Poor selection of bike clothing. Things I could have bought here years ago (Fox shorts, MEC vests) are no longer carried. Staff are pleasant and helpful. Management is awful. If you want a decent warranty on faulty stuff, try REI, Costco, Tilley Endurables, Arc'teryx. I knew MEC was in trouble and had lost their principles when they told me a good bike costs $2,000. Ranking them vs Sporting Life and REI, I'd put MEC 5th out of 3. read more

My partner and I visited Mountain Equipment Company, and I was impressed with their selection of bicycles. I am not a a cycling enthusiast (that's my partner's hobby); however I was blown away by the models, brands, and styles on display...great price for great quality. The staff were friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable..They took the time to assist my partner and offered expert advice and guidance on Mountain bikes accessories whereas I was more focused on road bikes (still learning). Overall, I had a great experience. So whether you are a seasoned cyclist or just starting out like me, you should come check this place out. read more

Huge location - parking was a bit confusing initially because you can't see a lot when you're approaching. But you basically just turn in and park underground - or there are also 3 street parking spaces just along sheppard in the front there. The staff here are always super helpful to providing us guidance on things we're looking for - especially if you're maybe unfamiliar with certain gear. They don't seem to try selling you on the fancy stuff and make recommendations based on what you actually need. Sports equipment and active gear will always be a bit pricey but they do have occasional deals that are pretty good. Not really much else I can rate them on. Everything we've purchased is exactly as expected. We didn't save a lot coming here or anything, but service was always good. If it's too expensive, just do your homework and go look to see if you can get it for less elsewhere then. Do your homework when you're spending your hard earned money. read more

Although the MEC store didn't have anything I wanted to buy when I visited, the service I received was very good. I needed to return some items I'd bought from MEC online and didn't need. read more

Service Selection and Value, especially for backpack shopping - needing a bag that meets Air Canada's new (Jan/25) more restrictive carryon luggage size for overseas. 4/5 because the shoe associate knew their subject matter but was not friendly / did not make me feel welcome in asking questions. read more

Visited for the first time in a very long time... Nice large store location with parking out front and side. Nice that they offer free clinics, details on a blackboard near the main entrance. Lower floor had bikes, camping gear, swimming, etc. Second floor was shoes, clothes, back packs, etc Fully stocked store, clean and well merchandised, regular prices seemed high, lots in clearance. I passed by at least 8 staff and no one bothered to say Hi or asked whether I needed help... Store had only a handful of customers, hardly any business for a Saturday 2pm visit. Check my pics of a close to empty store. read more

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I ordered online late Saturday and received email to be able to pick up in store in Monday. The process is so simple and easy. This location has plenty parking spots which is better than downtown location. Price is competitive to other big sport equipment stores and great return policies. read more

MEC North York - Curb side pick up - 10am -4pm - Outdoor Gear Near Me - North York, Ontario

I love this place. I used to have to commute to downtown just to grab some gear from their store. Not anymore. I came by to look into some hiking gear. I was browsing around and I was helped by Joanna, who looks after the shoe department. I tried on a few models. And I gave her my requirements. She was informative, funny and engaging to customers. Great rapport with clients. I ended up purchasing on one of her recommendations that she brought out. I will say she knows her stuff. Then we browsed further and quite impressed. Will come back when needed. read more

My friend Estelle and I went back to MEC to finish purchasing our cross country ski set.( We bought our boots 6 mths ago....there were no skis) We actually booked an appt with Joanna again because she was so knowledgeable and professional when we went in for our boots. Well,...she did not disappoint!!! Another lady joined our instruction, and we all left with skis and bindings that we can't wait to try. I felt like I was in a well executed class. Joanna is ace and truly knows her stuff. I highly recommend her. Thanks Joanna! I can't wait to use my new purchase. read more

The worst customer service experience. I was there on March 13th in the evening. There was about 5 customers. My purpose was to buy hiking shoes. As I walked and looked and tried on shoes there was 2 employees just talking and eventually one just walked by and didn't even ask if I needed help or looking for a size. Eventually I wanted to try on my size. I turned and looked to ask for a size and the sales person just looked at me , continued what he was doing and asked where did you get those? (To the obvious it is the shoe wall I'm sitting in front of) just had a mean demeanour and tone. He checked on the computer and just put it back on the wall and yelled back "we only have a 7" and walked away. I hope they improve their customer service training and learn that they can lose a lot of customers. For this reason I will never shop at Mec or recommend to any one. read more

Love this place! I used to roll my eyes at MEC for being an REI dupe. And that it is but it's a good one! Great selection of anything you may need to enjoy the outdoors plus lots of quality stuff for city life in Toronto: hats, gloves, jackets, water bottles, warm walking shoes shoes, etc. I also really like the travel line! Staff can be MIA sometimes but when you find them, they are super helpful. I appreciate the co-op model and that returns are possible at any time. read more

This is a new location that just recently opened. I went on a Monday afternoon on a snowy day and it was pretty quiet. At first look, it is very clear that this location is not as big as the King street location, so there is a chance that their selection would not be as good. For myself, I was looking for new travel bags and being MEC, they have a very good selection here and I was able to find what I was looking for. I like the fact that this location isn't as crowded. I also have no parking issues like other reviewers on here as I took the TTC, subway stop Bessarion is right next store. Overall, this is a good store if you are not looking for niche items that only bigger MEC stores have. read more

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This location is pretty new. I went on a Saturday afternoon and it was pretty empty. I think a lot of people don't know about this location still. They have the normal MEC stock. Though I found the selection for bathing suits lacking. Mostly bikini's and not many one pieces. The change rooms were okay. Some of the change room doors are hard to close as they are fitted too tightly. Sales staff were not on hand to help get sizes. I had to do that on my own. If you go by car it is a tight squeeze as they are doing construction behind the MEC so that's why there isn't much space to maneuver around. It's easiest to go by subway where you just need to cross the street. This location is smaller than the one on King St. It needs to grow a little to have the same cool, lived in vibe that King St has. read more

Parking is terrible and selection limited when compared to King St. There is one very knowledgeable person in shoes the rest just bring them out offering no insight on fit, quality or brands. In fact when I asked a question they gave false information. This does not reflect my experience in the Toronto store. Nobody stuck with anyone to assist. They just brought out the shoes. Given that other stores are having clearance sales, having to pay full price and get such poor service is unfortunate. I'd not come back to this store (parking is a nightmare!!!!!) and would go to the Toronto location instead. Also, if you are looking to fit someone who is a zero or double zero the only option was youth boy pants and children's clothing which was not the same quality as the adult (breath ability etc). read more

This location left a lot to be desired. - It has all the basic MEC merchandise. - Doesn't have a lot of variety, you'd struggle to even find a bike tube thats not made by MEC(i couldn't find the most generic road bike tube), although the location is huge. -Minimal clearance section and no clearance on bike clothing at all, while there are always things in the clearance section at King st location. -Staff mostly by the counter and not found in different sections of the shop. First floor area pretty much had no staff in the items section, everybody was by the counter, Second floor had some staff. It still has all the basic things you'd need, so it would probably make a good quick stop to get parts you need immediately. However, if you have time and looking for variety, head over to King st location. read more

Expensive bike tune-up on my full suspension Santa Cruz! Then bike was "acting up" with squeaks and gear issues for weeks after.. I recommend taking your bike to a reputable bike repair shop.. This place should stick to camping stuff read more

I wouldn't recommend make the trip to this location. Go to King Street. Parking: Atrocious. They do have an underground parking garage with 2 hours of free parking, but getting in and out will take a VERY long time - especially with cars trying to make a left on Sheppard when exiting. Be prepared to wait in the single-car line for 5+ minutes just to get on the road... and this is when it's not busy. Location: I was excited they opened up a Sheppard location - I live in the East end and it was always a trek to go downtown to the King location. Service: Awful. I was there on a Sunday, when it was not busy at all. I didn't get any help - either they didn't have enough employees working (which is strange, because there weren't many people), or they are just not as attentive and helpful as the other locations. Variety: King Street location has a wider variety, as others have mentioned in the comments. read more

