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Altitude Sports is a well-known name in outdoor and activewear retail, but is it truly a Canadian company? Many shoppers wonder about its origins and whether it aligns with Canadian values of quality, sustainability, and adventure.
Yes, Altitude Sports is a Canadian company. Founded in Montreal, it specializes in premium outdoor gear1 and apparel, catering to Canada’s unique climate and outdoor lifestyle.
Its roots in Canada shape its product selection, customer service, and business philosophy. But how does it compare to other Canadian outdoor retailers?
Where is Altitude Sports based, and when was it founded?
Altitude Sports has deep Canadian roots, with its headquarters located in Montreal, Quebec.
The company was founded in 1984 and has since grown into a leading online retailer for outdoor and technical apparel.
Over the years, Altitude Sports has transitioned from a brick-and-mortar retailer to a major e-commerce platform. Its focus on curating high-quality brands makes it a go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts across Canada.
Key Milestones in Altitude Sports’ History
- 1984: Founded in Montreal as a specialty outdoor retailer.
- 2000s: Expanded its selection to include high-end performance apparel.
- 2010s: Shifted focus to e-commerce, making online shopping its primary business model.
- Present: Competes with major outdoor retailers like MEC and Sporting Life.
Altitude Sports’ long-standing presence in Canada ensures it understands local customer needs better than international competitors.
What kind of products does Altitude Sports sell?
Altitude Sports specializes in high-quality outdoor gear, including clothing, footwear, and accessories.
It carries a curated selection of premium outdoor and activewear brands like Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and The North Face, catering to hikers, skiers, and urban adventurers.
Product Categories at Altitude Sports
| Category | Examples of Products |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Jackets, base layers, rain gear |
| Footwear | Hiking boots, running shoes, winter boots |
| Accessories | Backpacks, gloves, hats |
| Equipment | Sleeping bags, camping gear |
Unlike big-box stores, Altitude Sports prioritizes high-performance apparel and environmentally sustainable brands, appealing to conscious consumers.
How does Altitude Sports compare to other Canadian outdoor retailers?
Altitude Sports competes with major Canadian outdoor retailers, each offering distinct advantages.
While MEC (Mountain Equipment Company) focuses on co-op membership and affordability, Altitude Sports excels in curated premium selections and online convenience.
Comparison of Major Canadian Outdoor Retailers
| Retailer | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude Sports | Premium brands, strong e-commerce platform, free shipping in Canada | No physical stores |
| MEC | Affordable gear, co-op membership perks | Limited high-end brand selection |
| Sporting Life | Fashion-forward outdoor wear, urban-friendly styles | Less focused on hardcore outdoor gear |
Altitude Sports has carved out a niche by catering to customers who want a mix of technical performance and style, making it a preferred choice for those willing to invest in top-tier outdoor apparel.
Is Altitude Sports committed to sustainability?
With growing concerns about environmental impact, many shoppers want to support eco-conscious businesses.
Altitude Sports prioritizes sustainability by partnering with brands that focus on ethical sourcing, recycled materials, and carbon footprint reduction.
Sustainability Initiatives at Altitude Sports
- Eco-conscious brands: Carries Patagonia, Tentree, and other sustainable labels.
- Carbon-neutral shipping: Offers carbon offsets for deliveries.
- Recyclable packaging: Reduces plastic waste in shipping materials.
- Buy Better, Wear Longer program: Encourages durable clothing choices to reduce fast fashion waste.
By promoting sustainable outdoor gear, Altitude Sports aligns with Canada’s environmentally conscious outdoor community.
Does Altitude Sports offer good customer service and shipping in Canada?
One of the biggest advantages of shopping with a Canadian company is better customer support2 and faster shipping.
Altitude Sports offers free shipping across Canada on most orders, a flexible return policy, and bilingual customer service.
Customer Service Features
✔ Free shipping on orders over a certain amount
✔ Hassle-free 30-day returns
✔ Customer support in English and French
✔ Express shipping options for urgent needs
Since it operates within Canada, customers avoid import duties and long shipping delays often associated with buying from international retailers.
Why do Canadians choose Altitude Sports over U.S. retailers?
While American retailers like REI and Backcountry.com are popular, many Canadians prefer Altitude Sports for several reasons.
Canadians choose Altitude Sports because of its local presence, faster shipping, and pricing that avoids exchange rate fluctuations and import fees.
Advantages of Shopping at Altitude Sports vs. U.S. Retailers
- No surprise duties or taxes – Pricing is in Canadian dollars.
- Faster delivery – No cross-border shipping delays.
- Better customer support – Bilingual service based in Canada.
- Seasonally relevant inventory – Tailored for Canadian weather.
Buying from a Canadian retailer ensures a smoother shopping experience, especially for outdoor gear that needs to withstand harsh Canadian winters.
Conclusion
Altitude Sports is a proudly Canadian company based in Montreal, specializing in premium outdoor apparel and gear. It competes with MEC and Sporting Life but stands out for its high-end product selection and strong online presence. With sustainability initiatives, excellent customer service, and a focus on Canadian consumers, it remains a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts across the country.
