outreach to winter backcountry users of all types. Trail use doesn’t stop when the snow falls – we rely on these folks to enjoy Canada’s winter backcountry trails safely.  

[Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS)](/en/explore/canadian-parks-and-wilderness-society): Canada’s only charity dedicated to the protection of public land, freshwater and ocean. CPAWS is also Canada’s leader in conservation and have played a lead role in protecting over half a million square kilometres. If you’ve visited a park or protected area in Canada, they likely had a hand in protecting it.  

[Leave No Trace Canada](/en/explore/leave-no-trace-canada): A non-profit organization that promotes the responsible use of outdoor spaces through education, research and partnerships to help people discover the value of natural environments. If you’ve ever hit the trails for a hike, you’ve probably heard of the 7 principles of Leave No Trace. 

[North Shore Mountain Bike Association](/en/explore/north-shore-mountain-bike-association): As a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for a sustainable trail network within the community, they’ve been building and maintaining trails on the legendary North Shore since 1997 (not far from our MEC Home Office), and MEC is proud to have been a supporter of their projects for years. 

### Join us in-store to get set for the long weekend 

If you still need to get prepped for July long weekend campouts, bikepacking trips or crag days, swing by **your local MEC store** for all the gear you need, plus some exciting long weekend specials also happening on **June 28** in stores from coast to coast.  

We’ll be celebrating with free coffee stations in our Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal stores serving up delicious brews and limited-edition MiiR mugs designed by local Vancouver artist, [Spencer Pidgeon](https://spencerpidgeon.com/), available to purchase by donation. In addition, all MEC stores will have trail-mixology stations, limited-edition stickers free with purchase and Canada flag patches for $2 purchase. All proceeds collected from these MiiR mugs and Canada flags will be donated to our outdoor partners listed above.  

Make sure you check it out – some supplies are limited and as we all know, camp coffee goes fast. 

### MEC Label: Trail tested, everyday value 

MEC Label’s everyday value helps bring adventure to all Canadians, and this long weekend it’s also helping to make a difference in the outdoors. Designed in Vancouver, tested coast to coast and now back in Canadian hands, there’s no better time to grab top-quality gear from tents and base layers to packs and bikes – 25% will be going directly to our trails. 

### In it together 

Giving back to the outdoors is always awesome, but what makes it special is seeing our community of members, outdoor partners, staffers and local orgs come together to make a difference. Whether you’ve attended one of our events, purchased tickets to a film screening, volunteered at a trail cleanup day or donated to one of our Outdoor Impact partners, we want to say a great big thank you for showing up and supporting our community, we could never do what we do without you.  

If you’re interested in learning more about our Outdoor Impact partners or want to get involved, check out our network of local and national organizations working to make a difference through education, advocacy, access and stewardship in the outdoors. 

*Terms and conditions: The giveback applies to MEC Label products purchased in-store, online, or by phone on June 28. Donations are calculated on pre-tax sales and finalized within 30 days to account for returns. MEC gift card purchases are excluded.*

Get set for the long weekend and support trails with MEC

A long tradition of giving back to the outdoors

MEC gives back to trails for July long weekend

Hi members, 
 
For those of you who may not know me, my name is Peter Hlynsky and I am the CEO of MEC. As a valued member and part of our MEC community, I want you to be the first to hear an exciting update about the company’s future. 
 
Like many of you, I grew up with MEC and have been a member since 1995. I’m fortunate to call Vancouver’s North Shore my home, and I love spending time exploring the trails where I live. My experiences skiing, biking, camping, and running in the mountains have shaped who I am and have inspired my life-long love for MEC. I’m grateful to have been part of MEC’s leadership team for nearly five years, and proud of the role this organization plays for Canadians. 

Since 1971, MEC has united members around our shared love for the outdoors, developing deep roots in each of the communities we inhabit, while offering the best gear and guidance from staffers with firsthand knowledge of where and how to use it. Throughout our history, we have remained an intrinsically Canadian organization, led and operated by Canadians, and serving our loyal members across this nation. Though the world around us keeps changing, we’ve stayed true to our mission and have continued to deliver the quality of experience you’ve come to trust from us. We could not have done this without your support, and I thank you for your loyalty over the years. 

But since 2020, there’s been a small but significant piece missing – as some of you may know, we have been majority owned by a non-Canadian entity. As I've traveled to our stores across the country, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with dozens of staffers and members from coast-to-coast. A constant theme I’ve heard is your desire for MEC to be back in the hands of Canadians. 
 
