The Hydro-Québec 2027 Canada Games Torch Relay

Beginning in January 2027, the Canada Games flame will travel across Quebec.

The Hydro-Québec 2027 Canada Games Torch Relay marks the start of the competitions and brings communities together around a shared goal. Beginning in January 2027, the Canada Games flame will travel across Quebec. Each stop along the route becomes a celebration in its own right, with host communities invited to take part and mark its arrival.

The journey will culminate at the Opening Ceremony of the 2027 Canada Games, an unforgettable opportunity to be part of a truly unique national-scale event.

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Our torchbearers

Carrying the Canada Games torch is a powerful and meaningful honour for the host province. Torchbearers embody the values of the Games and recognize those who make a difference in their communities through their dedication, passion, and leadership.

Along the route, they help create moments that bring people together, fostering pride and excitement while highlighting the role of sport as a unifying and inspiring force.

Discover the Hydro-Québec 2027 Canada Games Torch Relay stops

FAQ

How does the selection process for torchbearers work?

Applications will be collected by the Host Society and reviewed by the Hydro-Québec 2027 Canada Games Torch Relay Selection Committee. The committee will compile a shortlist of potential candidates. Once the list is approved by the Canada Games Torch Relay Selection Committee, it will not be subject to any further changes. If a torchbearer fails to show up for their shift, a member of the local community staff will take their place.

Under the 2027 Canada Winter Games sponsorship and partnership agreements, sponsors and partners who have invested an amount exceeding the pre-determined threshold are eligible to receive one or more torchbearer spots. These spots will be distributed evenly across the province and will ensure that relevant target audiences are taken into consideration when selecting torchbearers.

How many torchbearers will be selected?

We are looking for approximately 150 torchbearers, which is equivalent to 10 to 15 torchbearers per selected city.

When will the selected individuals be notified?

Selected candidates will be contacted by email in the fall.

Which torch will be used for the Hydro-Québec 2027 Canada Games Torch Relay?

The Roly McLenahan torch will be used to carry the official flame from the lighting ceremony throughout the relay, all the way to the opening ceremony of the 2027 Canada Games.

What are the responsibilities of a torchbearer?

Before the event, the torchbearer must make themselves available for media appearances as well as activities related to the launch of the torch relay program (if applicable). They are also responsible for sharing their involvement as a torchbearer within their community (e.g., on social media) and for inviting their friends and family to attend the event as spectators on the day of their participation.

During the event, each torchbearer will have the opportunity to complete a segment of the relay, whether by running, walking, or in a wheelchair. This segment will cover a distance between 100 and 500 meters, depending on the route and the selected torchbearer’s ability. Since the torch relay is followed by a celebration lasting approximately two hours, torchbearers are expected to participate at the entire event and take part in photo sessions.

How is the torch lit, and when?

At the start of each segment, members of the host organization will light the torch and then hand it to the person who will begin the segment. To ensure the safety of everyone handling the torch, it must be handled with the utmost care to prevent damage. Safety instructions will be provided to torchbearers to ensure safety throughout the event.

Please note that the Roly McLenahan Torch will be officially lit on October 15, 2026, during the flame-lighting ceremony using the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. This lighting will be followed by an official reception and will mark the start of the Hydro-Québec 2027 Canada Games Torch Relay. The torch will then travel to the relay host communities, en route to the opening ceremony of the Canada Winter Games in Québec City on February 27, 2027.

What does a torch relay stop look like?

All torch relay stops follow the same format: an event during which torchbearers from each community walk, run, or roll in a wheelchair to complete the pre-selected route. The Hydro-Québec 2027 Canada Games Torch Relay is followed by a community celebration aimed at engaging the public and marking the start of the Canada Games, which will take place in Quebec City.

We also encourage cities to involve their schools, sports organizations, and artistic and cultural groups.

Will there be an admission fee for the community celebrations?

All events are open to everyone and free of charge. We encourage people from all communities to join the Games and the Hydro-Québec 2027 Canada Games Torch Relay.

What do the Hydro-Québec 2027 Canada Games Torch Relay routes look like?

Each Hydro-Québec 2027 Canada Games Torch Relay route is a 2- to 5-kilometer course, which can run from point A to point B or in a loop. Each torchbearer must run between 100 and 500 meters, and there are between 10 and 15 torchbearers per city.

Before the relay begins, each torchbearer will be told where they are on the route—the spot where they will receive the torch. The torchbearers will pass the torch to one another until the final torchbearer receives it. The final torchbearer will place the torch in its holder to mark the start of the community celebration

What does the torchbearers’ uniform look like?

To ensure optimal comfort throughout the torch relay, torchbearers will have the chance to wear a blue coat, a blue tuque, and black gloves, each featuring the official logo of the 2027 Canada Games in Québec City.

What is the deadline for submitting applications to be a torchbearer?

Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on September 18, 2026.