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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

This winter, many people are expecting the backcountry’s wide-open spaces to be more popular than ever – but they’ll also be a little different due to COVID-19.

To help you plan ski days and hut trips, we chatted with [Avalanche Canada](https://www.avalanche.ca/) and [The Alpine Club of Canada](https://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/web/) to find out what’s changing. Learn about avy safety, hut bookings, and other helpful info for new or experienced backcountry users from our long-time community partners:

## What’s your advice for people heading into the backcountry this year?
**Avalanche Canada (AC)**: Get the gear, get the training, get the forecast. You don’t need to travel into avalanche terrain to get into the backcountry, but if you choose to, be prepared.

Before you head into avalanche terrain, check your regional forecast so you can plan a safe route. Every person should carry essential avalanche safety gear ([transceiver](/en/products/snow/avalanche-safety-gear/avalanche-beacons-transceivers/c/2086), [probe](/en/products/snow/avalanche-safety-gear/avalanche-probe/c/2083) and [shovel](/en/products/snow/avalanche-safety-gear/avalanche-shovels-saws/c/2082)). It’s important that everyone also knows how to use this equipment and practices often.

This year, we’ve launched have a new online tutorial called [**Avy Savvy**](https://avysavvy.avalanche.ca/). It’s an introduction to avalanches and how to stay safe in avalanche terrain, with lots of fun and interactive learning tools.

## Will forecasting change due to the impacts of COVID?
**AC**: Avalanche Canada’s regional forecasts rely on data coming in from a variety of sources. One of the most important is InfoEx, a subscription service for professional avalanche operations in Canada. The information provided by these operations is an essential part of our forecasting data; should it be disrupted by heli and cat skiing operations remaining closed this season, our forecasts may be affected.

We’ll know more as fall progresses and we’ll adapt as necessary, but this does mean that the information you share in your [Mountain Information Network reports](https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network) will be more important than ever this winter.



## Are there any changes to avalanche safety training courses?
**AC**: COVID affects the way Avalanche Canada Training courses will operate. We’re working hard to help our providers make the changes they need to offer courses safely during the pandemic, such as moving the classroom portion of the courses online.

It’s really important that people are able to access Avalanche Canada Training this season, as we’re expecting more new backcountry users than usual. If you’ve never taken an Avalanche Canada Training course, we recommend taking one before travelling into avalanche terrain.

> Avalanche Canada tip: If you’ve already taken a course, refresh your skills with a companion rescue skills course. [Rescue at Cherry Bowl](https://www.avalanche.ca/cherry-bowl/#/intro) is a good reminder of how strong rescue skills can save lives.
>


## Anything special for snowshoers to know?
**AC**: You can get to great places on snowshoes, including lots that don’t enter avalanche terrain. For the first steps on learning what avalanche terrain looks like and how to avoid it, visit [avalanche.ca/start-here](https://avalanche.ca/start-here)

If you’re not prepared to perform a companion rescue, choose a route that stays away from avalanche terrain, including hazards above the trail you’re on. If you choose to venture into avalanche terrain, then carry a transceiver, probe, and shovel, and know how to use them. And take a course through the Avalanche Canada Training program. A two-day Avalanche Skills Training is a great start. [Find a course near you!](https://www.avalanche.ca/training/courses).



## What should people expect if they want to book an ACC hut this winter?
**Alpine Club of Canada (ACC)**: There are a few changes to keep everyone safer during the pandemic:

- **New reservation model**: Instead of booking by the bed, you now book the whole hut. The ACC took a hard look at our previous shared accommodation model and decided it didn’t fit with what people want during a pandemic. There’s still a strong desire to recreate in the backcountry, but much less interest in spending time in a shared space with strangers. Now guests can create their own groups and control who they’ll be with at the hut, and in some cases, the entire mountain area.

- **Set number of nights**: Hut bookings are now set rather than open-ended. You can book for a 2-night stay mid-week (Tuesday and Wednesday nights), a 3-night stay on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights) or combine them for a 6-night stay. Huts are vacant on Monday and Thursday nights for cleaning and custodian checks.

- **Online booking**: Rather than calling our office to see if there’s space in a hut, you can now [track hut availability online](https://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/web/ACCMember/Huts/Booking_Huts_Info/Hut_Availability_Winter_2021/ACCMember/Huts/Availability_Search_FW2021.aspx). If a date is available, guests complete an online form and our staff will call for confirmation and payment. There’s a pre-screening questionnaire for everyone in a hut party, and we ask for contact information for possible contact tracing.



## How is the ACC keeping huts clean and safe?
**ACC**: In addition to the exclusive booking model, we also made changes to the huts themselves, such as:

- Reduced capacities
- Removed extraneous stuff to make sanitizing much easier
- Replaced fabric bench covers with more wipeable surfaces
- Added abundant cleaning supplies and hand-sani stations

ACC hut custodians will be in the huts periodically on the off-days to conduct general maintenance, restock cleaning supplies and do the occasional deep clean. At all of our huts, guests are expected to do their own sanitizing on arrival and when leaving – this is taking responsibility for your own safety as well as looking out for the safety and well-being of others.

> ACC tip: The number one item for comfort in winter? [Hut booties](/en/product/5055-859/Hut-Booties). Other luxuries are cozy layers and a good book.
>


## What’s your advice for someone planning a hut trip?
**ACC**: Do your research before booking. It’s nice to want to replicate a photo on Instagram, but it’s much more important to make sure that you understand what’s required to get to that place safely. Proper research includes an honest assessment of whether a trip is appropriate for your group and whether you have the equipment, knowledge, experience and fitness to do it safely.

On the other hand, there are many more beautiful places to be explored than could be fit into one season, or perhaps even a lifetime. The ACC operates [33 backcountry huts](https://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/web/ACCMember/Huts/Home.aspx) and researching lesser-known destinations often leads to the grandest adventures.

