Gear, clothing, snacks, games – your camp trip traditions start here. Subscribe to our newsletter for a free downloadable PDF with tips and ideas for your next adventure.

Gear, clothing, snacks, games – your camp trip traditions start here.

Family camp activity book | MEC Learn

Take family time outside

Get up to 25% off MEC insulated jackets, vests and more, only until November 19

Explore outdoor gift ideas for everyone on your list

### 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 
- Enter to win a $1,000 MEC gift card + prizes from Arc'teryx, Camp, Mammut, Vuori, Cotopaxi, Jetboil & Pearl Izumi 
- Activations and gear demos from top brands including Hydro Flask, The North Face, Black Diamond, Blundstone, Salomon, Keen, Kombi, Patagonia & Fjallraven 
- 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


Take family time outside

Recent articles

MEC Nanaimo opens soon

Your Breathe Outdoors gift cards are welcome at MEC

MEC gives back to trails for July long weekend

Big news: MEC is back in Canadian hands