Winnipeg winters can be long and cold, but they can also transform the city into a creative playground. We have seen skating trails & snow mazes become popular attractions for locals to engage in and embrace the season. However, the creativity of winter in Winnipeg could not be complete without one of the most beloved traditions - the annual Festival du Voyageur snow sculptures.
As a reoccurring annual sponsor of Festival du Voyageur, Qualico Communities proudly supports local artists in bringing ideas come to life through the art of snow sculpting. With the demand & popularity it has cumulated over the years, we’ve once again collaborated with acclaimed sculptors to create five snow sculptures across our communities. This year, David MacNair, Gary Tessier and Jacques Boulet— a trio of local artists known as ‘The Three Amigos’— have carved captivating snow creations.
The snow sculptures could not have been completed without designs from students within the schools of our communities of Sage Creek & Bison Run. In collaboration with Gary Tessier & David MacNair, Qualico Communities organized and implemented workshops with the Grade 6 classes in all four schools of DSFM Sage Creek, Sage Creek School, Ecole Sage Creek Bonavista, & Bison Run School where David & Gary provide classroom sessions & hands-on experience for the students and give them the opportunity to let their ideas come to life.
“It’s always a lot of fun seeing these little minds go to work and what they come up with, its’ amazing every year.“ says Tessier. “We’re looking forward to having some of these kids being the future generation of snow sculptors out there.”
MacNair & Tessier mentioned that having over 40 years of experience under their belt, they want to see the next generation keep this winter art alive and hope that some students from these workshops take the next step in snow sculpting.
“We look forward to them, taking the baton and moving forward with all the sculptures that the city will see for hopefully a lot of years to come.” added MacNair.
Take a look below to explore this year’s stunning snow sculptures and where to find them:
Sage Creek
š “Snowy Forms”– Located on the southeast corner of Lagimodière Boulevard and Abinojii Mikanah, this sculpture features a trio of snowy owls, celebrating what some consider Canada’s National bird. The artists were inspired to pursue this sculpture, as this winter is expected to be an irruption in snowy owls across Southern Canada. If you want to see one of these beautiful birds, this is the winter to do it!
š "Mes loutres dans le bain"/"My Otters in the Bath” – Inspired by Liyana’s design, a student from DSFM Sage Creek. This sculpture features a pair of otters laying back and relaxing in the water. This creation was sculpted on the southeast corner of Burning Glass Road & Sage Creek Boulevard (next to Leopold’s Taven). This animal’s stance helps to describe the playfulness which embodies the otter and will serve as a nice addition to our Village Centre this winter for those running for groceries, or a bite to eat.
Bison Run
š “Stop for the Flower” – Inspired by Maro’s design, a Grade 6 student from Bison Run School. This sculpture checks off all the boxes and completes the trifecta. As a known symbol of the province, this sculpture represents the students & staff of Bison Run School, our community of Bison Run, and the Province of Manitoba. This animal symbolizes the strength and resilience that we all embody as Manitobans. The Bison sculpture can be found at the northwest corner of the roundabout at Joe Keeper Way & Frontier Trail.
Oak Bluff West
š “Just a Strummin” – Inspired by Charlott’s design, a Grade 6 student from Sage Creek School. This creation will surely be appreciated by music lovers, as the acoustic guitar has been known as a timeless classic among musical instruments that has remained popular throughout generations in music history. It can be found near the play structure on Horizon Drive.
Taylor Farm
š “Cuddled Together” – Inspired by Isabel’s design, a Grade 6 student from École Sage Creek Bonavista. Located near the roundabout on McGuckin Road & Taylor Farm Road, this sculpture captures the rural wildlife that rural Manitoba has to offer. This creation features a pair of wolves wrapped together in the cold, which helps serve as a reminder that this animal exhibits loyalty & protection to its’ own to ensure its’ survival.
The Art of Snow Sculpting
Carving large-scale snow sculptures is no small feat. Each block of snow requires 24 to 80 hours of labour, from roughing out shapes to polishing the final details. MacNair, Tessier and Boulet work collaboratively, ensuring each design comes to life with intricate detail.
“Sculpting snow is about patience and precision,” explains MacNair. “Each block holds endless possibilities—it’s just a matter of revealing them.”
See the Art Before it Melts!
These incredible sculptures are now on display, but they won’t last forever! With the unpredictable weather this current season has endured, be sure to make a visit as soon as you can to see these masterpieces in their best condition. These art pieces are a reminder to all of us that even though the Manitoban winters can be hard to endure, the highlights they provide like these snow sculptures are easy to admire.
Be sure to visit these sculptures while they’re solid!
Watch the YouTube Video taking a peek at our annual snow sculpting workshop with students from the Grade 6 class at École DSFM Sage Creek, narrated by David MacNair & Gary Tessier.