*Avalanche Canada and The Alpine Club of Canada are some of*[*MEC’s community partners*](/en/explore/partnerships)*. We support them with funding to help with programs like backcountry huts and avalanche skills training.*

*Top photo:**Approaching the Stanley Mitchell Hut in the Little Yoho Valley. Credit: Pebbleshoo.com*



## Related articles
- [All about avalanche safety gear and training](/en/explore/avalanche-safety-gear-and-training)
- [Backcountry ski touring checklist](/en/article/ski-touring-checklist)
- [Snowshoeing tips for beginners](/en/explore/how-to-start-snowshoeing)



Touring plans? Find out what’s new for hut trips and avalanche safety during COVID-19.

Advice from Avalanche Canada and the Alpine Club of Canada

*MEC Ambassador Sabrina Chapman is one of a handful of Black women in the world who are attempting elite grades. “The path has not been easy,” says MEC Ambassador Sabrina Chapman. “The reward is the possibility of inspiring other women of colour. If they can see something in me that they relate to, then that is enough.”*

*Titan is the project, and this is her story.*



Climber Sabrina Chapman and the 5.14a Titan Project

## How did this project begin?
**Sabrina**: In March 2019, Danielle Williams (founder of Melanin Base Camp) and Aman Anderson (CEO of Beast Fingers Climbing) reached out to ask if I’d be interested in working on a film about how I got into climbing. I’m not sure how they got my name, but after some hesitation I said yes. A month later, I mentioned that I was going to Kentucky for a week, and suddenly Shane Smith, the filmmaker, contacted me to meet up so he could start shooting.

The Titan project is a means of telling my story as a daughter of immigrants whose path to climbing and pushing difficult grades is not shown in mainstream media. It’s an acknowledgement that there’s an audience for stories of BIPOC in the outdoors who are driven, determined and creating a world in their own image.

## Why did you choose Titan?
Titan is located on Saugeen Ojibway Nation land. It’s about 36m (120ft) of limestone, and has two distinct cruxes. The first crux is to gain the headwall after roughly 15m (50ft) of long moves on small crimps with minimal rests on slightly overhanging rock. The second is about 21m (70ft) higher, and involves a shallow two finger pocket, a pinch and small footholds on a vertical face.

I love how long I get to be on the wall surrounded by rock and sky, and the moves are exactly what I enjoy in climbing – good body tension, strong fingers and mental focus.

## How have the past few months impacted your training?
I injured my finger in 2019 and wasn’t able to put in attempts on Titan. In the first couple of months of quarantine in 2020, I was still focused on my goal of starting the season in top shape. I’m lucky to have a really good training set up at home, but when the protests began in the US and Canada, my motivations changed. A lot of repressed racial trauma resurfaced and I didn’t have the energy to stick to a training schedule.

Working out is part of who I am and how I manage my mental health, so I just listened to what my body needed day-to-day – moving around my wall, getting on the hangboard or swinging some kettlebells. Right now, my goal is to regain my equilibrium, and to relish being outside and on the rock without any expectations. That said, a while back I’d had a burn on Titan where I fell just below the lip; I pulled back on right away and went straight to the chains. What stands out about that attempt was how quiet my mind was. I pulled on the holds and stretched up through my legs with just the right balance of strength and grace. I’ve been holding onto the promise that I’ll climb that way again, which is why I know the 2020 season won’t end for me until I get back on and give myself that chance.



## What barriers and goals have you been working through recently?
I have found it difficult to be at the base of Titan waiting for my turn while two to three other guys are working the route. The dynamics of trying to stay focused and calm within that energy made some days more exhausting than others.

One new goal I’ve created for myself is to move at a faster pace when I climb. So far it’s been really fun to learn a new way of moving across the rock while staying in sync with my body and I’m excited to keep working on that.

## What’s your advice to women and BIPOC who want to start climbing?
For women and BIPOC who want to get into and push themselves in climbing: know that everyone is intimidated when they first start out, I know I was! A lot of gyms have intro classes you can take so you don’t feel like you’re the only one who doesn’t know what they’re doing. Search out other BIPOC on social media who are psyched to climb – we’re everywhere! Some accounts that I follow are [MelaninBaseCamp](https://www.instagram.com/melaninbasecamp/), [BrownGirlsClimb](https://www.instagram.com/BrownGirlsClimb/), [IndigenousWomenClimb](https://www.instagram.com/IndigenousWomenClimb/), [ClimbersofColor](https://www.instagram.com/ClimbersofColor/), [BrownGirlsDocMafia](https://www.instagram.com/BrownGirlsDocMafia/), and [HeyFlashFoxy](https://www.instagram.com/HeyFlashFoxy/).

## What’s some of your favourite climbing gear?
There are a few pieces I go to again and again:

- I love the [**MEC Gateway Lead Tights**](/en/product/6003-806/Gateway-Lead-Tights) for climbing. There’s enough give and range of movement for high stepping and stemming and they look great when grabbing a bite to eat on the way home from the crag.

- I wear the **MEC Rockwall Half Zip** during shoulder season to keep me warm on the hike in and out of the crag. The half zip is handy mid-route when my body starts heating up and I need to cool off. [(Check out the Rockwall Midlayer here!)](/en/product/6011-749/rockwall-midlayer)

- The **MEC Cragalot Backpack** is the perfect crag bag. It has two different access points to the main compartment, enough space for your rope, draws, shoes and chalk bag, and a smaller zippered pocket on the outside for your keys and wallet. The padding on the shoulder straps and back also make it super comfortable to wear on long approaches. [(See similar backpacks here!)](/en/products/packs-and-bags/backpacking-packs/overnight-packs-35-55l/c/1340?filters%5Bcustom_fields.ideal%20for%5D%5B0%5D=rock%20climbing)

- When bouldering, it’s nice to have a chalk bag that can hold your tape, locker key and phone in addition to chalk. The [**MEC Chalkalot Bouldering Bucket**](/en/product/5050-926/Chalkalot-Bouldering-Bucket) does all of this, and I love its magnetic closure to prevent spills.



