If you can’t find it at the 2026 Home and Garden Show, it probably doesn’t exist. At least that’s how it feels with close to 430 exhibitors — another record-breaking year — jam packing the EY Centre March 19-22.
Renovators, flooring companies, heating and cooling services, kitchen and bath experts, roofers, landscaping and outdoor living pros — they and more are all part of the 45th edition of the show.
Last year, close to 32,000 people attended the event, and show manager Chris Cigos anticipates a high turnout again this year.
“We know (about) AI and how much online noise there is, and people don’t know who to trust. So, the power of the show is it’s bringing back attendees who want to get that face-to-face interaction. And it goes both ways: both (exhibitors and attendees) are seeing more and more the value of face-to-face interaction.”
The show is also a time saver for homeowners, says Cigos, because that in-person contact is much more efficient than “swimming through an endless pool” of online searches for services.
To maximize efficiency, he suggests attendees arrive with a plan, including which exhibitors they want to visit (a detailed searchable list of exhibitors, organized by category, is available on the show website), projects they want to discuss and a map — available at the entrance during the show and online about a week before the event opens — so they can navigate the hall easily.
Something new
Regular home show visitors will notice a change when they enter the EY Centre this year. With the record number of exhibitors, visitors will funnel through a new corridor taking them through overflow exhibitor areas outside the main hall before entering the main part of the show.
“It will make it a little lengthier of a show walk, but you’ll get the most out of seeing everyone and not miss out on the core exhibitors,” says Cigos. “It’s a win-win for both exhibitors and attendees, but attendees should plan for it in advance.”
Gardens galore
For the eighth year running, Landscape Ontario is presenting Living Landscapes, a bundle of backyard spaces that will take over most of one hall and compete for the People’s Choice Award (visitors can vote for their favourite).
“It’s the best opportunity in the springtime for homeowners to come to the home show and to look at new trends and what’s exciting and get inspired,” says Ed Hansen, past president of Landscape Ontario and founder of Hansen Ottawa Inc. landscaping services, back again this year as an exhibitor.
Hansen urges homeowners who want to explore landscaping services to come to the show with a budget in mind, ideas of how they’d like to use the space and why they want the work done, for example to sell their home or to use the backyard as their vacation spot.
“These are all questions that are so important, to be honest with yourself before you start wasting your time and spending time with contractors who probably can’t give you an answer if you don’t have some questions thought out ahead of time.”
Take a break from the bustle
The Perth Brewery Beer Garden, back again this year, is the spot to unwind and recharge. The garden features refreshments by Perth Brewery, food vendors and gourmet sampling as well as live music by Zachary Martin in the afternoons and evenings.
On stage
Visitors can soak up expert advice on outdoor living, home improvement and more from this year’s presenters as well as ask questions. This spring’s presentations include:
Bathroom trends: Discover what’s trending in bathroom fixtures, counters, tiles and more from Sandra-Lynn Thomson of Thomson’s Edge Kitchen & Bath.
The new-home landscape: Stephen Rolston of Land Ark Homes, developers and builders, explores the future of new homes in Canada.
HVAC: Government grants and choosing the right HVAC company for your home. John van der Heyden and Carter Frechette of Reliable Home Environment boil it all down for you.
Roofing: Didier Sévigny of Roof Revival & Metal Roofing Inc. explains how many homeowners replace their roofs too soon when they could rejuvenate them instead.
Kitchens and baths: Paula Norton of The Kitchen Design Girl walks audiences through what to expect during a kitchen or bathroom renovation.
The ReStore advantage: Why Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores are right for homeowners, the community and the environment, according to Habitat’s Patrick Barker.
New zoning regulations: Christopher Mulholland of multi-award-winning Amsted Design-Build brings audiences up to speed on what Ottawa’s new zoning makes possible for your home.
Outdoor living panel: Tips and inspiration for creating your outdoor oasis, moderated by Anita Murray from All Things Home.
2026 Home and Garden Show details
When: Thursday, Mar. 19 through Sunday, Mar. 22
Times: Thursday & Friday noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10.am. to 5 p.m.
Where: EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr. (there’s an LRT stop beside the building)
Admission: $14 for adults; $13 for seniors & youth (13-17); free for children 12 and under. See the home show ad on this page for half-price tickets. Thursday is seniors’ day ($5 for ages 60+); Friday is free admission for first responders/frontline workers and Canadian civil servants (work ID required); and online admission is $7 after 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Free admission to all who take OC Transpo to the show (proof of payment or Presto card required).
Parking: $10
More information: ottawahomeshow.com
