Our Organization

Festival du Voyageur inc. is a francophone non-profit organization founded in 1969 that offers artistic and educational experiences inspired by the era of the voyageurs of 1815. The first edition of this winter festival was held in 1970. This annual 10-day event in February is now the largest francophone event in Western Canada, welcoming over 75,000 festivalgoers annually. The festival showcases the arts in a variety of disciplines, including music, dance, snow sculpting and visual arts, with an emphasis on Francophone and Indigenous artists. Outdoor family activities, over five stages of performances for all ages, historical interpretation, snow sculptures, handcrafted souvenirs, and traditional food enrich the festival experience. We also put on year-round artistic events in the same spirit as the Festival du Voyageur.

In addition, Festival du Voyageur inc. offers educational experiences to the public and schools during the winter festival and year-round that focus on the history of Francophones, Métis and First Nations in Manitoba. At the heart of these educational experiences is the Fort Gibraltar Heritage Site, a reconstruction of an 1815 fort where we bring the fur trade era to life. The Festival du Voyageur inc. has owned and operated Fort Gibraltar since its founding in 1978.

Promote joie de vivre and extend the reach of French language and culture throughout the year through artistic, educational, historical and cultural experiences inspired by the voyageur era.

To be a coveted source of unifying experiences that promote Manitoba’s Francophonie.

Social Responsibility - Heritage - Innovation - Inclusion - Integrity

Every year, Festival du Voyageur inc. and its board members host the annual general meeting. At this occasion, the results of the previous fiscal year are presented to the members.