Vancouver Island University, a WLO Centre of Excellence (WLCE), will host the 2026 Canadian Congress on Leisure Research from May 19–22, 2026, in Nanaimo, British Columbia, on the ancestral unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.
Under the theme “Leisure is Transformation,” the Congress will explore how leisure can address social, economic, and ecological challenges, and how it can support community transformation. The event will bring together researchers, practitioners, and “pracademics” to share innovative work, engage in dialogue, and build scholarly networks across disciplines.
The Congress program will include presentations, panels, workshops, and interactive sessions across the seven dimensions of leisure: Recreation, Travel & Tourism, Parks & Trails, Arts & Culture, Sports, Festivals & Events, and Play.
This gathering demonstrates the ongoing contribution of WLO Centres of Excellence to advancing leisure research globally and promoting sustainable and inclusive approaches to community well-being.