I’ve got some great news to share: **effective today a Canadian investment group will become the majority owners of MEC.** At a time of uncertainty in the world, this piece of the puzzle falling into place feels like perfect timing. We are proud of our uniquely Canadian heritage at MEC; this moment sets the stage for our next fifty years together.

As a Canadian, a long time member of MEC, and now, as its CEO, I believe there’s no other retailer like us. We’ve made it our mission to equip you for a lifetime on the trails. MEC has been uniquely defined by our members and community, and you continue to play an important role in shaping our future. The MEC experience will continue to evolve alongside your needs, buoyed by expertise you can trust. 

I am delighted to share the Canadian ownership news with you first. I look forward to seeing you out there. 

For all the trails ahead,

Peter Hlynsky


MEC is back in Canadian hands

Big news: MEC is back in Canadian hands

Our annual MEC x POW Season Opener event has always been one of our favourite events, and our celebration this year didn’t disappoint. In partnership with Arc’teryx, our all-out celebration of winter with athletes and climate advocates took place at MEC stores across Canada. We watched epic films and talked with POW athletes, all while enjoying ski waxes, drinks, tunes and prizes from our friends at Osprey and Arc’teryx.

With an epic **1,228 outdoor enthusiasts** joining us across nine events across the country, together **we raised over $43,000** for [Protect Our Winters Canada](/en/explore/protect-our-winters-canada) in the fight against climate change for a better planet.    

### “Farming Turns” with Chris Rubens

At this year’s Season Opener event, we watched an impactful film by professional skier and POW Canada athlete [Chris Rubens](https://www.instagram.com/chrisrubens) called [“Farming Turns.”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-v10XrSWG8) The film explores how a life-changing expedition changed Chris’ perspective on our rapidly changing climate. It follows Chris’ journey in becoming an organic farmer to foster a more sustainable community and connection to the mountains. 

We sat down with Chris at the event to chat about the film. Here’s what he had to say: 

**Q**:  

*Tell us about how and why you got involved with POW Canada?*    

**Chris**:  

This is the easiest, simplest and possibly most effective way to be a climate athlete. The bigger the membership the more power in lobbying the government for systemic change in our systems. This is by no means the end all be all of environmentalism and I'm personally a huge advocate of individual change but I'm proud to be part of such a great organization.   

**Q**:  

*What was the driving force for you wanting to change your lifestyle and make changes to reduce your emissions?*    

**Chris**:  

The outdoor environment that I have had the privilege to play in. I have had so many incredible life experiences and opportunities from a life spent outdoors. I'm a firm believer that spending time in nature makes us better people. All this being said, we are having a drastic effect on nature and I want future generations to enjoy the things that I have. Curbing our carbon footprints is a necessity for this to continue.   

**Q**: 

*What was the hardest part about changing your lifestyle and remaining a professional skier?*  

**Chris**:  

The hardest part is the first step of trying to change. The shame spiral that we go down can be pretty dark and depressing which isn't always the best at motivating us to do something. Once I made that first step and committed to some goals, everything got easier. It felt right to be trying to do something better no matter how small it is. This did make me say no to a lot of trips and ideas, but it also gave me opportunities into different trips and ideas.    

**Q**:  

*What advice do have for others looking to make an impact?*   

**Chris**: 

I mean the most basic thing that you can do that could have a huge impact is signing up to be a POW member, it is literally free. When they go to Ottawa to lobby for a better environment the more numbers they are representing, the more impact they have talking to politicians. This seems like such a minor thing, but it really is the starting point. From there I would highly encourage making small individual changes no matter how big or small.  This starts putting climate change in a positive light instead of always negative. Having positives encourages us to do more instead of feeling negative which often leads to no action. 

**Q**:  

*How has being a father influenced your values around climate and sustainability? What does living in line with your environmental values look like?* 

**Chris**:  

My son Huxley is two, and it doubles down on what I want to do here. It’s pretty cool to see the world through a little two-year-old’s eyes. He’s stoked about our farm, as it’s an amazing place to live. 

Now I’m invested in the future, and I want him to have as many opportunities as I did, if not more, and bringing him into this world makes me want to work harder.  

I have two retirement plans right now. First, Huxley’s going to grow up and he’s going to love the farm and he’s going to take over the farm. Or the second, he’s going to hate farming, get a real job and feel sorry for his parents. Either way, I think it’ll work out. 

