The Fort Langley National Historic Site hosts a number of events each year including Vive Les Voyageurs which celebrates French-Canadian culture in January.

In 2024 the event took place at the fort on the weekend of January 20th and 21st.

See the official Fort Langley website for details about the event.

Vive Les Voyageurs at Fort Langley

The Fort Langley National Historic Site hosts special events at different times of the year. For example, there are National Indigenous Peoples Day and Hawaiian Luau celebrations in the spring, followed by Canada Day and Brigade Days events in the summer. In the fall, there are Grave Tales Walking Tours, the Fort Langley Cranberry Festival and Douglas Day celebrations. In the winter there is also the Vive Les Voyageurs Festival. It’s an annual French-Canadian cultural event.

Vive Les Voyageurs is a chance for everyone to discover and experience a selection of French-Canadian traditions and activities. The festival is family-friendly and features various things to do.

There are educational and interactive presentations throughout the event. There is live music by French-Canadian artists as well. Children can also get in on the fun. A designated area is set up for them to play. Food is another component of the festival. At the event there is a tasty selection of French-Canadian favourites including poutine and maple taffy.

2024 marks the 13th annual Vive Les Voyageurs Festival. The event ran on Saturday, January 20th, and Sunday, January 21st this year. All festivities take place at the Fort Langley National Historic Site located at 23433 Mavis Avenue in the Town of Fort Langley.

Event Schedule

Last year the site opened for the event at 10:00 am and closed at 5:00 pm on both the Saturday and Sunday. 2024 was likely the same. The schedule of festivities for 2023 is below. It was the same on both days. (Note: Exact times and details were subject to change.)

10:30 am – Métis Moose Hide Coat Presentation
11:00 am – York Boat and Red River Cart Presentation
11:30 am – Beaver Trapping Techniques
12:00 pm – Spoon and Jig Demonstration
12:30 pm – Live Music with Michael Viens and Rosie Carter
1:00 pm – York Boat and Red River Cart Presentation
1:30 pm – Spoon and Jig Demonstration
2:00 pm – Métis Moose Hide Coat Presentation
2:30 pm – Live Music with Michael Viens and Rosie Carter
3:00 pm – Spoon and Jig Demonstration
3:30 pm – Métis Moose Hide Coat Presentation
4:00 pm – Beaver Trapping Techniques

All of the above workshops, performances and presentations were very interesting. Attendees learned so much about French-Canadian culture and what life was like at the fort and for Métis fur traders.

Admission Costs

Full access to the Vive Les Voyageurs Festival is included with general admission to the fort.

Daily prices vary depending on your age. As of March, 2024, tickets for adults between the ages of 18 and 64 cost about $8.50 each. Tickets for seniors ages 65 and above cost $7.00 per person. Everyone under the age of 18 can enter for free.

See the official Fort Langley website for full details about the event.

School Programs

There usually are special programs available for students of all grades. Teachers can register their classes to visit the fort during the week before or after the Vive Les Voyageurs Festival. This year, for example, the programs ran between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm on all weekdays from January 15th until the 26th. All levels of French are welcome.

Participating classes are divided into four groups and there are four different stations to rotate through. Students learn all about Métis jigging, rope weaving, canoe voyages and maple taffy.

To learn more about this French Canadian-themed field trip opportunity click Fort Langley School Programs.