A Brief History

Our fearless leaders Kieran and Scott posing for a photo shoot

Wild Rock Outfitters was launched in the fall of 1992 by Kieran Andrews, a professional ski and climbing bum, and Scott Murison, a climbing and telemark major with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.  Kieran and Scott originally called Ottawa home but they soon moved to Peterborough.  Not only did Peterborough lack a store serving the outdoors community, but it was surrounded by a natural playground of lakes, rivers and granite, making it an ideal location for Wild Rock Outfitters.

Wild Rock Outfitters is located at 169 Charlotte Street in Peterborough

Kieran and Scott started small, with a 900 square foot store on George Street in downtown Peterborough.  In 1997, they purchased the old bingo hall (previously an A&P grocery store originally built in 1929), gutted it and renovated it.  In the spring of 1998, they moved into their present 8000 square foot location.

In the spring of 1999, Kieran and Scott expanded the business with an innovative concept for a world-class whitewater retail operation called "Boat Werks."  Boat Werks comprised a web-based store, a traditional store at the Wild Rock Outfitters location, and mobile seasonal stores located on the shores of the Ottawa River, Gull River and Madawaska River.  The Boat Werks concept proved a recipe for successs and, within three years, Boat Werks was the largest seller of whitewater kayaks in Canada.

Bike Werks is fully stocked for all your cycling needs

Not content with the outstanding success of Boat Werks, Kieran and Scott sold the Boat Werks portion of their business to long-time employee Jeff Strano in the fall of 2002 and, in March 2003, launched a new store called Bike Werks, offering professional and friendly service and sales for mountain, road and hybrid bikes.  Bike Werks was developed when Scott and Kieran took on two new partners in the business, Dave Woodfine and long-time employee Jonathon Moreno.  With a newly renovated space in the Wild Rock Outfitters store, Bike Werks provides a fantastic selection of bikes and accessories for anyone interested in two-wheeled adventure.

Scott and Kieran take a time out for a photo op in the Adirondacks.

Dedicated to Outdoor Adventure

Wild Rock Outfitters has always been dedicated to non-motorized fun in the great outdoors.  From family camping trips, remote treks, canoeing on rivers and lakes, whitewater kayaking, kayak touring, snowboarding, mountain cycling, road racing or touring, to working in the outdoors or just plain hanging out, Wild Rock has everything you might need for your outdoor adventure.

Drop in at our store on Charlotte Street in Peterborough and say hello to Scott and Kieran ... if they haven't gone out to play on a river, a trail or mountain.