**Q**: 

*Having grown up with a father in the oil and gas industry—an industry that has contributed significantly to Canada’s prosperity and is often seen as a source of national pride—how did this background shape your views on energy, the environment and the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels? In what ways did these early experiences influence your journey toward becoming a climate advocate and organic farmer?* 

**Chris**: 

There’s no doubt that my upbringing, my privilege of being able to ski, came from oil and gas and there’s nothing wrong with that. We’ve also made a movie called **“Beyond The Green Veil,”** which is all about old growth logging in BC and it’s very much the same idea.  

If we go after the workers of these industries, they’re going to fight our efforts to make change, because if you come after my job, I’m going to fight you, because that’s how I put food on the table. I think that villainizing workers is absolutely not the right answer. We need to bring everyone along with us. A lot of that mentality came from my dad and hearing his stories and seeing the other side of it. There are really two sides to this, and we can do better with everybody. 

### Join the fight 

This economic report from our friends at Protect Our Winters Canada highlights the importance of outdoor recreation for Canada’s economy. Dave Erb, Executive Director of POW Canada estimates Canada’s outdoor recreation economy to be at over $101 billion annually and has discussed the need for climate action to protect these vital spaces. 

Want to help out? You can send an email to the five Canadian political party leaders and their team to protect our favourite natural (and snowy) spaces that we love.

You can also become a member of POW Canada for free to join the fight. 

### Shoutout to volunteers and sponsors

We also want to give a great big THANK YOU to our incredible volunteers and sponsors from Arc’teryx and Osprey for helping make our Season Opener event as epic as it was. 

Special shoutout to our friends at Backcountry Brewing, Rally Beer, The Straight & Narrow, Eighty Eight Brewing Co. and Boréale for providing tasty drinks, as well as Salomon, Rossignol, Baffin and Smartwool for sponsoring the sweet prizes for attendees. 

Catch you on the mountain! 

The MEC x POW Season Opener event was a major success

Season Opener 2024 recap: POWerful speakers, epic films and so much more

This Giving Tuesday we want to say thank you to everyone involved in the MEC community, whether you attended an event, snagged some Smartwool socks for Sock Week or donated to one of our Outdoor Impact partners, your involvement makes all the difference in how we’re able to show up for the planet.  

Today, we want to give a major shoutout to a few of our partners for their incredible work on this year’s outdoors initiatives. Through **partnerships** and hosting sweet **outdoors events that give back to the community**, MEC is committed to the ongoing journey of celebrating our home planet and supporting our people. Like any mission that involves breaking new trail, we could never do it alone.  

This year was full of inspiring work, fun events and important movements in support of climate change and conservation. We’d like to highlight the work of two of our Outdoor Impact partners, **Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society** and **Protect Our Winters Canada**, who have crushed some big goals this season.  

### Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society

[The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS)](https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/canadian-parks-and-wilderness-society) is Canada’s only charity dedicated to the protection of public land, freshwater and ocean with a strong national and regional presence across the country. They are **Canada’s leader in conservation** and have played a lead role in protecting over half a million square kilometres.  

MEC has partnered with CPAWS since 1988. We work with their national and regional teams to provide funding and to help increase the protection of the wild spaces where we climb, camp, ski and play.  

In partnership with CPAWS, **MEC and Smartwool** have helped raise **$55,000 since 2021** through our Sock Week initiative, a week-long event where $2 from every pair of Smartwool socks sold is donated to CPAWS (up to $15,000 annually). It’s two things our MEC members love most: socks and giving back to the planet.  

Through funding these initiatives, MEC can play a small part in conservation efforts across Canada. One of these efforts became a success story earlier this year: CPAWS’s [We Can’t Wait campaign](https://cpaws.org/wecantwait/) led to the successful [protection of the Great Bear Sea](https://cpawsbc.org/charting-a-new-path-for-the-great-bear-sea-how-indigenous-nations-governments-and-communities-are-breaking-the-mould/), 30,000km2 along Canada’s Pacific shoreline. The Great Bear Sea is integral to Pacific coast ocean life and is home to orca whales, sea otters, migrating humpbacks and tons more species at risk of going extinct.  

If you’d like to get involved or donate to a CPAWS initiative, [check out their website](https://cpaws.org/) to learn more about their amazing work. You can also shop [last chance Sock Week deals](https://www.mec.ca/en/products/brands/smartwool/footwear/deals) where $2 from each pair of Smartwool socks will go directly to CPAWS. 

