Top of the World

This is a long overdue review…
I’ve been shopping at Top of the World since the 90’s. They carry a lot of hard to find brands and can also special order items that you don’t see on the shelf. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly without the «commission breath» that I we’ve all experienced in chain stores.
Huge selection of shoes, clothing (mens & womens), skateboards, snowboards and accessories.

Prime location.
Staff was friendly, a nice looking store.
But what about some sales? Only 2 pairs of men’s shoes on discount. No deals to be had /​seen.

Disclaimer: I know nothing about skate culture. Nothing.
Normally I wouldn’t go into a store like Top of the World. Previous experiences in skate culture-​type stores have been negative. Generally staff have been rude and snobby as I definitely don’t fit the mold. This is not the case at Top of the World.
I went into Top of the World on a suggestion from a friend. I was looking for a helmet for ice skating and was looking for an alternative to hockey helmets. The person who helped me was fantastic. He was great at giving me his suggestions and opinions, and seemed genuinely interested in helping me find something that worked for me. The other staff members were polite and appeared friendly. They actually smiled. I know that doesn’t seem like a big deal, but I’ve been in stores where staff members look at you like you killed their favourite pet or made fun of their favourite deck.
The store itself is excellently designed. Items were well arranged and it was easy to find what I was looking for. Top of the World carries a variety of skate and snowboard related items. They also carry clothing, hats, and accessories (like wallets, sunglasses, and bags). It’s a pretty impressive store.
While it’s unlikely that I would be going to Top of the World often, I would definitely recommend it to someone looking for a great skate/​snowboarding shop. I’d be shocked if someone in the know would be disappointed with their experience there.

Top of the World is really popular with those that are a part of the skate culture. All the members of their staff are friendly and down-​to-​earth. It’s really cool because their staff, as well as sponsored/​pro skaters and boarders, test all the products they carry, so you know everything in the store is just that wicked good.
They carry decks, wheels, other boards and goods, clothing, hats, accessories, stickers, pins. anything skateboard– and snowboard-​related. All of their items are really good quality, but range quite a bit in price, depending on what exactly you’re looking for.
They also do fittings and have contests and events, like skate demos, but the most awesome thing is that they have skate camp! They teach lessons that vary depending on experience and individual levels. Great for kids!

top of the World has been in Ottawa for well over a decade. Even though the skateboard movement is all the rage right now, Top of the World started catering to the skateboard demographic long ago.
It’s located in a perfect location on Rideau Street where plenty of pedestrian traffic passes by its doors. You can’t miss it seeing as it has a giant space ship on the front of the store and is located beside two bong shops and a tattoo parlour.
Inside there is a very relaxed feel to the store. Incense is usually burning and music is always playing. the store looks small at first, but as you venture toward the back you will see just how big the store is.
It has an area dedicated to maintaining skateboards and snowboards. It has come a long way since its beginnings and the store now carries more than just skateboarding products. They cater to most of the «extreme» or «alternative» sports, for lack of better terms.
The staff is always pleasant and eager to help out a customer.
You can’t go wrong.