Camping & Hiking · Water Sports · Ontario
Chaltrek Work & Play Outdoors
A locally owned outdoor shop in Thunder Bay known for maps and map books, paddling, snowshoeing and camping gear, and long-serving staff who take time to help.
What visitors say
Chaltrek is a small, locally owned outdoor store in Thunder Bay that regulars have been shopping at for decades. It isn't big, but reviewers say you can spend a long time browsing, and it tends to stock things other local shops don't.
Maps are the standout. Several people call it the best map shop in town, with topographic maps and map books for remote areas, special orders when something isn't in stock, and even lamination of large maps. One couple had a Quetico Park map laminated so they could plan routes with dry-erase markers.
The rest of the stock covers kayaks and canoe-tripping gear, snowshoes, kicksleds, camping accessories, life jackets, gold-panning and prospecting supplies, and bug dope. Dog owners like the Ruffwear selection and that dogs are welcome inside. Staff get consistent praise for patient, knowledgeable help, whether it's fitting snowshoes or talking a new kayaker through a first purchase.
The complaints are minor: one shopper arrived at 5 pm to find it closed, and another wished the store had a proper website rather than relying on Facebook. Call ahead to check hours and stock.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 33 Google reviews. Details change — confirm hours, prices and bookings with Chaltrek Work & Play Outdoors directly.