Dave Edgar
Owner
About Great Lakes Outfitters
Great Lakes Outfitters is the store that can help you with all your outdoor needs, and give you expert advice along the way. Our customers are outdoor enthusiasts looking for quality products at competitive prices.
We keep the products people actually use and want in stock, and we back them with sound advice and good customer service. That is what sets us apart from the big chains and online retailers.
Our story
The store goes back to 1956, when Joe Stortz Sr. opened it as Joe's Variety. In 1974, it became Joe's Sports and Surplus, and army surplus and outdoor gear took off in the 1970s. Joe Jr. later took over. In the 1980s and 1990s, it was famous around town for its snowsuits.
Dave Edgar bought the store in December 2009. He brought in more top brands and grew the footwear and paddling lines. In 2020, Steve Meating became his partner, and the fishing department grew a lot.
That same stretch was not easy. COVID brought supply chain problems and made in-person sales hard, so we put a big focus on upgrading our website.
In November 2021, we moved to our new location and rebranded as Great Lakes Outfitters. We chose the name because it tells more of the story of who we are and what we do, and it is easier to find online. It was our proudest moment.
The store has changed a lot since then. Fishing and paddling are now our two major categories, and we carry a bigger range of products in our base categories too. Our customers have been very loyal, and we are grateful for it.
It got here with a lot of hard work from our current and former staff. We see our online sales growing, and we believe that will help grow the store itself.
How we work
We get to know our customers. We ask questions so we can put you in the best product for your needs, and a lot of those customers have become friends.
Customers often tell us how much variety and how much product we have fit into such a small space.
We repair tents, snowshoes, and kayaks, and we help with warranty issues.
Our staff are avid outdoors people who use our products and tell us what works and what does not. They also share local advice on trails, fishing spots, and the best places to paddle and camp around Algoma, and some lead guided interpretive hikes in and around Algoma.
Steve is proudest of the fishing section. It has grown quickly, and we carry the products anglers use rather than filling the shelves with everything available.
Part of the community
We are committed to our region, and we want others to enjoy it with quality products that we stand by. Right now we are involved with:
- Sponsorships of local athletes, fishing derbies, and outdoor events
- Fundraiser donations
- Our fishing pro staff program
- Donations to a local fishing club and tournament series
We host the Great Lakes Outdoor Show, a place to bring local businesses together and meet our community. We also run a fishing pro staff that helps grow the fishing community in Algoma.
What we love most about the outdoors here is the forests and the amount of water in our region.
Free shipping on eligible orders over $150*
Boats, augers, and one-piece rods ship by quote.
Pickup in Sault Ste. Marie
Order online, collect it at 162 Old Garden River Rd.
Call the store
(705) 253-2361 for sizing, stock and advice.
Open seven days
Weekdays 10 to 8, Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday 12 to 5.
Come see us on Old Garden River Road
We're open seven days a week at 162 Old Garden River Rd. Call (705) 253-2361 and we'll check the stock before you drive over.
Open today 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Monday10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Tuesday10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Wednesday10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thursday10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
162 Old Garden River Rd, Sault Ste. Marie
Meet the team
The people behind the counter at Great Lakes Outfitters.
Steve Meating
Owner
Shannon Prosser
Store Manager
Alan Lukala
Sales Representative
Mario Gionet
Sales
Kevin Coombs
Sales Representative
Michelle Evans
Office Administrator
Our Pro Staff
They fish Lake Huron, Lake Superior and the St. Marys River, three for bass and three for walleye. Pick one to read their bio.
Adam Baggs
The 2024 Angler of the Year on the Algoma & Northshore Bass Series, who brings tactics from trout, walleye and salmon fishing to bass.
Kris Bain
Grew up in Hawk Junction, has twice won Angler of the Year on the Algoma & Northshore Bass Series, and owns Junction Tackle Company.
Kevin Bodnarchuk
On the water 125 to 150 days a season, from the spring thaw to freeze-up, and happiest chasing smallmouth and largemouth bass with a jerkbait.
Tucker Deschamps
A walleye angler who fishes light jigs and worms. His favourite water is the St. Marys River and Lake Huron.
Kris Desjardin
Finds walleye by dragging weedless spinners through shallow weeds and casting jigs into open water.
Ryan Egan
A walleye angler from Sault Ste. Marie who jigs the Great Lakes, with a strong respect for the fish and the water.
4.5
Rated 4.5 on Google by 137 shoppers
Shoppers on Google mention the staff more than anything else.
Read our Google reviewsOrdered a very fragile ice rod online. It was shipped right away and packed very well.
Great selection of camping and fishing gear. The staff are awesome, super friendly and helpful.
Great local business, friendly and knowledgeable
Always an awesome experience. Staff is knowledgeable and excellent with customer service.
Great prices and great selection
A lovely shop with more gear than you would think. Knowledgeable and friendly staff who actually use the gear.
Very helpful, attentive staff when you need help finding the right fit in something.
Great service and very friendly staff.
They have canoes, kayaks and all the gear to go with it.
Great stuff for almost all outdoor activities.
Didn't know what to expect on our visit, but the staff was fantastic and the selection was impressive for the space.
Great friendly local business. The staff loves the outdoors and it shows.
Knowledgeable staff, great products, community supporters. Always a wonderful experience.
Very helpful staff, were able to get me a pair of snowshoes.
Awesome store. Lots in stock to get you going on your latest outdoor adventures.
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