With the current value of the $CND, shopping within Canada for climbing equipment is likely the most economical option. Take advantage of free shipping (on purchases over a certain value) offered by most shops and find out their price matching policies in order to get the best deal. Canadian shops have a great selection of gear to choose from and placing international orders should only be necessary for specific or specialized pieces of equipment.
The most widespread retailers who carry climbing equipment in Canada would be Mountain Equipment Coop and Atmosphere
MEC offers the widest selection of climbing gear in the country and currently has over 20 locations in 6 provinces.
MEC locations: Kelowna, Langley, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Halifax, Barrie, Burlington, Kitchener, London, North York, Ottawa, Toronto, Laval, Longueuil, Montreal, and Quebec City
Atmosphere has stores in every province, but the gear selection is generally limited compared to what MEC offers. They have 81 locations; use their store locator to find one near you.
Atmosphere in the province of Quebec operates under Sports Experts. Find locations in QC through the their store locator.
British Columbia
Valhalla Pure (Abbotsford, Courtenay, Nanaimo, Nelson, New Denver, Revelstoke, Squamish, Vancouver, Vernon, Victoria, plus 3 locations in Alberta)
Most Valhalla Pure locations bring great climbing brands targeted towards local crags, at prices that can’t be beat, even in the big city. Their online store easily rivals MEC in terms of options for climbers.
Climb On Squamish (Squamish)
With world class bouldering and trad climbing in town, Squamish is a draw for contingents of international climbers. Climb On does not disappoint, this small store packs a punch with the wide selection of gear it offers. A small consignment section can be found in the back.
True Outdoors (Kamloops, Penticton)
They have two locations catering to the needs of Okanagan Valley climbers. Their gear selection is more than enough to keep most climbers happy.
Mt. Waddington’s Outdoors (Chilliwack)
High Country (Cranbrook)
They carry a large selection of outdoor clothing and accessories. For climbing they carry many of the largest brands and will special order anything they don’t regularly stock!
Alberta
Valhalla Pure (Canmore, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, plus 10 locations in British Columbia)
Most Valhalla Pure locations bring great climbing brands targeted towards local crags, at prices that can’t be beat, even in the big city. Their online store easily rivals MEC in terms of options for climbers.
Monod Sports (Banff)
Most of the shop inventory is apparel, but head upstairs and you’ll find a good selection of rock and ice climbing gear.
Vertical Addiction (Canmore)
This is one stop shopping for your backcountry skiing, trail running, and climbing adventures. Their selection of climbing equipment rivals the biggest stores.
Kumpfy Shoes (Canmore)
A shoe repair and retail shop. Kumpfy shoes started off as a small resoling operation in a backyard shed. Has a selection of climbing shoes from Butora, Boreal, Red Chili, and Tenaya.
Norseman (Calgary)
Norseman specializes in cross-country skiing, hiking, and climbing. They stock a selection of climbing equipment that provides an alternative to what is offered by other stores.
Spirit West (Calgary)
Custom orders and repairs of textile products is what Spirit West is best known for. Spirit West sells technical apparel that is made in-house. They carry a small selection of climbing gear.
Gravity Gear (Jasper)
An independent climbing store located in Jasper National Park that's been around since 1990. They have everything you need for your outdoor adventure at competitive prices (ACC discounts available.)
Manitoba
Wilderness Supply (Winnipeg)
Focus is predominantly on hiking/camping and water sports. They carry enough climbing gear to get people started into the sport.
Ontario
Europe Bound (Toronto, Oakville)
Most of the stock is geared towards travelers who intend to camp and hike in far off destinations. You can find a small selection of climbing gear.
Great Escape Outfitters (Ottawa)
Sojourn Outdoors (Barrie)
Wilderness Supply (Thunder Bay)
Focus is predominantly on hiking/camping and water sports. They carry enough climbing gear to get people started into the sport.
Sail (Burlington, Cambridge, Etobicoke, Oshawa, Ottawa, Vaughan, plus 5 locations in Quebec)
A Canadian company selling outdoor apparel and equipment. They have recently started to carry climbing gear. The selection is small but competitively priced.
Quebec
La Cordee (4 locations in the Greater Montreal Area and one in Quebec City)
A 100% Quebec company owned by two not-for-profit companies. They have a good selection of climbing gear and carry brands (Tendon, Boreal, Red Chili) not commonly carried by other stores.
Sail (Beloeil, Brossard, Laval, Quebec, Vaudreuil, plus 6 locations in Ontario)
A Canadian company selling outdoor apparel and equipment. They have recently started to carry climbing gear. The selection is small but competitively priced.
Decathlon (Montreal)
The largest sporting goods retailer in the world has just arrived in Canada. They carry equipment for a wide range of sports such as gymnastics, kite surfing, and scuba. Their climbing gear selection is sufficient for those just getting into the sport at prices that will be hard for competitors to beat.
Newfoundland
Outfitters (St. John’s)
Yukon
Coast Mountain Sports (Whitehorse)
Yukon's largest outdoor store. They carry a good selection of rock and ice climbing equipment.
Online Gear Shopping
Verti Call (Gatineau, QC)
They carry DMM, Edelrid, Flashed, and is the only shop currently selling goods from Kailas.
Outland Adventure Gear (Southern Ontario)
Sender Gear (Southern Ontario)
They can often be found doing demos at local gyms. They carry a wide range of climbing brands and stock items that are not available from other retailers in the country.
All Out Kids (Red Deer, AB)
They focus is on getting kids the right equipment needed to be active outdoors. They have enough climbing gear to ensure kids and their caregiver(s) can go climbing indoor or outdoors. Local pick-up can be arranged.
Mad Rock Canada (Vancouver, BC)
Mad Rock may not be the flashiest brand out there, but it would be hard to beat the value you’ll get from their gear. High performance climbing shoes without the high end price tag.
Grand Wall Equipment (New Westminster, BC)
You can see some of their products in BC climbing shops. A lot of the gear feels like clones of similar products from the mainstream climbing companies; similar quality but with a lower price tag.
Climbing Gyms
A number of climbing gyms have climbing gear for sale and might be worth checking out if you are shopping for shoes/harness. Follow the link below to find a gym near you:
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