Gallery: HéHo! Let’s brave the cold By: Photography by John Woods / Free Press Posted:

Extreme cold warnings greeted the start of the 2025 edition of the Festival du Voyageur but visitors were undeterred. Dressed for the weather, festival goers were treated to snow sculptures, glimpses of the fur trade life, music, and maple taffy on Sunday. The weather forecast is calling for milder temperatures for the rest of the week as the festival finishes up next weekend.

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This article was published 16/02/2025 (557 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Extreme cold warnings greeted the start of the 2025 edition of the Festival du Voyageur but visitors were undeterred. Dressed for the weather, festival goers were treated to snow sculptures, glimpses of the fur trade life, music, and maple taffy on Sunday. The weather forecast is calling for milder temperatures for the rest of the week as the festival finishes up next weekend.

Visitors listen to musicians performing from Boîte à chansons, the festival‘s mobile concert trailer. (John Woods / Free Press)
Visitors listen to musicians performing from Boîte à chansons, the festival‘s mobile concert trailer. (John Woods / Free Press)

Visitors check out the trading post and learn about the fur trade. (John Woods / Free Press)
Visitors check out the trading post and learn about the fur trade. (John Woods / Free Press)

Ça Claque! performs at the Cabane à sucre venue. (John Woods / Free Press)
Ça Claque! performs at the Cabane à sucre venue. (John Woods / Free Press)

A family examines the Forest Of Hearts snow sculpture. (John Woods / Free Press)
A family examines the Forest Of Hearts snow sculpture. (John Woods / Free Press)

A snow sculptor adds the finsihing touches to a sculpture. (John Woods / Free Press)
A snow sculptor adds the finsihing touches to a sculpture. (John Woods / Free Press)

The Libellule S‘envole snow sculpture is one of several snow sculptures on display during the festival. (John Woods / Free Press)
The Libellule S‘envole snow sculpture is one of several snow sculptures on display during the festival. (John Woods / Free Press)

Stephanie (from left), Mark, along with children Charlotte and Jasper and their grandmother Sondra (right) roll maple taffy. (John Woods / Free Press)
Stephanie (from left), Mark, along with children Charlotte and Jasper and their grandmother Sondra (right) roll maple taffy. (John Woods / Free Press)

Visitors check out the blacksmith shop. (John Woods / Free Press)
Visitors check out the blacksmith shop. (John Woods / Free Press)

Festival goers get a lesson in voyageur cuisine. (John Woods / Free Press)
Festival goers get a lesson in voyageur cuisine. (John Woods / Free Press)

Children explore the playground. (John Woods / Free Press)
Children explore the playground. (John Woods / Free Press)

John Woods
Photojournalist

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