Ottawa outdoor lovers know the drill: the moment the snow starts retreating from Gatineau Park and the Ottawa River thaws out, it's time to start thinking about gear. REI's Member Days Sale, running through Monday, March 23rd, is delivering a well-timed batch of discounts on everything from GPS running watches to camping essentials, and it's worth a look for anyone planning adventures this spring and summer.
What's on Sale
The headliner for the tech-inclined is the Garmin Forerunner 165 Music, now down to $249.99 USD from its regular $299.99. This watch pairs solid training metrics with offline music playback from Spotify and Amazon Music, a solid companion for trail runs through Gatineau or early-morning laps along the Rideau Canal. It skips some of the advanced features found in pricier Garmin models, but for most recreational runners and hikers, it hits the sweet spot.
Another standout is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, a compact camera featuring a 1-inch CMOS sensor, three built-in microphones, and a 2-inch rotatable screen. If you've ever tried to capture footage on the water or during a winter fat-bike ride and been disappointed by your phone's performance, this little camera is a serious upgrade. Stabilized, high-quality video in a pocketable form factor, ideal for Ottawa's scenic outdoor corridors.
The Membership Model
Most deals in the sale are gated behind REI's co-op membership, which costs $30 USD (a one-time lifetime fee). Members also get 20 percent off one full-priced item, or one REI Outlet item, with the promo code MEMBER26. That stacks nicely on top of existing sale prices.
While REI doesn't have brick-and-mortar locations in Ottawa, Canadian outdoor enthusiasts have long shopped the retailer online and through cross-border runs to US locations near the border. For anyone already planning a trip stateside or comfortable ordering online, this sale is worth bookmarking.
Planning Ahead for Ottawa Summers
REI's note that this sale isn't quite as aggressive as its bigger Labor Day or Memorial Day events is fair, but the timing is good. Ottawa's spring camping reservations on Rideau Lakes and Algonquin sites open up fast, and summer along the Rideau Waterway, Ottawa River Pathway, and the Gatineau Hills fills up quickly for those who plan ahead.
Whether you're a weekend warrior or a serious backcountry camper, deals on solid gear from trusted brands like Garmin and DJI don't hurt. The sale runs through Monday, March 23rd, so there's a narrow window to act.
Source: The Verge. Prices listed in USD; check retailer sites for availability and Canadian shipping options.
