Canadian Brands Stand Tall at the Outdoor Adventure Show
With U.S. tariffs threatening the Canadian economy, vendors at the Outdoor Adventure Show made it clear - local craftsmanship is alive and well, with proudly Canadian-made gear taking the spotlight.
On Sunday, February 23, 2025, I had the opportunity to check out the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. The moment I stepped inside, I was hit by the sound of conversations and the clatter of gear demonstrations. The show featured outdoor products and experiences, offering the latest in hiking and camping gear, travel experiences, as well as presentations covering everything from backcountry camping tips to paddling basics. Since it was the final day of the event, the venue was packed with last-minute attendees eager to explore the booths and presentations.
Canadian Pride on Display
One thing that stood out as soon as I walked onto the main show floor was the abundance of “Made in Ontario” tags on the products at the Canadian Outdoor Equipment Co. booth. With handcrafted axes to local small businesses, Canadian craftsmanship was front and center.
With U.S. tariffs now in effect and Canadian consumers increasingly seeking out domestically made products, it was great to see national pride on full display throughout the show. I spoke with a vendor who mentioned that demand for Canadian-made gear has been rising as outdoor enthusiasts look for reliable products that also support buying Canadian.
Backcountry Camping Tips
In the afternoon, I attended a presentation by Ben Samann from Land’escapes on “How to prepare for the best backcountry camping trip, and how to be ready for the worst.”
Later, while speaking with their team, I learned that their property in Bancroft, Ontario, falls within the range of the region’s reintroduced elk population. This was noteworthy to me, as I’ve been researching Ontario’s elk reintroduction efforts for an upcoming article.
Made in Canada Equipment
While at the show, my friend, Chris, was looking for a new stick stove for his backcountry camping kit. After browsing several booths, we came across KIHD Products, a company that has been crafting stoves in Oakville, Ontario, long before the recent tariff concerns. Being locally made was a key factor for Chris, who wanted to support a Canadian business, so he picked up their lightweight titanium stick stove. The stove stood out for its durability, portability, and ability to efficiently burn small twigs, making it a great alternative to carrying bulky fuel canisters. We also specifically liked how easy it was to take apart, not relying on any hinges, but instead, slots, making it easier to use in the winter and removing any chance of a hinge freezing or breaking. It’s also very easy to store, as it collapses down fully for convenience.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Outdoor Adventure Show was a fantastic way to spend a Sunday. The atmosphere was lively and filled with passionate outdoor folks. We walked away with new insights into backcountry camping and plenty of information from Ontario tourism boards to help plan our adventures for the year ahead. Between the latest gear, expert advice, and a renewed appreciation for Canadian-made products, the event was a great way to kick-off the 2025 outdoor season.
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It is nice to support Canadian as well as local manufacturers and businesses.