The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina are finally here, and if you’re a Canadian fan, it’s time to stock up on coffee and get your red-and-white gear ready. The Opening Ceremony is set to be a spectacular display of Italian “Harmony,”.
Here is your complete guide to catching the festivities and knowing which Canadian stars are destined for the top of the podium.
What Time Does the Opening Ceremonies Take Place?
Because the Games are taking place in Italy, the opening ceremonies will take place while most Winnipeggers are enjoying their Friday lunch. Here is your schedule for Friday, February 6, 2026:
- 12:30 PM CST: Countdown to the Opening Ceremony (Pre-show hosted by Andi Petrillo, featuring a special appearance by Alessia Cara).
- 1:00 PM CST: The official Opening Ceremony begins live from the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan.
- 6:00 PM CST: The Primetime Encore (In case you were at work and missed the live parade).
Where to Watch the Opening Ceremonies in Canada
You have a few ways to catch the action for free:
- CBC Gem (Best for Cord-Cutters): The easiest way to watch for free. You can stream the entire ceremony live on the CBC Gem app or at gem.cbc.ca. Just make sure to create a free account beforehand.
- Television: CBC, TSN, and Sportsnet will all be broadcasting the ceremony live.
- CBC Sports YouTube: The opening ceremonies will also stream live on the CBC YouTube channel.
Who is Carrying the Flag for Canada?
This year’s flag-bearers are two of Canada’s most decorated Winter Olympians:
- Mikaël Kingsbury: The “G.O.A.T.” of freestyle skiing moguls.
- Marielle Thompson: The powerhouse of women’s ski cross.
Sports Where Canada is Favored to Win
While we cheer for everyone, several Canadians are heading into these Games as favorites to bring home gold. Here is who you should be watching most closely:
- Men’s Ice Hockey The NHL is back! With a roster featuring Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, anything less than gold will be a surprise. This is the first time McDavid gets to represent Canada on the Olympic stage, and the hype is real.
- Women’s Ice Hockey The “Captain Clutch” era continues. Marie-Philip Poulin leads a squad that is looking to defend their 2022 gold medal. The rivalry with the USA will be the highlight of the tournament.
- Rachel Homan (Curling) Team Homan has been the most dominant force in women’s curling over the last two years. After winning back-to-back World Titles, they are the heavy favorites to take the Olympic crown in Italy.
- William Dandjinou (Short Track Speed Skating) The rising star of the rink. Dandjinou won three golds at the last World Championships and is currently the top-ranked skater on the World Tour. He is Canada’s best bet for individual gold on the ice.
- Mikaël Kingsbury (Freestyle Skiing) With over 100 World Cup wins, Kingsbury is looking to add a second Olympic gold to his trophy case in what many speculate could be his final Olympic appearance.
