Outdoor Learning Conference

The 2026 Outdoor Learning Conference will take place in Banff, AB from May 7-9, 2026!

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:

Dinner Thursday
Breakfast and Lunch Friday (Do your own dinner in Banff, Friday night)
Breakfast Saturday

Where

Banff Centre – Banff National Park, AB
Treaty 7 Territory

When

Thursday, May 7 –
Saturday May 9, 2026

Investment

$570 Early Bird*/ $625 Regular Rate / $425 Student Rate

*Early Bird Only Available for the Month of November
Limited subsidies available

Take Me Outside - Conference Illustration

Call for 2026 Workshops Closes November 18th

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:

K-12 Educators
ECE Educators
Post-secondary Educators
System leaders
School administrators
Organizational practitioners/coordinators
Contract staff, consultants and strategic planners
Academics and researchers
Emerging leaders, students and new professionals
Community organizations and staff

Submit Workshop Proposals

Call for Exhibitors and Sponsors

Partnering with us gives our delegates the opportunity to make real change in the lives of students, learners and educators in areas such as:

Equity, diversity and inclusion
Indigenous knowledge and perspectives
Physical and mental well-being
Outdoor learning
Environmental and climate change education
And more!

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!

Sponsor and/or Exhibitor Inquiries

Hosts

2025 Conference Testimonials

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.

Conference Overview

If you have any questions, please contact conference@takemeoutside.ca

Registration for 2026 Outdoor Learning Conference will be opening Wednesday, Nov 5 at 4pm PST/ 7pm EST.

Please note, that the 2025 Outdoor Learning Conference sold out within 2 hours, and the waitlist grew to more than 500 participants. We encourage anyone interested in attending to register when registration opens.

We hope to see you at a future event! If you have any questions, please reach out to us at conference@takemeoutside.ca.

Rates:

Early Bird: $570
- Available until November 30th only
Full Price: $625
- Rate after November 30th
- Please pay this rate if you can. This allows us to fulfill additional subsidy requests to help those with barriers to access join us
Student Rate: $425
- For current students (proof of ID may be required)
50% Subsidy: $312.50
- Only available to those who have connected with the conference admin prior and been approved. Please do not select this option if you have not confirmed with our team
Sponsor, Exhibitor or Other Subsidy: Price Varies
- Only available to those who have connected with the conference admin prior and been approved
- If you are interested in being a sponsor or exhibitor, you can see our information packet here or email Colin for more information
Payment via Invoice (arrange prior) Early Bird
- For organizations or individuals that wish to pay via invoice for Early Bird or Regular rates through their organization, you will have the option to do so during the registration process.
- You must still complete a registration form for each individual. We will follow up regarding an invoice in the following days.
- This registration option will give you a zero-dollar value to pay when registering (excluding add-ons) and an invoice will be send via the registration email

We are committed to supporting underserved or underrepresented communities to attend our learning event. If you face financial barriers to attend and identify as Black, Indigenous, another Person Of Colour, lived experience with a disability, LGBTQ2S+ or another marginalised group.

Please reach out to conference@takemeoutside.ca for the potential of a subsidised registration (limited places).

Registration includes:

Access to all conference events, including all keynote speakers, panels, and workshops
Live music and shared social and connection spaces for Thursday and Friday evening
Dinner Thursday, breakfast and lunch Friday, and breakfast Saturday. Please note that Friday night dinner is not included, and we encourage you to do your own dinner in Banff.

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 (i.e if you apply for funding to support your registration but do not receive it) – rest assured your spot will go to someone on the wait list

Important Other Considerations:

Please note there is a restriction to 5 registrations per organization/group to ensure fairness for those hoping to attend from different places and spaces.
If you are interested in attending the overall conference, but you’re also submitting a workshop proposal, please register all presenters as soon as registration opens. Workshop proposals will not be approved until late January 2026. If your proposal is not accepted, and you will no longer attend the conference, we will refund your registration in full.
Waiting for funding? Please register as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss a spot in case we sell out! In the event that your funding is not approved and you are no longer able to attend, we will refund your registration in full.
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 a rationalization for why you should attend. You can view and download the letter here.

2026 Conference Program

Complete conference program will be released in 2026.

To download a copy, click here

2026 Keynote Speakers - Coming Soon!

2025 Keynote Speakers

Conference Welcoming Message and Morning Gratitude

Sylvia Ann Fox

Sylvia Ann Fox, Ii’sts’pan’sts’aa’kee (Singing Alone from Above) has been the Traditional Wellness Coordinator at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge for the past 8 years. She is the mother of three beautiful children and four grandchildren.

Sylvia Ann studied Arts and Sciences at the University of Lethbridge and completed the Kainai Studies program with many beloved elders at Red Crow College. She has attended various other post secondary institutions and became an addictions counselor. She worked for Blood Tribe Health and at the Kainai Healing Lodge.

Sylvia Ann is dedicated to her community work, supporting countless groups in developing cultural competencies and participating in sacred ceremonies. She was bestowed and carries the Mii’staa’kii (Mountain) pipe bundle through a transfer ceremony, honoring her 20 years of working for her people. She was the first Indigenous woman to receive the City of Lethbridge Leadership award in 2023 from Reconciliation Lethbridge. She also received the Teams Award for Innovation in 2023 for her work on the Indigenous Cancer Rounds for the Department of Oncology at the University of Calgary. Sylvia Ann was a recipient of the Health Quality Council of Alberta Patient Experience Award in 2024 for her role in the Medicine Within program for outstanding achievements. Sylvia Ann completed the First Thunder Land-based Yoga Teacher Training Certificate and co facilitates Blackfoot Informed yoga throughout the community. Sylvia Ann Fox encourages the people she mentors to walk together as they recognize and honor the Blackfoot ancestors, the parents and grandparents.

Climate and Environment

Dr. Ellen Field

Ellen is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at Lakehead University. Her research interests are in policy and practice of climate change education in the Canadian formal education system. She teaches Environmental Education (B.Ed) and Climate Change Education (M.Ed) in the Faculty of Education, and has engaged hundreds of in-service teachers in professional development workshops. Ellen is an Associate Editor of the Canadian Journal of Environmental Education and co-chair of the Canadian Regional Hub of Monitoring and Evaluation of Climate Change Education (MECCE). She is also a co-author of the Greening Education Guidelines, a policy framework for countries to follow when integrating climate change education into curriculum.

Health and Wellbeing

Dr. Sabine Thomas

Dr. Sabine Thomas is a Naturopathic Physician and co-owner of JSOL STUDIOS, a family-wellness centered and nature-embodied organization supporting the parent-child relationship. She also leads The Nature Prescriber PLLC, a private naturopathic medical practice, where she combines the healing power of nature and group medical visits.

Most recently, Dr. Sabine partnered with King County, Washington, to lead Anchoring Our ROOTS, a transformative county-wide program rooted in restorative and nature-embodied practices, designed to support the health and wellness BIPOC childcare providers and parents of young children (birth to 5). Her work is deeply informed by the principles of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. In her spare time she is apprenticing as an AfroFlow Yoga(c) Instructor. Her happiest moments are spent reminiscing about the mango/guava trees of her childhood in the Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaire); reveries of her Ayitian family’s fruit homestead in southern Haiti or nestled on the sofa between her mother and her 10 – year old son, practicing Kiswahili, Haitian Creole, or French.

Plenary Panel: Land-based Learning

Lindy Henderson

Dr. Lindy Phelps-Henderson is the principal of a K-12 land-based school in Washagamis Bay, Ontario. For over twenty years Lindy worked with youth in the public school system as a classroom teacher, forest school teacher, and Indigenous language lead where she has come to integrate Indigenous teachings and ways of knowing and being in her practice. Her doctoral research Mino-Bimaadiziwin: Re-Indigenizing through Land-Based Learning, focuses on centring Anishinabek teachings and practices through planning and leadership, aligning local Indigenous practices with provincial curriculum expectations. Lindy Phelps-Henderson is a proud citizen of the Manitoba Metis Federation and the Red River Homeland, and she currently lives and works in Treaty 3 Territory.

Plenary Panel: Land-based Learning

Nicki Ferland

Nicki Ferland (she/they) is a two-spirit Métis mother, wife, aunty and helper. Her parents are both descended from scrip-bearing Métis families with ancestral roots in St. Vital and St-Boniface (Winnipeg), and Lorette, Manitoba. Nicki has a Master of Education in Indigenous Land-Based Education from the University of Saskatchewan, and is working on a PhD in Education. Her work and research are focused on (urban) land-based pedagogies and queering education. She is a sessional lecturer at the Universities of Winnipeg, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Nicki is vice-chair of the Two-Spirit Michif Local (Manitoba Métis Federation) and sits on Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak’s Two-Spirit National Committee on gender and culture-based violence. She is the Director of Land Based Education and Indigenous Curriculum at the University of Manitoba.

Plenary Panel: Land-based Learning

Sarah Brown

Dr. Sarah Brown is a settler of European descent who is grateful to live and work in Treaty 7 territory. She strives to embody kinship, respect, and reciprocity with the people and beings with whom she shares this land. Sarah is an Associate Professor at Mount Royal University and an instructor in the Adventure Leadership Program at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business. Her research and scholarship explores the role of post-secondary field schools in cultivating environmental and cultural reconciliation. As an outdoor guide and scholar-practitioner Sarah is committed to cultivating wisdom and leadership through experiential, environmental, and community-centered education. Sarah is happiest when she is learning from the land alongside her students.

TEDstyle Talks

Megan Zeni

Megan has over 25 years’ experience as a professional K-7 classroom teacher and is a mum of 3 active teenagers. Megan is widely known for her expertise in school gardens and risky play at school, and is currently employed as a Teacher Consultant with the BC MOECC provincial outreach program for the early years (POPEY). Megan is particularly interested in how teachers enact pedagogies of place and play in outdoor learning environments. Her PhD research resulted in a FREE teacher capacity building tool for outdoor play and learning available at teacher.outsideplay.org. To learn more about her work, visit: https://meganzeni.com

TEDstyle Talks

Dr. Gillian Judson

Dr. Gillian Judson is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University. She gratefully works on unceded traditional Indigenous territories, including those of the Semiahmoo, Katzie, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Kwantlen, Qayqayt and Tsawwassen Nations. She researches the role of imagination in educational leadership, with a specific focus on leadership for social and ecological justice. She also investigates imaginative and ecological teaching practices (PreK through post-secondary) with expertise in a pedagogy called Imaginative Education. Her latest books are entitled Cultivating Imagination in Leadership: Transforming Schools and Communities (Judson & Dougherty, Eds., Teachers College Press, 2023), Imagination and the Engaged Learner: Cognitive Tools for the Classroom. (Egan & Judson, 2016), Engaging Imagination in Ecological Education: Practical Strategies for Teaching (Judson, 2015), and A Walking Curriculum (Judson, 2018/2019)

TEDstyle Talks

Emily McDermott

Em, part-time human, sometimes climber and full-time nature enthusiast. She’s scaled the ranks to third in the world for paraclimbing, proving that even with a limb difference, you can still kick rocks (figuratively, and sometimes literally.) With a passion for the healing power of the outdoors, Em is on a mission to get everyone outside, no excuses. Unless you truly have no interest or have tried it before and decided it’s not for you…she would still strongly recommend giving it another go.

TEDstyle Talks

Court Rustemeyer

Court has been a full time Outdoor Education teacher in Calgary, Alberta for the past 17 years. Court is the President for the Global, Environmental and Outdoor Education Council, a specialist council within the Alberta Teachers Association. Court sits on the Board of Directors for the Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) – serving as the Director of the Prairies. Court is also a Field Leader Instructor & Practitioner for the OCC. He is member of the Take Me Outside – Teacher Advisory Committee. Court was awarded the 2021 EECOM Award for Outstanding Educator in Environmental Education.

Court’s passion in student-led and experiential learning allows him to be out in the environment with his students in an outdoor classroom almost daily. When not teaching, you will find Court out in the mountains participating in any number of activities, unplugging and recharging in nature.

TEDstyle Talks

Léa Flowers Nelson

Léa Flowers Nelson is a grade 12 student currently living in Calgary, Treaty 7 Territory. Since grade 10, they have been a part of the leadership committee for the Canadian Rockies Youth Network, a youth-led environmental action and education group that works to foster a community of youth who care about the land and water, provide land-based learning opportunities that promote Indigenous knowledges, and collaborate to take action to address the climate crisis. Léa is also a 2024 Girls* on Ice Canada Illecillewaet expedition alum. Léa enjoys theatre and is currently a part of her school’s musical, as well as writing, reading, exploring nature, art and pop culture.