## Related articles
- [Mental strategies to improve your climbing](/en/article/mental-strategies-to-improve-your-climbing)
- [Tips to exercise outdoor safely while social distancing](/en/article/tips-to-exercise-outdoors-safely-while-social-distancing)
- [How to choose climbing shoes](/en/explore/choose-your-climbing-shoes)



An inspiring film that shares a path to climbing not shown in mainstream media.

Think back to your favourite outdoor achievement. Maybe it was camping on a summit, or sending a 5.12a, or going on your first bike ride as a family. Whatever it was, there’s a good chance you had someone with you to help make it happen. Which is why today, we’d like to share an MEC moment with you – because you helped make this achievement happen.

MEC was just named **Canada’s Most Trusted Brand**… again. We also held the top spot in 2019, 2017 and 2016 but we haven’t really made a big fuss over it publicly before. Add on the fact that we were also named one of **Canada’s Greenest Employers** for the tenth year running, and number one in the 2020 **Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada**, and it seemed time to step up and tip our (waterproof-breathable) hat to say thanks to everyone who holds MEC to a high standard in all we do.

**To members**: We love hearing your plans and dreams, your questions and feedback. We want to match you with just the right gear for your hike, climb, ski, bike, paddle – you name it. We know you have more choices than ever before, and we’re stoked every time you choose MEC.

**To staffers**: Every day, you inspire people to be active outside. You’re often the first step in someone reaching their next outdoor goal or trying something totally new. Your advice, knowledge and stories are a huge part of the reason people keep coming back, over and over again.

**To everyone who’s been part of MEC’s 49-year journey**: Thank you for choosing us, for trusting us with your outdoor gear, for being members for life.

## Want to know more about the awards?
Glad you asked (it wouldn’t be a trusted brand award without transparency). MEC placed first in the National Top Most Trusted Brands in the sixth annual Gustavson Brand Trust Index (GBTI) presented by the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria.

The results are based on a survey of 7,800 Canadians and, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a follow-up survey of 1,050 Canadians. The survey measures brand trust, and three different trust areas: values-based trust, relationship trust and functional trust. For more details, see the [full report](https://www.uvic.ca/gustavson/brandtrust/assets/docs/final--gbti-2020-main-report.pdf).

Canada’s Greenest Employers is an editorial competition that recognizes employers that create a culture of environmental awareness. Winning employers are evaluated on four main criteria: unique environmental initiatives or programs; reducing their environmental footprint; involving employees these programs; and whether their environmental initiatives have become linked to the employer’s identity. For more info on the award, see the [reasons for selection](https://www.canadastop100.com/environmental/).

The 2020 Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada awards are selected by [Corporate Knights Inc](https://www.corporateknights.com/reports/2020-best-50/). The top corporate citizens on the list are evaluated on up to 21 key indicators covering resource, employee, financial management, clean revenue and supplier performance. Data is sourced from publicly available information, and the organizations on the list set the standard for sustainability leadership in Canada.

Want to see some of the things MEC is working on? Check out [MEC Label products](/en/p/mec-label) and our overall [sustainability and social responsibility programs](/en/explore/sustainability-innovation).



You helped make this achievement happen for MEC.

Thank you: MEC is Canada’s most trusted brand

Calling everyone who loves camping! Between May 11–18, join us for The Big Camp In: a chance to transform your living rooms, balconies and backyards into the ultimate camp set-ups from coast to coast. Break out your tents, unroll your sleeping bags and enter our Big Camp In Contest for a chance to win a full set of camping gear from MEC.

To get you jazzed on camping season (even if it looks a little different at the moment), we’ve put together inspiration and ideas to recreate all our favourite parts of camping at home, from the campfire and bird songs to camp coffee and connecting with nature. Happy camp-in!



## Get a campfire going
The crackling sound of a campfire is an essential part of any night outside. Most of us don’t have access to a firepit at home, so we want to help you set the scene for a cozy night in your tent – string up some twinkle lights to substitute for a starry sky, and just press play:



Fire by the lake

## Brew up camp coffee
A camp morning is incomplete without a cup of joe – there’s something special about the ritual of it all. Whether you’re an [Aeropress](/en/brand/aeropress/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/coffee-makers-and-kettles/espresso-makers/c/1781) master or prefer a French press mix-up, there are lots of ways you can get a dose of caffeine:



Who knew coffee + hot water could be so complex? Check out our blog post about [a coffee addict’s guide to camp coffee](/en/article/a-coffee-addicts-guide-to-camp-coffee) for a full spectrum of brewing potential, whether you’re camping in your backyard or living room. Sip and soak in the moment.

## Tune into a camping soundtrack
One of the first things we notice when we get into nature is just how quiet it is. No horns honking or trucks beeping – just the wind in the trees and the people you’re with.

An informal poll of our virtual MEC staffers revealed a split in camp soundtracks. Some loved sitting around the campfire singing songs and others rather playing games and listening to their favourite playlists. Others just wanted to tune into mother nature to hear rivers flowing and crickets humming.

Whatever music mood you’re in – nature sounds or campfire tunes – we’ve got the playlist for you on the [MEC Spotify account](https://open.spotify.com/user/d1wktmvdtzsnx9kdkzg1er88t).



## Create an epic camp meal
A backyard or at-home campout means you get to go deluxe with camp meals. Forget the instant noodles – this is your chance to bust out a delectable veggie curry with toasted naan bread (or whatever recipe you dream up). If you’re indoors for a living room campout, break out your cast iron pan to use in the oven. If you’re outdoors in the backyard, dig out your Jetboil or camp stove (heads up: camp stoves are outdoor products only, so don’t fire them up inside).