The mission of [Protect Our Winters (POW) Canada](https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/protect-our-winters-canada) is to turn outdoor enthusiasts into climate advocates. They lead a national community of professional athletes, forward-thinking industry leaders and outdoor enthusiasts to advocate for **systemic policy solutions to climate change** with 13 chapters nationwide.  

MEC is proud to be a founding partner of POW Canada. One of our favourite annual events is the **Season Opener**, which, **in partnership with Arc’teryx**, we host at MEC locations across Canada. If you missed out on tickets this year, stay tuned for all the highlights and stories from this year’s event — we’ll have a recap coming for you. That said, we do have one spoiler we’re pumped to share with our community: this year’s Season Opener events **raised over $43,300** in support of POW’s climate action plan—that's huge!  

If you want to get involved or learn more about POW Canada and their fight for climate action, click below to check out their site. 

### All about MEC's Outdoor Impact program

CPAWS and POW Canada are part of a larger network of outdoor orgs that make up our MEC Outdoor Impact program, which includes [national partners](https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/partnerships), like **Spirit North**, the **Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG)** and **Avalanche Canada**, as well as [local partners](https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/local-partners), like the **North Shore Mountain Bike Association**. We invest in groups that are actively working to break down barriers of access and increase equity in the outdoors. 

Through it all, our goal is to help:  

- **Teach** outdoor skills  
- **Protect** wild spaces  
- **Grow** the communities of people getting active outside  

Since 1987, we’ve contributed **over $48 million** (and counting) to Canadian outdoor recreation and conservation initiatives – and your support of MEC makes it all possible. If you’d like to learn more about our Outdoor Impact program or see how to get involved with one of our partners, then click below. 

A big thank you to CPAWS, POW Canada and our MEC community. Celebrating the ways we’ve shown up together in support of the planet this year.

Giving Tuesday: Showing up for our planet

 As we celebrate a decade of partnership with Fair Trade USA™, we’re proud of the progress we've made together. Over the past 10 years, MEC has been committed to building a more equitable, fair, and sustainable future, improving working conditions across our supply chain. This milestone is a chance to reflect on how our partnership with Fair Trade USA™ has transformed not just our sourcing practices but the lives of the workers who make MEC products.   

### Fair Trade at MEC: a growing commitment  

Our commitment to Fair Trade continues to evolve. From MEC label clothing to hard goods, we've integrated Fair Trade into more areas of our supply chain. This helps us stay responsive to our suppliers' needs while encouraging them to improve their practices. We're also expanding our Fair Trade offerings—both through our MEC Label and other socially conscious brands.   

### Impact beyond borders  

Navigating global sourcing means dealing with different labour laws and cultural norms, which can create challenges. Certain groups—women, young adults, and migrant workers—often face extra barriers to equal opportunity. That’s where Fair Trade makes a difference.  

Through Fair Trade Worker Committees, elected representatives from certified factories have a voice in deciding how Fair Trade premiums (extra amount paid to the worker’s fund on each product MEC sources from the Fair Trade certified™ factory) are used. These committees ensure that all workers have their say, whether it's for healthcare, education, community programs, or workplace safety improvements.  

The program also focuses on building skills. Training in financial literacy and skill development helps workers and their families improve their livelihoods, creating lasting change in their communities.   

### Looking ahead  

As we plan for the next decade, we’re focused on partnering with suppliers who share our commitment to ethical production. Both in our MEC Label products and in the brands and gear we sell, we continue to work towards expanding our commitment to Fair Trade. 

Shop MEC Fair Trade Certified products [here](/en/products?facets.Product%20sustainability=Certified%20Fair%20Trade%20Product).  

We’re excited to continue driving positive change in our supply chain and the broader industry. MEC remains committed to social responsibility and inspiring others to join the movement for responsible and ethical practices.  

For annual updates on how MEC is tracking, check out our latest [sustainability progress report](/en/explore/sustainability-progress). 

Learn about Fair Trade at MEC as we look back on the progress we made.

10 Years of Fair Trade at MEC: Reflecting on our Journey 

As much as we love flashing a route or the view from a portaledge, our favourite thing about climbing is the incredible community. We’re proud to be the destination for Canadian climbers since we hit the scene in the early 70s, but providing top-tier gear for crags and gyms is just one tiny part of our commitment. Before the days of indoor gyms, bouldering mats, stick clips or cams, we were climbers. We’ve cleaned up crags, built trails (also plenty of outhouses) and been access advocates for bluffs and mountainsides across Canada. We’ve championed new brands, field tested products and worked with pro climbers (shout out to MEC Climbing Ambassadors Sean McColl and Emma Contaoe) to get the details right. We’ve been giving back to the outdoor community since 1987, and we’ll continue to support organizations in their quest to get more people outside, like this year’s [Tommy Caldwell Talks: Ride for the Planet](/article/tommy-caldwell-recap) event, which raised **$5994.70** for **Climbers’ Access Society of British Columbia** (CASBC) and **Van Queer Climbers**. 

