Calgary Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show

A Spring Tradition Full of Inspiration, Gear, and Global Adventures

Where Inspiration Turns Into Road Trip Plans

Calgary Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show - Each spring, as Alberta gets teased with those first hints of warmer weather, false spring and all, something shifts. The planning starts. The dreaming starts. And for outdoor lovers across the province, one place brings it all together under one roof. The Calgary Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show.

As an Adventure Seeker always looking for the next experience, this event has quickly become one I watch for every year between March and April. 

Where is the Calgary Outdoor Adventure Show?

The event takes place at the BMO Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, right on the Stampede Grounds. It is easy to access and well organized. Once inside, the aisles are clearly marked, making it simple to explore without feeling overwhelmed.

If you have been before, one thing to note is the recent expansion of the BMO Centre. It threw me off slightly when the GPS directions showed as 1912 Flores Ladue Parade SE instead of the familiar Round Up Way entrance. Just follow the signage and parking attendants once you are on site and you will be right where you need to be.

From parking to the show entrance, and throughout the show itself, there is a fair amount of walking. Comfy shoes are definitely a good call. The layout flows well though, so it is easy to take your time and explore.

When is the Outdoor Adventure Show in Calgary?

The show takes place annually in early spring, typically between March and April. In 2026, it was held March 21 and 22, with the 2027 show scheduled for April 3 and 4. Running through the weekend Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is the perfect time to start planning spring and summer adventures, right when inspiration starts to kick in across Alberta. 

How much does the show cost?

Tickets to the Calgary Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show are affordable at $14 when purchased online or $15 at the door. Beat the line and save by ordering your tickets online. Children 12 and under attend for free, making this a great option for families.

Parking is available on site at the BMO Centre and is typically $20 or less, which makes it a convenient option for those coming in from Calgary and surrounding areas.

Vendors and Exhibitors from Around the World

One of the best parts of the Calgary Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show is the variety of vendors.

You will find tourism boards from across Canada, from coast to coast to coast, travel experiences from the United States, and international destinations including African safari tours and Nicaragua exploration.

At the same time, every booth brings a different story and a different opportunity to explore.

You may also come across familiar faces like Grizzly Dude, who now shares his story through safety gear and seminars after surviving a grizzly bear attack. It is a powerful reminder of the respect and knowledge needed when exploring the outdoors. 

What You Will Find at the Calgary Outdoor Adventure Show

This is not just a travel show. It is an experience.

From there, the Alberta Bike Show runs alongside it, bringing a whole other level of energy. From high-end bikes to interactive displays, bike tour route suggestions, and even an inflatable jump setup with live tricks, it is hard to miss.

Beyond that, expect to see camper vans, outdoor gear, and creative setups for life on the road. There are paddleboards, rafting displays, and backcountry essentials.

You will also find local products, food vendors, and unique items like jerky, travel accessories, and handcrafted goods.

Additionally, presentations and live demonstrations run throughout the day. There are also plenty of small takeaways like stickers, magnets, brochures, and a few surprises along the way.

Some of the best finds are the ones you were not expecting. 

Where Ideas Turn Into Plans

What stood out most to me this year was just how much inspiration can come from a single afternoon.

One booth had me thinking about sea otter tours along the coast of British Columbia. Watching those playful animals in the wild suddenly moved from someday to something I want to plan soon with my little adventure seeker.

In another section, another moment came from a friendly international vendor. Between the conversation and a fancy fun hat, I found myself later researching travel in Nicaragua. It is amazing how quickly a simple interaction can turn into a future adventure idea.

That is the magic of this show.

A Great Day Out for Families in Calgary Alberta

Bringing my little seeker along made the experience even better.

If you are visiting with kids, the show is very family friendly, with interactive booths and activities for kids. Children 12 and under attend for free, which makes it even easier for families to enjoy a day out together. One of the highlights was the Bingo style booth cards. Kids can visit different vendors, collect stamps or checkmarks, and work toward a prize.

It turns the entire event into an adventure for them too. 

Why This Show is Worth Adding to Your Spring Plans

The Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show is more than just booths and brochures. They are events you can find in many provinces throughout Canada during the spring season.

It is a place to discover new destinations, connect with passionate people, and explore outdoor gear up close. It opens your eyes to experiences and places you may not have thought about yet.

The energy is positive, welcoming, and full of possibility. Whether you are actively planning a trip or simply seeing what is out there, you will leave inspired.

This visit to the Calgary Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show is part of my Canada Adventure Seeker Road Trip Series, where inspiration turns into real travel plans across Alberta and beyond.

Final thoughts from a Canada Adventure Seeker

For me, this show is about more than planning trips. It is about building excitement for what is ahead.

All in all, from thinking about a future houseboating trip in British Columbia to mapping out summer road trips through southern Alberta and into Montana, the Calgary Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show reminded me that inspiration can come from anywhere.

If you are in Alberta and love exploring, keep an eye out for this event each spring.

You never know what destination, experience, new toy, or idea you will walk out with. 

A Spring Travel Show in Calgary Full of Road Trip and Outdoor Inspiration

Canada Adventure Seeker Road Trip Series