You are invited to attend the 2026 Outdoor Learning Conference at the world-renowned Banff Centre from May 7-9th, 2026. The overarching theme for the 2026 Outdoor Learning Conference is “Place and Pedagogy: Where Learning Happens”. This year’s Conference will continue to focus on Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Health & Wellbeing, and Environmental & Climate Change Education.
We will hear from experts in these fields through keynote presentations, panel discussions and hands-on, educational workshops. Take Me Outside, The Canadian Network for Environmental Education, Global Environmental and Outdoor Education Council, and the Outdoor Learning School & Store are proud to host this conference and hope that you are able to come and build community through inclusion, inspiration and ideas.
Click here to download the poster: PNG | PDF
Meals included with conference ticket:
The Outdoor Learning Conference Program Committee invites educators, practitioners, professionals, students and allied organizations immersed in this work to submit workshop proposals relevant to evidence-based best practices, innovative programs, facilitation techniques, management issues, theories/models, research, and other strategies and resources that advance and develop our sector of outdoor learning within the education system.
The three main areas of focus for this Conference will be Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Health and Wellbeing, and Environmental and Climate Change Education.
The Program will be developed by a volunteer committee that will include representatives from the Conference Steering Committee, Take Me Outside’s Teacher Advisory Committee and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, as well as a number of other key stakeholders. The outdoor learning sector is quite diverse in terms of the work we do and our hope is to have strong program content for everyone.
Who will attend this Conference?
A mix of both rural and urban educators, practitioners, volunteers, students and elected officials, including examples such as:
Partnering with us gives our delegates the opportunity to make real change in the lives of students, learners and educators in areas such as:
Being a sponsor and/or exhibitor allows organizations to demonstrate their commitment to students and teachers learning outside on a national stage with a nationally recognized conference. It also offers organizations and businesses a chance to interact with more than 350 delegates in the education, health, active living, and environmental and climate change education settings.
If you’re interested in joining as a sponsoring organization for the 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference, please check out our Sponsorship and Exhibitor Package, and feel free to contact us at any time at conference@takemeoutside.ca. We look forward to hearing from you!
The Conference Team will be in contact within 10 business days to follow up on all inquiries. Thank you!
The #OLC2025 provided and excellent opportunity to learn new skills that appeal to all educators across grade levels - all of whom should be getting outside. The variety of learning opportunities was vast and I took away many applicable lesson ideas that I've already used in my classes, and I can't wait to build my outdoor learning program into students' favourite experiences at school!
The Outdoor Learning Conference was the most enriching experience I've had in my teaching career. Sharing the essentials of learning in nature allows us to provide authentic and essential learning experiences for children. A huge thank you!
Incredible conference. The welcoming prayers by Blackfoot Elder Sylvia Fox, the keynote speakers, the workshop sessions, the people, the land, and the site itself. All came together for three days of learning, reflecting, and connecting. A do-not-miss conference for outdoor educators of any type!
I have been to many conference and the Outdoor Learning Conference absolutely stands out. The conference is extremely well run, the workshops and keynote talks are engaging and edifying and the location, well, it couldn't be more beautifully appropriate for bringing outdoor educators together. I feel very lucky to have attended and thanks to the OLC, I am a better educator.
If you have any questions, please contact conference@takemeoutside.ca
If you are interested in learning more about the 2027 Outdoor Learning Conference, join our newsletter! We will be announcing details in early Fall of 2026.
Important Considerations:
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at conference@takemeoutside.ca.
Registration includes:
Rates:
Payment via Invoice
Refund Policy:
We recognize that many educators will be relying on financial support or funding to enable them to participate. With that in mind, we will offer full refunds until March 2, 2026, rest assured your spot will go to someone on the wait list.
On-site accommodations at the Banff Centre are available for all conference delegates, speakers, and exhibitors at discounted rates (plus applicable fees and taxes):
2026 Pricing
There are a limited number of rooms available at the Banff Centre, so please book early to ensure a spot. Once rooms at the Banff Centre are fully booked, we will provide attendees with alternative options for accommodation in downtown Banff; the Banff Centre is approximately a 15 minute walk from downtown Banff.
