Trailhead Paddle Shack – OPS Paddling

Trailhead paddle shack is great! The customer service is amazing. I spent a long time picking out a Pfd and had 2 associates helping me, AND the store was pretty busy on a Sunday. They were really helpful and took the time to explain everything. The prices are excellent and the selection is great. Definitely the first place I go to for outdoor gear!

I have been told by many friends to go here for a large selection of anything outdoors related. Lets just say, Trail Head did not disappoint.
However I found that trail heads employees either didn’t know much about the equipment they were trying to sell me, or it just felt like they didn’t care. I have worked service for over 10 years, and while I don’t expect much from most places I do expect a basic level.
On my third visit I was surprised and impressed with an employee «Josh D» and his willingness to go out of his way to get a special backpack for me.
Will I go again, yes.

Trailhead rivals other larger chain stores and another independent store who are in the outdoor apparel and gear industry.
The inside of the store is large but I don’t believe it’s as large as MEC or Bushtukah but Trailhead seems to have just as much merchandise packed into their smaller sapce.
I’ve never purchased anything here but I’ve browsed with a friend while comparing items sold here and at their competitors. I looked around and found the prices were reasonable and comparable to the other stores.
However, I found staff weren’t as helpful to reach out to customers. That can be a good thing for a store that you’re in where you’re only browsing but most people go to these types of stores needing advice or assistance.
If I’m in need of hiking gear or water gear for my cottage I’d probably not rule Trailhead out but it probably also wouldn’t be the very first place I go to either.

After spending months going around the sporting stores looking for a kayak and asking questions, I can say without a doubt that this place ROCKS!!! I went in there after going to Bushtukah, MEC, Ottawa Paddle Shack (another amazing place with great staff!) and a few others, not expecting anything that I had not already heard. But I got to speak to Malcolm, a veteran and expert kayaker. I had had a look round and planned to buy a kayak roof kit and then go to Bushtukah to buy a kayak they had on special for just over $ 500, reduced from $ 700. But Malcolm asked me what my experience was and then proceeded to give me a no-​nonsense introduction to the different types of boats, and even told me about their Tuesday or Wednesday night try out, where you can test the different boats to see which one suits you. Amazing, eh? He recommended a kayak that was perfect for my use, my knowledge and my price range, and I went for it. I also got kitted out with things that I needed. I got home and — just out of curiosity — checked out the reviews of the kayak I bought and the kayak I was going to buy elsewhere. Everything Malcolm said was repeated by the reviewers, and I realised I got myself an excellent deal (it was cheaper in the store than on the Net). To top it off, he gave me a 15% discount on my complete purchase. You got to go to appreciate them. I will not hesitate going back there when I upgrade to a more professional kayak. Ask for Malcolm — he is retired and only works part time.

This store doesn’t deserve my time and my review will reflect that.
There is a good bit of selection, but I too have found the staff not to be overly helpful. 95% of the time I am completely ignored for the duration of my stay so I always end up browsing and buying nothing.
For the record, I do circulate outside of clothing and make the rounds to footwear and backpacks, to check what’s new and what’s on sale when I am in the Westboro area.
As for service, when asked about getting my size in, I was told they don’t order it in at all. No solutions were offered.
I asked about getting a specific colour of jacket in for the fit,
but that wasn’t received keenly so dropped the idea altogether.
There is a good selection of clothing, and they do have paddling gear, but all of Ottawa’s other outdoor stores are within walking distance or a 2 min drive, so Trailhead needs to pick up it’s game.
Bushtukah, a main competitor, is on the same block, and the service is much better there.
And again, this over years and multiple visits.
In short: Worth checking out, to comparison shop.

Trailhead is just plain cool.
It’s located in a huge building that looks like an old cottage or log cabin. The wood on the outside continues inside and gives the place an authentic feel. That’s a Good thing because the people shopping here are the real deal (or like to think they are). Hikers, kayakers, mountian climbers etc. They all come here for the huge selection of gear. Boots, tents, backpacks, kayaks, this place is packed with stuff that will be sure to entice the outdoorsy types.
The parking lot is gravel, but it’s pretty big, so don’t worry about finding a place to park. The only downside is the neighbourhood. It is toward the more industrial area of Scott Street. Lock your doors when inside.