Countdown to the Winter Games: Mississauga celebrates community spirit through sport

The countdown is on for the 2026 Winter and Paralympic Games in Milano and Cortina, Italy. Excitement is building as athletes prepare to compete in skiing, skating, hockey and curling. From alpine racing and figure skating to curling sheets and hockey rinks, the two-week celebration will display the best of winter sport.

In Mississauga, that same spirit comes to life every day on local rinks, along busy trails and in sports and recreation facilities across the city.

Cheer on Team Canada as they race to the podium

Celebration Square will be showing the Winter Games on the big screens daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Through sport, residents build lasting friendships, learn respect and strive for excellence, whether they are taking skating lessons, signing up for recreation programs or cheering on homegrown athletes.

Mississauga is a winter sporting hub

This month, the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts brings Canada’s top women’s curling teams to Paramount Fine Foods Centre for a 10-day championship, the first time the event will be held in the Greater Toronto Area.

Visit the events calendar for more information about the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Secure your tickets today.

Also, APIK Mississauga 2026 will turn Celebration Square into an adrenaline hub. Brought to you by Visit Mississauga, APIK is a free urban action winter sport festival featuring skiing and snowboarding showcases, competitions and demos in the heart of the city. Families and friends can gather outdoors to watch top athletes perform tricks, enjoy music and soak up the festival atmosphere bringing mountain spirit to downtown.

Visit the events calendar for more information about APIK.

A healthy city is a happy city

Inspiring active living is a key focus for the City. Mississauga’s Healthy City Strategy, approved by council, outlines 25 actions across 10 themes to help residents stay healthy, active and connected. The City applies a health equity to planning programs, policies and infrastructure to reduce risk of illnesses like type 2 diabetes and help residents remain engaged.

To make it easier for residents to build healthy habits, the City introduced seasonal registration for recreation and culture programs, helping families plan activities such as swimming, fitness, skating and arts sessions year-round. Older adults 65+ can also register for a free fitness membership, providing access to participating fitness centres and select classes to stay active, social and independent.

Winter fun for everyone

Winter in Mississauga is a season to embrace a variety of exciting sports or winter activities. These activities give residents options to get moving, which is great for physical and mental health. If you haven’t already, check out a few popular outdoor spaces like skating at Celebration Square, Port Credit Memorial Park (The loop) or Gulleden Park’s new outdoor skating pad. Try sliding down designated toboggan hills such as Erindale Park or Birchwood Park. The City’s trail system is also a great way to get outdoors and explore nature while getting in some extra steps.

A city built for sport and connection

Mississauga continues to invest in modern recreation and sport facilities that support residents at every stage of life and every level of play. Community centres and fitness hubs across the city like Mississauga Valley, Clarkson and River Grove, offer gyms, pools, courts and studios where residents can train, learn new skills and meet others.

These spaces are part of a larger network of extensive parks and trails that provide year-round opportunities for walking, cycling, snowshoeing and other outdoor activities. Together, they form a connected system that helps residents stay active in their own neighbourhoods while building friendships and a strong sense of community.

As the world cheers on athletes in Italy, Mississauga residents are encouraged to lace up, head outside or visit a local recreation centre and enjoy the benefits of staying active together. Learn more at Recreation and sports.

Tags

• Community Supports and Resources
• Recreation and Sports