07/21/2025
🎣 A Legacy Cast in Conservation: The Story of the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show
Since its inaugural event in 1948, the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show has stood as a proud Canadian tradition—an annual gathering where outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, and curious newcomers converge to celebrate the wild beauty of the Great Outdoors. But its roots stretch even deeper, entwined with a century-long commitment to stewardship, education, and community.
🌲 From Anglers to Advocates
The story begins in 1925 with the founding of the Toronto Anglers, a group dedicated to fish restoration and conservation. As their mission expanded to include hunters and broader outdoor interests, they evolved into the Toronto Anglers & Hunters Association, and eventually the Toronto Sportsmen’s Association (TSA) in 1983. Their passion for the outdoors wasn’t just recreational—it was deeply educational and ecological.
🎯 The Birth of a National Showcase
In 1948, under the leadership of TSA President Dr. Francis H. Kortright, the Canadian National Sportsmen’s Show was born. What started as a local exhibition quickly grew into a national phenomenon. The show became a platform not only for showcasing the latest in fishing, hunting, boating, and camping gear, but also for raising awareness and funds for conservation efforts.
💰 More Than a Show—A Force for Good
Over the decades, the show has raised over $32 million for wildlife restoration, outdoor education, and environmental projects across Canada. From funding muskie research in the Kawarthas to supporting youth education programs, the impact of the show has rippled far beyond the convention floor.
🏹 A Living Tradition
Now held at the International Centre in Mississauga, the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show continues to draw thousands each year. It’s a place where seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and first-time campers alike can connect, learn, and be inspired. In 2023, the show celebrated its 75th anniversary, a testament to its enduring relevance and the passion of its community.
