Mark your calendars! From February 3rd to 5th, Huntsville plays host to 1,000 athletes aged 55 and older from across Ontario for the 2026 Ontario 55+ Winter Games.
The event celebrates senior athleticism, community spirit, and winter sport excellence. Athletes will compete in 11 winter sports including thrillers like hockey, Nordic skiing, stick curling and figure skating. These games represent the best in senior amateur sport in Ontario.
“As one of the premier winter sporting events in our province, the 2026 Ontario 55+ Winter Games promises to be an unforgettable showcase of skill and competition,” said Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s Minister of Sport. “These Games are a testament to the unifying power of sport and the importance of lifelong healthy, active living. Our government is proud to support this event and help communities like Huntsville deliver multi-sport events, drive local economic growth and reinforce Ontario’s reputation as a top destination for world-class events.”
Events will take place at 14 venues across the region including Deerhurst Resort, Armour Ryerson & Burk’s Falls Memorial Arena, Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School, Canada Summit Centre, Lake of Bays Community Centre Arena, and Muskoka Lumber Community Centre.
Four-time World Figure Skating Champion and Canadian Olympian Kurt Browning will headline the Opening Ceremonies featuring a special celebrity skate show with Browning and Alissa Czisny, two-time U.S. Figure Skating Champion. That happens Tuesday, February 3rd, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Canada Summit Centre.
Of course, it’s about community. 100 family and friends and over 200 volunteers will be in attendance for the celebration.
The Ontario 55+ Winter Games operate under the prestigious umbrella of Games Ontario, a comprehensive program supported by the Ontario Government. This vital initiative delivers and funds multi-sport events throughout the province, including the Ontario Winter and Summer Games for youth, the Ontario 55+ Winter and Summer Games, and the Ontario Parasport Games.
The games are organized in partnership with the Ontario Senior Games Association (OSGA), ensuring the highest standards of competition and participant experience. All athletes must be active OSGA members within their regional district and demonstrate their competitive prowess by qualifying at local or district events before earning the privilege to compete at the Provincial Games.
This will be the third time Huntsville has hosted the Ontario 55+ Winter Games, following successful events in 2013 and 2019. Every extra dollar raised for the Legacy Fund will go to local senior group. Last time, Huntsville contributed $87,000 back to the community.
“Huntsville is proud to host these Games, which celebrate health, vitality, and the joy of winter in Muskoka,” said General Manager Leslie Hutcheson. “Our community has embraced this event wholeheartedly, and we can’t wait to welcome athletes from across Ontario.”
For more information head to the Huntsville 2026 website.
