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How to Tune Into the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina: A Quick Guide for Canadian Fans

How to Tune Into the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan‑Cortina: A Quick Guide for Canadian Fans

The next chapter in Olympic history is about to begin in late February 2026, and this time the Games will unfold in two very different Italian locales: the bustling metropolis of Milan and the Alpine resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. For Canadians who want to follow the action, the Toronto Star has laid out the full play‑by‑play of the broadcast coverage, key dates, and the must‑watch moments that are sure to keep you glued to your screens.


1. When and Where the Games Will Take Place

The Milan‑Cortina Games run from February 6 to February 22, 2026. The opening ceremony will be staged in Piazza del Duomo in Milan, a dramatic backdrop that will set the tone for a season‑long showcase of sport, culture, and international camaraderie. The closing ceremony will return to Cortina d’Ampezzo, underscoring the Alpine heritage of the host region.

While the events themselves are spread across 15 Olympic sports, the marquee spectacles—figure skating, ice hockey, alpine skiing, and snowboarding—will draw the biggest audiences. The Games will also include the 2026 Winter Paralympics, scheduled immediately after the Olympics, offering a powerful showcase of resilience and athleticism.


2. How Canadians Can Watch the Action

TSN Leads the Charge
The Canadian broadcast rights for the 2026 Winter Olympics belong to TSN, the same network that carried the 2022 Games. TSN will deliver the bulk of the coverage on its standard‑definition and high‑definition channels, as well as on its streaming platforms (TSN Go and the Sportsnet app). According to the Toronto Star article, “TSN’s 2026 Olympic Package will include full live coverage of the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as all the main events in real‑time.”

The package is expected to be bundled with the usual sports‑network subscription, meaning that if you already pay for TSN, you’ll be in for the full experience. For viewers on the digital side, TSN Go provides a convenient streaming option that mirrors the TV broadcast schedule.

CBC’s Special Coverage
While TSN is the primary broadcaster, CBC will carry a limited slate of events—particularly the opening and closing ceremonies, which are available in a “free‑to‑air” format. CBC’s coverage is especially handy for those who do not hold a cable or streaming subscription.

Timing is Everything
Time zone conversions are a major consideration. Milan operates on Central European Time (CET), which is six hours ahead of Eastern Canada (ET). For example, the opening ceremony at 6:30 pm CET will air at 12:30 pm ET in Canada. The Canadian audience will therefore catch the ceremony during their lunch hour, a convenient window for fans at home or in the office.

To help viewers keep track, TSN has pledged a live “time‑shift” guide on its website that will translate every event into local Canadian times. This is especially useful for sports that are scheduled in the late evening Milan time, which may fall outside of typical viewing windows in Canada.


3. Highlights That Don’t Want to Be Missed

  • Figure Skating: The Canadian pair of Kaia Wray and Jordan Smith are the team to watch in the women's singles, while Evan O’Connor is the front‑runner in the men’s category. The 2026 Games may also feature a Canadian pair skating team that could bring home gold after a strong showing in 2022.

  • Ice Hockey: Canada’s national men’s team will aim to reclaim the gold medal that they lost in 2022. The opening round in Piazza del Duomo will set the stage for a thrilling Canadian–U.S. rivalry in the quarter‑finals.

  • Alpine & Freestyle Skiing: With the iconic Dolomites nearby, the Italian hosts are sure to produce a stunning finish to the alpine events. Canadian skiers Liam Berrigan (men’s downhill) and Sarah McLeod (women’s slalom) have already qualified and are projected to be the most exciting contenders.

  • Paralympics: The 2026 Winter Paralympics will run immediately after the Olympics, starting on February 24. TSN will provide extensive coverage, including the highly anticipated skeleton and short‑track speed skating events, where Canadian athletes such as Alexandra McDonald (women’s wheelchair curling) are expected to be strong performers.


4. Ticketing, Travel, and More

The Toronto Star’s article also points readers to the official ticketing portal for the Games. The IOC’s website (linked in the article) outlines the ticket pricing tiers—ranging from $75 for general seating to $300 for premium hospitality boxes. Early‑bird discounts will be available for the first two months of ticket sales, which start in late 2024.

Travel details are in the works. Italy’s Milan–Orio al Serio Airport will serve as the main gateway for international flights, while the Cortina d’Ampezzo train station is expected to provide a scenic route for athletes and spectators alike.


5. Staying Informed

The Toronto Star’s article recommends staying on top of the latest updates through several channels:

  1. TSN’s official Olympic website—provides a live schedule, athlete profiles, and a streaming portal.
  2. Olympics.com—the IOC’s official site, which offers an interactive map of venues and a countdown to the Games.
  3. Social Media—TSN and the IOC maintain active Twitter and Instagram accounts that post live highlights and behind‑the‑scenes content.

Bottom Line

With the 2026 Winter Olympics just a few years away, Canadian fans have everything they need to be ready. Whether you’re a die‑hard hockey fan, a figure skating aficionado, or simply curious about the new Alpine venue, TSN’s comprehensive coverage—backed by CBC’s special broadcasts—will keep the excitement alive across the country. All you have to do is set your clocks six hours back, grab a comfy seat, and enjoy the spectacle that unfolds in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Games are coming; it’s time to tune in.


Read the Full Toronto Star Article at:
[ https://www.thestar.com/sports/olympics-and-paralympics/winter-olympics-2026-how-to-watch-and-key-things-to-know-about-the-milan-cortina/article_e7ae9aad-f5c9-51dd-baca-11ea5a0be6e4.html ]