If you are in the business of indoor foliage—whether you own a boutique plant shop in Vancouver, run a greenhouse in Ontario, or design biophilic interiors in Montreal—you know that the “indoor jungle” trend isn’t just a trend anymore. It is a permanent fixture of Canadian living.
But staying competitive in 2026 requires more than just scrolling Instagram for the latest variegated Monsteras. It requires showing up.
The Canadian horticultural trade show circuit is where the real business happens. It is where you lock in contracts with major growers like Hofland or Northend, discover the newest propagation tech from JVK, and see the cultivars that will define the retail market for the coming year.
As we look toward 2026, I have curated the essential event calendar and vendor watch-list to help you plan your year.
The 2026 Event Calendar
The season starts fast. January and February are the “power months” for the Canadian industry. If you miss the Landscape Ontario Congress, you are playing catch-up for the rest of the spring.
| Dates | Event Name | Location | The Scoop |
| Jan 6–8 | Landscape Ontario Congress | Toronto, ON | The Heavy Hitter. Canada’s largest trade show. Essential for wholesale purchasing and seeing new product launches. |
| Jan 22–24 | Lower Mainland Hort. Conference | Abbotsford, BC | The West Coast Hub. Vital for growers and retailers operating in British Columbia. |
| Feb 14–15 | SOOS “Cupid’s Garden” | Toronto, ON | The Treasure Hunt. An enthusiast show, but a goldmine for retailers looking for rare, high-value specimens. |
| Mar 3–4* | GreenTrade Expo | Ottawa, ON | The Capital Connection. The premier networking event for Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. |
| May 2–3 | Orchidophilia | Ottawa, ON | The Collector’s Market. Excellent for spotting trends in the high-end collector market. |
| Oct 7–8 | Canadian Greenhouse Conference | Niagara Falls, ON | The Tech Giant. Strictly for growers. If you produce plants, this is your Mecca for automation and genetics. |
| Nov 18–19 | Alberta Green Industry Show | Red Deer, AB | The Prairie Powerhouse. The key connection point for the Western Canadian supply chain. |
*Dates subject to final confirmation by organizers.
Vendor Spotlight: Who to Know in 2026
Walking a trade show floor can be overwhelming. Based on historical data and current market strength, these are the booths and brands you need to prioritize.
1. The Wholesalers (For Retailers)
If you are stocking shelves, these are your partners.
- John Hofland Ltd. (Hofland): The titans of distribution. They are a “one-stop-shop” for finished tropicals and ceramics.
- Northend Gardens: Look for them at the Landscape Ontario Congress. They are specialists in high-quality foliage—think lush Ferns and Alocasias.
- Aldershot Greenhouses: While known for mums, their seasonal indoor flowering plants are staples for the Canadian market.
2. The Supply Chain (For Growers)
If you are growing, you need the inputs.
- JVK (Jack Van Klaveren Ltd): They supply the “plugs” and cuttings to get you started, plus the pots to put them in.
- Ball Seed: The genetic innovators. Visit them to see what new varieties are coming down the pipeline before they hit the consumer market.
- BioWorks / Plant Products: With Canada’s strict regulations on pesticides, these are the experts in biological controls (good bugs vs. bad bugs).
3. The Tech & Hardgoods
- A.M.A. Horticulture: They always bring smart solutions to the floor, from propagation trays to niche retail planters.
- Vanden Bussche Irrigation: Tropicals need humidity. These are the folks who engineer the misting systems that keep inventory alive.
Editor’s Tips for Success
1. Define Your “Buy” vs. “Browse” Strategy
At the Landscape Ontario Congress, you are there to buy. Bring your credit sheet and be ready to open wholesale accounts. At the Canadian Greenhouse Conference, you are there to learn. Focus on the seminars regarding energy efficiency and pest management.
2. Hunt for the “Showcase”
Most of these shows feature a “New Product Showcase” area near the entrance. Go there first. It is a curated display of the hottest items for 2026. Take photos of the tags; this is your cheat sheet for what customers will be asking for in six months.
3. Book Niagara Early
The Canadian Greenhouse Conference (Oct 7-8) takes place in Niagara Falls. It is a massive tourist destination. Hotel prices spike. Book your rooms by June 2026 to avoid paying double.
The Bottom Line
The indoor plant market in Canada is maturing. It is no longer just about volume; it is about variety, sustainability, and plant health. The businesses that thrive in 2026 will be the ones that forged the right relationships at these events.
Get your calendar marked, pack your most comfortable walking shoes, and I’ll see you on the show floor.
