Toronto sports fans won't need to book a flight to Italy to catch the Olympic spirit next month. The heart of the city will transform into a hub of winter sports celebration as Nathan Phillips Square hosts the Team Canada FanFest on the opening weekend of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
Free Family Fun Across Four Cities
The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is bringing its popular FanFest tour back, with Toronto as the first of four stops. Following the event's success during the 2024 Paris Summer Games, this free, family-friendly extravaganza aims to unite Canadians in support of their national athletes competing overseas. After its run in Toronto on February 7 and 8, 2026, the FanFest will travel to Calgary, Vancouver, and Montreal.
The COC promises an immersive experience where attendees can watch live broadcasts of the competitions from Italy, try out various winter sports, and potentially meet Team Canada athletes in person. "Stepping onto the Olympic stage to represent Canada is a powerful moment," said Jennifer Heil, the two-time moguls medallist serving as Team Canada's chef de mission. She emphasized that feeling the support from fans back home strengthens the athletes' sense of community and connection.
On-Ice Activities and Sport Demos in Toronto
The Toronto installment of FanFest will have a strong focus on on-ice action. Programming is set to include figure skating, hockey, and speedskating demonstrations. Curling Canada will also have an on-site activation, allowing visitors to try the sport. In a bid to make the activities accessible, the COC will provide free skate and equipment rentals throughout the day.
David Murdoch, Curling Canada's high-performance director, highlighted the event's potential to inspire youth. "These activations provide a unique opportunity for young people to try new sports and experience the joy of participating," Murdoch stated. "We hope to ignite a passion that motivates them to sign up for sport and stay involved."
Celebrating the First Weekend of Olympic Competition
The FanFest coincides with a packed schedule of medal events in Italy. During that first weekend, audiences in Toronto can watch live coverage of alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, figure skating, luge, ski jumping, snowboarding, and speedskating. Notably, the Canadian women's hockey team will face Switzerland on February 7 in their second tournament game. The Olympic opening ceremonies are scheduled for February 6, just one day before the Toronto event kicks off.
While the specific athletes attending the Toronto FanFest have not yet been announced, the COC assures that the event will offer fans a chance to share unforgettable Olympic moments and cheer on the national team together. The initiative underscores a commitment to building national pride and engagement with the Olympic Games, making the thrill of international competition accessible right in downtown Toronto.
