# Heading to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics? Here’s What Ottawa Travellers Need to Know
With the 2026 Winter Olympics opening in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo this February, many Ottawa residents are already planning their Italian adventure. Whether you’re cheering for Team Canada on the slopes or soaking up the Paralympic spirit in March, the Canadian government has issued a **Level 1 health advisory** — meaning it’s time to practise some straightforward health precautions before you go.
## Understanding the Health Risks at Mass Sporting Events
Large-scale events like the Olympics create unique health challenges that don’t exist during typical travel. When hundreds of thousands of spectators converge on venues, stadiums, and host cities, the risk of catching respiratory infections increases significantly. Close contact in crowds, shared transportation, and indoor viewing areas all create opportunities for illnesses to spread quickly.
Beyond infectious diseases, mass gatherings also increase your chances of accidental injury. Crowded transit stations, enthusiastic celebrations, and navigating unfamiliar venues can lead to trips, falls, or getting caught in crowd surges. The key is being prepared, not panicked.
## Who Should Take Extra Care?
While all travellers should take precautions, certain groups face elevated risks at crowded international events. Older adults, people with chronic health conditions, pregnant travellers, and anyone with compromised immune systems should be especially vigilant about hygiene and crowd management. If you’re traveling with young children, the challenges multiply — little ones are both more vulnerable to infections and harder to keep track of in massive crowds.
## Your Pre-Travel Checklist for Olympic Italy
Start preparing at least six weeks before departure. First, ensure your routine vaccinations are current — many adults need boosters they’ve forgotten about. A travel health professional can review what’s specifically recommended for Italy and assess your personal risk factors.
Pack a comprehensive travel health kit including hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, face masks, any prescription medications, and basic first-aid supplies. Before leaving Ottawa, research where medical facilities are located near your accommodations and Olympic venues. Download offline maps showing nearby hospitals and clinics.
Register with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service so our embassy in Rome can reach you in emergencies. Save the contact details for Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre, which operates around the clock.
During the games, practice diligent hand hygiene, stay hydrated, and don’t hesitate to step away from excessively crowded areas when needed. If you develop symptoms during or after your trip, wear a mask and inform healthcare providers about your travel history.
## Get Personalized Advice Before You Fly
Every traveller’s health profile is unique, and generic advice only goes so far. A personalized consultation can identify specific vaccines you might need, discuss medications for your current health conditions, and create a tailored plan for staying healthy throughout your Olympic experience.
Planning to visit an affected destination? Our ISTM-certified travel health physicians provide personalized consultations 7 days a week — virtually, from anywhere in Ottawa. Book your virtual consultation at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy.