WHISTLER, B.C., September 15, 2026 – Canadian-owned Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) is bringing a new kind of store to Whistler this fall, designed specifically for the people, activities and four-season conditions that define the Sea to Sky.
Located at 104 – 4338 Main St. in Whistler Village, the new 2,200-square-foot location will be the Canadian retailers 25th store in Canada and its first in the Sea to Sky corridor. The smaller-format store will pair a highly curated, locally relevant assortment with expert staff and access to MEC’s full product offering through mec.ca.
The Whistler location represents a deliberate evolution of MEC’s retail model and continued investment in its Canadian store network. Built around how people live and shop in a resort community, the format is designed to bring the reach and expertise of MEC into a more focused physical footprint.
With deep roots in the Coast Mountains and a longstanding connection to outdoor communities throughout the corridor, Whistler is a natural place for MEC to introduce the new format.
For MEC CEO Peter Hlynsky, opening in Whistler represents both an important step for the business and a personal connection.
“Whistler and the Sea to Sky have been part of my life since childhood. It’s where my own connection to the outdoors was shaped, first growing up with my family and now with my own family,” said Peter Hlynsky, CEO of MEC. “We’ve heard consistently that people in the corridor want an MEC closer to home, and now they’ll have it. MEC Whistler will combine well-curated products with local expertise. Our priority is to earn our place here and become a trusted local outdoor resource for years to come.”
For locals and visitors alike
At 2,200 square feet, MEC Whistler is intentionally smaller than a traditional MEC store. Designed for locals and visitors alike, the store will bring together established global outdoor brands and MEC Label across technical apparel, hiking and trail running, packs, travel, camping, and weather protection for children and families.
The focused in-store assortment will be backed by MEC’s broader offering through mec.ca, giving customers access to additional products, sizes and colours, with delivery to the Whistler store for pickup where available.
“The store is intentionally small, but access to MEC is not,” said Hlynsky. “We can focus on what makes sense for Whistler while connecting people to the full breadth of MEC when they need something we don’t have on the floor. It’s a model built around local relevance, expertise and giving people more choice.”
MEC sees the store as a complement to Whistler’s existing outdoor retail community, bringing together multiple brands and activities in one location, supported by staff who understand how gear performs in local conditions.
The store will also carry MEC Label, MEC’s Canadian-designed gear developed by its in-house team in Vancouver and tested by staff in Canadian mountain environments, including the Coast Mountains. Drawing on decades of MEC outdoor experience, the line focuses on practical performance, durability and strong value.
MEC is hiring
MEC has built its reputation on staff expertise and knowledge that comes from using the gear it sells and translating that experience into practical advice. That same approach will be central to the Whistler store.
“Great outdoor retail starts with people,” said Hlynsky. “Someone who has spent a wet weekend hiking and camping in the Coast Mountains knows what conditions are like on a local trail and understands how quickly the weather can change in the alpine. Those experiences bring something to a customer conversation that exceeds a product description. That's the expertise we want to build this store around.”
MEC is looking for people from Whistler and across the Sea to Sky who bring a connection to the community and firsthand experience outdoors. Whether hiking, trail running, biking, skiing or camping, local knowledge of the region’s terrain, weather and conditions will help the Whistler team provide firsthand relevant advice to locals and visitors alike.
MEC is currently recruiting for leadership and specialist positions, including, Department Managers, along with full-time and part-time roles across the store including Visual Merchandiser and Inventory Specialist.
Staff will be supported by MEC's broader product expertise and training, giving the Whistler team the tools to help customers compare products across brands and choose equipment based on where, when, and how they plan to use it.
Opening this fall
MEC is targeting a soft opening for the Whistler store on October 31, 2026, with a grand opening celebration around Whistler's resort opening weekend in late November. Ahead of the grand opening, MEC is also planning a Locals Night to welcome the Sea to Sky community, meet the new store team, and introduce the Whistler concept. More details to follow.
MEC has been named a BC Top Employer eleven times and provides staff with a robust rewards and benefits offering. Candidates interested in helping build MEC Whistler from the ground up can view current opportunities through MEC's careers page.
Additional details about the store's product offerings, participating brands, Locals Night, and grand opening celebrations will be announced closer to opening.
Media contact: Jo Salamon | [email protected]
About MEC
MEC has been Canada’s leading outdoor specialty retailer since 1971 and is proudly Canadian-owned. Built on a legacy of expert staff, community connection and a passion for the outdoors, MEC exists to equip Canadians for a lifetime outdoors. MEC brings together trusted advice from experienced staff, leading outdoor brands and MEC Label, its Canadian-designed line of outdoor gear. With more than 5 million members nationwide and 25 stores following the opening of MEC Whistler, MEC is a trusted partner for Canadians at every stage of their outdoor journey.
