The 2026 Canadian Figure Skating Championships are heating up this weekend, from January 9 to 11, in beautiful Gatineau, Quebec, just a stone’s throw from Ottawa. Competitors are gearing up for not just national glory but also the chance to represent Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics.
This year’s championship features intense stakes, particularly in the singles events where only one coveted spot is available in both the men’s and women’s categories. The ice dance competition offers a competitive edge, with three teams vying for Olympic opportunities, while two pairs teams will earn their ticket to Italy for an exhilarating month ahead.
Leading the charge in the pairs event are Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps, the formidable duo aiming for their fourth consecutive national title. All eyes will also be on the seasoned ice dance team of Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, four-time world medallists hoping to secure their fifth national championship.
This showdown is set to be electrifying in the men’s category, with fierce competition from Roman Sadovsky, Stephen Gogolev, and a determined Keegan Messing, who has made headlines with his return from retirement. Madison Schizas, dominant internationally in recent years, will face off against Gabrielle Daleman, a 2018 Olympian who has begun reclaiming her form after a significant hiatus.
The championship schedule is packed, promising thrilling performances throughout the weekend. Here’s a look at the upcoming events:
Friday, January 9: Pairs short program at 20:45
Saturday, January 10:
Ice dance rhythm dance at 11:00
Men’s free skate at 13:25
Women’s short program at 17:30
Pairs free skate at 20:20
Sunday, January 11:
Women’s free skate at 11:40
Ice dance free dance at 15:00
The 2026 Canadian Figure Skating Championships promise to be a spectacle of talent and determination. Whether you’re in the arena or watching from home, these competitions will showcase the heart and skill of Canada’s finest skaters.
