Team Canada FanFest bringing Olympic experience to Toronto

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Sports fans wishing to get a taste of the Olympic experience in person next month can skip the trip to Italy and head to downtown Toronto instead.

Nathan Phillips Square will be the first stop on a four-leg Team Canada FanFest – a free, family-friendly event meant to bring Canadians together as they cheer on the nation’s Olympians in Milan and Cortino d’Ampezzo, Italy.

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The Canadian Olympic Committee extravaganza is scheduled to make a stop in Toronto on Feb. 7 and 8 on the first weekend of the Games with follow-up visits scheduled for Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal.

The COC said in a news release that the event, which was launched in 2024 to promote the Paris Summer Games, will “offer fans the opportunity to share unforgettable Olympic moments, cheer on Team Canada athletes through live broadcasts of the Milano Cortina 2026 competitions, try different sports, and meet and engage with Team Canada athletes.”

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On-ice programming part of Toronto event

“Stepping onto the Olympic stage to represent Canada is a powerful moment and knowing that millions of Canadians are following your performances and cheering you on from home strengthens the sense of community and connection,” said Jennifer Heil, a two-time medallist in women’s moguls who will serve as Team Canada’s chef de mission.

“We can feel the energy from excited fans all the way across the ocean in Italy. I’m so excited about these events and I know all Team Canada athletes are, too.”

The FanFest event in Toronto will feature on-ice figure skating, hockey and speedskating programs, while Curling Canada will have an on-site activation as well.

The COC said attendees can get on the ice with free skate and equipment rentals available all day.

“These activations provide a unique opportunity for young people to try new sports and experience the joy of participating in a sport,” Curling Canada high-performance director David Murdoch said.” We hope to ignite a passion that motivates them to sign up for sport and stay involved.”

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Opening ceremonies three weeks away

The was no word on what athletes will be attending the events in Toronto.

Some of the medal events taking place that weekend in Italy include alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, figure skating, luge, ski jumping, snowboarding and speedskating.

The Canadian women’s hockey team will also play Switzerland on Feb. 7 in its second game of the tournament.

The opening ceremonies, meanwhile, are set for Feb. 6.

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