MEC Toronto

This review is for the bike shop specifically. The staff here are THE BEST! They are consistently professional, efficient and really generous. Whether your repair is big or small, they always do an A-​1 job and services are priced very reasonably. I would recommend this bike shop to anyone who needs these services whether or not you are a MEC member

I bought a Brooks green messenger bag a couple of years ago from MEC. A very handsome and somewhat expensive item. After a few months I noticed that the green dye had rubbed off the bag and all over the side of my Helle Hensen down coat. It would not wash out and my jacket was ruined.
While I was in MEC today picking out another messenger bag, I mentioned it to the associate; my only intention was to have them warn other customers or pull the product.
He insisted I should mention it to customer service, even after two years had passed since I bought it.
I did and they looked up the transaction and gave me a full store credit. unexpected and totally appreciated. I bought a new Timbuk2 bag. Totally happy guy here at what they did although I still have a down coat with a nice green smear all over the side where the Brooks bag dye bled.

Although I didn’t buy anything from MEC, the person I came here with bought some stuff.
MEC is an awesome place to buy outdoors equipment. It’s honestly filled with everything you can think of, it tip top quality as well! Everything is organized neatly in their own section. For instance, bike gear, rock climbing slash bouldering gear, running gear, canoe and kayaks, etc. In every station, there’s at least one specialist to help you out, and they definitely have a lot of experience in that field — or the person that was helping us out sounded like they had a lot of experience.
Prices aren’t bad either, considering the quality of their items. of course, it might cost a little more than some sports stores, but the quality of MEC looks pretty good. Their overall store design is clean, open and unique as well.
Come stop by, if you want to buy some outdoors gear!

Bought New balance shoes on clearance today for only $ 29! Reasonable prices in general! Great service! Easy bike repair! Enough said?

came in here to return some defective products, was taken care of by an amazing CSR (i forgot his name) had a wonderful conversation about mec in general, and was refunded in the form of a gift card, which i turn around and spent on more items.
very happy to spend my money at a store that backs the products they sell. they have me as a customer for life :)

My favorite stop before any major travel. The quality of the goods sold and the prices for these items are great. Solid value and good service.
I have purchased everything from bags and running pants to winter clothes.
We have also taken advantage of the various free outdoor activities they’ve organized from snow shoeing in vineyards to trail running at the brickworks. I do believe that when you buy from MEC you are making a socially conscientious decision.
Repeat: in a heartbeat

Incredibly helpful staff, the membership is well worth it. The quality of the items are great. I can say that for the socks, the daypacks, full-​sized knapsacks and hand warmers!

Ordered a very fancy headlamp online. It arrived very quickly. However it was missing the strap. I emailed to inquire about an exchange and was called back almost instantly. The return process was very simple and the staff member Vicky A. was so helpful and followed up every step of the way. I sent the lamp back on a Wednesday and received a new item on Friday. On top of it I was sent a $ 10 gift card as an apology for the inconvenience. I was very surprised and impressed.
I have only been to the downtown Toronto location and it is not too convenient so I prefer to order online. However when I have been there I have enjoyed their selection and the quality of the merchandise.
We have a MEC brand tent as well as MEC 60L & 70L packs and a kids adjustable pack. We have also bought a food barrel, knives and watershoes from MEC (different brands). And have always found the prices to be reasonable. The tent is a 3 person and very lightweight. We really love the design, especially how breathable the mesh is and how easy the poles are to construct. It takes about 3 minutes for 1 person to set up this tent.

I come here often to get my bike fixed. They are very busy so don’t come if u don’t have time to kill but what they lack in speed they make up in incredible customer service. Thanks guys!!!
This place is a staple in Toronto

I came here for road bike shoes and left feeling very confident that my purchase was well suited for my needs. I have to say the staff in the cycle section are so knowledgeable! I cannot stress this enough. They took their time explaining concepts to me and what they thought would work best. They didn’t try to sell me the most expensive products, instead they tried to find me the best deal. Their guarantee about their products makes you feel very comfortable. Yes the location is not ideal if you don’t live or work down town Toronto, but it is probably worth the hassle. I will be going here for all major sports equipment now.

A very good outdoor and sports Coop.
Quality products from there own brand MEC.
Good for accessories for all types of sports.
Knowledgeable and friendly staff.

An absolutely amazing store for anything and everything outdoorsy. Plus they have all sorts of accessories and knick knacks imaginable. Merchandise always organized very neatly in sections accordingly.
They even have a free bicycle maintenance checkup and bike repair shop on-​site.
If you don’t know what you’re looking for is called or can’t find it, the staff will assist as they are always friendly, very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Plus they’re able to recommend alternatives to best fit your budget.
Since the store is massive with lots of merchandise, I always spend more time and more money at MEC than I expect to, but it’s always worth it. Also, if I have buyer’s remorse, the return policy is pretty good.
There’s always a lineup at checkout, but queue always moves quickly and the cashiers are always friendly, fast and efficient. In addition, I always walk away a happy shopper after going to MEC.
Definitely come here for all your outdoors needs and you won’t be disappointed. Browse and shop to your heart’s content. You’ll become quite the happy shopper as well.
Happy shopping!

