Festival du Voyageur | Canada Culinary

About

Save the Date: Feb 14-23, 2025

Festival du Voyageur is a winter celebration that captures the rich culture and history of Manitoba, and one of its most beloved activities is maple taffy making in the snow. This traditional treat, known as "tire sur la neige," offers a delicious and interactive experience for festival-goers.

The process begins with boiling pure maple syrup until it reaches the perfect consistency. Once ready, the hot syrup is carefully drizzled onto fresh, clean snow in long, thin strips. As the syrup hits the cold surface, it quickly begins to solidify, forming a chewy, amber-colored taffy. Participants then take wooden sticks, press them into the syrup, and roll them up to create their own maple taffy pops.

The result is a sweet, sticky delight that captures the essence of Canadian winter traditions. Making maple taffy in the snow is more than just a treat; it's an opportunity to engage with a piece of cultural heritage. The activity is often accompanied by stories of the early French-Canadian settlers, known as voyageurs, who would enjoy similar treats during their long, arduous journeys.

Visitors to Festival du Voyageur can enjoy this hands-on activity while taking in the lively atmosphere filled with music, dancing, and vibrant displays of Métis and Francophone culture.

Visit website

Location

233 Provencher Blvd
Winnipeg, MB
R2H 0G4

Get directions

More places to visit in Manitoba

About Manitoba

The culinary scene in Manitoba, Canada, offers a delightful fusion of diverse flavors, fresh ingredients, and a strong emphasis on local cuisine. Nestled in the heart of the Canadian prairies, this province showcases a rich culinary heritage influenced by its indigenous roots, European traditions, and a growing international culinary community. From farm-to-table experiences to innovative fusion restaurants, Manitoba's culinary scene has something to satisfy every palate.

One of the defining aspects of Manitoba's culinary landscape is its strong connection to the land. The province boasts fertile farmlands and vast agricultural regions, providing an abundant supply of fresh produce, grains, and livestock. The farm-to-table movement is prominent here, with many restaurants showcasing locally sourced ingredients in their menus. Visitors can savor dishes prepared with Manitoba-grown ingredients like bison, wild game, berries, mushrooms, and vegetables, ensuring a true taste of the region's natural bounty.

Learn more

More places to visit in Winnipeg

About Winnipeg

Winnipeg’s culinary scene is a lot more than just perogies and honey dill – although, we are particularly proud of our potatoes, dough, butter and signature chicken finger-accompanying condiment.

More than 100 languages are spoken in Winnipeg, and this worldly ensemble has helped create neighbourhoods like The West End which is celebrated for its pho, injera, curries, jerk and tacos. Surrounded by farmland as far as the eye can see, the city’s top bakers (many of whom moved here from France) continue to embrace (and mill onsite) all manner of wheat, making for some of the best sourdoughs and pastries in Canada. You’ll also find plenty of local grains being used at our distilleries when it comes to vodka, gin and whiskies.

Learn more