This year in celebration of Global Climb Day, we’re hosting our very own **Rock the Climb** event. We’re pumped to be partnering with local climbing groups, brands and athletes to celebrate all things climbing in a few MEC store locations across the country. This month we caught up with some awesome climbing organizations and individuals working hard behind the scenes to protect wild spaces, bring outdoor access to local communities and improve the natural spaces where we get to play, crush and top out. 

As climbing continues to grow in popularity our crags and mountainsides can become crowded, with approach trails and access areas experiencing heavier traffic every year. Luckily there are some incredible folks dedicated to preserving these natural spaces for future generations of crushers to come, while building easier access for today’s climbers all over Canada. We sat down with leaders and volunteers from these climbing orgs to learn more about what goes into preserving and promoting access to our favourite climbing spots – no surprise, it’s a LOT of work.



Photo credit: Alex Ryan Tucker, Squamish Access Society

*“My first season climbing in Squamish I was amazed by all the freely available climbing resources and the well-maintained climbing infrastructure all cared for by volunteers. It was important to me to be involved as a way of showing my appreciation of the work done previously with the aim of maintaining and building on that.” - Emilisa, Board Member at Squamish Access Society.*

# Promoting climbing access 
Safety, liability and environmental impact are three of the primary concerns that always come first when negotiating climbing access with land managers and owners. Since climbing orgs typically do not own the land where we’re climbing, establishing proper management plans and collaborating with all stakeholders is just as important as pushing hard for our climbers. As crags become more popular, we sometimes see restrictions and regulations put in place to ensure the natural environment is not disrupted. That’s why it’s so important to respect closing conditions, access conditions, any crag code of ethics and of course, following the Leave No Trace principles. After all, climbing in these incredible spaces is a privilege, and we want to ensure future generations get to enjoy chalking up walls and topping out boulders for generations to come. 

Photo credit: Ontario Alliance of Climbers

Some recent success stories in climbing stewardship? “There has been a lot of construction along the Mamquam and Indian FSRs recently. We’ve been able to express the importance of this area to climbers and as a result the parking pullouts have been enlarged, and the dust mitigation work that has been done has also had a positive impact on the North Wall boulders,” says Alex, the chair of Squamish Access Society (SAS) in BC. 

*“By working together with land managers and stakeholders, we can all gain the benefits of accessing our outdoor spaces, and enjoy rock climbing in a healthy, safe and fun way that maintains the protection of our natural environment.” - Ontario Alliance of Climbers*

# Preserving climbing access 
Every time we haul our crash pads, flash a route or hey, take a whipper or two, we have the folks doing all the work behind the scenes to thank for the preservation of our favourite fun zones. As we all know, climbers make excellent land ambassadors, just ask the **Ontario Alliance of Climbers** (OAC), who have had local climbers participate in clean ups, ecology studies and funded graffiti removal in parks so they can enjoy ‘the glen’. CASBC also hosts trail days, stewardship days, bolting clinics and trail clinics to help locals get involved and feel connected to the care of their local crags. [WAG bags](/product/5027-310/ii-disposable-bag-for-solid-waste) provided by SAS has also helped keep our crags clean from human waste, especially when you're so far from a washroom.  

Sharing the know-how for caring for the planet is crucial to everyone being able to do their part in the outdoors – every little bit counts! 

Volunteers build a path for the Smoke Bluffs climbing access (Photo credit: CASBC)

# Route development and maintenance 
Nothing beats a community effort, but sometimes there are some really rad individuals making change happen on their own. At **The Association of Bow Valley Area Rockclimbers** (TABVAR) individual volunteers create new routes and they’re reimbursed for any expenses on routes that are top priority for the local community. Heads up, if you’re planning to develop routes in the Rockies, you better get comfy wielding a crowbar – routes in that area require a LOT of cleaning. Mainly volunteers also work on retrobolting and re-bolting existing routes, which always takes priority over new developments. For our climbers based in Quebec, you can become a certified route setter with the **Fédération québécoise de la montagne et de l'escalade** (FQME) by getting involved with your local climbing club and taking the necessary training. This way you’ll be well-equipped to clean up routes and establish new ones with all the necessary training. 


