The Scotties Tournament of Hearts is making its first-ever stop in the GTA from January 23 to February 1, and the timing couldn’t be more interesting. Winter sports are having a moment again, thanks to the lead-up to the Winter Olympics, a wave of younger fans suddenly curious about curling, and a growing appetite for social, experience-driven events that go beyond just “watching” something happen.
Curling happens to check all those boxes. It’s strategic without being aggressive, rooted in community, and surprisingly fun to experience in-person (ask anyone who’s been dragged to an event and left a convert). If you’ve only ever seen clips online or heard jokes about sweeping on ice, seeing the culture behind curling feels like discovering a hidden winter subculture that’s been here the whole time.
And that’s where the Scotties come in.
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What the Scotties is really about
At its core, the Scotties is Canada’s national women’s curling championship, where top teams from across provinces and territories compete for the national title. It’s real athleticism, strategy, and pressure, just without hockey sticks or body checks.
But what surprises many first-time spectators is how much more there is beyond the competition itself.
The culture is part of the experience
Curling has a social backbone that isn’t obvious until you’re there. Instead of quietly watching a single game from start to finish, people drift in and out, meet up with friends, and enjoy the atmosphere. At the Scotties, that energy comes to life at The Patch.
Nicknamed “Canada’s largest travelling bar,” The Patch is where the tournament’s community vibe shines. It’s part watch party, part concert, part Canadian winter hangout. Throughout the day, you’ll find:
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- Food and drinks (including the signature “Hammer” cocktail)
- Live entertainment
- Space to hang out between draws
- Opportunities to meet athletes
Opening night will feature The Trews performing on Friday, January 23 at 10:30 p.m. Admission to The Patch is free for the public (19+ after 8 p.m.), with daily programming running all week.
First time in the GTA, hosted in Mississauga
Despite being a major national event, the Scotties have never actually been hosted in the GTA until now. This year’s tournament takes over the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga, giving locals a chance to experience the event in person instead of watching highlights from across the country.
It’s expected to be one of the city’s biggest sporting moments of the year, showcasing Mississauga’s world-class sporting venues and its growing role as host for major Canadian events.
Easy (and affordable) to check out
If you’re curling-curious or just looking for something different to do, attending is more accessible than you’d think. Single-draw tickets start at $21 for adults and $10 for youth/students, so you can easily pop in for a match or build a full day around it.
Opening weekend is especially family-friendly, with curling-themed activities throughout the concourse, including:
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- Search & Find
- Let’s Play Curling! on Nintendo Switch
- Curling Sudoku
- In-seat bingo game cards
- FloorCurl and more
Grab tickets here.
Women front and centre
One of the most notable things about the Scotties is how it has spotlighted women’s sport long before it became a trending topic. We’re talking equal broadcast coverage, equal prize purses, and national visibility, which feels especially timely as interest in women’s sports continues to climb.
Mississauga-based Kruger Products has been the title sponsor since the beginning, marking 45 years of continuous support.
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Curling beyond the stereotype
Curling has historically carried a stereotype about who it’s “for,” but that’s changing fast. Curling Canada has invested heavily in youth programs, accessibility, and grassroots participation to broaden the sport’s reach. A standout example is Girls Rock, a free, female-led “try curling” program for girls aged 8–16 designed to build skills, confidence, and representation both on and off the ice.
