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We're back in Canadian hands! Check out a roundup of our fave Canadian brands.

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

Is MEC still Canadian? MEC was founded in Canada and is 100% operated and headquartered in Canada. MEC employees are all based in Canada, and we carry 60+ Canadian brands. All MEC Label products are also designed and tested in Vancouver BC.  We are proud supporters of Canadian products and the Canadian economy with 50+ years of gearing up passionate outdoor Canadians. 

With its rich outdoor culture and rugged landscapes, it only makes sense that so many fantastic outdoor brands started right here in Canada. Some of the most innovative and durable gear comes from Canadian companies that understand the demands of the wilderness first-hand. Here are more Canadian based brands that we know are members are passionate about supporting. 

## Norda
Founded in Quebec by runners, for runners. Norda tests in the harshest of Canadian conditions, with ultralight and sustainable running gear made with bio-based, bluesign®-approved Dyneema® materials. While their origin story includes experts from all over the world, they’re proudly Canadian. You’ll find their team testing gear in fields and mountains between Montreal and the Eastern Townships of Canada.  

## Tilley
In the 1980s, a man visiting the Great Lakes in Ontario needed a great hat, and the rest is history. Tilley has been synonymous with heritage and quality, creating the world’s finest hats and adventure clothing. They’re world-famous but still oh-so Canadian. 

## KOMBI
Designed in Montreal and perfected on Canadian slopes, this epic brand has developed gear to withstand the most extreme winters. Since they were founded in 1961, they’ve called the mountains of Quebec their main testing grounds for winter gloves, mitts, base layers and more, so you can stay warm and dry no matter the weather. 

## MEC Label
MEC is headquartered in Canada, managed by a Canadian team and operates in 23 stores in communities from coast to coast. MEC Label is our homegrown gear that’s built to last for hundreds of outdoor adventures. MEC Label is designed and curated by our team in Vancouver and tested in the backcountry to make sure it stands up to everything from powder-filled runs to bushwhacking at sunrise. From cozy base layers to hardy tents built for tough environments, MEC Label gear has it all and then some. 

## Kamik
With over 125 years of experience, Kamik knows boots. Founded in Montreal, this Canadian brand had the perfect environment to test their winter and rubber boots against the harshest (and iciest) environments. They’re built to protect you from the elements and keep you comfortable in all conditions. 

## Level Six 
A Canadian company created by two friends competing on the Whitewater Slalom World Cup, Level Six’s vision has been to redesign and rethink how paddling gear is made. With PFDs, SUPs, rash guards and more, you’ll be well-equipped for the waves with this major leader in water sports gear.  

#### Indyeva 

Founded in Montreal, Indyeva is known for its cozy and warm winter parkas and women’s clothing to make the most of the outdoors. They’re also serious about sustainable choices, with fabric from bluesign®-certified mills and down backed by the Responsible Down Standard.  

## tentree 

tentree is a Vancouver-based outdoor clothing company that prioritizes sustainability in a big way. For every item purchased, tentree plants trees in an effort to regenerate ecosystems, capture carbon and provide planting jobs in communities around the world. Their products are made with a focus on the earth, including attention to fair, safe working conditions, sustainably minded practices and recycled materials. 

## Arc’teryx 

Founded on the idea that “there is always a better way,” Arc’teryx’s name has become synonymous with obsessive and expert design. Their insulated jackets, weather-blocking shells, accessories and more are inspired by and tested in the coastal mountains near their HQ in North Vancouver. Their design centre, Arc’One, is in New Westminster, BC, where they lead product design and innovation.   

## Orage 

In 1989, University of Quebec student Evelyn Trempe made her first waterproof ski jacket and pants for her ski team out of her parents' garage, and the rest is history. Since then, Orage has evolved into a leading Canadian brand specializing in ski outerwear built for deep cold. Deeply rooted in ski culture, they design gear ready for any mountain adventures. 

A roundup of our favourite Canadian outdoor brands

Canadian brands we love at MEC

If you’re reading this, hello! My name is Emma, I’m an [MEC Ambassador](/explore/emma-contaoe), rock climber and climbing instructor based in Montreal. I’ve been rock climbing outdoors for 12 years and have been ice climbing for a little over 2 years, now. I also own a climbing business, [Climbing Escapes](https://climbingescapes.com/), where I teach both beginner climbers how to climb safely outdoors, and advanced techniques to help seasoned climbers  progress on their climbing journey. 

A few years ago, I fell in love with ice climbing. For those who might be new to the sport - it is similar to rock climbing, except you ascend an ice formation, like a pillar or an ice drip, using tools like an ice axe and crampons instead of chalked hands and climbing shoes. I got into ice climbing  during the pandemic when travel restrictions made it impossible to travel to warm, sunny crags. I was not a big fan of winter growing up, but I wanted to take on a new sport so I had something outdoors to look forward to on those cold, snowy weekends in Quebec.  

So, when some of my friends were going ice climbing at a local crag, I decided to tag along. They lent me some gear, including my first pair of hand-me-down La Sportiva mountaineering boots. That was a special moment for me - feeling like I was breaking new ground, and I was so excited about my new journey ahead. 

They showed me some ice climbing techniques like how to place my ice axe and what colour ice to look for and although it was challenging and totally different from rock climbing, I was excited to be a beginner again and learn something new.

I remember watching another girl climbing next to me and thought “Wow she is such a badass.” I told myself that I wanted to climb like her one day. I knew right away that  I had fallen in love with the sport. 

After that first day out, I decided to gear up and spend every weekend ice climbing as much as possible, even the screaming barfies couldn’t keep me away (IYKYK). I would often set up the ropes for my friends and I, and I remember noticing  how I was usually the only person of colour at the crag. Starting a new sport can be intimidating, even more so when you don’t see people who look like you in those spaces. Something clicked for me then that by getting more involved in the ice climbing community, I could help make every crag a more diverse and inclusive space for other aspiring ice climbers.

During my second season, I found out about a guiding opportunity for an intro to ice climbing event that [Routes to Rootz](https://www.routestorootz.com/)  (formerly HikeMTL) was organizing for people of colour. I volunteered to assist another instructor for that event and helped give ice climbing tips to the group. I felt empowered to be sharing some techniques with beginners, especially since I had just taken up a new activity myself. I knew how difficult and intimidating it was to start over as a beginner with a new activity, especially in ice climbing, which is a bit of a niche sport with a smaller community. Watching the participants try something challenging, seeing them reach the top and feeling pumped about it, brought some incredibly inspiring energy.

After climbing for 3 seasons, I felt ready for another challenge. I was talking to Caitlin, the Senior Community Manager at MEC who runs the MEC Ambassador program, about my dreams to one day become an ice climbing guide. She encouraged me to take a course to earn my lead climb certification so I could help people new to ice climbing get started in the sport. I didn't think I was ready, and honestly, I felt a little scared. I have to admit I had a bit of imposter syndrome since I didn’t have a ton of experience behind me to be lead climbing yet. **But if there’s one thing climbing has taught me, it’s that sometimes self-doubt and fear are the only things standing between you and the climbing goals you thought were “impossible.”** Proper training and the ability to recognize your limits are important on every route, but sometimes you need to push aside your nerves, trust your gut and go for it. You never know what goals you’ll reach or communities you’ll discover on the other side of self-doubt. And you never know who else is watching and feeling inspired – telling themselves that they want to climb like that one day. 

When I arrived at the course, I was excited to find out that we would be a group of four women. Our instructor, Anouk, turned out to be that very same badass woman I had watched climb on my very first ice climbing outing. I was even more excited to learn, and felt comfortable to go at my own pace, knowing I was sharing this experience with other courageous women. 

The course was informative and empowering. We learned how to place ice screws, build anchors, rappel and then practiced climbing on lead with a backup top rope. Honestly, it was really difficult and I needed a lot of practice, being a beginner again is not for the weak!

I was so impressed and inspired by the women there. Whether they had lots of experience ice climbing or were completely new to the sport, these women were pushing their boundaries and it had me thinking, if they can do it then so can I.

> “This course gave me the confidence to continue in my ice climbing journey safely, to remember to believe in myself and the joy of allowing myself to be a beginner again.” 

If ice climbing sounds like your next winter activity or if you’re on the hunt for great winter crags, check out some of my favourite spots to go ice climbing in Quebec, like **Lac Mastigouche** and **Lac Sylvère.** Before you strap on your crampons, always make sure you have the skillset and knowledge to ice climb. For your intro into the sport I really recommend you take a course (also a great way to meet fellow climbers!), [read up on ice climbing tips](explore/ice-climbing-basics-how-to-get-started) and make sure you’re trained up on how to use your gear. Like all outdoor spaces, try to be careful to leave your climbing area even better than you found it by practicing your [Leave No Trace](/explore/leave-no-trace-canada) principles. We want to preserve our outdoor spaces for future climbers to enjoy, too! If you do go out on your own, make sure you get a membership with **Fédération Québécoise de la Montagne et de l’Escalade** to get access to local ice climbing areas — and always, always check conditions before you head out.  

# Emma’s top picks 

Once you’re ready to get into the sport, here’s some ice climbing gear picks I don’t climb without: 

[Mammut 9.8 Crag Dry Rope](/product/6007-982/mammut-98-crag-dry-rope): I like this rope because it has a thicker diameter, and most importantly, its Dry, meaning that its protective sheet allows for minimum absorption of water. 

[Petzl Nomic Ice Tool](/product/5059-975/petzl-nomic-ice-tool): I love the weight distribution on these tools. I first started out with the Nomics and even after a few seasons of ice climbing experience they are still my go-to tool. 

[Petzl Lynx Crampon](/product/6028-161/petzl-lynx-crampons-front-section-pair): I love the precision on these crampons and how you can switch the bind system to accommodate different boots for different terrain. 

[Mammut Smart Belay Device](/product/5057-954/mammut-smart-20-belay-device): When you’re ice climbing, you want to avoid using a Grigri or any other passive belay device. A Mammut smart is a good option in-between an active and a passive device and offers that protection if ever the rope gets weighted and your hands slip from the rope. 

MEC Climb Ambassador, Emma Contaoe, gets her ice climbing lead climb certification.

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Recent articles

MEC gives back to trails for July long weekend

Big news: MEC is back in Canadian hands

Canadian brands we love at MEC

Going for it: Breaking barriers in ice climbing