Aug
11
2012
Aug
19
2012
Lift Off At The St-Jean-sur-Richelieu International Balloon Festival
The Experience
Ever wondered what it would be like to float miles high above the world in a hot air balloon? You can do just that and take your pick from hundreds of balloons at the annual International Balloon Festival in Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, on the outskirts of Montreal. The Canadian balloon festival began in 1984 and quickly attracted balloonists from around the world to compete. For just over a week in August, the skies of Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu are dotted with hot air balloons that launch each day at dusk and dawn. The launch times are chosen in relation to the drop in temperature around those times of day, vital for ballooning, and luckily, they also make for breathtaking photo opportunities.
Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu festival visitors line cordoned pathways along the fields to watch competing teams inflate their massive hot air balloons. Those who reserve a place in the gondolas early can hop in for a scenic ride. While some of the balloons are quite standard in appearance, others come in popular cartoon characters– a definite hit with the kids! During the "Night Glows" program of the Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu Balloon Festival, which runs on a few select nights, balloons are inflated after dark and lit from the inside to create a magical spectacle. Onlookers are also entertained by fire-eaters, jugglers and other pyrotechnic artists.
Today the Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu Balloon Festival also incorporates an outdoor family fair atmosphere, with plenty of rides, bouncy castles, costumed entertainers, food stalls and an outdoor stage for live music performances. It is extremely family-friendly and offers family admission packages, special sections and entertainment for kids, and even an outdoor cinema. The site itself is a former airplane hanger, which makes it an ideal setting in terms of space and location. Since there is a designated camping area, many families choose to bring their RVs and camp out for the entire week while enjoying the numerous activities. This fun and exciting balloon festival is a wonderful way to create plenty of memories during the last long days of summer.
Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu festival visitors line cordoned pathways along the fields to watch competing teams inflate their massive hot air balloons. Those who reserve a place in the gondolas early can hop in for a scenic ride. While some of the balloons are quite standard in appearance, others come in popular cartoon characters– a definite hit with the kids! During the "Night Glows" program of the Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu Balloon Festival, which runs on a few select nights, balloons are inflated after dark and lit from the inside to create a magical spectacle. Onlookers are also entertained by fire-eaters, jugglers and other pyrotechnic artists.
Today the Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu Balloon Festival also incorporates an outdoor family fair atmosphere, with plenty of rides, bouncy castles, costumed entertainers, food stalls and an outdoor stage for live music performances. It is extremely family-friendly and offers family admission packages, special sections and entertainment for kids, and even an outdoor cinema. The site itself is a former airplane hanger, which makes it an ideal setting in terms of space and location. Since there is a designated camping area, many families choose to bring their RVs and camp out for the entire week while enjoying the numerous activities. This fun and exciting balloon festival is a wonderful way to create plenty of memories during the last long days of summer.
When to Go to Saint Jean Sur Richelieu Balloon Festival
The International Balloon Festival in St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu typically runs for about nine days in the middle of August. The dates slightly vary each year, so it is best to check the website for the most up-to-date information. Another perk of visiting Montreal and its surrounding area in August is that there are plenty of other summer festivals that coincide around the same time. Hot air balloon rides are popular and tend to be reserved quickly. The official website offers reservation details and visitors are generally advised to book at least two days in advance of the desired date, if not earlier. There are also several hotels in St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu area and reservations should be made early since bookings go fast during the summer season.
Odds n' Ends
Depending on the weather, it would be wise to bring along plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, as well as warmer clothing and rain gear for those who are planning to camp at the site. Note that animals are not allowed anywhere on the site. Visitors can bring their own food and snacks instead of purchasing at the Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu Balloon Festival, but barbeque equipment is not allowed. Alcohol and glass containers cannot be brought onto the grounds, but instead visitors can head to the beer tents for a drink.
The usual cost for an adult day pass is $20 (Canadian) and $7 for kids. Children under two years old are admitted for free. A passport for the entire duration of the festival is $49 for adults and $18 for kids. Additional rates apply for some services such as parking for cars and RVs. To book a hot air balloon flight, visitors should expect to pay between $170 to $210, depending on whether they wish to fly at dawn or dusk.
The usual cost for an adult day pass is $20 (Canadian) and $7 for kids. Children under two years old are admitted for free. A passport for the entire duration of the festival is $49 for adults and $18 for kids. Additional rates apply for some services such as parking for cars and RVs. To book a hot air balloon flight, visitors should expect to pay between $170 to $210, depending on whether they wish to fly at dawn or dusk.
Places to Eat
- Vergers et Ciderie Denis Charbonneau
- For a bit of interactive fun, head to this delightful restaurant overlooking an orchard. Visitors are invited to pick their own apples and pumpkins, or simply enjoy the local fare at the restaurant. The menus include plenty of local produce, including apple-based desserts and beverages.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Visitors wishing to discover th best of the Haut Richelieu region always choose the prestigious Relais Gouverneur Saing Jean Sur le Richelieu. Just 20 minutes ... 1 miles away
$109 CAD+
Welcome to the Newest Hotel in St. Jean sur Richelieu The Hot Air Balloon Capital welcomes you to the new Holiday Inn Express St. Jean ... 1 miles away
$111 CAD+
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