Providing outdoor gear and clothing
Since 1995...

Recognizing the need for affordable outdoor gear, Claude Léger started Switching Gear Canmore in 1995, opening shop with little more than a few folding tables, boxes of gear, and clothes. It was a win for the environment, as old gear was given a new home away from landfills, and it was a win for customers who could tryout new activities or upgrade their current gear at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

Switching Gear quickly grew to be a popular meeting spot for Canmore residents, and the store was soon filled with gently-used gear and clothing. To ensure a wide selection of gear is always available, Claude and his team have, over the years, partnered with local ski hills and gear suppliers to buy samples, prototypes, demo gear, and rental fleets.

Switching Gear is, and always has been, privately owned and operated. No big corporate headquarters. No franchises. Just relationships with people and the planet.