Notice a bolt or anchor that could use replacing in the Squamish area? [Submit a report](https://squamishaccess.ca/report-a-bad-bolt-or-anchor) on the **Squamish Access Society** (SAS) website and they’ll do their best to rebolt what they can. SAS also works on bringing new life to older crags that may have fallen into disrepair. More operational crags means less crowds at each climb spot, which helps alleviate some of the environmental impact that comes with heavy traffic (oh, and more time on the wall for you).  

To ensure the quality of new and existing routes, TABVAR ensures all routes adhere to the following regulations: 

- The route should be safe for an on-sight lead climb by someone who is competent at the grade 

- The route should be cleaned of all loose rock 

- Pitons and nylon webbing are not acceptable as permanent fixtures on sport routes 

- Avoid squeezing in routes close to or which interfere with established climbs 

- Creating holds or attaching imported holds is contrary to accepted local practice 

- Avoid building routes that create rockfall hazards over established routes or trails 

 

Photo credit: The Association of Bow Valley Area Rockclimbers

# Community involvement and support  
Want to get involved with your local climbing org? Reach out! Send a message on socials or through their website to join as a member, or you can always donate to keep funding incredible initiatives and projects that put climbers first. This funding goes directly to rebolting missions, bathroom maintenance, trail improvements and tons more. Volunteering for trail maintenance, crag clean-ups, events and education sessions are also great ways to get to know other climbers and show your appreciation for the spaces where we get to send it. You can always connect with your local climbing club for more ways to give back to your community, chances are they’re already involved in some cool projects. 

**Fun fact:** As part of a community involvement initiative, TAVBAR hosted a contest where they auctioned off the naming rights for a new route that a member had put up. The winning donation? $2,500! And so the route “Wish You Were Here” was born, paying homage to the naming convention of the wall which features personal history moments and song names (this one named after the Pink Floyd song). 

# Future projects and missions
Continuing to strengthen local climbing organizations through funding and legal support is the main focus for a few of our climbing orgs. “Shade shelters at some popular crags, expansion and upkeep of the WAG bag program, continuation of our anchor and bolt replacement program, and replacement of some bridges to access climbing areas in the Paradise Valley area,” says Alex, chair of SAS. “Ensuring the ultimate lifespan of the existing hardware in the Bow Valley,” is a priority for TABVAR. As more climbers are getting outside and gyms gain traction and popularity, representing local climbers will only continue to grow as a top priority. “We see our role expanding to ensure that their voices and concerns are heard,” says TABVAR. 

# Meet the orgs putting climbers first 

**Climbers’ Access Society of British Columbia**

Founded in 1995, [CASBC](https://www.access-society.ca/) is the only provincial body exclusively dedicated to climbers and keeping crags, bluffs and cliffs accessible.  
Socials: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/cas_bc) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=climbers%27+access+society+of+bc). 

**Squamish Access Society**  

If you’ve chalked up in the Squamish area anytime since 2004, you can thank [Squamish Access Society](https://squamishaccess.ca/) for that.  

Socials: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/squamishaccesssociety/) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/SquamishAccessSociety/). 


**The Association of Bow Valley Area Rock Climbers**

[TABVAR](https://www.tabvar.org/) was founded in 1994, and operates in the Bow Valley and nearby areas where they maintain routes and update climbing hardware and develop new routes. 

Socials: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tabvar_climb/) or share it on [Facebook](https://www.instagram.com/tabvar_climb/).  

**Ontario Alliance of Climbers**

Founded in 2009, the [Ontario Alliance of Climbers](https://www.ontarioallianceofclimbers.ca/) is an independent, volunteer non-profit organization that works diligently to keep climbing and bouldering areas open in Ontario. 

Socials: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ontarioallianceofclimbers/) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ontarioallianceofclimbers). 

**Fédération québécoise de la montagne et de l'escalade** (FQME) 

This [Québec mountain and climbing federation](https://fqme.qc.ca/) (FQME) supports the development of outdoor ski mountaineering and climbing sites, organizes the official sport climbing competition circuit and promotes safe practices and training programs in the outdoors. 

Socials: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/fqme_escalade/?hl=fr) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/FQMEescalade). 

# Rock the Climb event details 
Join us on August 18 to celebrate Global Climb Day at select MEC store locations. It'll be a day of climbing, brand demos, prize packs, giveaways and tons more. It’s going to be epic, so don’t miss out! 

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