Bon Festival, He Ho! We made it out to Festival du Voyageur on the last day and despite the mild weather and lack of snow, we still had a great time and continuing our yearly tradition, we headed straight for the Sugar Shack for maple taffy.
The festival, now in its 55th edition, kicked off with thousands in attendance, celebrating the region’s fur-trading heritage and French culture. Executive Director Breanne Lavallée-Heckert emphasized the festival’s role in preserving French-Canadian and Métis heritage, even as traditional snowy landscapes were scarce.
This year introduced several new features to accommodate the unusual weather, including an Indigenous art gallery and sculptures made from recycled materials, alongside the traditional snow sculptures. “We’ve had to innovate a bit, so there’s lots of different elements,” Lavallée-Heckert said, highlighting the festival’s commitment to sustainability and creativity.
The tents, though surrounded by an unconventional mix of mud and hay, were alive with the sounds of fiddles, accordions, and enthusiastic crowds. From traditional jigging competitions to the warmth of maple sugar shacks, there was no shortage of entertainment or culinary delights.
The Festival du Voyageur’s resilience and dedication to cultural celebration stood out, as it successfully adapted to the mild winter. Lavallée-Heckert’s reflection on the festival’s importance in fostering community and inspiring future generations underscored the undiminished spirit and magic of this beloved Winnipeg event.
