Tianna ClarkeI’ll confess—what started as a simple mission to snag some running shoes quickly spiraled into a full-blown sports shopping adventure.
One moment, I’m trying on sneakers; the next, I’m walking out with a kayak paddle, a yoga mat, and hockey sticks (even though my high school hockey days are a distant memory).
What can I say? These stores are dangerously good at tempting you! Ready to score the ultimate haul? Let’s dive in!
How we chose the Best Sports Stores in Vancouver
1. The Sports Exchange
Sport Exchange is your go-to sports store, packed with top-notch baseball and hockey gear, plus apparel and accessories for athletes at any level—from rookies to pros.
While they initially focused on hockey and baseball, the new ownership has really expanded their range. Now, you can find gear for basketball, football, inline hockey, pickleball, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, volleyball, and more.
The real gem is that they offer pro returns, samples, and gear actually used by NHL players—especially their skates.
You may just score a pair of skates in different sizes with extra stiffness and padding, just like the pros! Sure, it’s a little pricier, but when you find the perfect fit, it’s totally worth it.
We also spoke to a few of their customers, and one shared a refreshing experience: the staff didn’t push them to buy pricey gear. Instead, they recommended something practical to start with.
If baseball or hockey is your thing (or even if you’re exploring other sports), it’s worth checking out Sport Exchange. Beyond their solid selection of gear, their customer service genuinely stands out—helpful, knowledgeable, and far from pushy.
Wide variety of high-quality equipment
“This store offers a wide variety of high-quality baseball and hockey equipment, clothing, and accessories for all levels of athletes, from beginners to professionals.”
-Mr. Mory, Google Review
Friendly and down-to-earth staff
“The staff were very friendly and down-to-earth. When choosing the gloves, they recommended a smaller one, since when young, you play several positions and a smaller glove is easier to handle.”
-Mr. Kudo, Google Review
2. MEC Vancouver
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, MEC’s two-story Vancouver store is like a treasure trove for all kinds of adventures. From hiking to skiing, they’ve got gear for just about every activity imaginable.
The space itself is bright, roomy, and well-organized, making it easy to browse and even easier to find a helpful staff member when needed.
One standout feature is their impressive sock selection, including hard-to-find brands like Darn Tough. Whether you’re after hiking shoes, boots, gloves, or ski equipment, there’s plenty to explore.
And if you’re unsure about footwear, they’ve got a designated area where you can test shoes on climbing features or uneven terrain—super handy for making the right choice.
A heads-up, though: prices in-store don’t always match their online listings, so it’s worth double-checking.
That said, the variety and quality of products make it a worthwhile visit. Plus, the staff is not only knowledgeable but also laid-back, ensuring your questions are answered with expert advice and a friendly conversation.
They’ll even go the extra mile to help you find gear you’ll truly love and use for years to come.
Has products for every type of outdoor activity
“If you’re a big fan of the outdoors, MEC has two floors of products for every type of outdoor activity you can think of.”
-Ms. Zhagro, Google Review
Helpful and patient
“Picked up my new bike today and had a great experience with Nico and Julien! Both were very helpful and patient.”
-Ms. Gursey, Google Review
3. Valhalla Pure Outfitters
Valhalla Pure Outfitters is a solid spot for all your outdoor gear needs, offering everything from climbing and hiking equipment to camping gear, backpacks, shoes, and activewear.
As you enter, you’ll need to check your pack with security, who’ll hand you a little key holder to remind you to grab it when you’re done shopping. It’s a bit different, but kind of a nice touch.
The jacket selection here is impressive, with options categorized by weight and warmth—whether you’re after something rugged and heavy-duty or the perfect balance of warmth without the bulk.
One cool thing we heard from a customer is that if Valhalla doesn’t have what you’re looking for, they won’t hesitate to direct you to another store. It’s refreshing to see that kind of customer-first attitude.
And here’s a bonus: if you buy a tent from them, the staff will help you pitch it in-store. No need to guess how it works—they’ll guide you through the process.
All in all, Valhalla Pure Outfitters stands out not just for its top-notch selection of outdoor gear, but for its exceptional customer service that makes you feel like they genuinely care about finding the right gear for you.
Super patient
“Such a gem of a store. Asura is super patient, kind and knowledgeable on backpacks. Even though I couldn’t find one to fit my body she spent over an hour packing and unpacking weights in a very of packs.”
-Ms. Tan, Google Review
Pleasant staff
“Really pleasant staff, right down to the security guard. Relaxed atmosphere and no sales pressure. Just great product.”
-Ms. Griffin, Google Review
4. Max-Performance Sports & More
Valhalla Pure Outfitters is the place to go for all your outdoor adventure gear. From climbing and hiking equipment to camping essentials, backpacks, shoes, and activewear, they’ve got you covered.
When you walk in, be prepared to check your pack with security. You’ll get a key holder to remind you to grab it when you’re done—kind of a quirky but thoughtful detail.
The jacket section is particularly impressive, offering a range of options categorized by weight and warmth. Whether you’re looking for something rugged and tough or the perfect balance of warmth without feeling weighed down, you’ll find it here.
A customer shared that if Valhalla doesn’t have exactly what you’re after, they’ll point you to another store that does.
It’s refreshing to see such honesty and dedication to helping customers find what they need. And if you buy a tent, the staff will even help you pitch it in-store, so you can make sure it’s exactly what you’re looking for before you head out.
All in all, Valhalla Pure Outfitters isn’t just known for its top-quality gear but also for its customer service. The team truly seems invested in making sure you get the right gear.
Extremely knowledgeable
“Andrew is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to goalie equipment/profiles. I profile my player skates here as well and picked their brains about the types of profiles. A great team they have here.”
-Mr. Hung, Google Review
Friendly and informative
“Bought a new pair of skates. Staff, specifically Chris, were friendly and informative. Would recommend.”
-Mr. Armitage, Google Review
5. LadySport
Ladysport is a standout for women’s athletic wear and footwear, offering a great selection that’s recommended by podiatrists and physiotherapists—something we really appreciate.
They’re experts at finding the right athletic shoe for various foot issues like plantar fasciitis, neuromas, bunions, or even knee and back discomfort.
On top of that, they host a Monday night clinic where you can train for a 10k run, with pace groups for all levels and even a dedicated walking group—perfect for getting fit in a supportive community.
Specializing in foot fittings, Ladysport is the place to go if you’ve got wider feet or if most shoes just don’t fit quite right. They’ll measure your foot width and help you find the perfect fit.
If they don’t have the right shoe in stock for you, they won’t push a second-rate option. For any woman in the city, Ladysport is definitely the store to check out!
Very helpful people
“Very helpful people working there – got me a perfectly fitted and very comfortable pair of first time runners. Lots of stock including sale items.”
-Ms. Leduc, Google Review
Nice store with a large selection of shoes and clothing
“Nice store with a large selection of shoes and clothing – well organized as well! Helpful staff who know how to help find the right shoe within their selection.”
-Ms. Grace, Google Review
