The Happy Camper: It’s Almost Showtime

January 29, 2024

outdooradventureshowfuncanada Explore Magazine

The Happy Camper shares his schedule for the 2024 outdoor adventure shows, plus a throwback to three of last year’s shows.

Soon I’ll be taking planes, trains and automobiles to all the various outdoor shows across North America. I’ve been at this for over three decades now, and this year is no exception.

Here’s a list of the top three big ones I’ll be presenting at, and the topics and times. Hope to see other keen campers and paddlers walking the aisles between the tourism booths promoting outdoorsy destinations and retailers selling dried meat, tube socks and new camp gadgets.^{Kevin Callan}

First is the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show from February 23rd to 25th.

This is Canada’s largest outdoor show, held at the International Centre on Airport Road. There are over 320 exhibitors offering the latest camping gear, paddle sports, outdoor clothing, scuba diving and ultimate adventure travel destinations. There are over 100 adventure presentations to help you plan your next trip. They also have a show in Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal. You can catch up with Explore Magazine’s editors at the Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver shows, too!^{Kevin Callan}

I will be presenting “Paddling Ontario’s Rivers” on Saturday, February 23rd at 12:00 p.m. on The Best of Canada Stage.

Here’s the YouTube video from the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show in 2023.

Next is the Quiet Adventures Symposium on March 24th.

This is my favourite show. It’s volunteer-based and totally dedicated to education and conservation. Over 3,000 paddlers fill the Lansing, Michigan’s Michigan State University campus arena for the one-day event. There are plenty of unique vendors and lots of presentations to attend. And you can even take part in the traditional rabbit show set up nearby.

I will also be presenting on “Paddling Ontario’s Rivers” on Saturday, March 24th. The timing is to be announced soon.

My YouTube video from last year’s show:

Next is the Canoecopia from March 8th to 10th, 2024.

Canoecopia is the world’s largest paddle sports show, held in Madison Wisconsin’s Allianz Energy Centre Exposition Hall. It’s chalked full of kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards and other countless paddling products. There are also well over 100 presentations, ranging from destinations to how-to information. This is one massive show, something I once described to a border guard at the airport as a “Star Trek convention for canoeists.” It shouldn’t be missed.^{Kevin Callan}

I have another busy presentation schedule for this year’s Canoecopia:

Saturday at 12:30 p.m.—Q&A on Bears (panel includes bear biologist)
Saturday at 2:30 p.m.—A Paddlers Guide to Rivers of Ontario
Saturday at 3:30 p.m.—Playing with Jerry Vandiver and the band once again
Saturday at 4:30 p.m.—MC again for the annual Aluminum Chef Competition
Sunday at 10:30—Q&A with the experts (Cliff and I debating once again, as well as Rob Kesselring and Peter Marshall)
Sunday at 12:30 p.m.—Happy Camper Canoe Tripping Tips and Tricks

^{Kevin Callan}

Watch the YouTube video from the 2023 show.

A big thanks to all my sponsors (a.k.a friends) for helping pay for expenses during all my presentations in 2024:

More Happy Camper Articles on Explore Magazine:

The Happy Camper: My 2023 Year in Review

Our regular Monday columnist reflects on his achievements and highlights in 2023. He talks about his adventures and the progress of The Happy Camper online.