It has always been a fun family event, but this winter, Festival du Voyageur is going all in for those with children.

Festival du Voyageur has run for the past 48 years and showcases the "joviality of French Canadian culture," according to its website. Every year, Saint-Boniface and Fort Gibraltar become a French Canadian paradise and it attracts people from all over the city.

"It is essentially a music and culture festival," summarized Darrel Nadeau, first-year executive director for Festival.

This year, Festival is turning an eye to attracting more kids and families.

"The biggest thing that is different is how open and friendly we are to families," Nadeau said. "We have doubled our children's programming this year."

That means two heated tents full of stuff for kids, including story-telling, music, and even a circus workshop.

Another big change is the age of free admission. In the past, children five years or younger were free. This year, kids under the age of 12 are free, making it a really affordable getaway for a family.

Nadeau recommends trying all the food, but he pointed out the pea soup and poutine specifically.

He also recommends that families buy their tickets early because a change to the day pass system means that you have to choose the day you are coming. Nadeau says the park can run out of space and they don't want to leave anyone out.

Festival du Voyageur runs from Friday, February 16 until Sunday, February 25 throughout Saint-Boniface, with the main hub at Fort Gibraltar.