One of Canada's most popular retailers for outdoor gear is opening up just outside Toronto and it's marking the occasion with some big grand opening energy. 

Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) is officially coming to Whitby, and they're having a Grand Opening event for shoppers on the weekend of Friday, July 26. Visitors can score exclusive promos and meet with experts at this brand-new 20,000-square-foot space.

The Grand Opening event will kick off bright and early at 10 a.m. on Friday, where the first 50 customers to visit the store each day (until Sunday) will receive a special MEC tote goodie bag. Customers also have the opportunity to win a $1,000 MEC gift card to fuel their summer adventures.

Throughout the weekend, you'll be able to snap pics at a specially-branded MEC Photo Booth, explore workshops and activations from favourite brands, dance to tunes from a local DJ, sip on yummy drinks from Toronto-based Burdock Brewery, and more!

Stocked with all of your outdoor needs, from tents to tarps, MEC sells top brands like Patagonia, Osprey, Salomon and Keen, plus their beloved in-house MEC label products. Ideal for avid cyclists, this new MEC store also has a full-service bike shop for all your repair needs.

Priding itself on offering a unique spectrum of products with a range of price points, the MEC team consists of knowledgeable and local outdoor experts, ready to give advice and support on all your pastime needs.

Customers can also rest easy knowing all products are fully backed by MEC's Rock Solid Guarantee! Don't forget that memberships are not required to shop at any MEC store.

It's going to be a wicked time! Get ready to celebrate the new MEC Whitby opening — the province's seventh standalone MEC store — shop essential outdoor gear and enjoy the party.

Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) Whitby Grand Opening Weekend

• When: Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28
• Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Where: MEC Whitby — Thickson Ridge Power Centre, 1650 Victoria St. East 
• Price: Free entry