A long-awaited alternative store to the downtown King St location, this new MEC offers tons of stock and eager sales associates waiting to assist you in your outdoor gear needs. I've been here probably once a week since they opened back in November because I work nearby, a blessing and also a curse. I am always approached by someone asking if I need help and have never had issues finding an associate to help me, a stark difference from the downtown location where I often have to wait to speak to an associate. Since this is a new store, inventory is excellent and I have no trouble finding what I need. I agree with the person below, parking can be tricky but I've never had issues going in/out. People are generally polite and will wait to let you in/out first if you've got the right of way. For free parking, I'll happily take a few minutes to let someone get by. There are 3 spots right outside of the location as well should you be so lucky to find it open when you get there. Word of caution, if you decide to park in the lot next door, you might be ticketed (I was told by one of the construction workers there). They've got a ski/bike shop that does quick service since they don't have the same traffic as the downtown location. They don't offer gear rentals yet but will start the program this spring, I was told. However if you're looking to rent mountaineering gear then your only option is the downtown location for the next couple of years (boo!!). read more

Numerous visits. I have been a MEC member for as long as I remember, and they have gained my trust and loyalty. I am not loyal to very many stores, but MEC is one of the best in the city. The official store grand opening Sat April 22 with tons of giveaways from what a staff member told me. The soft opening is to work out the kinks, so previous reviews take them with a grain of salt. I have talked at length with numerous staff members about running shoes and rain jackets before purchases and they are extremely knowledgable. Ask questions! Had my bike tuned up, took 2 days and $30. There are numerous clinics and classes in the upstairs room. Pros Gait analysis before buying running shoes. The best prices (low to high-end). Canadian brand and has their own MEC branded products. Washrooms on first floor, fountain on 2nd floor. Cons No plastic bags, which is good for the environment. Bad if you didn't bring a reusable bag. Protip Free community runs on Wed and Thur!!! I don't know of very many free community runs in the city, and I'm training for my first marathon. Runs are led by MEC staff, each week is a bit different and last about an hour. Wed is interval training and led by Jim is an experienced professional runner. This group is fairly fast less 5-6min/km. Thur is more straight distances 5km to 7km and a bit slower 6 to 7min/km and it rotates through 4 staff members. read more

I have gone to this location quite a few times because it is so conveniently close to where I live. Like the other reviews below. I have to agree the service and knowledge is not that great. I would say there are only 5% of the people working there actually who want to be there and are helpful. You have to find that one person who is good. The rest are not around or walk by without offering help. Look past you, search the computer etc. The bike shop area is good. Knowledgeable and focused help. I had the same experience when trying to buy hiking shoes. When I finally got someone to get me size they brought the wrong shoes and disappeared. I tried to get someone else to help with not avail. I eventually left without purchasing. Some of the staff have attitude. I am not sure if it is because the patrons that come in have attitude also. Maybe it is a defensive reaction. If you can I would recommend the downtown location. The selection is bigger, they offer rentals and the staff are on point when it comes to helping. read more

Very convenient location. I enjoy not having to go downtown anymore. Free parking underground. Lots of merchandise. Everything you need and more for any outdoor activity. The only thing I don't like is trying to turn left onto Sheppard Ave when I leave, but it is fairly quick to turn right and go around the block to where there are traffic lights. read more

Never rent equipment from them. We rented snowshoe from them this winter and used for only 30 minutes. When we returned they said one of the shoes had a crack and forced us to pay almost the full amount. Quite ridiculous. Either the shoe was already cracked when we picked it or was so close to its end that 30 minutes of use cracked it. So asking your customers to pay for the full price makes an awesome business case since you always get replacement cost and can keep earning while renting. We are never going back. read more

Great service! Steven and Marc were really helpful when I took my bike in and performed service while I waited. I had expected to have to leave my bike for a few days, so I was really pleased to only have to wait about 15 minutes. Also, very pleased with the safety measures the store has in place. read more

I always purchase my essential gear like PacSafe in their Downtown location. The North York store is a gem. Great service, free underground parking and excellent selection! read more

was in the area one afternoon, and I needed to get some stuff from one of my favorite stores, so why not take a couple minutes and see one my favorite stores newest location. was very surprised to find that this station is a lot closer to the TTC station Bessarion then I had previously anticipated. parking at this location is not very fun as when I came from the west with my car, I actually missed the lot, and parked in the lot beside it...oops. this location is gorgeous, but that comes with being brand new. everything is bright, clean, and super easy to find. I am happy to say that I was able to find everything I was looking for, it was painless and super easy. the staff here are also really great and super eager to help out. I honestly can't wait to come back in the near future from the experience I've had. this location has its own parking lot, and is serviced by Bessarion subway station, as well as the 85 bus. read more

