Montrealers celebrate Canadian pride as FanFest draws crowds downtown
Posted February 22, 2026 10:12 am.
Last Updated February 22, 2026 4:54 pm.
Cheers echoed across the Esplanade Tranquille on Sunday as Montrealers gathered downtown to take part in the Team Canada FanFest, a two-day public celebration of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
The festival, held Feb. 21-22, offered live broadcasts of Olympic competitions, interactive winter sport activities, and scheduled appearances by Canadian athletes.
Families and fans of all ages joined public skating, curling demonstrations, speed skating programs, and hockey activities, while others explored Olympic-themed displays.
“The FanFest is great. Montreal is a city of festivals. Having this FanFest is perfect,” said Dean Kalaidjian, an attendee of the festival.
Athlete appearances bring the Olympic spirit to Montreal
Canadian Olympians made in-person appearances, giving attendees the chance to meet athletes and experience the Games up close.
Kalaidjian described the experience as a celebration of both current and past Canadian athletes.
“It’s great to celebrate not just the current Olympics that are going on, but the previous Canadian Olympic athletes because they’re here for that too. And they’ve done so much great work for Canada in the past. It’s nice to see them appreciated again. And for them, I’m sure it makes them relive and remember their moments like that too,” he said.
Sunday’s lineup included ice hockey player Mélodie Daoust, freestyle skier Alex Bilodeau, and figure skaters Andrew Poje and Joannie Rochette.
For Rochette, a 2010 Olympic bronze medallist, the FanFest was about more than scores.
“The FanFest, I think it’s a way to share the Olympic experience with everyone here in Montreal that couldn’t be at the Olympics and to live this final event, the hockey game, all together cheering for our country,” she said.
Fans lined up to get autographs from Rochette, who reflected on her lasting connection with Canadians.
“I think I’m always very touched when people still remember who I am 16 years after Vancouver. I think a lot of it is because of what I went through in Vancouver. A lot of people identified themselves to what I was going through and maybe it was a personal loss, maybe it was a struggle in their life and I inspired them to move forward,” she expressed.
“I’m happy about that but I’m still very impressed or moved that people still remember that moment and shared it with me. And I think it’s because of people like that in Canada. When I was in Vancouver, I really felt that energy and I think that’s why I was able to even step onto that ice. Because of all the support I got from my country and to still meet a few people 16 years later, remember that moment. It’s very touching for me,” she added.
Live broadcasts and heartbreak on the ice
Spectators followed events streamed directly from Italy on large outdoor screens, including the All-Star Skate with Team Canada Olympians and the festival’s closing ceremony. Fans were especially tuned in for the men’s gold medal hockey game between Canada and the United States, where hopes were high until Canada fell 2-1 in overtime.
Donovan Petatclerc, attending with a group of friends, reflected on the team’s effort.
“You know, I feel alright. It’s a tough loss. But the boys came together. They played their hearts out. And the country is really proud of them. You know, it is what it is. It happens. Four years from now, hopefully it’s our chance again, you know?”
He also shared his admiration for the communal spirit the event created.
“Honestly, it’s an amazing thing. Seeing everybody around here get together and just cheer together as a nation is an amazing thing. You know, times are tough out there right now. So people getting together is a beautiful thing. And that’s the magic about sports, right? And that’s what we do.”
Other fans expressed both disappointment and pride following the loss.
“Disappointed, obviously, but proud of the work that they put in and the pressure they kept putting on the team,” one woman noted.
“It’s a great event. I had a really great time and everyone coming together to cheer is just amazing. It shows the love of the sport and the country throughout all of Canada, but Montreal, especially,” she added.
Another fan shared her frustration but also her admiration for the team.
“We had so much hope. We were playing so well the whole time, the whole game. I was believing in us and I just feel it’s unfair. I’m still proud of the team. We were fun to watch. It was exciting. And at the end of the day, it’s just a fun tournament, but it’s just very, very disappointing.”
Kalaidjian reflected on the performance of Team Canada despite the final score.
“I wouldn’t say that we lost. I’d say the USA got the win. And it’s great to have everybody support Canada. Definitely good for Canada for sure. But I’d say that Canada, we proved in that game that we are the best. It’s just we didn’t get the victory. And three on three overtime, it should be five on five, but that’s another thing,” he said.
“I’m not really, really happy like I should be, but I’m proud of our boys. They did the best they could and we deserve to win. That’s what counts is we all had fun. We deserve to win. And we had a great game,” he added.
Rochette also emphasized the inspiration athletes can provide to younger generations.
“Of course it’s not the outcome that we wanted but we’re very proud of our team. They did very well and it was some great games and I think it’s great to inspire, especially the younger kids, the younger generation that can share in the excitement and maybe we’ll look up to one of these athletes and maybe want to be in the Olympics one day or just want to be active and lead a healthy lifestyle. So I think that’s what it’s all about.”
A celebration of Canadian pride
Saturday and Sunday’s activities included long-track and short-track speed skating, curling, hockey, skateboarding, and public skating. Organizers described the FanFest as a family-friendly opportunity for Montrealers to experience the excitement of the Games.
“It’s really nice to watch something like this in community and kind of be together. And so it’s just so nice to have somewhere like this to go and to celebrate together even when we lose,” one attendee said.
Another fan echoed that sentiment: “We’re all super proud of the work Team Canada put in and we’re all really proud of you and keep your heads up high.”
The FanFest was about more than just the final score — it was a moment for Montrealers to unite, celebrate Canadian athletes, and embrace the Olympic spirit. Even in heartbreak, the pride and togetherness were undeniable.