To get you inspired, check out our blog post on [camping meal ideas with a twist](/en/article/camping-meal-ideas-with-a-twist), browse a [camping cookbook](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/cookbooks/c/925), or try this unique camp recipe by Vancouver chef [Shaun Maclean](https://www.instagram.com/macleanshaun/):



### Camp veggie shabu-shabu hotpot recipe
Simple yet delicious. This Japanese style hotpot would traditionally use dashi broth, but we’ve simplified it to be camp friendly. Serves two. Enjoy!

**Ingredients**

*F**lavouring mix*

- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 pack miso soup mix

*Broth and veggies*

- 1L mushroom broth
- Shiitake mushrooms, destemmed and cut in half
- Carrots, thinly sliced rounds
- Sweet potato, thinly sliced
- Radishes, cut in half
- Napa cabbage, cut into eight
- Yau choy (or other similar green veggie), cut in half lengthwise
- Green onions, cut in 2in. lengths, and split the bottom white portion down the middle
- Tofu, cut in 1in. cubes (spicy marinated tofu is Shaun’s personal favourite)
- Cilantro leaves
- Rice noodles, pre-cooked, cooled and tossed in a bit of oil to prevent sticking

**Instructions**

1. Set up your camp stove on a safe, stable surface you can sit around. Make sure to use a stove that’s sturdy and won’t tip over – a flat [car camping stove](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/stoves-fuel-and-fire/camp-stoves-and-ovens/car-camping-stoves/c/1281) is a good option.
1. Turn your stove on medium, place a large pot with broth on top. Allow broth to come to a simmer, then turn down to medium low to keep broth at a low simmer.
1. Add flavouring mix. Once its dissolved, get your veggies and tofu ready, but don’t toss them all in.
1. With hotpot, you eat the vegetables as you cook them – sort of like a soup fondue. Vegetables will cook at different speeds, so add the hearty ones first (sweet potato, carrots, radishes) and cook for 4–5 minutes. Add the delicate greens later, since they’ll only take a minute or two. Cook in waves as you eat – it means nothing gets overcooked.
1. Once all the veggies are cooked and eaten, add the rice noodles to the leftover broth, heat fully, and split as a final course.

**Recipe extras**

For a meat-based version, use beef broth and add thinly sliced meat or dumplings. Asian supermarkets often have frozen pre-sliced meats that only need about a minute of cook time in the broth. Dumplings usually only take 4–5 minutes to cook.

Play around with different types of vegetables. Root vegetables do particularly well, as they soak up flavours of the broth. Try taro or lotus root, yams, squash, leeks, broccoli to see what you like.

Like spice? Add chili paste or diced chilies – especially nice in cold weather.



## Find ways to connect with nature
One of the best parts of camping is waking up in the morning, opening your tent and taking a minute to appreciate the epic view… which is bit tougher to do when you’re camping next to your couch or back door. An at-home campout presents an interesting opportunity to notice the nature is around you – birds outside your window, moss on the trees, bugs in the grass.

MEC Ambassador and artist Charlie Easton ([@charlieeaston](https://www.instagram.com/charlieeaston/?hl=en)) believes the small things in nature tell the most memorable stories, and ultimately inspires his art. A challenge from Charlie? “Slow down and notice,” he says. “Notice the reflection in a puddle or the way a cloud dances from your window. No matter where you are, if you take time to notice you’ll have a more profound memory of that moment and feel more connected to nature.”

**Charlie Easton’s nature connection challenge:**

- Look out your window or go to your backyard.
- Pick something big like a tree, the garden or the sky.
- Notice the small things – focus in on something you didn’t originally see. Maybe it’s a shadow or the leaves of your favourite flower. Notice the things you find beautiful and inspiring.
- Jot it down, draw it, appreciate it.



The Big Camp In - Charlie Easton, Connecting to Nature

## Play some camp games
Have some fun! Card games, nature scavenger hunts and tossing a frisbee are all classics. Check out our [camp games collection](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/games/c/1225) for more ideas for your camp in. Some of your usual games might not be easy to do when you’re camping in your backyard or living room, so now’s the time to try something new. Here’s an idea for a no-supplies-needed game to get you, your family, and everyone in your Zoom camp chat moving:

### How to play Action Syllables
A simple, fun game to get everyone up and moving:

- Ask each camper to choose an action/move for every syllable of their name. For example, Sarah has two syllables in her name, so she pats her head for one syllable and spins around for the second syllable.
- After the second camper does their name, the whole group repeats and does Sarah’s moves again.
- The actions keep building as you take turns, and next thing you know, you and your fellow campers have a new dance routine!



## Create camp memories, even if you’re apart
Even if your favourite camping crew is far away, you can still spend quality time and make memories during a camp-in. Some ideas to connect with friends and family during your camp-in:

- **Video slide show**: Video call a camping buddy to re-hash favourite outdoor memories together. If you’ve got photos, you can even do a little video slide show from your living room tent.
- **Plan for real life trips**: Call or Zoom a friend from the comfort of your backyard tent to map out a future trip. All you need are guidebooks, maps and an open mind.
- **Unplug**: Ditch technology for a night (there’s no wifi when you’re camping, remember?) and be in the moment. If you’re solo, journal, draw or read. If you’re with your family, partner or roommate, play games, invent camping s’more recipes or scope out the stars.

Whether you’re in your living room or backyard, grab your hut booties, set up your tent and get ready the most outdoorsy night in yet.



*Joining The Big Camp in from BC? The BCCDC Foundation for Public Health (a charitable partner to the BC Centre for Disease Control) is hosting a BC Stay -t-Home Campout on May 16 with a $5 “camping fee” donation to the fund. If you’re interested, check out their [stay-at-home campout site](https://bccdcfoundation.org/bc-stay-at-home-campout/).*



Join us for The Big Camp In with these tips to set the camp scene in your living room or backyard.

How to create the ultimate campout at home

Looking for things to do with your kids? We checked in with a crew of parents from MEC to see how they’ve been spending time and keeping things interesting close to home.