This store is if you can get in and out without issues. Unfortunately, this location has no convenient parking. The entrance to the underground parking only allow one car to go through at a time. So the store is ok when there are nobody trying to go. The store is pretty good to browse around when it's empty. The clothing selection is good. I will probably bring my bike to the King location for service. My friend suggested me to park at Canadian Tire and walk to here. I guess that is an option. But this store won't survive by itself. read more

I've been in the market for new climbing gear, shoes in particular. So naturally, MEC is my go-to. I've bought my first pair of shoes here and was going to purchase the exact same pair that I had as they still carried 'my shoe'. Well...I'm glad that I didn't go that route. The female staff who helped me was very knowledgeable and was able to convince me to try a different shoe after asking me about my climbing experience and what I would like to get out of my next pair of shoes.. There's a small test wall and she presented me with 2 different shoes to try. As I said, I'm so glad that I went with something different than what I was comfortable with. The trick with these shoes is to go with a size that's smaller than your 'street' shoe. And in the perfect world, one would climb barefoot, but again that's up to the individual. I prefer to climb with no socks, and I try to go with a shoe that's as tight as I can tolerate. I made sure to ask if the shoes would stretch overtime and while she agreed that yes they would, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch. Both shoes were so different then the ones that I previously owned. And if I'm completely honest, I could've stayed on that their small 'test climbing' wall for awhile. The shoes I went with were a pair of Scarpas which were the model up from what I was wearing before. Despite them being new and fairly tight, it's almost like climbing with a thin barrier between my feet and the wall grips (pardon me if my lingo isn't right, I'm still a climbing newbie). They say that wearing the right type of shoe makes a huge difference in whatever activity it is that you engage in. So while I haven't yet tested these shoes out in the gym, I cannot wait to try them! I will definitely post a pic of these shoes and provide more to my review. But I would definitely recommend anyone to visit this store if you're looking for equipment. I've been here on several occasions and was excited when they announced they were opening up a location in North York. The staff are friendly, and from the experiences I've had, they are also knowledgeable about their products. read more

I don't know- I have had great experiences downtown but there is something wrong with the customer service at this store. I was looking for a piece of climbing equipment and staff walked by me 3x without asking me if I needed help. Finally I asked the guy and he was like "I'll get someone from this department". The staff member who came to help looked at me like I was bothering him and did "oh, it's right behind you" . Super rude. I've had a couple of other bad experiences at this location like the girl who insisted I would fit into an xs harness when I knew damn well that wasn't going to work and I told her so but she was like "just try it on" - obviously it did not fit. I wear s/m which they did not have in the store. Anyways. Go downtown instead. read more

Okay. This place does have everything. If you're looking to buy stuff, this is the place, however INFORM YOURSELF before you come and make a purchase. It's infuriating when the staff tell you what to buy and it ends up the wrong thing. Sometimes they're right, but I've had multiple instances when they were wrong. Maybe it's just me. Return policy is good, but just save yourself the hassle. read more

I found the sales staff to be rude and disrespectful. I visited the store twice and both times I had a bad experience. The young sales girls should be taught to treat their customers with respect and do their job properly. Last time I went to pick up an order. The girl at the counter asked for my last name 3 times while searching for the items. I had to say my last name 3 times (although it is a very simple name), and each time raising my voice so the entire store can hear my name. She then asked for a piece of ID. I gave her my driver license and she went away with it to search for my order. When she finally found my order, she then wrote the order number on a piece of paper and asked me to print my name, add the date in and sign for my order. I was in a hurry, and I asked her why is that she did not print my name and and add the date beside the order number, so I could quickly sign and be out of the door. Her answer was: "this is our policy". Really?? MEC has a policy such policies? So, I wrote down my name and the date and signed for the order. I then asked the girl to open the box for me, so I could check if everything is okay with the items I ordered, so I don't have to make another trip to the store in case I needed to to return any of the items. She looked at me surprised that I had the audacity to ask her to open the box. She opened the box with a visible frustration, and immediately invited the next customer to the counter. I quickly check the items in the box and politely said "thank you" looking at her and left saying 'bye'. She looked at me with frustration and said nothing. As I was walking out the store I was thinking that something must be wrong with this picture....I paid a membership so I can buy from their store and when I do so I am being treated with insolence...this is awesome business model MEC!! read more