The story behind Mountain River Life.
Growing up in the mountains
Mountain River Life began with two friends who grew up visiting the Canadian Rockies with their families.
Weekends and summer trips meant hiking trails, exploring lakes, and discovering new places in the mountains. Those early experiences shaped how we see the outdoors today.
As we got older, those trips became something we continued on our own. Now, with families of our own, we’re passing that same experience on to our kids — taking them hiking, exploring new trails, and watching them discover the mountains the same way we once did.
That generational connection to the outdoors eventually inspired one of our favourite collections, Raised Wild, which reflects the idea of growing up curious, capable, and comfortable outside.
Noticing something was missing
As we spent more time in mountain towns, we started noticing something interesting.
Most of the products available to visitors fell into two extremes. On one side were inexpensive souvenirs that felt disposable. On the other were highly technical outdoor brands built primarily for performance in the backcountry.
There wasn’t much in between — products that reflected the meaning of time spent in the mountains while still being thoughtfully designed and well made.
That realization eventually led to the idea for Mountain River Life.
We wanted to build products that people would take home not just as souvenirs, but as reminders of the moments they experienced in the mountains.
Building something different
We set out to build products that felt connected to the mountains — thoughtfully designed, well made, and inspired by the places and moments people carry home from their time outdoors.
Rather than chasing trends or creating generic souvenir designs, we organize everything around collections inspired by real places, seasons, and experiences in the mountains.
Each piece is meant to carry a small part of that experience home.
Rooted in the Rockies
What started as an idea between friends has grown into a brand rooted in the Canadian Rockies.
From early markets and our seasonal trailer store in Canmore to our first permanent retail space, the goal has remained the same — to create meaningful products for people who feel at home in the mountains.
Along the way, the work behind Mountain River Life has also been recognized beyond the mountains, including Erik being named one of Canada’s 40 Under 40 for building the brand.