[cheakamus]

I was just up in Vancouver over the long weekend for the first time in three years. Stayed at the Holiday Inn on Broadway, just a couple of blocks from MEC, and was amazed at the number of sporting goods stores in the neighborhood. There were between a dozen and two dozen small stores within a two-block radius of MEC. What with all the competition, the prices were pretty good, even without the favorable exchange rate. I noticed lots of other sporting goods stores elsewhere in the city, too. My son finally commented that Canadians must be more "into" sports and fitness than we are! It's a long way to go to shop, but if you happen to be in the neighborhood, check it out!

[Bob K]

Do you remember if any of those stores carried Arc'Teryx gear. I haven't checked lately, but Arc'Teryx used to be a *lot* cheaper if you bought it in Canada. (That gear is too heavy for serious trail use, but it looks cool.)

[Hiker Boy]

Valhalla Pure Outfitting on the Broadway corridor carries Arcteryx clothing and packs. MEC carries Arcteryx packs and climbing gear. Coast Mountain Sports carries Arcteryx clothing, packs, and climbing gear as well. Lastly Arcteryx has a factory outlet store up here.

[Steve]

Where is their outlet store located? Are the prices even less than what MEC sells them at? My daughter has outgrown her old MEC pack and needs a larger one. Ironically I am a member of MEC, but not REI.

[Hiker Boy]

The Outlet is at their wharehouse on 2770 Bentall Street right off of the Grandview highway. They sell factory seconds, discontinued items and some other stuff at 30-50% off of regular prices.