Bouchercon 2026 in Calgary: Early-Bird Registration Has Opened

I’m excited! I’ve just signed up to volunteer.

Bouchercon is a “world mystery convention” that usually takes place in the U.S., although I did attend a Toronto Bouchercon once. Peter Robinson interviewed Ian Rankin, and they knocked back whisky while chatting in front of a delighted, standing-room-only crowd.

The fall 2026 Calgary event has a terrific line-up. Kathy Reichs as the Cross-Border Guest of Honor and Louise Penny as the Lifetime Achievement Guest of Honor will be my highlights, but there’s lots on offer. (And another Bouchercon, in New Orleans, this coming fall.)

Here’s hoping that Canada-U.S. relations thaw before next October.

Also in Canada, the MOTIVE Crime & Mystery Festival in Toronto has been growing, and this June it will be at Victoria University on the U of T campus. It was announced last month that the International Festival of Authors will be leaving Harbourfront, where it’s been located for decades. Many events will now be hosted at Vic U.–which has the fantastic Isabelle Bader theatre–and at adjacent spaces, including the conservatory and Toronto Reference Library. Change is in the air.