Festival du Voyageur officially opens today, marking the start of one of Manitoba’s largest and most iconic winter celebrations.
The 10-day Winnipeg festival showcases Francophone and Métis culture through live music, historical re-enactments, traditional cuisine, snow sculptures, family programming and hands-on cultural experiences.
On Thursday, officials held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 57th edition outside of Maison Chaboillez inside Whittier Park. The structure has been closed since 2023 and was recently renovated to hold many more kitchen parties and workshops for years to come.
“Whether you’re a longtime festival-goer or this will be your first time as a visitor, you will feel a warm welcome. You will have a good time,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “It’s a wonderful place to make connections, to build friendships, and to really feel a sense of belonging.”
Organizers say this year’s festival features a packed lineup of Canadian and international performers, interactive heritage demonstrations, and expanded family-friendly activities designed to welcome visitors of all ages.
A wide-ranging musical lineup of performers includes TOPS, Five Alarm Funk, Katie Tupper, Dwayne Gretzky, Jeremie Albino, Damien Robitaille and Le Diable à Cinq, alongside dozens of local and regional performers.
Festivalgoers can also expect classic favourites such as maple taffy on snow, fiddle music, jigging, and warm-up tents serving traditional food and drinks, along with new attractions and artistic installations throughout the grounds.
Festival du Voyageur runs through February 22. For tickets and information, visit heho.ca.
Nick Bockstael of Bockstael Construction and Sky Bridges from The Winnipeg Foundation cut a ceremonial ribbon outside of Maison Chaboillez at Festival du Voyageur on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Both organizations supported the recent renovation of the wooden structure at Whittier Park. (CHRISD.CA)
