Making the most of the Ontario Outdoor Adventure Show

This upcoming weekend one of my favourite outdoor events is taking place: The Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show. (Read last year’s report here.) This year looks like it’s going to be an even better event than years past. If you’re anything like me, you don’t want to miss the best stuff, and so you might want to go in with a game-plan. Since I’ve done the research already, I might as well share with you what I’ve learned to expect at this year’s event. See below for coupons to save a bit of money and ways you can keep up with the event remotely.

What to look for:

• Legendary Hap Wilson will be visiting the  Swift Canoe and Kayak booth on Sunday from 12-3 pm signing books, talking about tripping and the Path of the Paddle project as well. This is definitely something you don’t want to miss.
• Kevin Callan – As usual, the Happy Camper will be presenting twice in the Ontario Outdoor Adventures Theatre: “Tales of a Wilderness Wanderer” (Sat 12:30, Sun 12:00) and “How to be a Better Camp Cook” (Sat 3:30).
• Kevin will also be hanging out at the Canadian Outdoor Equipment Co. and Ontario Tourism booths as well. (Andy from Treks in the Wild will be helping out at the Ontario Tourism booth, so if you want expert advice when Kevin’s not around, ask for him.)
• Speaking of Canadian Outdoor Equipment Co., they’re also hosting Sticks and Stones Wilderness School as well as Jeffrey McMurtrie (Saturday), creator of Jeff’s Map (formerly Algonquin Online Map).
• Demos at the pool including favourites Swift Canoe and Kayak, LearnToKayak.ca, The Muskoka Paddle Shack and the Complete Paddler.
• Henry’s School of Imaging booth is offering free 30 minute photography seminars throughout the weekend.
• Mud Hero mini obstacle course (sans the mud, probably a good choice). If this is for big people too, I may have to try it. Someone needs to get my picture (unless I fall, of course).
• Sat 1:30 – Les Stroud, aka Survivorman in the G Adventures Theatre
• Sun 2:00 – Olympic silver medalist and adventurer Adam van Koeverden in the G Adventures Theatre. See Adam kayaking around with Rick Mercer here.

Some resources:

• 2 for 1 Admission coupon from Ontario Tourism
• Ontario Outdoor Adventure Show website, with links to presentation and demo schedules.
• Trail Swag list of outdoor show must-haves.

Can’t be there? You can keep up to date from tweets and Facebook updates from a few of the people and companies I know will be active (or at least have something to say):

• Twitter users should look out for #OAS2013.
  
• Ontario Outdoor Adventure Show – Facebook
• Swift Canoe & Kayak – Facebook – Twitter
• Badger Paddles – Facebook – Twitter
• Canadian Outdoor Equipment Co. – Facebook
• Treks in the Wild – Facebook  – Twitter
• Suburban Tourist – Facebook – Twitter
• Ontario Parks – Facebook – Twitter
• LearnToKayak.ca – Facebook
• Parks Canada – Facebook – Twitter
• The Complete Paddler – Facebook
• Canadian Canoe Museum – Facebook

Oh, and me too! Facebook – Twitter. Hope to see you there.