A spectacle has been promised for Friday’s opening ceremony at the Paris games.

It’s not taking place inside a stadium.

Instead, for the first time ever, it will be outdoors, along the River Seine with boats featuring each country’s athletes.

Canada’s athletes will be led in by Andre De Grasse, who is a six-time medalist in sprinting, and world champion weightlifter Maude Charron.

Over 300 Canadians are taking part, looking to build on the country’s 24 medal performance at the 2020 Tokyo games.

Rumoured performers at the opening ceremony include Celine Dion and Lady Gaga.

The ceremony gets underway at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time.