What to know
- Free Team Canada FanFest events are coming to Nathan Phillips Square Feb. 7–8, with live watch parties and Olympic-themed activities.
- Fans can enjoy athlete appearances, winter sport demos, and free skating with equipment rentals throughout the day.
- The events aim to build Olympic spirit and boost sport participation, as the Milano Cortina 2026 Games unfold overseas.
The next Olympic games are just around the corner and Team Canada is hoping to bring up the energy with a series of free fan events across the country, including at Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square.
On Wednesday, Team Canada announced it will bring back its FanFest, a series of fan-focused, free events to boost the energy for the games and show support for the athletes competing for Canada in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
The interactive events will take place over three weekends during the Olympic games, across four Canadian cities, starting in Toronto:
- Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto from Feb. 7–8., from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- WinSport Event Centre in Calgary, AB from Feb. 14–15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Jack Poole Plaza in Vancouver, BC from Feb. 15–16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Esplanade Tranquille in Montreal, QC from Feb. 21–22.
Besides featuring watch parties, the FanFest will also include a series of interactive elements, such as Team Canada athlete appearances, opportunities for attendees to get hands-on with winter sport participation and demonstrations, family-friendly activities, and partner activations.
In Toronto, Calgary and Montreal, attendees can also get on the ice, with free skate and equipment rentals available all day throughout the events.
Team Canada first launched its FanFest for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, where communities and fans across the country gathered to celebrate and cheer on athletes. Now, Jacqueline Ryan, Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee, hopes the event will bring back the energy.
“We’re excited to bring Canadians together once again, this time for the Olympic Winter Games, and have the chance to experience the thrill of winter sport themselves. We can’t wait to see the Olympic spirit come to life as we cheer on those competing in Italy,” she said in a statement on Wednesday.
According to Team Canada, the activities also aim to boost engagement in sport across the country and drive participation beyond the Olympics.
Although this year’s games are once more taking place across the ocean, this time in Milan, Italy, Team Canada’s Chef de Mission for Milano Cortina 2026 Jennifer Heil says supporting the athletes remains essential.
“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,” Heil said.
“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 Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games are officially 23 days away, taking place between Feb. 4–22, and its official Opening Ceremony is set to happen on Feb. 6.
Canada’s first game will take place on Feb. 4 at 1 p.m., and will be a curling match against Czechia. For a full schedule of games, head to the Team Canada website.
