Experience the magic of the Flying Canoë Volant festival at four different locations. Walk under colourful lights in the Mill Creek Ravine, see a film at La Cité Francophone, listen to live music in the Rutherford School yard and watch the highly anticipated canoe races at Edmonton Ski Club.
The pandemic impacted the festival in many ways. Last year’s festival featuring no live programming and this year‚Äôs festival dates were postponed from February to March.
“With 95 per cent of our programming being outdoors, I think as a society we’re feeling much more comfortable with that, and in a much better place to participate than maybe a year ago,” says Daniel Cournoyer, festival producer of Flying Canoë Volant.
Flying Canoë Volant is known for its canoe races, which will take place from March 4-5 at Edmonton Ski Club. Registration is closed with a maximum capacity of 70 teams competing, however, festival-goers are encouraged to watch and cheer on the teams. Over the weekend, Edmonton Ski Club has patio concerts from Scenic Route to Alaska and Carter and the Capitals. The hill will also be open for snow tubing.
“That will all be outdoors, so we’re calling it a snow suit patio party,” says Cournoyer. “Find a retro snowsuit because it’s better to party in your snow suit than in your birthday suit. In other words, dress for the weather.”
Mill Creek Ravine will be illuminated until March 5 with trail entertainment and art installations. Take the trail to La Cité Francophone where there will be maple taffy, activations and an ice bar on the Café Bicyclette patio. Head inside the cafe for food and craft beer, or head into the theatre for film showings and cabaret performances.
There will also be outdoor entertainment at Rutherford School including lighting displays, the Strathearn Art Walk, a snow slide and live entertainment.
“Flying Canoë Volant is more than a festival, it truly is an adventure, whether you’re racing down a ski hill in a canoe, or whether you’re sitting at the cabaret having a beverage of choice and listening some great music, or just taking in the outdoor musical programs and the magic.”
Flying Canoë Volant is on until March 5 at La Cité Francophone, Mill Creek Ravine, Rutherford School and Edmonton Ski Club. View the full schedule online.