TEDstyle Talks

Maggie Cumming

Maggie is a grade 11 student in Calgary, Alberta, and is a member of the Canadian Rockies Youth Network committee, a youth-led environmental action and education group. Maggie enjoys playing sports, going on hikes, and camping in Kananaskis and the surrounding area. She believes that equipping youth with the resources, knowledge, and support to help initiate change is one of the key ways to help protect our environment. With the Canadian Rockies Youth Network, she’s been a part of planning, leading, and creating resources for a youth-led summit around the effects of forestry on Alberta’s parks and ecosystems, as well as being part of youth consultation for land-use planning in Banff National Park.

TEDstyle Talks

Geovanna Nicole Schmeiske Nunes

Nicole grew up in Brazil and moved to Canada in 2023; she is now a grade 12 student in Calgary. From the jungles of her home to the mountains and plains of her new home, Nicole has always loved to be outdoors and to find the beauty in her surroundings. Even so, she sees the damage that we humans have done and strives for change. Nicole is a member of the leadership committee for the Canadian Rockies Youth Network, a youth-led environmental action and education group that brings youth together to learn, connect, and take action.

Accommodation & Travel

Accommodations for the Conference

Accommodations at the Banff Centre - 2026 Details Coming Soon

On-site accommodations at the Banff Centre are available for all conference delegates, speakers, and exhibitors at discounted rates (plus applicable fees and taxes):

2025 Pricing (2026 Coming Soon)

Lloyd Hall (1 bed) – $230
Professional Development Centre (1 bed) – $230
Professional Development Centre (2 bed) – $250

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.

Reserve Your Room

Getting There

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 13-21, 2026

To book your shuttle:

Head to Banff Airporter and click Book Now.
Fill in your travel details.
When you reach the final payment page, enter the promocode TakeMeOutside2026 into the "Promo Code?" box and your discount will be applied.

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!

2026 Conference Hosts

2025 Sponsors and Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay tuned for more information and updates regarding the 2026 Outdoor Learning Conference!

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:

Lloyd Hall (1 bed)
Professional Development Centre (1 bed)
Professional Development Centre (2 bed)

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:

Dinner Thursday
Breakfast and Lunch Friday (Do your own dinner in Banff, Friday night)
Breakfast Saturday

The Banff Centre has three main options to eat, which can be explored here. Additionally, Banff’s official visitor directory has a great interactive guide to dining in town with lots more info.

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 Outdoor Learning Conference

Once again, we will gather together at the world-renowned Banff Centre for 3 days of professional development, idea-sharing and growth around Outdoor Learning!

The 2026 Outdoor Learning Conference will take place in Banff, AB from May 7-9, 2026!

Banff Centre – Banff National Park, ABTreaty 7 Territory

Thursday, May 7 –Saturday May 9, 2026

$570 Early Bird*/ $625 Regular Rate / $425 Student Rate

Call for 2026 Workshops Closes November 18th

Call for Exhibitors and Sponsors

Hosts

2025 Conference Testimonials

Conference Overview

2026 Workshop Proposals

2026 Outdoor Learning Conference Call for Proposals

Presenter 1

Presenter 2

Workshop Information

Registration for 2026 Outdoor Learning Conference will be opening Wednesday, Nov 5 at 4pm PST/ 7pm EST.

Rates:

2026 Conference Program

2026 Keynote Speakers - Coming Soon!

2025 Keynote Speakers

Sylvia Ann Fox

Dr. Ellen Field

Dr. Sabine Thomas

Lindy Henderson

Nicki Ferland

Sarah Brown

Megan Zeni

Dr. Gillian Judson

Emily McDermott

Court Rustemeyer

Léa Flowers Nelson

Maggie Cumming

Geovanna Nicole Schmeiske Nunes

Accommodation & Travel

Accommodations for the Conference

Accommodations at the Banff Centre - 2026 Details Coming Soon

Getting There

2026 Conference Hosts

2025 Sponsors and Partners

Sponsors

Grizzly Bear Sponsor

Wolf Sponsor

Elk Sponsor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost for 2026 registration?

When will registration open?

Where is the conference and how do I get there?

Where can I stay?

Is there a letter of support for this conference I can provide my admin?

What meals are included with the conference?

Do I need a car to get around Banff?

When will I be able to see and register for workshops?

When will I be able to see and register for field trips?

Is there a program/schedule available?

Do you offer child care to conference delegates?

I have a question I can’t find the answer to on the website!

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Take Me Outside

Programs

Learning & Events

Resources

Banff Centre – Banff National Park, AB
Treaty 7 Territory

Thursday, May 7 –
Saturday May 9, 2026