The first Canadian National Sportsmen's Show took place in Toronto in 1948. A group of sporting enthusiasts under the leadership of world-famous outdoorsman, author and dedicated conservationist, Frank Kortright, were responsible for an event that would eventually evolve into the Toronto Sportsmen's Show. He saw the approaching environmental crisis and resolved to do something about it, long before it became a worldwide issue. Kortright devoted the latter part of his life, his full attention and abundant energies toward the cause of protecting wild animals of the fields, the forests, the waters and the skies. In so doing, he created for all Canadians a legacy that will be appreciated by many generations to come.

Canadian National Sportsmen's Shows grew from Frank Kortright's vision. Today, it is a non-profit corporation and Canada's largest producer of outdoor events. In addition to the Toronto Sportsmen's Show, Canadian National Sportsmen's Shows produce the Toronto Ski, Snowboard & Travel Show and shows in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. The company also produces the Great Ontario Salmon Derby.

For more than 62 years, Canadian National Sportsmen's Shows have helped protect Canada's outdoors with grants exceeding $31 million. We distributed these funds in the form of grants to organizations and institutions including the Ringwood Fish Culture Station, Association de Conservation de la Vallee du Gouffre, Orillia Perch Festival, Camp Winston, Kid's Fishing Days, Credit Valley Conservation Foundation, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, the Ontario Snow Resorts Association, Friends of Toronto Parks & Trees, the Credit River Anglers' Association, Parkview Hatchery, Project C.A.N.O.E., and Alberta Hunter Education Instructors' Association.