I swear, I used to be super-outdoorsy.
I was the kid who played alongside creeks and caught fish. I once found a garter snake and brought it home as a pet. I have portaged. I have set up tents in many provincial parks. And I can roast a mean marshmallow.
And I want my kids to have those experiences, too. But I have to get back to who that person was first.
Maybe all I need is a little inspiration?
Toronto Sportsmen’s Show
This March Break — from March 15 to 19, 2017 — there’s a place to inspire your little one’s curiosity about the great outdoors. There’ll be an archery range. Wildlife exhibits. Chainsaw carving. Fishing seminars. Oh, and we mustn’t forget shopping.
The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show is Canada’s biggest outdoor show and it’s all about bringing All Things Outdoors under one roof.
It’s the best of huntin’, fishin’, boatin’ and outdoor adventurin’ across 350 exhibits — many of which are interactive and multimedia.
Take the West Coast Lumberjack Show, for example. If this doesn’t want to make you take up axe-throwing, nothing will. (P.S. I really, really want to take up axe-throwing!) The show will also feature block-chopping, log-rolling and cross-saw racing. My kids would love these demos!
There’s also going to be a chainsaw artist onsite. Yep — that’s a thing. Kevin Lewis looks at a tree stump differently than you and I. In them, he sees wildlife just waiting to get out. And his trusty Husqvarna chainsaw brings that artistic vision to life. He’ll be busy chainsawing away throughout the show, which sounds pretty awesome.
And as much as the chainsaw art and lumberjack show would be super fun, I’d probably have a hard time dragging my kids away from the Speaking of Wildlife booth, where visitors will have a chance to meet and learn more about native species of Ontario — such as beavers, owls and skunks. (Cute!)
Hands-on activities for the whole family abound at the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show:
The WoofJocks Canine All Stars’ variety show is a guaranteed hit, too. From agility to obedience, the fun factor with these guys will be HIGH.
Survival experts David Arama and Skeet Sutherland are also there to help amp up your next extreme adventure.
All the deets
- WHEN: March 15 to 19, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Sunday, when it closes at 5 p.m.
- WHERE: International Centre, Mississauga.
- HOW MUCH? Adults, $20; seniors (60+), $13; juniors (ages 13-17), $13.00; and free for kids 12 and under.
- PARKING: It’s free!
Win tix!
Two families will have an opportunity to check out this year’s Toronto Sportsmen’s Show. I’m giving away two sets of six tickets, and all you have to do to win is share this Facebook post, tag a friend in the comments (on Facebook) and leave a comment on this blog post (below) letting me know how you and your family enjoy the great outdoors. A random winner will be drawn on Friday, March 10 at 12 noon ET.
DISCLAIMER: I received compensation for this post. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
Jackie Bleecker says
We all love spending as much time in the great outdoors as we can! We love hiking, fishing, ATVing and just being “one” with nature. We would love to win tickets for our family to attend the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show! Thanks for the opportunity.
Jackie Bleecker says
We all love spending as much time in the great outdoors as we can! We love hiking, fishing, ATVing and just being “one” with nature. We would love to win tickets for our family to attend the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show! Thanks for the opportunity.
Ron P says
Would love to go! it would be our first time!
Ron P says
Would love to go! it would be our first time!
Michelle Austin says
I loved going every March Break and even worked at it as a teenager.
Michelle Austin says
I loved going every March Break and even worked at it as a teenager.
Dawn Bloomfield says
Our girls love camping and hiking! we spend at least 2 weeks at conservation areas each summer!
Dawn Bloomfield says
Our girls love camping and hiking! we spend at least 2 weeks at conservation areas each summer!
Wayner says
Hiking with the girls is always lots of fun for all!
Michelle Austin says
It gets harder with tweens and teens to find something everyone enjoys.
Wayner says
Hiking with the girls is always lots of fun for all!
Michelle Austin says
It gets harder with tweens and teens to find something everyone enjoys.
Courtney S says
We love heading out for walks, going to the park and heading up to the cottage. My daughter discovered fishing last year so I am sure there will be more of that this spring/summer.
Courtney S says
We love heading out for walks, going to the park and heading up to the cottage. My daughter discovered fishing last year so I am sure there will be more of that this spring/summer.
Sabrina R says
I come from Northern ontario where we were always outside hunting and fishing. Since meeting my husband, who was already a fisherman, my family and I also got him into hunting and it’s now his favourite. Although our boys are too young to hunt now, they watch hunting shows and spend lots of time learning about and enjoying the outdoors.
Sabrina R says
I come from Northern ontario where we were always outside hunting and fishing. Since meeting my husband, who was already a fisherman, my family and I also got him into hunting and it’s now his favourite. Although our boys are too young to hunt now, they watch hunting shows and spend lots of time learning about and enjoying the outdoors.
Kristen S says
We have never been to this show! Our family would enjoy this a lot! Thanks for the chance ?
Kristen S says
We have never been to this show! Our family would enjoy this a lot! Thanks for the chance ?
Jen says
So fun!! My kids would have a blast. And they love sharing these experiences with Nonba and Nonna ??
Jen says
So fun!! My kids would have a blast. And they love sharing these experiences with Nonba and Nonna ??
Lindsay T says
We love geocaching & fishing!
Lindsay T says
We love geocaching & fishing!
Lia says
Our family enjoys the outdoors and now that all of the littles are out of diapers we are starting to explore our interest as a family as we embark on new adventures!
Lia says
Our family enjoys the outdoors and now that all of the littles are out of diapers we are starting to explore our interest as a family as we embark on new adventures!
Anu Chopra says
Our family enjoy the great outdoors – love going skiing and sledding in the winter and camping in the summer!
Anu Chopra says
Our family enjoy the great outdoors – love going skiing and sledding in the winter and camping in the summer!
Jaime Edwards says
We love to go hiking and the girls enjoy fishing with their papa!
Jaime Edwards says
We love to go hiking and the girls enjoy fishing with their papa!
Cherie says
Our family loves going for walks on the trails and trying to find bugs or feed the birds
Cherie says
Our family loves going for walks on the trails and trying to find bugs or feed the birds
Brandee H says
My sonand aienjoy the outdoors by making a commitment to get outside every day. We like to explore parks and forests. And we love fishing and boating in thesummer.
Brandee H says
My sonand aienjoy the outdoors by making a commitment to get outside every day. We like to explore parks and forests. And we love fishing and boating in thesummer.