Outdoor Canada debuted in 1972 as a Canadian source for stories about fishing, hunting, conservation, hiking, camping, boating, skiing, photography, parks, wildlife, and more.

The first issue included a piece on Ontario steel heading by outdoors writer John Power, a look at the Yukon's new Kluane National Park, and a story about Edmund Hillary canoeing through the wilds of Quebec, as well as moose recipes and book reviews alongside articles on cross-country skiing, winter survival, snowmobiling, motor homes, and boating.

Sheila served as editor, taking over in 1973 from earlier recruits Mike Irving and Graeme Matheson, while Ron maintained the role of publisher.

In 2015, British Columbia-based Outdoor Group Media [2] obtained a 50% stake in the magazine, then gained full control in 2018.

The magazine has also earned CSME's Jim Cormier Award for Display Writing three times and Best Front-of-the-Book honors once.