Le Carnaval

North Bay’s annual week-long winter carnival, ‘le Carnaval des Compagnons’, celebrates the rich French-Canadian heritage in North Bay and the surrounding towns and villages, becoming the ‘raison d’etre’ of winter in February for lovers of Franco-Ontarian language and culture.

What is Le Carnaval des Compagnons?

Maybe you have heard of ‘le Carnaval de Quebec’ – the famous, oldest and largest French-Canadian cultural festival gracing Quebec City each winter?

Well, Ontario, with the second largest French-speaking community in Canada of over 600,000 Franco-Ontarians has a long and celebrated history – many Franco-Ontarians are descendants of early voyageurs and ‘coureurs de bois’ who first set foot in Canada over 400 years ago.

Since 1963, North Bay has been the site of Le Carnaval des Compagnons hosted by les Compagnons des Francs Loisirs, . Le Carnaval de North Bay (in the spirit of that other le carnaval), is the 2nd oldest and largest Franco-Ontarian winter festival in Canada, and is a celebration of North Bay’s history and the proud and very much alive French Canadian language and culture in Northern Ontario.

What Happens at le Carnaval?

Live Music, Art, Theater, Comedy, Fireworks, Food and More!

Franco-Ontarians are innovative and talented and create uniquely engaging francophone theater, art, music and signature foods, like numerous types of tasty poutines.

Le Carnaval events take place all over North Bay at various venues.

- the Opening Ceremony includes hot chocolate, pictures with Bonhomme, the carnival mascot, skating, fireworks and more,
- an Arts Evening at the WKP Kennedy Gallery highlights local artists, with live music,
- a comedy show at the Grande Event Centre,
- an 80’s Dance Party at the Davedi Club,
- French-Canadian singer songwriter, France D’Amour, plays at the Capitol Centre,
- a ‘Boreal Day’ spent outdoors with skating, horses, ringuette, axe throwing, snow sculptures and the iconic maple syrup ‘taffy on snow’ treat,
- and the much anticipated revealing of ‘Who is Bonhomme?’ – what local celebrity was secretly chosen to be Bonhomme this year?

Visit the official site for the full schedule of le Carnival des Compagnons.

Horse Carriage at the Le Carnaval des Compagnons french canadian winter festival in North Bay

Plan Your Trip to North Bay’s Winter Festivals

Le Carnaval des Compagnons runs from February 2nd until February 8th, 2025.

Visit our accomodations pages to find the best hotels and motels in North Bay. Be sure to check our winter packages for discounts and deals on accommodations, gas and food.

Plan to Visit Both of Our Winter Festivals

From February 7th until February 21st, North Bay is also hosting Ice Follies, an interactive outdoor art festival on the icy canvas of Lake Nipissing inviting art lovers and the curious to experience contemporary Northern Ontario and Indigenous art in a most surprising form.

Outdoor adventurers can also explore North Bay’s numerous exhilarating outdoor winter sports, including snowshoeing, kicksledding, fat biking, ice fishing and more. Fuel up and relax after with our cozy local dining options.

Whether you’re a seasoned winter festival-goer or just looking for a new way to embrace the season, why not visit both of North Bay’s winter festivals for a profound and rewarding experience of Northern Ontario’s distinct cultures, captivating landscapes and outdoor adventures.