Booking information coming soon!
Phone: 403.762.6308
Toll-Free: 1.800.884.7574
There is limited space for people to stay the Saturday night in the Banff Centre too - please ask when you book. If you are checking out Saturday there will be a designated, secure space for luggage and storage to be kept until your departure.
The easiest way to get to Banff—no rental car needed!
We’re excited to partner with Banff Airporter, our preferred travel partner, to make your journey from Calgary International Airport to Banff as smooth as possible.
Special Deal Just for You:
Enjoy 15% off Banff Airporter's comfy, reliable shuttle service which runs 11 times daily, so you can land and relax on your own schedule.
Promo Code: TakeMeOutside2026
Valid for travel dates: May 4-11, 2026
To book your shuttle:
Shuttles can fill up fast, so book at least a month in advance to guarantee availability.
Please note that these buses are not wheelchair accessible. There are 4-5 steps to go up to get on the buses. They will happily transport a wheelchair or other walking aid in cargo if you are able to negotiate the steps. They recommend traveling with a support person if you need help with steps or will need to be carried onto the bus as drivers may not be able to do so. Please reach out to conference@takemeoutside.ca if you need support with travel arrangements and we will do all we can to assist you.
If you’re interested in joining as a sponsoring organization for the 2026 Outdoor Learning Conference, please check out our Sponsorship and Exhibitor Package, and feel free to contact us at any time at conference@takemeoutside.ca. We look forward to hearing from you!
Answer:
2026 Prices: Early Bird: $570. Full Price: $625. Student Rate: $425. Some applicable taxes may apply. Limited subsidies available – contact conference@takemeoutside.ca to inquire.
Answer: Registration for the 2026 Conference will open Wednesday, Nov 5 at 4pm PST/ 7pm EST.
No account is needed for registration, and you simply need to visit our registration page to fill out the simple form and pay upon completion.
For updates and 2026 conference information, sign up to our newsletter.
Answer: The conference is at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff National Park, Alberta.
The closest airport to the Banff Conference Centre is Calgary – approximately 1hr 40 minute drive between the two.
Conference delegates receive a 15% discount on the Banff Airporter’s daily shuttle service between the Calgary Airport and the Banff Centre (Discount off of regular price $82.90 (one way) or $165.80 (return) for adults).
Please visit our Accommodation & Travel web page for more information.
Answer:
The best value and accessibility is to stay on site at the Banff Centre. You can reserve your room here with a discounted rate offered to conference delegates. Rooms available:
Please visit our Accommodation & Travel web page for more information.
Answer: Yes! The Outdoor Council of Canada, one of Take Me Outside’s partners, has provided an excellent letter that outlines the benefits this conference will offer and rationalization for why you should attend. You can download the letter here.
Answer:
Meals included with conference ticket:
Answer: No, Banff has a great public transport bus system and you can walk between the Banff Centre and downtown Banff in 15-25 minutes.
Answer: Workshops will be listed in early 2026, and you will be invited by email to register for the workshop choices you prefer at that point, as long as you are registered for the conference.
Answer: Field Trips will be listed in early 2026, and you will be invited by email to register for the field trip choices you prefer at that point, as long as you are registered for the conference. If this field trip has a fee attached, you will be asked to pay upon choosing the trip.
Answer: You can check out our Program tab for a high-level overview of what to expect each day of the 2026 Outdoor Learning Conference. A detailed schedule will be available early 2026; please check back for a complete list of speakers, workshops, and events.
Answer: We aren’t officially facilitating any child care services during the 2026 conference; however, we fully endorse the Banff-based operator Child Care Connection, who you may coordinate with directly if needed.
Answer: If you have any questions or information that seems to be missing, please email us at conference@takemeoutside.ca – we’ll be able to help you!
2026 Workshop Proposals have closed
Every year, the Conference team receives many engaging workshop proposals from a variety of experts and practitioners, and we appreciate your work and effort in applying. We thoroughly review all applications and extend our gratitude to those offering to share their valuable knowledge at the Outdoor Learning Conference; we hope you can join us in May 2026 either way.
Please note:
