Winnipeg winters may be long and cold, but they also provide the perfect canvas for creativity. From skating trails to snow mazes, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the season—and one of the most beloved traditions is the annual Festival du Voyageur snow sculptures.
As a long-standing sponsor of Festival du Voyageur, Qualico Communities proudly supports local artists in bringing winter art to life. Due to their popularity in past years, we’ve once again collaborated with renowned sculptors to create not just one but multiple snow sculptures across our communities.
This year, David MacNair, Gary Tessier and Jacques Boulet—a talented trio of local artists—have carved stunning snow creations.
“All three of us are visual artists,” says MacNair. “The process of carving snow is all about removing what’s not needed to reveal the final design.”
Take a look below to explore this year’s breathtaking snow sculptures and where to find them:
Sage Creek
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Marsh Guard – Located along Lagimodière Boulevard and Abinojii Mikanah, this stunning sculpture features a red-winged blackbird among the cattails, celebrating Manitoba’s natural beauty.
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Grogu – Inspired by a
student design created by Owen and Oliver, Grade 4 students from École Sage Creek School, Grogu (Baby Yoda) from
The Mandalorian was sculpted near the entrance to Sage Creek at Warde Avenue and Lagimodière Boulevard. This adorable creation is sure to bring a smile to
Star Wars fans of all ages.
Bison Run
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Eagle – This powerful snow sculpture of an eagle perched over its nest was designed by Leland, a
Grade 6 student at Bison Run School. Brought to life at the traffic circle at Frontier Trail and Joe Keeper Way, it symbolizes strength, resilience and the beauty of Manitoba’s wildlife.
Oak Bluff West
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Snowball – A playful depiction of children engaged in a snowball fight, this sculpture embodies the joy of winter fun. It can be found near the play structure on Horizon Drive.
Taylor Farm
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Snow Fort – Capturing a classic winter pastime, this sculpture features a child carefully building the walls of a snow fort. Located at Taylor Farm’s entrance at McGuckin Road off Portage Avenue, it’s a nostalgic nod to the simple pleasures of a snowy day.
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 Them Before They Melt!
These incredible sculptures are now on display, but they won’t last forever! Bundle up, take a stroll and admire the artistry firsthand before the spring thaw. And who knows? Maybe they’ll inspire you to create a snow sculpture of your own.
“Like young students, don’t be afraid to try,” says MacNair. “If it doesn’t turn out as expected, don’t worry—it’ll melt away, and you can try again next winter.”
Be sure to visit these sculptures while they’re fresh!