Start planning your Toronto summer adventure with MEC

 Toronto is heating up, and summer is so close you can actually feel it. That means there's only one thing to do — start preparing for your epic summer adventures! 

May is Member Month at MEC, and it's the perfect way to get a head start for the summer season. From in-store experiences to exclusive promos, there's so much on offer that you'll be visiting all month long. 

Here's everything you need to know.

Location, location, location

You've researched, you've got up early, you've hit refresh again and again, and finally — your campsite is booked for that big backcountry adventure you've been planning. Now you're ready to gear up and get set for your trip

Whether you're heading to one of Ontario's many provincial parks, looking to get your swim on with a sandy beach getaway, or hitting up a local camping spot, now's the time to iron out the details — and Member Month at MEC is the way to do it.

Gear check-up and fit

The long winter is over, and now it's time to give your gear a thorough check to make sure everything is adventure-ready and safe to use. To ensure everything goes off without a hitch (and save time and money), it's always a good idea to figure out what you do and don't need.

Dig out your tents and sleeping bags and shake off the dust from your boots. Do they need cleaning? Do they need any repairs, upgrading, or maybe even replacing this year? 

It might seem excessive, but it avoids last-minute hiccups that could delay or seriously hamper your plans.

Planning the details

With the heavy-lifting out of the way, it's time to focus on the details. Is there a long weekend you need to book off? Take some time to make sure all your bases are covered.

Don't forget to consider directions, dates and times, and permits and passes. If any information is especially important to your trip — say a reservation number, telephone, or even an address — making a note of it on your phone is essential.

May is Member Month at MEC

If upgrading your gear is part of your summer plan, then a trip to MEC is an absolute must-do. With May being Member Month, there are community events, free clinics, exclusive member savings, and promotions all month long. 

Demo Days are here to give you hands-on access to the latest gear and expert tips from knowledgeable staff and partners. Two demo days will take place on May 2 and 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following locations: 300 Queens St. West, 1030 Brant St., and 1650 Victoria St. East.

Another two Demo Days will happen again on May 9 and 10, this time at the North York location on 784 Sheppard Ave. East.

You'll be able to try gear from top outdoor brands, get expert advice, and enter to win grand prizes valued up to $1,200. Plus, the first 20 people to arrive in-store on both event weekends will get a special giveaway prize.

The iconic MEC gear swap is also returning to Toronto, but exclusively at the Queen St. location on May 2 and 3. Shoppers can find quality secondhand gear, connect with local outdoor organizations, and enjoy the kind of browsing that just turn up a hidden gem.

Member Month offers and experiences

It's all about showing love to members with a large range of benefits designed for any stage of your outdoor journey.

MEC's month-long deals deliver awesome perks to level up your gear — like up to 20 per cent off MEC Label gear, events at select locations, and giveaways and prizes. From May 1 to 7, members can also score 20 per cent off top brands, and get up to 20 per cent discounts on in-store bike shop services from May 22 to 31.

As your first stop for any summer adventure, MEC offers quality gear, expert advice, and free membership all year long. Not a member yet? Join today and get ready for summer!