Canadian Olympians will take over Nathan Phillips Square next weekend

The Winter Olympics are coming fast around an icy corner, with the opening ceremony on February 6 in Milano. But Torontonians who want to get into the sporty spirit without booking an international flight (or a 500-euro-a-night hotel room) can look forward to the next best thing. Next weekend, Team Canada FanFest, an official Olympic-sponsored event, is taking over Nathan Phillips Square for two full days of celebratory activities and shows.

Running February 7 and 8 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the family-friendly event invites visitors to kick off the games by checking out live demonstrations of figure skating, curling, luge and long-track speed skating by Olympic stars. There are also meet-and-greets with Canadian greats like two-time figure skating silver medallist Elvis Stojko, pairs skater Dylan Moscovitch, half-pipe snowboarder Calynn Irwin and a handful of summer Olympians including artistic gymnast Jessica Tudos.

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Olympic wannabes can test their skills with free sessions hosted by Speed Skating Canada and Hockey Canada that run both days. Word to the wise: these sessions have limited spots available and require registration in advance. But there are also lower-stakes activities like tabletop curling, where visitors can practise their stone-sliding and sweeping on a miniature rink.

The event will also feature chairlift photo ops, fan giveaways, a themed photo booth and sports trivia.

For those who would prefer a slow and gentle glide into the games, there are complimentary skate rentals, open ice time, and plenty of hot cocoa, zero-ABV wine and beer samples, and free coffee to sip all weekend long.

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