## Make a time capsule
Dig out a glass jar or box from your recycling bin and get your kids to fill it with cool things to discover years down the road. Maybe it’s a drawing of their pet, a list of things all the outdoor activities they want to try over the next 10 years, or a story about their favourite outdoor memory. Break out the construction paper, glue and markers to decorate it all up, too.

## Have a home campout
Set up camp in your living room or backyard. “We set up the tent in the backyard for our four-year-old both days last weekend,” says MEC staffer Brock. “We pulled in sleeping bags and mattresses and had a sleepover with Pooh Bear, stuffed rabbit, owl and monster. We weathered out some imaginary storms, had imaginary tea, and then the animals wrestled for what was probably 15 minutes but seemed like an hour.”

## Learn the stars
A clear night is perfect to learn constellations from your backyard. You can go the traditional route with a [star dial](/en/product/4008-584/Night-Sky-Star-Dial) (great for future camping trips). Or you can download a free astronomy app like SkyView Lite. “What I like about this app,” says MEC member Mike, “is that it connects the dots of constellations and shows an animation with the name to make visualizing the constellation easier. You can also use it to see where the moon and sun are below the horizon.”

## Pack a picnic
Pack up a cooler of goodies, lay out a blanket in your living room, patio or backyard, and dig in for a household picnic. If there’s snow on the ground, bring out [sleeping bags](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-and-pads/sleeping-bags/c/1410) and toques for a winter version outdoors (highly recommend [hot chocolate](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/food-and-drink/drinks/coffee-and-hot-chocolate/c/1581) in this case). [Camping cutlery](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/camp-dinnerware/eating-utensils-and-cutlery-sets/c/1275) gives any picnic an outdoorsy vibe.



## Plan an outdoor movie night
If the weather is warm enough, set up your laptop or tablet to stream movies in a backyard tent or on your patio. If it’s too chilly or outdoor space isn’t possible (or your wifi cuts out when you step outside), create an “outdoor movie night” inside. Kids can help set up a tent, rearrange couch cushions to make a fort, or even create a drive-in movie theatre vibe by raiding the recycling bin to make a cardboard box car to sit in.

## Build birdhouses
“Last weekend, we built some birdhouses,” said MEC staffer Jason, dad to two boys. “Robin nesting season is just around the corner, so it was a well-timed project for the backyard.” If you’re in in an apartment, or don’t have the tools or wood to make a real birdhouse handy, kids could construct cardboard birdhouses – it’s all about creativity and keeping busy, so sometimes the end project is just as fun when it’s craft-focused.

## Go on an animal safari
A clever way to make old toys seem new for toddlers? Present them in fresh ways. “My 21-month-year-old knows a lot of animal names,” says MEC staffer Carolyn. “When he’s not in the room, we spread out all his animal toys (on tables, shelves, window sills), so we can spot them together. I ask him ‘Where’s your bear?’ and he scans the room until he finds it. It’s pretty adorable.”

## Give little ones a daily discovery
“Toddlers have an incredibly short attention span, and they’re curious about anything they haven’t seen or touched before.” says Carolyn. “So every few days, I leave out a random new object in a place we can watch him discover it, like on the coffee table. It’s been a hit! Highly successful daily deliveries so far have included a cardboard box, a hiking backpack, and a muffin tray with reusable silicone muffin cups.”



## Have an activity treasure hunt
Sketch out a map of your house – better yet, ask the kids to do it – and set up age-appropriate activities for them to find, then mark their locations on the map. The activities don’t need to be fancy, since hunting for them adds to the adventure. Some ideas for “activity treasure” are below – be prepared to spend some time playing along, depending on the activity:

- Nature-based colouring book pages ([download some free ones here](https://www.coloringnature.org/))
- An old hiking sock with spare buttons and fabric to make it into a sock puppet
- Trail mix challenge: what ingredients can they combine for their own special mix?
- House-friendly [camp games](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/games-and-gifts/games/c/1225), like [indoor bocce](/en/product/5037-788/backpack-bocce)
- Collage art station with old magazines
- Daily bingo page of things for them do see or spot

*Stay tuned to @mec social channels for skills sessions, #goodtimesinside activity tips and stories to keep you connected to the outdoors.*



Looking for things to do with your kids? We checked in with a crew of parents from MEC to see how they’ve been spending time and keeping things interesting close to home.

Fun indoor activities for outdoorsy kids

Our community cares about staying connected to the outdoors and each other, especially at this moment in time. We’re all spending a lot of hours at home these days, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find creative ways to keep in touch with nature, activity and our outdoor buddies. Here are a few ideas:

## Give your gear some love
Now’s a good time to tackle the outdoor gear repair or cleaning project that’s been in the back of your mind. Some suggestions? [Re-waterproofing your hiking boots](/en/explore/how-to-clean-and-waterproof-hiking-boots), [patching up a hole on your rain jacket](/en/explore/how-to-repair-a-torn-waterproof-jacket-or-pants), or [cleaning your bike chain](/en/explore/how-to-clean-and-lube-a-bike-chain) – nothing’s more satisfying than a chain that goes from creaky to smooth. Another useful project to work through is (finally) organizing your gear closet.

Check out this [full series of product care tips and videos](/en/explore/product-care-and-maintenance).



## Have an outdoor movie night
There are so many outdoor movies to stream that you could create an entire at-home film fest just for you (and the other people you live with, of course). Some of our favourites so far:

- **Banff Mountain Film Fest**: A curated program of Festival films, all free and online. [Watch them now](https://www.banffcentre.ca/film-fest-at-home).

- **The Dawn Wall / Free Solo double header**: Watch Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold back to back. Dawn Wall is on Netflix and for [rent on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zC_u5sd4wW0) or [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/movies/details?id=zC_u5sd4wW0). Free Solo is also for [rent on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l7mvdWmL2c) or [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/movies/details?id=8l7mvdWmL2c).

- **Where Dreams Go to Die**: Created by The Ginger Runner, this documentary follows Canadian ultrarunner Gary Robbins at the infamous Barkley Marathons. Pure grit. [Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDZdsqbcGTU).

