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Fort Langley National Historic Site

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Vive les Voyageurs Festival

Culture and entertainment History
Time: 10:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Location(s): Fort Langley National Historic Site
Cost: Regular admission fees apply. *Free admission for youth 17 and under

Shake off the winter blues and step into the lively world of French-Canadian and Métis culture at the 16th annual Vive les Voyageurs Festival, happening on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Fort Langley National Historic Site.

Since 2010, this beloved festival has filled the fort with the music, stories, and traditions of the fur trade era. Spend the day exploring demonstrations, chatting with Métis elders, enjoying traditional Indigenous dishes at Ancestor Café, and tapping your feet to lively voyageur tunes.

✨ Festival Highlights

  • Live demonstrations: Watch traditional skills in action, including coopering, blacksmithing, and beaver trapping techniques.
  • Métis beading: Discover the artistry of Métis beadwork with Lisa Shepherd.
  • Storytelling: Meet and hear stories from Métis elder Ken Pruden.
  • Music and dance: Tap your feet to spoon and jig performances with Maurice Guibord, join a voyageur singalong, and try the weaving dance led by a fort interpreter.
  • Presentation: Learn about the history of Chinook Jargon—its origins, evolution, and legacy.
  • Food: Enjoy traditional Indigenous cuisine at Ancestor Café.
  • Souvenirs: Browse Indigenous art and gifts at Spirit Bear Designs Gift Shop.
Program schedule:

Ongoing Activities (10 am to 4 pm)

  • Coopering demonstrations
  • Blacksmith demonstrations
  • Métis beading demonstration by Lisa Shepherd
  • Discussion with Metis Elder Ken Pruden in the Big House
  • Ancestor Café and Spirit Bear Designs Gift shop

Timed programs:

  • 11 am: Weaving Dance (Cooperage)
  • 11:30 am: Beaver trapping techniques with Gord MacIntosh (Storehouse)
  • 12 pm: Spoon and Jig demonstration with Maurice Guibord (Theatre)
  • 12:30 pm: Special presentation on Chinook Jargon: Origins, Evolution, Legacy (Theatre)
  • 1 pm: Voyageur Singalong (Theatre)
  • 1:30 pm: Beaver trapping techniques with Gord MacIntosh (Storehouse)
  • 2 pm: Spoon and Jig demonstration with Maurice Guibord (Theatre)
  • 2:30 pm: Weaving Dance (Cooperage)
  • 3 pm: Spoon and Jig demonstration with Maurice Guibord (Theatre)
  • 3:30 pm: Special presentation on Chinook Jargon: Origins, Evolution, Legacy (Theatre)

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