Lois Riel Day is a truly Manitobian Holiday that was first started in 2008 to commemorate this Manitoba politician. The date does not have any special connection to a particular event in Louis Riel's life, but it has become a special day for families around the province. 

Louis Riel was a leader of the Métis people of the Canadian prairies. These are an Aboriginal people with their own culture, language and heritage. The area, which was their ancestral homeland, is now in the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia and the Northwest Territories and parts of the north-west of the United States. Louis Riel was also a founder of the Manitoba province and a Canadian politician. However, during his lifetime, he was a controversial figure and lived in exile in the United States for a number of years. He was involved in a number of uprisings and, after a controversial trial, he was executed for treason in 1885.

On February 19th, families from around Manitoba will celebrate and honour both Lois Riel and Family in a variety of activities. Here at home, in Eastern Manitoba, our communities and organizations have planned some great events to help us! 

Make Some New Friends!

February 16 to 19
Various Locations, St. Malo

Celebrate the culture and traditions of the first Metis and French settlers to the area with your new friends at the Festival des Amis (Festival of Friends). On Louis Riel long weekend, people from all over gather to enjoy music and dance, food and fun in a family atmosphere. Head on out to taste the delicious Beaver Tails, a delicious fried pastry covered in cinnamon sugar, or learn how to snowshoe and take in the wonderful homemade products at the Pop Up Farmers' Market. There is also a Junior Hockey Game, Pancake Breakfast, Cross Country Skiing, Pow Wow, Pea Soup Contest and so much more! Ignore the cold, and head out to St. Malo this weekend.

Take Up One of Manitoba's Favorite Outdoor Sports

February 19
Lyons Lake, Whiteshell Provincial Park

Discover the fun family activity of ice fishing! Brought to you by Manitoba Parks you will learn the techniques and regulations then head out onto the ice to a pre-drilled hole. Be sure to bring your own rod and tackle to try to catch a trout, raised at the local Whiteshell Fish Hatchery! No fishing license is required, however, all other regulations apply.

Get Out and Enjoy Winterfest!

February 19
Various Locations, Beausejour

Winterfest just keeps getting better and better! Entering its 11th year, the team of organizers has a carefully scheduled program of activities that the whole family will enjoy. Enjoy the twirling, whorling and tossing of the Teakle Family Circus, pin your family against each other in the DartPocalypse Nerf Gun Battles, check out the creepy crawlies at the Prairie Exotics Reptile Display, enjoy some time skating at the rink or rest up while your kiddies bounce away in the inflatable bouncers.

Experience some Wacky Family Fun!

February 19
Various Locations, Lac du Bonnet

With a full day of Winter Family Fun planned you and your family are bound to get a little silly. Start your day with some Bannock and Snowshoeing before taking part in the Cornhole competition, the Wacky Sled Race, where you will be judged on your homemade sled, or take part in the Blindfolded Cookie Decorating Contest. There are tons of other activities planned for the day including, snow painting, obstacle courses, Pop Up Playzone, Smoosh Races, and so much more!

Even More Great Events Happening this Weekend

February 12 to 18
Various Locations, Eastern MB

The Eastern region of the province is always alive with amazing events and experiences. Check out what else we have going on this Long Weekend in Eastern Manitoba!

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