Huntsville to host 2026 Ontario 55+ Winter Games

World Cup event in Liberec, Czech Republic, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. (AP / Petr David Josek)

For the third time in its history, Huntsville has been chosen as the host for the 2026 Ontario 55+ Winter Games.

Huntsville played host to the Games in both 2013 and 2019.

Explore Huntsville, on behalf of the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association, said this event could generate more than $1.5 million in economic benefits for Huntsville and area.

“Part of our mandate is to stimulate Huntsville’s visitor economy and this event ticks every box,” said Kelly Haywood, executive director of Explore Huntsville. “Not only are we excited to showcase everything Huntsville has to offer and create an incredible experience for the Games participants, this event will fill local accommodations to capacity and generate local economic activity in our stores and restaurants during the typically slower month of February.”

The Ontario government is giving Huntsville $325,000 to support the Games.

The Games will be held from February 3 to 5, 2026, with 1,000-plus participants engaging in 10 different outdoor and indoor sports and activities.

Sports include alpine skiing at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area, curling at the Huntsville Curling Club, hockey at the Canada Summit Centre, Nordic skiing at Arrowhead Provincial Park and prediction skating at Lake of Bays Arena.

Other indoor events include duplicate bridge and table tennis at Deerhurst Resort, volleyball at Huntsville High School, badminton at Riverside Public School and 10-pin bowling at Barrie Bowlerama.

“I would like to congratulate the Town of Huntsville for its successful bid to host the Ontario 55+ Winter Games. But, most importantly, I am looking forward to seeing all seniors and older adults compete, remain active and continue to stay healthy by participating in their sports and this great event,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility.

Explore Huntsville is offering Huntsville a lasting legacy.

“The 2026 Ontario 55+ Winter Games will establish a dedicated fund to enhance programming in Huntsville for people over the age of 55, which will offer a wide range of activities for our older residents and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive community,” said Myke Malone, general manager of the Games.

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The Ontario 55+ Winter Games occur every two years and are delivered by the Ministry of Sport, in partnership with the Ontario Senior Games Association (OSGA). Participants of the Ontario 55+ Winter Games can also go on to represent Ontario at the next Canada 55+ Games.

“I’m thrilled to see the Ontario 55+ Winter Games return to Huntsville. The committee and volunteers put on an excellent event in 2019 and I’m glad to see that our government recognizes that effort by bringing it back in 2026,” said MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka Graydon Smith.