Engaging Place, Shaping Futures—Conference Schedule
Full details will be posted as they become available.
Monday 14
Pre-conference Workshop
Arrive early to take part in the pre-conference workshop(s)! Details coming, but book the Sunday night now! Fees apply.
Opening Reception
Gather with fellow interpreters to kick off the conference and enjoy a performance and official opening by David Maracle, Native Expressions.
Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17
We are working hard to provide you with a variety of concurrent sessions in the mornings and then whisk you away on study tours to explore historic and natural sites in the afternoons.
Each day will start with a keynote, inspirational speaker to kick off the theme of the day. Then, choose your own adventure—for three days … you will have morning sessions ranging in topics that will appeal to seasoned and new interpreters from natural and heritage places!
Keynote Speakers
Tuesday 15—From Interpreter to CEO: A Journey in Purpose, Connection, and Conservation.
Dolf DeJong, CEO of the Toronto Zoo, reflects on his career journey from provincial park interpreter to leading one of Canada's foremost conservation organizations. Through stories, lessons learned, and moments of unexpected opportunity, Dolf will explore how the skills at the heart of interpretation—connecting people to nature, inspiring curiosity, and creating meaningful experiences—have shaped his leadership path and continue to guide his work today. This session will offer insights for interpreters at every career stage on the lasting impact of their profession and the many directions it can lead.
Wednesday 16—“The Happy Camper” making the outdoors fun. One misadventure at a time.
Kevin Callan is the author of 18 books, including the best-selling The Happy Camper and his incredibly popular series of paddling guides. He’s a notable public speaker and frequent guest on radio and television. Kevin is also a regular contributor, blogger and columnist for explore Magazine and Paddling Magazine, and has won several National Magazine Awards. He was made Patron Paddler for Paddle Canada and has recently won several filmmaking awards. Kevin was listed one of the top 100 modern day explorers by the Canadian Geographical Society.
Thursday 17—The Grand Finale: Don't Miss the Moment
Join IC Chair Jacquie Gilson and the 2026 Interpretation Canada Board for an unforgettable closing celebration of IC's 50th Anniversary Conference. We'll celebrate 50 years of inspiring interpretation, connect with colleagues from across the country, and help shape what's next.
This isn't a closing ceremony. It's a launch party for the next 50 years.
Come ready to celebrate, be inspired, and add your voice to the future of interpretation in Canada.
Study Tours
When you join us for Engaging Place, Shaping Futures in historic Kingston, you will be immersed in the natural and cultural features found around the Limestone City! As the first capital in Canada, you will experience the rugged limestone architecture and the nearby Frontenac Arch UNESCO Biosphere Region, where the boreal forest region meets the St. Lawrence Lowlands. The conference will provide a range of natural- and cultural-focused study tours.
Planned visits to some of the most Iconic Historic sites and locations for Eastern Ontario include these sites we can't wait to visit:
Fort Henry National Historic Site, St. Lawrence Parks Commission
Bellevue House National Historic Site
Great Lakes Museum and the S.S Keewatin Home
Check out Tourism Kingston for more information about the features of the city.