Festival du Voyageur
Photo by: Janice Gelona
Every year in the dead of winter, people from Winnipeg and around the world come out of hiding for a week and a half to flock to The Festival du Voyageur. Officially the Festival is a celebration of Canada's rich French heritage and culture. There are arts and crafts for kids, you can take a look into the past of Fort Gibraltar, check out some of the amazing ice sculptors, or just enjoy some great music, food, and friends. This year the festival runs from February 9th to 18th.
Festival du Voyageur park entrance Prices
There is really an no limit to what can do. Here are just a few highlight activities:
Le Boulevard 2007
A huge gathering inviting the whole province of Manitoba and its' visitors to celebrate the opening night of the 2007 Festival du Voyageur. Come experience our joie de vivre, our history and our culture through the legend, characters, music, dance, and games. This festival belongs to each and every one of you. Come take part in your history!
Admission: Free
Date: Friday, February 9th
Open: from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Torch Light Walk
We extend the invitation to all who are interested in joining in the Torch Light Walk. Departure from the Forks (junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers) is at 6:30 p.m. Arrival will be at the Esplanade on Provencher Boulevard at approximately 7:15 p.m.
In collaboration with Winnipeg Harvest, we offer a wide variety of activities for the young and the young at heart.
Date: Friday, February 9th
Open: 6:00 p.m
Governor's Ball
The Governor's Ball is an unforgettable gala event that will transport you back to the year 1820! Take part in this historical evening, feast on a five-course meal, dance to the dynamic rhythm of Blou, dress in 19th century attire.
Admission: $106/person - $1,007/table of 10 people
Location: Fort Garry Place
Date: Saturday, February 10th at 5:30 p.m.
Voyageur Survivor
Back by popular demand! Watch as three teams compete to see who is hardy enough to be called a real Voyageur. The Voyageur team will live inside Fort Gibraltar, the Aboriginal team will live in a tipi and the Modern team will have to camp outside! All the survivors will be put through a number of challenging competitions that will test their mettle as true Voyageurs. Challenges will be held throughout the first weekend of the Festival du Voyageur starting on Friday night and finishing Sunday.
Location: Fort Gibraltar
Challenge Schedule: Saturday, February 10th – 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 11th – 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Guided Tours of Fort Gibraltar
To make your visit more informative and enjoyable, tours will be offered in English and French on weekends.
There are even some really great concerts at the Festival that you can go to.
There is a long standing superstition among Winnipeggers that as soon as the festival starts the weather gets warmer, you know, because winter hates those amazing ice sculptures! There is something uplifting about seeing a giant ice sculpture slowly melting...It is a nice way to count down the days until we can all stop plugging in our cars at night!
So if you would like a little more information about the Festival du Voyageur before the snow melts check out these sources:
- Festival du Voyageur park entrance Prices
- The Official Festival du Voyageur 2007 website
- Festival du Voyageur - Wikipedia
- Fort Gibraltar
