Professional Curling Teams Heading to Thunder Bay in 2026

By

Emma Kelly
March 13, 2026 9:48 am

Thunder Bay, Ontario, will host some of the world’s top athletes when the Grand Slam of Curling returns to the city from Dec. 1-6, 2026. The professional tournament, known as the GSOC Open, will bring international competition to the local community.

The event will take place at the Fort William Gardens. A total of 16 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams from around the world are expected to compete for titles during the stop in Thunder Bay.

According to the Grand Slam of Curling, this event is the fourth stop in a five-tournament season. The entire 2026-27 tour will be held within Canada, marking a shift back to hosting all events in Canadian communities.

Thunder Bay has a long history with the sport and is considered a major hub for curling in Northwestern Ontario. Residents can find local curling programs for all ages and skill levels running from October to April at the Fort William Curling Club.

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