All-Canada Show comes to Pheasant Run in St. Charles

When the winter doldrums start setting in, many dream of travel. Although warm destinations are popular, a show that opens Thursday, Jan. 10, aims to draw those interested in heading north.

The All-Canada Show, running through Sunday, Jan. 13, at the Pheasant Run Mega Center, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, will feature Canada’s top fishing and hunting destinations.

The 30th annual event also includes free seminars, free maps and travel guides, a free magazine with features and tips on Canadian adventures, free Cabela’s hunting simulator and, on opening night, a free Dardevle 30th anniversary collector lure.

Adventurers interested in traveling to Canada will find a variety of destinations, including drive-in resorts, camps, and lodges, remote fly-in outposts, canoe outfitters, five-star fly-in lodges and hunting outfitters.

The show is also a resource for planning the perfect adventure.

“The key to a successful Canadian trip is proper planning,” says the show’s general manager, Jennifer Young, “That’s the whole premise of the All-Canada Show — we have everything show guests need to plan their trip. The opportunity for show guests to talk face-to-face with the owners/operators of these lodges greatly improves their chances of a successful adventure. We work with reputable well-established camp and lodge owner/operators.”

Why go to Canada now? Young says, “Canada is a great destination for these and many more reasons: the nature is amazing, seeing wildlife in their natural habitat is an awesome experience (including bears, moose, eagles, fox, deer, arctic turns, and so much more), it is safe to travel in Canada, it is easy to cross the border (bring your passport), and, lastly, it is close and accessible.”

Show staff and featured speaker Norm “the Great” McCreight use their combined 50 years fishing and hunting expertise on the show’s seminar stage to educate consumers. These informational presentations offer insight into selecting the perfect destination, choosing the right lodge plan, crossing the border, plus tips on saving money and wilderness safety.

“Our show offers so much variety of type of trips,” Young said. “There are five-star resorts and lodges where they provide everything, the food, guides and maid service.

“We have fly-in outpost camps where you are on your own for a week, and we have boat-in and drive-in camps and lodges that offer many options. It is your vacation, and the owners/operators want it to be just what you want.

“If you like Canada, there’s plenty to keep you occupied at the show,” Young added.

“Although the primary purpose of the show is to select the perfect destination for your adventure, we also offer a variety of information, attractions and entertainment to aid in the process and create a real Canadian atmosphere.”

For discount coupons, 50 percent off online tickets and complete details on the All-Canada Show, visit www.allcanadashow.com.

Other show features include:

‘Hanson Buck’ presented by Cabela’s: The World Record Whitetail exhibit “Hanson Buck” visits the All-Canada Show. This life-size exhibit brings you face-to-face with the magnificent buck shot by Milo Hanson of Biggar, Saskatchewan, in 1993. The “Hanson Buck” is sure to capture your attention.

‘Pick your trophy’ sponsored by Northwest Ontario: Choose from either a walleye or northern pike and stand in front of a Canadian lake backdrop, take your photo and post on Facebook or Twitter and receive a chance to win a prize.

Musk Ox Mount by Gates Taxidermy: This 800-pound musk ox was taken in September 2011 in Nunavut. Musk oxen have been around this earth for more than 150,000 years. They are the only prehistoric animals that haven’t adapted since the Ice Age. They lived with saber tooth tigers, woolly mammoths, Megaloceros, and Mastodons.

Norm ‘The Great’ McCreight: This icon of the All-Canada Show will talk hunting and fishing in his beloved Canada at his daily seminars and may even throw in a few hockey comments. Schedules will be posted on the All-Canada website.

Wildlife artist: Anthony J. Padgett, rated in the top 10 wildlife artists in the United States, will be present during all show hours in the gallery. Padgett painted “Locked at Lac Seul,” the original artwork of two trophy moose near Lac Seul, Ontario.

Eppinger night: On opening night, Thursday, Jan. 10, every paid admission will receive a free collector Eppinger Dardevle. On all show days, children ages 8 to 16 will receive a free mini-Dardevle with a paid admission.

Other attractions: An authentic Canadian shore lunch (for an extra fee) in concessions, free Cabela’s hunting simulator, live music from 6-9 p.m. Friday, social media corner, view the new Lund Boats up close, and see new products offered by Cabela’s in select markets.

If you go

What: 30th annual All-Canada Show

When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. top 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10-13

Where: Pheasant Run Mega Center, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles

Admission: $10 adults; $8 for seniors and children ages 13-16; free for kids 12 and younger

Details: For $2 off coupon and complete show details, log on to <a href="http://www.allcanadashow.com">allcanadashow.com</a> or call (800) 325-6290. Buy tickets online and save 50 percent.

Social media: Facebook: All Canada Show; Twitter: @allcanadashow; #AllCanIL; Blogger: All Canada Show