Winter Festivals in Western Canada
Film, Whisky, Wine and Pioneer Life Are All Celebrated
Winter festivals in Western Canada celebrate both the present and pioneering lifestyles that represent life in Western Canada today.
WINTER FESTIVAL SEASON IN THE WEST
Film, Whisky, Wine and Pioneer Festivals
World Community Film Festival – February 2 & 3, 2007
Comox, BC, invites film buffs to view two days of International Film Documentaries devoted to social justice, culture, environmental sustainability, human rights and community development just to name a few of the major issues that will be addressed in these thought provoking films. (www.worldcommunity.ca )
Victoria Whisky Festival – January 26-27, 2007
90 of the world’s more than 2500 different brands of whisky in the world will be featured at this 2nd annual gathering of the clans. Participants will be able to savor and sip from a variety of single malts, blended Scotch, Irish, Canadian and bourbon libations. A master class will be led by Mr. Richard Paterson, award-winning Master Blender for Whyte & Mackay Ltd. (www.victoriawhiskyfestival.com)
Kiwi Squeeze at Marley Farm Winery – January 27, 2007
The Marley Farm boutique winery in Saanich, BC invites visitors to Vancouver Island to be a part of the wine making process to produce “Kiwi Gold” an ice wine-like fruit varietals that requires 1,400 pounds of kiwi fruit to be cut, squeezed and sent to the fermenter. This annual event draws lots of locals as well as visitors. (www.marleyfarm.ca) .
Festival du Voyageur – Winnipeg, Manitoba, February 9-18, 2007
Western Canada’s largest winter festival celebrates Canada’s fur trading era and combines the lively lifestyle of the voyageurs with more than 300 music performances, snow sculptures, live entertainment, arts and crafts and a governor’s ball. (www.festivalvoyageur.mb.ca )
Northern Manitoba Trapper’s Festival – The Pas, Manitoba, February 14-18. 2007
The oldest winter festival in Western Canada, dating back to 1916, celebrates the cultural heritage of the northern pioneer with skill championships and live entertainments. Events include a World Championship Dog Race, King Trapper with canoe packing, trap setting, moose calling, bannock baking and more, arts and crafts show and a beard growing contest. (www.trappersfestival.com)
International Festival of Animated Objects – Calgary, Alberta, January 12-14, 2007
A uniquely Calgarian bi-annual celebration of mask, puppets and all things animated. Watch main stage productions, workshops and activities for both adults and children.
