Building Healthy Communities Through Recreation, Arts & Humanities

Join us at Vancouver Island University for the 2026 Recreation Summit, a two-day gathering bringing together students, professionals, community leaders, researchers and practitioners to explore the role recreation plays in building healthier, more connected and inclusive communities.

Taking place November 12 & 13, 2026, the Summit will feature engaging presentations, interactive sessions and meaningful conversations spanning recreation, health and wellness, community development, accessibility, Indigenous perspectives, arts and humanities, and inclusive programming.

Across the two days, attendees will hear from a diverse group of speakers and community partners on topics including healthy communities, Indigenous Ways of Knowing, food and medicine, forest bathing, inclusive recreation, loneliness, accessibility, narrative medicine, community infrastructure, and pathways to recreation.

There will also be plenty of opportunity to connect with others through coffee, lunch and networking, making the Summit a space to share ideas, build relationships and learn from one another.

Dates: November 12–13, 2026
Location: Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo Campus
Hosted by: World Leisure Centre of Excellence at Vancouver Island University

Whether you work or study in recreation, health, education, community development, tourism, or simply have an interest in how recreation can strengthen communities, we invite you to join us for two days of learning, connection and conversation.