Mountain Equipment Co-Op

Top choice in Vancouver


Grown hikers weep at the amazing selection of clothing (including lifestyle wear for urban hipsters), kayaks and clever camping gadgets at this cavernous store. You'll need to be a member to buy, but that costs just $5. At the time of research, a new store was being built at 111 E 2nd Ave to replace this one.

You can also rent gear such as canoes, snowshoes and sleeping bags, and there's a good selection of regional and international maps and guidebooks, plus a climbing wall to test your new shoes. Check the noticeboard at the front of the store; it's a great place to see what the local hiking/cycling brigades are up to.