The 2026 Ontario Winter Games are coming to Orillia, and the Ontario government is investing more than $1.32 million into the event.
“Our government is thrilled to support the 2026 Ontario Winter Games in Orillia, and welcome thousands of skilled young athletes to compete with their peers from across our province,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “This event will build on the success of past events hosted by Orillia and provides an incredible opportunity to drive domestic tourism to the region, boosting the economy and showcasing the fantastic attractions throughout the area.”
Held every two years, the Ontario Games are the province’s largest multi-sport event for youth in the province and provides amateur-youth athletes with a competitive experience that will prepare them for national and international competition, including the Canada Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Ministry of Sport leads a competitive bidding process to select a host municipality for each of the five provincial multi-sport Games, including the Ontario Summer and Winter Games (for youth), the Ontario 55+ Summer and Winter Games, and the Ontario Parasport Games. Orillia previously hosted the event in both 2018 and 2020 as well as the 2024 Ontario 55+ Winter Games. Last year, the Ontario Winter Games were held in Thunder Bay.
“The City of Orillia is honoured to be selected as host of the 2026 Ontario Winter Games,” says Orillia mayor Don McIsaac. “Building on our experience hosting the 2018 and 2020 Games, as well as the successful Orillia 2024 Ontario 55+ Winter Games, we are committed to delivering an exceptional event that unites our community and showcases Orillia as a premier sport tourism destination. We look forward to collaborating with the Ministry of Sport, our dedicated volunteers and community partners to create a memorable experience for all participants.”
The 2026 Ontario Winter Games are expected to generate an economic impact of more than $5 million by hosting up to 2,800 participants aged 12-18 in up to 20 sports including snowboarding, cross-country skiing, curling, ringette and others. Games Ontario events increase domestic tourism, provide communities valuable experience in hosting sport events, develop a base of qualified volunteers and encourage more people to take part in future Games and other sport tourism events.
“I’m thrilled to celebrate the City of Orillia’s successful bid to host the 2026 Ontario Winter Games,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “This is an incredible opportunity not only to showcase our vibrant community and top-tier facilities, but also to welcome thousands of young athletes and their families from across the province. Hosting the Games will bring lasting economic and social benefits to Orillia; from boosting local businesses to inspiring the next generation of athletes right here at home. I look forward to seeing the energy, pride and community spirit that the 2026 Games will bring to our region.”
The 2026 Ontario Winter Games will take place over two weekends, with events being held February 19 – 22 and February 26 – March 1, 2026.
