The Festival du Voyageur

The Festival du Voyageur is a lively annual festival celebrating the history and culture of the fur traders who discovered and explored Eastern Canada in the late 17th and early 18th century. These hardy French fur traders became known as voyageurs, using canoes to carry furs and supplies to various outposts, including one called Fort Rouge, which eventually became the city we know today as Winnipeg. Held in the French Quarter (Saint Boniface), the Festival du Voyageur includes various events, music, a torchlight walk, beard growing contest and celebration of Cajun culture.

Length of Trip : One Day

Best time to go : The event takes place every February. Check out the official website for exact dates.

Wheelchair friendly : “This year, all of our Trading Posts are wheelchair accessible, with the exception of the King’s Head Pub. As for Voyageur Park, it has limited wheelchair access (the outdoor terrain is composed of compacted snow and the floor of the tents is covered with woodchips). However, the Maison du Bourgeois is equipped with an access ramp and an elevator.”

Family friendly : Yes

Where to eat :
High-end:
Fusion Grill
The Gates on Roblin
529 Wellington
The Velvet Glove

Medium:
In Ferno’s Bistro
Deer + Almond
Carnaval Brazilian BBQ
Pizzeria Gusto
Pine Ridge Hollow (Birds Hill Park)
Deseo
Chez Sophie
Peasant Cookery
Smith
Segovia

Budget:
Stella’s Cafe
Boon Burger
Integrity Pizza (Riverton)
Benjamin’s Gourmet Foods (Selkirk)
Modern Taco Company

Official Site :
http://festivalvoyageur.mb.ca/festival-du-voyageur/

Where to Stay : Consider the historic Fort Garry Hotel, one of Canada’s grand railway hotels, and independently owned.

Getting There :
Fort Gibraltar is located at 866 St. Joseph St. in Saint-Boniface (Winnipeg), Manitoba. Venue is easily accessed by taxi, car or public transit.

Note from Robin :
Don’t miss the candlelight procession that kicks off the festival, a solemn but moving walk to Saint Boniface and past the grave of Louis Reil.