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Canada’s white hot festival season is in full swing across the country. From cultural celebrations to ice sculpture competitions and enchanted kingdoms for the kids, every festival is jam-packed with Canadian spirit and traditions. Read on for some of the best.
Quebec Winter Carnival
Get a furry bear hug from Bonhomme, the jolly mascot of the world’s biggest winter festival. Watch artists compete in creating giant, fantastical snow sculptures, and stare in wonder as a dogsled race winds through the narrow, snowy streets of the Old City. Feel the excitement as canoes race across the ice-choked St. Lawrence River, smell the sugary aroma of warm maple syrup, and skate in the shadow of the ramparts of the only walled city north of Mexico. Stroll streets lit by Victorian lamps before dining in a cosy gourmet restaurant on local Quebec cuisine. The 68th Quebec Winter Carnival takes place from 4 – 13 February 2022.
Festival du Voyageur
The spirit of the voyageur endures at the Festival du Voyageur in the central Canadian province of Manitoba from 18 – 27 February 2022. Don your red beanie and bundle up in plaid flannel to really look the part, and then head to the Green Screen photo booth to be photographed in a virtual voyageur setting. Watch the legendary Voyageur Games, including wrestling, pillow fights, tug-of-war and log sawing. Try your hand at the arts practiced by the voyageurs of yester-year, learn the stunning art of Métis beading, and how to play the wooden spoons. This dynamic cultural festival, featuring snow sculptures, lively music, and outstanding French- Canadian cuisine, is a kitchen party not to be missed.
Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous
The Yukon’s capital city of Whitehorse comes alive during its annual winter carnival, Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, taking place from 11 – 27 February 2022. Visitors to Whitehorse will be treated to some wacky entertainment that reflects the good-humoured nature of the locals, with lip syncing, hair freezing, cross-dressing, and even beard growing competitions. In addition to fantastic musical entertainment, concerts and snow carving, kids have the time of their lives at Kidsfest, complete with Slide and Glide on the toboggan hill, face painting, and traditional fare such as the egg toss and potato sack races. The best part? It’s all free of charge – because that’s the spirit of the Yukon.
Winter festivals in British Columbia
The Rossland Winter Carnival in the west Kootenay has roots stretching back to 1898, with signature events including a carnival parade with fire spinners, an ice palace, beer gardens and snow sculptures. For sheer irreverence, March’s Griz Days in Fernie from 4 – 6 March 2022 is hard to beat, with lumberjack shows, leg wrestling and axe throwing.
Note for all travellers:
Travel to Canada is going to be a little different than it was prior to the pandemic, and we encourage all travellers to be fully informed of the pre-entry and on-arrival public health and testing requirements both federally and provincially. This includes the mandatory use of the ArriveCAN app. Travellers should plan for extra time in the lead up, and upon the arrival of their trip. For the latest information on travel to Canada including the updated requirements and restrictions, please visit the Government of Canada website.