A good time translates into any language and the annual Vive les Voyageurs French-Canadian Festival is just such a good time.

The ninth annual French winter festival is Saturday and Sunday at the Fort 91原创 National Historic Site.

The festival lets people explore the French history of the fort and region, but the event isn鈥檛 just for those who understand the French language.

鈥淎lthough many voyageurs spoke French in the past, today鈥檚 interpreters offer programming in both English and French,鈥� explained Mae Whyte, the fort鈥檚 assistant promotions officer. 鈥淰ive les Voyageurs is a great opportunity to learn or improve on your French vocabulary. We invite people of all ages, backgrounds, and languages to engage with our site and the special activities we have planned for Vive les Voyageurs French-Canadian Festival.鈥�

Enjoy interactive cultural experiences from learning M茅tis dances to sampling maple taffy, and celebrate the importance of trappers, interpreters 鈥� and yes, voyageurs 鈥� who helped shape the history of this site and of Canada.

: They worked on water, but over 90% of voyageurs could not swim! Learn the whole story at this weekend:

鈥� Fort91原创NHS (@Fort91原创NHS)

Children of all ages will enjoy dancing to interactive M茅tis dance presentations and French-Canadian music performances. They will also have the opportunity to make crafts. The fort鈥檚 historical presentations will be ongoing throughout the day.

A highlight on the festival Jan. 20 andd 21 is always the maple taffy making.

Many voyageurs of old developed legendary reputations for their work transporting furs by canoe across the wild reaches of the country. They helped negotiate trade with First Nations, and navigated great rivers, carrying bundles of fur over portages.

Parks Canada has been hosting this festival since 2010 and have seen it grow into a winter favourite for many families, Whyte added.

During 2018, admission for those 17 and under is free. Adult admission is $7.80 and free for annual passholders.

The fort is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The federal government made admission to national parks and national historic sites free during 2017 to mark Canada 150. It had the desired effect 鈥搈any more people visited.

At Fort 91原创 along, the 2017 attendance figures were more than 100,000 people higher than those from 2016.

Activities at the festival are free unless otherwise specified.

SCHEDULE

10:30 a.m. Voyageur program

11 a.m. M茅tis dancer

12 p.m. Spoons and jigging

12:30 p.m. Music

1 p.m. M茅tis dancer

1:15 p.m. Voyageur program

1:30 p.m. Spoons and jigging

2 p.m. Trapping

2:30 p.m. Music

3 p.m. Spoons & jigging

3:30 p.m. Gameshow

4 p.m. Voyageur program

All-day activities (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

鈥� Cooperage demonstrations

鈥� Blacksmith demonstrations

鈥� Maple taffy (cost)

鈥� Food trucks (cost)

鈥� Top hat construction

鈥� Airbrush tattoos

鈥� Bake oven

鈥� Weaving