Adventure guide, where to began in this outdoor paradise. Upon entering your greeted by the friendliest of faces guiding you in the vast outdoors world. When an employee aided me with finding a good entry level pair of climbing shoes, he was nothing but the best customer service could offer. As a university student, his youthfulness understood my need for a relatively cheap pair of shoes, while his expertise in climbing made me feel assured I was getting a high quality product. His patience in helping my find a pair, and trying on not one, but three different sizes of shoes made me feel valued.

When I had found a pair of climbing shoes that felt like home, I proceeded to stroll around the store and see the vast selection of tents, backpacks, jackets, and their the top-line outdoor gear such as arc‘teryx, patagucci, and northface. When I had later decided to buy a buff for an upcoming tree planting season, I was helped by an older gentleman. Without thought he was able to answer my questions about heat, quality, fabrics, prices, pros & cons, of the wide selection of buffs this store had to offer.

Soon enough I felt to was time to leave this paradise and return back to reality, so I proceeded to pay for my gear. The cashier met me with a friendly smile, as the transaction went smoothly. As I walked out the door, i waved goodbye at the friendly staff, hoping I made their day as good as they made mine.

Great local outfitter, support local business! Knowledgeable staff, very helpful, good brand selection. Highly recommend

The only game in town for a decent, independent outdoor store. Better curated products than MEC, better service than SAIL. Staff always helpful and accommodating and the store is always well organized. If I could change anything, it would be for them to fix their website, which is next to useless. Don’t let that put you off if you haven’t been here before. It’s a treasure trove of good outdoor gear.

Great place to find quality outdoor gear. Good return policy / process. I’ve purchased a lot here (2 winter jackets, sleeping bag, hiking shoes, safari gear and many other items) over the years and will continue to return. It’s a bit pricey, but they carry high quality brands.

very disappointed in the customer service and Management at Adventure Guide in Waterloo. I have purchased a fair amount there over the last couple of years. On this occasion I purchased hikers for my wife and myself and a few things for the kids: The issue arose on the hikers I purchased for myself. After trying on two sizes, I inadvertently picked up the wrong size and brought them to the desk and purchased them with the other things I was buying. when I went to go hiking a few days I realized a had grabbed the wrong size. I went back to the store a few days later and asked to exchange the unworn shoes for a bigger size.( to be clear; they were never worn and had tags , however, I had thrown out the box). I only wanted an exchange. They quoted store policy and would not allow me to exchange the shoes as they did not have the larger size in stock and refused to order them in. a The two young kids at the front couldn’t help and kept quoting store policy of “no exchanges without the box” which was coming from the Manager via radio who was a couple of aisles back from the front of the store, apparently doing his best to not come to the front! Finally, “Ben ” came to the front and again quotes the store policy. I would expect the Manager would have some discretion and understand that I only wanted an exchange and wasn’t trying to get anything for free OR return used product. Finally, he offered his brilliant solution: He would graciously allow me to order the larger size and I could keep the smaller size as spares -all at full price of course. After explaining this want not a good plan to double my cost and keep shoes that were to small he finally agreed to take the hikers back at half of what I payed for them. I took this solution as being out $100.00 was better than having hiking shoes that didn’t fit! I can only assume that Ben is the owners son or friend etc. as he simply didn’t understand customer service and illustrated little skill in this area. They carry an excellent range of product at the store, too bad they don’t manage the store excellently. I like to support local owned business when I can -too bad I cannot support this particular business any longer.