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As global audiences tune in to the 2024 Olympic games, Paris is putting its best foot forward for spectators.
Dozens of National Olympic Committees have set up hospitality houses in the capital to celebrate their athletes and showcase their country’s culture.
Saskatoon-born Dan Clapson, a food and travel writer now based in Calgary, was in Paris for the kick-off to the games and toured Canada Olympic House.
Canada Olympic House is located inside Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, as part of the “Park of Nations” at Parc de la Villette.
Spectators can expect competition viewing areas, athlete celebrations, live music, and of course Canadian food and drinks.
650 CKOM’s Alex Brown spoke to Clapson while he was in Europe about Canada House and the energy in Paris.
Dan, walk me through your time in Paris?
I took in the opening ceremony’s viewing party at Team Ireland House, in addition to seeing some athletic competitions and sporting events.
So many different countries have hospitality houses where you can watch sporting events geared towards that country’s athletes, (and) try localized food and drink.
I really tried to soak up the energy in the Olympic Village and area and went to a variety of houses.
How was Canada House?
Canada House is very cool. Because Canada has a huge team at most Olympics, their house is quite substantial.
It’s multi-level and it had everything from a pop-up LuluLemon Shop, with all the Team Canada gear, to indoor and outdoor viewing areas for events, to a podium where athletes will go once they’ve won medals and interact with fans.
It’s a very fun space. The overarching theme is “Canadian,” our flag colours everywhere. Air Canada is on-site doing some activities. There’s poutine on the menu and a few other Canadian drink brands as well, like Molson Canadian.
What is available in these Houses?
It’s funny the North American Houses have the most lackluster food and drink.
The smaller countries try a lot harder, where you’ll have smaller-scale wineries or breweries that are available in these houses and localized cuisine.
In Canada House, you can get a sub-par sandwich or a salad with dressing on the side. It’s not like you’re not getting a taste of Canada. You don’t get a proper taste of Canada at the Canada House.
At the other countries’ houses, you get a nice little taste of what the country might offer.
What should the Canadian menu have?
I was hoping to see an interesting liquor brand, like Empress Gin, which is made on Vancouver Island. Or even Manitoba’s Crown Royal. It’s a cop-out with Molson Canadian.
Other countries have more craft options. I would love to see something more reflective of what Canada has become, as opposed to what the world thinks it is.
How was the environment?
It’s just pure excitement, honestly. No matter where you were in the city, you would see people dressed head to toe in all different official gear or adjacent gear. And it wouldn’t matter if they’re cheering for Team India or Team Ireland or Team Czech.
The energy definitely was palpable, you could feel the excitement in the city, and it was in the Olympic Village specifically on the opening weekend.
You’re not going to see athletes in the village, but you will see the country’s fans that aren’t at a game yet, and just cheering their country on.
The energy is this pure excitement and there’s a lot of camaraderie and community-minded people, and it’s really fun.
What did other people think about Canada House?
In most houses, you will find a mix of people. But, in Team Canada House, it’s largely Canadians. We wear red and white head to toe, so we’re very evident.
It’s one of the bigger houses and the more accessible in pricing. The Team USA House is very expensive, it’s about $300 CAD to get in. And Canada is only $35 CAD.
You will see a lot of other people from different countries. People walk into the House to get a taste of what the country is all about.
Did you meet any Canadians?
I did see a gentleman in a Winnipeg Jets jersey who screamed at me, “GO CANADA!” I love seeing that.
Being at the Olympics is magical. You can’t help but root for everybody.
What was it like seeing the Eiffel Tower all lit up, as a volleyball game is going on?
It was a spectacle. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When you get these tickets, you don’t necessarily know what teams you’re cheering for toward the end of the Olympics.
We lucked out with a women’s volleyball match with the Canadian team.
They lost, but the pure visual of it all and the Eiffel Tower sparkling and the light show… I mean, this is a world class and a global competition so they really do it up to the nines!