- **Reel Rock 14**: Climbing’s biggest new films from the comfort of your couch, all for less than the cost a movie ticket with popcorn. [Watch the trailer](https://youtu.be/pssvBPFEuPE), get amped, [purchase the download](https://reelrocktour.com/products/reel-rock-14).

- **The Fifty**: Cody Townsend has a huge goal: climb and ski all fifty lines in the book “Fifty Classic Ski Descents of North America”. [Watch his web series](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSj-6RsDycxnKiIFFm0BFYoLLV5Np3K49) to follow along and [learn more](https://skithefifty.com/).

- **MEC documentary series**: Three incredible stories captured in mini-doc format. [All free and available online](/en/explore/mec-documentary-series).

## Photobook or canvas project
Step 1: go through photos from hiking trips, camping weekends, bike tours and days at the crag. Step 2: pick out your favourites to build a custom photobook online. Or choose your absolute favourite picture and order a giant version as a photo canvas print for your living room.

## Be safe if you’re out
Fresh air and exercise keep bodies and mind healthy, but it’s important to do it in a safe way. Follow [social distancing guidelines](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/social-distancing.html), stay up to date with your local health authority’s instructions, and respect the closures for parks, trails and climbing areas. Also, dial back the intensity – this is not a time to try that new jump and end up with an injury that stresses our healthcare system further.

## Be active when you’re in
Active is a mindset. You’ll be spending plenty of time at home, but you can still find ways to create a new routine that keeps your body moving. Turn your living room into a place where you can [train for climbing](/en/products/climbing/gym-climbing-and-indoor-training/hangboards-training-gear/c/1462), lift weights (or whatever you have), stretch out, or spin your legs on an [indoor bike trainer](/en/products/cycling/training-and-electronics/bike-trainers-and-accessories/bike-trainers/c/1463). There are tons of free online workouts available to get your heart pumping, and many local gyms are offering online options to keep the community workout vibe going.

## Test-drive a new camp meal
Have a cast iron pan or Dutch oven? Use them to try out a new campfire-worthy recipe in your oven. Enchiladas, cinnamon rolls, s’mores dip, skillet pizza – there’s lots of potential.

## Dig into an outdoor story
Scrolling the news has increased greatly in many of our lives. Take a break and lose yourself in a story instead of the headlines. Some reading suggestions below – and MEC Ambassador Taryn Eyton also compiled an [excellent list of women’s adventure books](https://happiestoutdoors.ca/best-womens-adventure-books/), along with tips on how to read books if you can’t leave the house:

- *Lands of Lost Borders: Out of Bounds on the Silk Road* by Kate Harris. “Beautifully written,” says one of our MEC copywriters, “and it’s got me thinking of a bike tour next year.”

- *Rowing to Latitude* by Jill Fredston. Recommended by MEC Ambassador and writer Bruce Kirkby, it covers a decade of expeditions across Arctic waters, going backwards in a modified rowing shell.

- *Lines on a Map* by Frank Wolf: “His adventures are incredible,” says MEC staffer Sean. “Some of them will never be repeated, and they cover pretty much every part of Canada.”

- *Thirst: 2600 Miles From Home* by Heather “Anish” Anderson: Our MEC editor and past PCT thru-hiker just finished this one. “It’s interesting because she became the (self-supported) record holder, but without fanfare or much ego – only about 1000% grit.”

- *The Snow Leopard* by Peter Matthiessen: Another pick of Bruce Kirkby, this is a crystalline account of the author’s spiritual quest while accompanying naturalist George Schaller in Nepal’s Dolpo region in search of the snow leopard.

## Learn new knots
A few knots in your repertoire can make a big difference in your outdoor skills. A [knot-tying guidebook](/en/products/travel-gear/books-and-maps/training-guides-and-instructional-books/c/941?text-knots) gives you clear, professional instructions and tips on how to use them, or you can also browse videos online. Beginners: we recommend starting with sheet bends, square knots, figure eights, bowlines and clove hitches.



## Get to know your local birds
With a pair of [binoculars](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/tools-and-accessories/binoculars/c/900) and a bird guide, you unlock a whole new part of the outdoors. “You’d be surprised at how quickly time can pass when you’re birding,” says MEC staffer Karen, “watching and listening makes you more aware of everything outside, even if it’s just your backyard or out your window.” Apps like eBird are great to track sightings.

## Stick together, even when you’re apart
What makes the outdoor community amazing? The people. Reach out virtually to talk, laugh and videochat with your running, climbing, skiing, biking and paddling buddies.

If you used to meet up for group runs or rides, honour that same time but connect online instead of in person. Do yoga together over Zoom or other online platforms, give each other tours of your living room training set-up, and meet up on Zwift. Oh – and if you have a pet that usually joins your friends on adventures, we’d love to see their furry faces over videochat too.

Take care of yourselves and each other. We’re a community, even when we’re not outside together.

*Stay tuned to @mec social channels for skills sessions, #goodtimesinside training tips and stories to keep you connected to the outdoors.*



Tips to keep active, stay in touch with nature and look out for each other.

How to stay connected to the outdoors while you’re at home

Vancouver is where MEC started. Over the last few decades, we’ve had a few homes in this city – a VW van, room 14C in the Student Union Building at UBC, the Dominion Building, Kitsilano, Cambie, Broadway. Now it’s time to take the next step in the place where it all began.

It’s time to say hello to your new **MEC Vancouver flagship store at 111 East 2nd Avenue** (at Quebec Street) in Olympic Village… and to bid a fond farewell to the Broadway store that served us for 25 years.

We’re proud to be able to share this new space with you because it takes what we care about as an outdoor retailer and brings it to life. We’re strong believers in sustainability, and the new store is packed with green building features. We have a goal to connect people with the outdoors, and there are community and local shout-outs throughout. We’re huge into gear and advice, and this space gives us a chance to share all that in a new way.

Thank you for decades of support – here’s what to look forward to in your new MEC Vancouver flagship store:

## 1. Climbing is bigger than ever
MEC wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for climbing – it was the reason we started in 1971. So we knew that incorporating climbing into a flagship store was an absolute must. Solution? Build a bouldering wall.

The wall was designed by Impact Climbing, and the custom design was inspired by one of our favourite hangouts: the Stawamus Chief in Squamish. Use the wall to try out climbing shoes or bring your own pair to do some crushing. The first batch of problems were set by MEC Ambassador Tosh Sherkat and staffers.

***Heads up, members**: We’re taking precautionary steps due to COVID-19, so we’re pausing use of our bouldering wall for the moment. It’s super hard for us to keep climbing holds germ-free and we take your health seriously. Thanks for your understanding.*



MEC Vancouver store climbing wall

> “Having any place that brings people together to do something is community building in its essence. I’ve been gym climbing since I was 10 years old, and I love it because of the community.” – Tosh
>
Problems range from beginner-friendly V0 to a “very compy” Ambassador challenge.

## 2. There’s a sweet community space
Helping people learn new skills or getting folks inspired to get outside is something we’ve been doing for years. When we were dreaming up floor plans for Vancouver, we wanted to create a community space that didn’t feel like an afterthought stuffed in a corner.

Swing by Basecamp to see what we created – it’s our open-concept community hub where you can join a learn-to experience, chat with folks flipping through hiking guides, make connections with interesting people at community events, and spark ideas for your next outdoor trip.



## 3. It’s green on the inside
We’ve been “greening” buildings for more than a decade, and sustainability is a major part of the new Vancouver store. The mass timber superstructure is what most people notice first, and this renewable building material comes with added benefits of storing carbon and being easy to reuse at the end of its life. But there are more green building features you don’t see. A few highlights:

- **Putting rain to work**: The roof captures rainwater that funnels into an underground cistern to provide up to 80% of the water used for flushing toilets.
- **A renewable day in the neighbourhood**: We’re connected to the innovative [Neighbourhood Energy Utility](https://vancouver.ca/docs/planning/renewable-energy-neighbourhood-utility-factsheet.pdf) system, which recovers heat from untreated urban wastewater (a sanitized way of saying sewage). It’s renewable and doesn’t rely on fossil fuels.
- **Less is more**: This space is designed to use almost one-third less energy than the standards set out by the national energy code for buildings. Some of the largest savings come from high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.



## 4. … and it’s green on the outside
It wouldn’t be MEC without a hefty dose of green. In the back alley, we’ve put in bird-friendly and Salmon-Safe landscaping with native and naturalized species, some of which are fruit-bearing to give foraging birds a place to snack. Plus, there are a couple of tiny nesting boxes. Up top, there’s an extensive green roof.

## 5. Mountains are front and centre
Mountains: we love them. We want people to start thinking about their next alpine adventure before they even step inside, so there’s metal mountain artwork front and centre. Anyone who loves peaks as much as we do will want to know where they’re from – it’s the Freshfield Icefield in the Rockies, north of Golden, by Vancouver-based outdoor photographer Jordan Manley.



## 6. We’re recognizing where we live
Once you step inside, you’ll see a permanent land acknowledgement to recognize the Indigenous lands we work and play on – something we also did at our MEC Toronto flagship store. As you make your way through the store, you’ll also find a profile of local outdoor leader Myia Antone of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and the legend of the Two Sisters.



## 7. You’ve got options
Transportation-minded members, take note: our new location is just as easy to get to as our old Broadway store. If you’re taking transit, the new MEC Vancouver is just a 7-minute walk from Main Street-Science World Station, and lots of buses (3, 8, 19, 84) drop you almost at the front door. If you’re biking, you can roll in via separated bike lanes on Quebec Street. If you’re coming by car, there are three levels of parking, including 16 electric vehicle charging spots.



## 8. There are secret murals
Even if you don’t drive to the store, you’ll want to peek in the parkade. We asked Vancouver-based artist Jessa Gilbert to create two massive murals – one is a view from Kits, the other is the North Shore’s rich green rainforest. “These murals are a way to celebrate Vancouver,” she says.

> “When I moved here, I was completely awe-struck by the mountains, the scale of the terrain, and the density and the textures of the forest here. I hope when people see the piece, it feels playful and can inspire them to get outside.”
>
Along with being a muralist, Jessa is an MEC Ambassador, backcountry guide and a freshly certified scissor lift operator in order to reach the top of those enormous walls. “Painting a mural is a lot more of a physical and logistical challenge than people might realize.”



MEC Vancouver murals by Jessa Gilbert

## 9. We rolled in some history
We’ve done a lot since 1971, so it felt right to recognize how far we’ve come in the new store. As you wander through the new space, keep an eye out for a few historic highlights from the last few decades, and get the scoop on why a VW van is parked inside the store (hint: it’s got an old-school store connection).

Getting the van *into* the store is a whole other story, which involved removing the rear fender and roof rack, folding in the sideview mirrors, and squeezing through the front doors with about an inch to spare on either side. Phew.



MEC Vancouver Relocation

## 10. There’s a better bike and ski shop space
Part of loving your gear is maintaining your gear, so we wanted to build out our new bike and ski shop. It’s now a large, welcoming space that allows for smooth drop-offs, pick-ups and payment of your bike tune-up or ski waxing. You’ll see mechanics and ski techs in action from the floor, and there’s an even bigger bike and ski shop behind the scenes as well.

We can’t wait to see you there – this space is awesome.



Check out 10 of our favourite things (and some behind-the-scenes stories) from the new MEC Vancouver store in Olympic Village.

Sneak peek of the new MEC Vancouver flagship store

Hiking has been a game changer in the way I live my life. Somehow, just putting one foot in front of another for hours has taught me so much: how to be present, how to think more clearly, how to connect deeper with the people around me. By making time to get on the trail, I’ve noticed exponential changes too, like sleeping better, feeling my body get stronger, and seeing anxiety and stress levels decrease.

