Becoming one with the environment in and around the city requires just three little letters – M.E.C.

If you’re a runner, skier, climber, paddler, cyclist, hiker, camper, or have ever walked in the rainy Vancouver weather, chances are you’ve been to Mountain Equipment Co-op.

What started out as a tent conversation shared by a few snowed-in climbers, has grown to become the most indispensible outdoor gear and clothing store in Canada. With over 3.3 million members (that’s 10% of the country!) MEC is your gateway to the outdoors.

Founded in 1971 by six climbers who wished they could buy better gear locally, MEC’s original commitment to community still stands. Tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, all-weather clothing and everything they offer are manufactured according to the highest standards and still sold at co-op prices.

Designed and tested by the most extreme adventurers around assures quality. The fact that you can’t walk a block in Vancouver without seeing an MEC logo proves its reputation. 

That reputation is bolstered by a pledge to the environment. MEC’s store in Winnipeg was built as the most energy efficient building in Canada. Their decades-long history of funding environmental projects (preserving wilderness, purchasing parkland to prevent development, cleaning oil spills, etc.) is unmatched.

Visitors to Vancouver often marvel at the lack of umbrellas on the rainy streets. What they don’t know is that inside the waterproof pocket of every true Vancouverite is a little green MEC card.