I love how MEC stands by their products.
All the employees are extremely knowledgeable, and when they aren’t sure, they find someone who can help. This is real customer service.
Sometimes they have good sales so you need to pop in once in awhile!

MEC might possibly be one of this countries best businesses.
Their customer service is incredible. The worst I’ve gotten is slightly muted enthusiasm, but most days you get super friendly staff that knows what they’re talking about and wants YOU to know too.
Here’s a few examples of what I’m taking about: I went to find shorts to cycle in that wouldn’t be classified as ‘cycling’ shorts. I was looking at a pair for $ 50 that was MEC brand and the salesperson showed me a pair that was name brand, water proof and better quality and told me they were on sale and the better short. It wasn’t marked so I wouldn’t have known had they not told me.
Example no.2: I bought a pair of cycling gloves. On my way home, I dropped one and couldn’t find it. I went back in to the store the next day to buy another pair (they were on a great sale). Asked the cashier if it was possible that, even though it had totally been my fault I’d lost the glove, if there was anything they could do for me. They showed me over to customer service where the clerk gave me the new pair for free. I’d told the cashier that it was a stupid question and he enthusiastically and politely said there were no stupid questions. Totally cool and professional.
Example no.3: Friend of mine bought a jacket from them, loved this jacket and wore it all the time. After 10 years, the jacket got a rip in it so he went to see if they could fix it. They offered him a free jacket.
Best packs (I always want to buy a new one when I’m there, and they are everlasting), great staff, and awesome product. Especially love how this location has a large cycling section. Not much in terms of helmets, but lots of lights for cheap and great floor pumps for half of what you could expect to pay for a lower line name brand version.
GO NOW!

Kids’ one-​piece snowsuits and pretty much any Winter gear for both, kids and adults!
We’ve been shopping here for years, for pretty much everything, including gifts for friends and family.
My favourite though is the camping cooking/​kitchen aisle, so many great gadgets and innovations. Their hand-​cranked blender is pretty durable, I highly recommend this gadget :)

Where do I begin singing my laurels for MEC. It is difficult to write a review, without filling up pages, about a store you like so much. MEC has supplies for everyone, not just people with active lifestyles, but if you visit here regularly, most likely you are outdoorsy and athletic because that’s the group this store caters to.
Let’s start with their bicycle section which is my favourite. You can get your bike tuned up at the mechanic shop or do what I do, which is check with their knowledgeable staff and buy the required supplies. Next to the bike section is the camping supplies section with useful little things like cutlery, utensils, towels and packaged food. On the other side is a large section for travel gear including backpacks. There is a mystery section in between I could never figure out the purpose of. It has bicycle clothing and other apparel that’s similar to what you would find upstairs. Upstairs is for camping, clothing and shoes. Usually they have an aisle for clearance items (most of those would be XL size).
I regularly check their website for clearance deals. The store is very friendly, they have liberal return policies but I hardly avail of those since the quality of MEC products, although lower than what it used to be few years ago, is quite reliable.
Be warned: You’ll end up spending double the time and money you budgeted here. Enjoy!

This place is huge! it has everything to do with sports– cycling, camping, ski/​snowboard, snow shoe, running, climbing. Lots of accessories, equipment, energy bars, clothes, bags, kayaks. Two levels, I was overwhelmed with the amount of stuff! Prices are reasonable too, they have the most variety and options. They have rows dedicated to just mitts and gloves, hats and socks. Better than your local sport store like sport check or national sports for sure. Bought a pair of winter gloves from the kids section because they fit better (and are significantly cheaper too). Staff are knowledgeable and at least one or two in each section.
Every MEC shopper has to be a member, which is a $ 5 lifetime fee. What’s great about this store is that exchanges and returns has no time limit so as long as you have the receipt and your purchase is in good condition, you can return it anytime! :)
Such a fan!

The mecca for the outdoorsy types, MEC has been a fixture on King St. for years. Since there isn’t anything like it, how could it rate? I can’t imagine life in Canada without it. Where would you go for gear designed to help you have fun in the snow? For hiking boots? Gators to keep snow out of your boots? The fact that prices are decent and the value is fantastic is icing on the cake. And reading that the founders never let this super successful business get to their heads as they keep it functioning as a co-​op makes me feel proud to be a Canadian where greed isn’t necessarily a priority in business life.

One of the best places to go for outdoor gear and accessories. I love their section of camping stuff and they have some really nice clothing and active wear.
They recently changed the store around and I have to say I like it a bit less than before, but that could be my general dislike for store reorganization when I’ve become comfortable with things the way they are.
I’d give them five stars, but when I price compare with other outdoor stores, they still come up a little on the steep end.

Love the packs and travel accessories. I recently was reminded at how cool this place is! I visited before my trip to Asia and picked up:
— a backpack that is sleek and fits perfectly on my roller luggage
— a handy little wallet wristlet that fits all of my must-​haves
— a durable duffle bag that folds up into a little pouch
— waterproof bags to protect electronics in wet environments, like the beach
— a waterproof travel pouch to hold my passport and other valuables
There was also a bunch of activewear on sale on the upper level. Absolutely love the value that Mountain Equipment Co-​Op brings and recommend checking it out before a vacation, backpacking trip, even a weekend camping trip or for prepping for any type of active event.
Oh and I also love looking at all the camping gear!