I’m not the only one who feels this way. We reached out to people across the MEC family to see how hiking has helped them become the people they are today. Check out their stories and snapshots to see how time on the trail has helped them grow, learn and uncover things about themselves they wouldn’t have realized – and how it could change you, too.

## Kayla Kay


I recently moved to Invermere, BC, and my spark for hiking ignited when I arrived in this amazing Kootenay valley. I was a single mom on a mission to make friends and explore as much of the mountains as I could, so I started a local group called Women Who Wander.

Being on the trail and surrounded by nature was the cornerstone of my healing process from a very hard divorce and adapting to life as a single mom in a new town. Hiking is now a cherished hobby, a fierce passion and connected me to my recent career change with [The Lady Alliance](https://theladyalliance.com/). Last summer, I coordinated over 15 hikes and had about 100 people join forces with me on the trail.

Hiking makes me feel grounded, balanced and present. It’s my happy place.

*MEC is proud to work with The Lady Alliance as one of our*[*community partners*](/en/explore/partnerships)*, and supports their camps, retreats and outdoor course programs. See Kayla’s adventures [@kootenay_kayla](https://www.instagram.com/kootenay_kayla/).*

## Jasmyn Ellis


Being active is my number one thing for mental health. I have ADHD, and finding ways to move has done wonders for me. When I’m in the city, I stay super active with spin classes, but there’s something different about getting out into nature on a hike. You hold onto that smell, how the air feels on your face, the windburn. You hear the crunch under your feet. It’s quiet and still and you can hear yourself breathe. I don’t think we hear ourselves breathe enough in a city – I’m guilty of this too.

I always try to do so much in my mind all the time. It’s easy to get trapped in the hustle and bustle, and being outside is a way I find some calm and silence.

Hiking makes me feel liberated, light, powerful.

## Magdalena Garcia


When I was a girl, I used to go with my grandfather to the mountains. He’d take just a loaf of bread and a tomato for the whole day. Those experiences were significant in my life – I’ve become someone who loves walking and exploring. To continue the tradition, I now go trekking or walking with my two sons. A hike you do in a few hours can be an experience that lasts for days, months or even years in yourself.

I’ve learned that if someone is sad, tense or anxious, walking on a trail is a kind of therapy that brings out the best in us. It’s also a nice way to visit new places. All that is why I decided I make trails a part of my life and part of my research.

Hiking makes me feel connected with myself.

*Magdalena is a participant of [Intercultural Outdoor Recreation](https://www.pleinairinterculturel.com/en/), one of MEC’s community partners. She studies the world of parks and trails with her research on conservation and visitor experiences.*

## Charlie Easton, MEC Ambassador


The best conversations I have with my wild three-year-old daughter are when she’s in the backpack and we’re exploring a trail in the middle of nowhere. Hiking makes me closer to the people I’m with by sharing an adventure, and having time for more meaningful conversations.

It also gets me closer to my subject matter in my paintings – if you paint from a photograph, you only get the visual aspect of a scene. If you hike to a location to paint, you have a complete picture of the sounds, the smells, the changeability, the quality of the light – and this undoubtedly makes the finished painting so much more authentic.

Hiking makes me feel more alive. My wife always says I’m like a Labrador puppy, bouncing from rock to rock, wagging my tail.

*See Charlie’s work*[*@charlieeaston*](https://www.instagram.com/charlieeaston/)

## Azzah Ahmad


Where do I even start? My journey into the outdoors started in my late thirties, and I can honestly say discovering the outdoors is when I truly discovered myself. It’s not about the highest peak or the hardest hike. It’s about being immersed in nature and seeing the value in the peacefulness of it all. Through hiking, you can learn to love your own strength and that you’ll persevere through anything.

Hiking makes me feel invigorated in the best way.

*See more of Azzah’s story in*Facing Sunrise*, and follow along [@lifeaziknowit_101](https://www.instagram.com/lifeaziknowit_101/)*



Facing Sunrise

Spending time in nature to slow down and disconnect has become a fundamental part of my life. I like being disconnected from my phone, screens, push notifications and just focus on the absolute basic needs of being a human: walking and eating. In the city, we can rush through our days with blinders on, not paying attention, lost in our own world. I feel cranky when I haven’t had some outdoor time, even if that just means a walk around my neighbourhood park in the city.

Nature has so many lessons to teach us. Each time I go for a hike, I’m reminded of how small I am compared to this earth.

Hiking makes me feel happier… in fact, it’s the thing that makes me feel happiest.

*Follow Taryn*[*@happiestoutdoors*](https://www.instagram.com/happiestoutdoors/)* for tips on hiking and Leave No Trace.*

## Declan White


One thing I’ve realized is that I have a stronger connection with the friends I go hiking with. It feels like we talk about things you don’t always talk about in the city, or you don’t think about because you’re in such a headspace thinking about other things. On a hike, you can just let go and open up more. Being able to spend a full day on the trail with someone strengthens our relationship – I get to know them deeper.

Hiking makes me feel adventurous. In the city, I’m more serious and focussed on getting things done – when I’m in nature, I’m more into cracking jokes and having a good time.

*Want to see what hiking can do for you? Check out our [day hiking guide to beginners](/en/explore/day-hiking-for-beginners), and learn how to get a jump start on the season with [Taryn’s tips for spring hiking](/en/article/hit-the-trails-early-with-these-spring-hiking-tips).*



## Related articles
- [How to choose hiking boots or shoes](/en/explore/how-to-choose-hiking-boots-or-shoes)
- [Why we hike](/en/article/why-we-hike)
- [How to choose and fit a backpack](/en/explore/choose-and-fit-a-backpack)



Stories about how time on the trail has helped people grow, learn and uncover things about themselves they wouldn’t have realized.

MEC Blog