Top Canadian female curlers have convened in Mississauga for the 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, the nation's premier women's curling event. This marks the first time the championship is hosted in the Greater Toronto Area at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre. Eighteen elite teams are competing for the title and a spot at the world championship.
The 2026 Scotties Tournament of Hearts kicked off on Friday night at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga, drawing 18 teams from provinces and territories across Canada. Divided into two groups of nine, each team will play eight round-robin games to determine the top performers.
Danielle Inglis, a curling ambassador, shared her excitement about the event. “You’ve got the top teams in Canada competing here. To compete in this as an athlete is a dream,” she stated. Inglis credits her parents for introducing her to the sport at age seven, fostering a lifelong passion. She also praised the vibrant curling scene in the Greater Toronto Area, noting busy rinks and inclusive programs. “I have not met one person who has tried curling and not wanted to come back,” Inglis added.
Notably absent is five-time champion Rachel Homan, who is focusing on preparations for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and thus forgoing a potential third straight Scotties title. After the round-robin phase, the top three teams from each group will advance to the playoffs. The eventual winner will secure the national crown and represent Canada at the world women’s curling championship from March 14-22 in Calgary.
This tournament highlights the skill and commitment of Canada's leading female curlers, offering a thrilling spectacle for fans and underscoring the sport's strong community roots.