Voyageur Winter Carnival

Maple Taffy

February 14 and 15, 2026

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Celebrate the world of winter sports and games with a magical blend of traditional carnival fun at Fort William Historical Park. Enjoy two days of indoor and outdoor activities, kid’s sliding hill, winter games and contests, live music, artisan demonstrations, farm animals, delicious food, and much more! More details coming soon.

Activities

More details coming soon.

Weather Dependent Programming

Some activities are weather dependent and their availability may change based on weather conditions leading up to and during the event. These activities are marked by an asterisk (*).

Large Tubing Hill *

Hop on an inflatable tube and slide down our giant tubing hill. Tubes provided.

Mini Sliding Hill *

Hop on a snow disk and ride down our mini sliding hill. Sliding disks provided.

Skating *

Bring your skates and glide along the 2.5 km track on the Kaministiquia River. Skate check provided.

Outdoor Carnival Games *

Try your luck at the outdoor carnival games: Ice fishing, Hockey Shoot-out, Cornhole, and Penguin Knock Down.

Snowshoeing *

Practice snowshoeing and learn how to avoid the dangers of snowshoe sickness.

Snow Snake *

Try this traditional Indigenous winter activity and launch a wooden ‘snake’ down an ice track. 

Curling *

Try to get your stone on the curling target.

Zorb Ball *

Race around our snow track in a Zorb Ball.

Scavenger Hunt

Embark on a winter-themed scavenger hunt with a French twist! Solve the riddles and test your knowledge of winter traditions and language while discovering hidden treasures.

Historic Site

Explore the historic site and visit the Anishinaabe Encampment, Apothecary, Great Hall, Wintering House, Trades Square, and Farm.

Contests

More details coming soon.

Snow Snake *

Compete to see if you can launch the wooden ‘snake’ the farthest down the ice track.

Artisan Demonstrations

More details coming soon.

Ski Carving

Watch our carpenter hand carve wooden skis.

Skate Forging

Watch our blacksmith work the forge to create historic skate blades and learn about historical blacksmithing methods.

Entertainment

Live Music

Enjoy live music performed by local musicians. More details coming soon.

Community Groups

Cabane à sucre (Sugar Shack)

Visit the cabane à sucre and purchase a delicious maple taffy treat. 

The CCFTB is a non-profit organization working in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area to bring together and unite Francophones and Francophiles of all ages through social activities and cultural, artistic and heritage projects. Their cabane à sucre has been a Voyageur Winter Carnival favourite for many years.

Food and Beverages

Menu coming soon.

Cantine Restaurant

  • Brisket Stew (large) $13
  • Brisket Stew (small) $8
  • Mac and Cheese (large) $11
  • Mac and Cheese (small) $7
  • Poutine (large) $11
  • Poutine (small) $7
  • Pulled Pork $11
  • Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup $8
  • Hotdogs and Vegan Dogs $6
  • Fries $6
  • Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Soft drinks $3.25
  • Assorted Snacks $2.50-$3.50

    Chips, chocolate bards

North Canoe Shed

  • Hotdogs and Vegan Dogs $6
  • Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Soft drinks $3.25
  • Assorted Snacks $2.50-$3.50

    Chips, chocolate bars

Cabane à sucre (Sugar Shack)

  • Maple Taffy Sticks & Cones $2

    Cash only
    Brought to you by the Club culturel francophone de Thunder Bay

Visitor Information

Admission Fees

  • Adults $12
  • Seniors (60+) $10
  • Students (13+ with student ID) $10
  • Youth (6 to 12) $10
  • Children (5 & under) Free
  • Indigenous Persons Free
  • Military Personnel & Veterans (with CFOne card or VSC ) Free
  • Support Person (with PAL Card) Free

    The Personal Attendant for Leisure (PAL) Card is an identification card, which is issued to a person who has a disability. It allows the support person to enter a Thunder Bay recreation facility for free. A support person can be a friend, family member or a paid worker.

Annual Season Pass

  • Season Pass $20 per person

    + HST

The season pass provides you with year-round admission to the Fort William historic site and admission to the following Fort William Historical Park events: The Great Rendezvous, Halloween Hoot, New Year’s Eve Family Frolic, and Voyageurs Winter Carnival. Admission to Canada Day, Anishinaabe Keeshigun and Celtic Day is free for all visitors. Season pass holders also receive at 10% discount at the Trading Post Gift Shop, located in the Visitor Centre. The season pass does not include admission to the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory, the Heritage Dinner Series, campground, and third-party events.

What to Bring

Weather appropriate clothing: This is an all weather program and takes place indoors and outdoors.

Cash: There are no ATMs available on site.

Weather Dependent Programming

Some activities are weather dependent and their availability may change based on weather conditions leading up to and during the event. These activities are marked by an asterisk (*).

Getting Here

Car: Fort William Historical Park is located at 1350 King Road, Thunder Bay. Parking is free.

Thunder Bay Transit: Fort William Historical Park is accessible by the 4 Neebing bus route. Please visit the City of Thunder Bay Transit website for specific bus route information.

Snow Machines & River Access: Snow machines cannot park at events. There is no admissions entrance via the Kaministiquia River.
RVs: The campground is currently closed for the season. RVs are not permitted in the parking lot for overnight stays.