Valhalla Pure Outfitters

Would not recommend going here for any items that require a specific fit. They have one of the worst return policies I've ever encountered and refused to accept an item for return purchased the day prior. Do not believe what they tell you regarding their return policy, you can find many other reviews stating similar things regarding their return policy.

I was a long time customer at Valhalla Pure and will no longer be shopping here due to my recent experience. I see no benefit to shopping here as opposed to MEC.

Edit: I noticed an owner replied to this review. Please note that we were instructed in store that an owner would reach out to us after providing contact information which never happened. I could have gone much more in depth regarding the disrespect I received from employees in this store and was actually somewhat generous in my initial review. I agree that supporting local/Canadian businesses as opposed to big box stores is an amazing thing to do and should be done whenever possible. It is not worth it in this case, at least for this specific Valhalla Pure location.

Lots of choices and can get stuff from their other stores if size not available. They have a clearance rack so can get good stuff.

Had a wonderful time when I visited. Jonathan helped my daughter and me fit our rock climbing harness and explained things to us in details. He was very knowledgeable and always had a smile to make us feel welcomed.

I bought a pair of hiking boots here 2 months ago. The sales associate spent about 30 minutes with me, getting me different types of boots to try and providing really helpful advice about the fit and features. I feel like I got the most suitable pair of boots for my budget and hiking needs, thanks to the attentive service. I would definitely shop here again.

Excellent store! The staff is happy, always helpful.

But I wish they have an option to deliver/pick up at their store.

Edit:

Thanks for letting me know! If possible I will get all the essentials for future and all backpacking and outdoor trips from this store.

Wow, I am blown away by the customer service here. Jonathan really took the time to explain various features and fits of different hiking backpacks and even helped me try the backpacks with weights in them. I will definitely be a repeat customer. Thank you!

I went in to make make an exchange but didn't have my receipt. Jonathan was able to look up the transaction using my online bank statement and provided excellent service. Really pleased with the result. I now have an account to avoid this in the future.

I just dropped in for a brief visit but the 2 staff I spoke with were knowledgeable and friendly and found what I was looking for promptly. Cosy store with a surprisingly wide selection too!

A fantastic online shopping experience. Knowledgable customer service, very friendly. Very fast shipping. An amazing Canadian store. Bye-bye again.

I was sold a faulty product (a snowshoe broke after half a day of use) which was also confirmed by the manufacturer. VPO refused to return the money and suggested a store credit instead. I wanted to buy a more sturdy product in a different store, and I wasn't sure whether I would like to continue shopping at VPO. The communication was lengthy and tiring, and I had to make three in-person visits altogether. In the end, I was forced to buy some more equipment from VPO, which was significantly more expensive than the competition. Now I am hoping I won't have to return there again!

It's too bad you are so strict about no returns on climbing gear as I would love to support a BC owned business as opposed to MEC, but having to order something online because its not in this store and having it not fit is not worth the risk considering climbing gear can easily set you back hundreds/thousands of dollars. Please consider changing this policy.

In preparation for my bikepacking trip, I was in search for a compatible tent and sleep system. Jonathan was very attentive and helpful and I will definitely continue to shop at that location in the future.

Good selection. Great quality gear. Very helpful staff. They offered to let me borrow their own tent stakes until they could get more in in a few days. A bit sad they only sell snowshoes at this location - no skis/ski boots.

Love the store, very helpful staff, great inventory for hiking, backpacking, and snowshoeing. Parking can be a bit of a challenge at this time (I didn't have trouble finding a meter close by), but I did not lower my rating as this is due to the Skytrain line construction. Walking a little from parking is nowhere near as hard as the trails I trek on, lol.