A Visitor’s Guide to APIK Mississauga 2026 at Celebration Square
The countdown is on. If you can hear the city abuzz about the upcoming APIK festival, you’re not alone. Last year was unforgettable, and this year is expected to be the same. So, if you love watching gnarly grinding along rails, jumps and tricks in the air, then this is the event for you.
The Basics
Many often ask, what does APIK mean? It’s simple, really. APIK is a coined word inspired by the French word apique, which means steep slope. APIK is exactly that: a steep slope set up in Celebration Square in Mississauga to bring all the best skiers, snowskaters, and snowboarders to show off their best tricks on this slope.
The APIK Urban Winter Festival is a FREE 3-day event—Friday, January 30 to Sunday, February 1—where participants have a chance to win their share of $100,000 CAD, split among ski and snowboarders, men and women.
This is how the money will be distributed.
Per discipline:
1st – $10,000
2nd – $7,000
3rd – $5,000
4th – $2,000
5th – $1,000
Curious to know what the athletes will have to face to win this money? You can see the course preview for yourself here.
The Main Schedule
While the schedule is susceptible to change, below is the main layout for how the weekend will go.
Friday – Skateboarding Best Tricks, Snowskating Best Trick, After Party
Saturday – Ski Qualifier, Ski Final, Ski Best Trick, After Party
Sunday – Snowboard Qualifier, Snowboard Final, Snowboard Best Trick
More details can be found on the APIK Instagram page.
What to Expect?
Each competition runs in a jam format. That means an epic non-stop battle of 60-minute creative tricks and progressions along the course. After this, the finals begin. When this happens, it’s time for the athletes to unleash anything they’ve been holding back and attempt their best runs. The winners will not only secure a spot on the podium but also their share of the $100,000 prize money.
Each day will close with the “cash for tricks” session, where the best trick at the lower section of the course will win $1,000. Fans love this for the non-stop one-upmanship that they get to see from the athletes.
Who Will Be There?
Looking for a certain snowboarder or skier? Some of the confirmed athletes that will be at this fest include Taylor Brooke Lundquist, Pat Fava, and LJ Henriquez. But you can find the rest of the names on the APIK website.
How to Watch?
While the best way to watch is to get yourself to Celebration Square for all the epic live action, we understand that sometimes you need an alternative or a just-in-case backup plan. Luckily, all events will be streamed live on the APIK YouTube channel. As a bonus, you can click the “notify me” button so you’ll never miss a moment of the snowboarding or skiing competitions.
Free Activities
Every day, there are free activities to help get the youth involved in the action. From Friday to Sunday, kids can participate in the Little Riders Course, hang out in the Visit Mississauga Game Zone, or check out the Snowskate Open Jam Session. Be sure to come out every day to get the full experience. Didn’t get to the Little Riders Course on Friday? Try again on Saturday or Sunday, and don’t be afraid to mix it up. There will also be lots of great music to keep the vibes high.
Eating at APIK
It happens. Your favourite athlete is just about to do their run, and your stomach is telling you that you need to eat. Don’t worry, there will be lots of food trucks around to satiate the hunger within and make sure you don’t miss a beat of the tricks and runs. A full list of food truck attendees will be posted on the APIK website.
Upgrade to a VIP Pass
This is for those who want to get super up close to the action, plus maybe meet some of your snowboarding idols. With this pass, you’ll have access to some gnarly perks, like five bevies, a hot welcome drink, and exclusive non-stop access to the VIP zone. You can upgrade here.
Afterparties
The fun doesn’t stop just because the events are paused for the day. Join in the après-ski fun! Friday, January 30, head on over to Jack’s Square One from 10:30 till late. Saturday, January 31, The Rec Room Square One is the place to be from 10:30 till late to keep the party going.
Where to Stay?
Coming in from out of town? Mississauga has lots of spots to stay for individuals, groups of friends, families, and more. Missed out on APIK hotel deals? Not to worry, you can still find a hotel that works best for your needs and budget.
How to Get to Celebration Square
If you’re coming from out of Mississauga, you’ll likely be driving, but keep in mind, it will be busy. You can park at the following spots:
- Square One Shopping Centre Parking
- Living Arts Centre Garage
- Civic Centre Garage
- Central Library Garage
Whenever possible, we suggest using public transportation or carpooling with a friend to cut down on the congestion. The MiWay Bus has multiple routes that stop near Celebration Square; they are: routes 107, 109, 26, and 66. Whether you stop at Burnhamthorpe Road at Living Arts Dr or City Centre Transit Terminal Platform D, you’re just a short walk from the action.
Cozy add-ons
Between all the excitement at APIK, you can still take a little time to warm up and recharge just steps from the Square. Duck into one of the nearby cafés for a cup of something steamy — spots like C Café, Second Cup, and Cafellatto are a short walk away.
For a quick breather indoors, explore the shops at Square One just across the street — browse local boutiques, or simply wander the side streets and soak in the atmosphere. No matter how you choose to unwind, these cozy nearby escapes make it easy to stay close to the action while embracing the best of winter in the city.
Extra Need-to-Knows
To ensure you’ve got all the information you need to have a blast, here are answers to some burning questions you may have.
Is there a Washroom?
Yes, there are restrooms on site; no need to go far if nature’s calling.
Can I Bring My Dog?
Of course! Dogs are allowed to come, but must be leashed.
How Should I Dress?
Please dress warmly. This is an outdoor event, and it’s always best to over-prepare with layers than to freeze in the cold Canadian winter air.
The APIK is an outdoor event not to be missed. To stay up to date on everything that’s happening, be sure to follow Visit Mississauga on Instagram.