I walked over the Calgary MEC to look for some hiking shoes. A work friend (with an MEC Card) joined me and warned that I could probably get this item cheaper at REI in the US. I then took a look at the prices, compared selection with Atmosphere across the street, and headed straight to the closeout section. I found a nice Columbia brand in my size that were comfortable and half off. They also did really well on the Plain of Six Glaciers (Lake Louise) the next day.
This MEC Store is handsome, roomy over its 2 floors and has a really nice selection of stuff. The Associates were friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful. When I arrived back in California, I went ahead and sent in my $5 for my own MEC Card. I will be returning to Canada sometime in the future, and you never know when a local MEC might come in handy.