The Route

The sacred Olympic Flame is lit in an ancient ritual in Olympia, Greece, site of the first Olympic Games. After a short run through Greece, the Olympic Flame arrives in Athens, where it is handed over to a representative from the Host Country. 

From there, the Olympic Flame will make a trans-Atlantic flight and arrive in Canada, signaling the start of the longest Olympic Torch Relay to take place in a single country. 

The Olympic Flame will travel more than 45,000 kilometres across Canada — some by land, air and water; and some by other means. During its journey towards Vancouver, the Olympic Flame will pass by some of the most pristine and stunning landscapes in the world. And at each turn and twist in the path to the Olympic Games, excited Canadians and visitors will gather to share in the experience. It is here, at the heart of Canadian communities, that our nation will celebrate the 2010 Olympic Winter Games with glowing hearts. 

The national relay route will link together over 1,000 communities and places of interest. In order to share the experience with as many Canadians as possible, and to include as many communities as possible, the Olympic Flame will be carried by torchbearers in the more populous centres and transported between communities.  

Participate in the lead-up to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games by joining in a community celebration or watching the Olympic Flame as it passes through an area near you. The list of communities may be updated and adjusted as route planning continues. Route details will be released closer to the flame’s arrival in a particular community.