One of the goals of the French Immersion program is to help students develop an appreciation for francophone cultures. Language is more than words in a classroom, it is lived, shared, and celebrated in communities. When children experience French in real-life settings, it helps them see that French is a living language used beyond school walls.
Celebrate French Culture in Alberta’s Year of the Francophonie
Alberta has declared 2026 the Year of the Francophonie, a province-wide celebration of francophone language, culture, and heritage.
Across Edmonton and beyond, there are countless opportunities for families to explore French culture together. Best of all, you do not need to speak French to take part! Curiosity and enthusiasm show your child that learning French matters.
Here are five ways to experience French culture in and around Edmonton, as part of Alberta’s Year of the Francophonie:
Visit an Edmonton Cabane à Sucre
This traditional French-Canadian celebration brings learning, culture, and fun together in one place.
ECSD 4th annual Cabane à sucre
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: École J.H. Picard Catholic Elementary/Junior/Senior High School (7055 99 St. NW, Edmonton)
Click here to learn more.
Explore the French Quarter
Edmonton’s French Quarter is located in the heart of our city’s Francophone district at 86 Avenue and Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury (91 Street), close to Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre. This unique area is home to a variety of local businesses, including pubs, restaurants, boutiques, salons and more. The area provides a strong sense of community and pride in our city’s Francophone heritage.
- Visit Campus Saint-Jean (8406 Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury), the French-language campus of the University of Alberta, to see French in action.
- You can also stop by Café Bicyclette (8627 91 St) and try ordering un chocolat chaud or a croissant.
Attend the French Fun Family Weekend in Jasper
Canadian Parents for French, an organization supporting French immersion families, is hosting a French Fun Family Weekend. Join CPF in Jasper as they partner with Association Canadienne-Française de l'Alberta (ACFA) Regionale de Jasper to bring you a wonderful experience for our French Family Fun Weekend and Cabane à sucre 2026 celebrations!
Date: March 6-8, 2026
Location: Jasper, Alberta
Click here to learn more.
Alliance Française - The French Run 2026
Calling all running enthusiasts! The French Run is a fun and active community event open to participants ages 12 and up. Families can choose to run or walk 5 km or 10 km along a scenic route starting at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. It’s a joyful way to celebrate community, culture, and healthy living together. Alliance Française also offers many French activities throughout the year.
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park
Click here to learn more.
Alliance Française/Cinémagine Alberta - Le Film Du Mois
Love movies? On the first Saturday of each month at 6:00 PM, enjoy a recently released Francophone film for teens and adults at Landmark Cinemas Edmonton City Centre. From action and comedy to romance and historical adaptations, every screening offers something new for film lovers. English subtitles allow Anglophone family and friends to join in and enjoy the experience together.
Click here to learn more.
Celebrating Our Faith in French
Faith is an important part of Francophone communities, and attending Mass in French is a meaningful way for families to experience the language in a real-life context. A few Catholic parishes in Edmonton offer French-language Masses where children and adults can listen, participate, and celebrate together. Attending a French Mass is not only an opportunity to practice listening and comprehension, but it also helps students experience the cultural traditions, prayers, and music that are part of the francophone community.
Paroisse Saint-Joachim
9928 110 Street NW
Website: https://paroissesaintjoachim.com/
Paroisse Saint-Thomas d'Aquin
8410 89 Street NW
Website: https://www.paroissesaintthomasdaquin.ca/
Student Exchange Programs
Student exchange programs are a great way for high school students in French Immersion and those taking French as a Second Language courses to learn how to communicate and collaborate with diverse cultures, learn more about international communities, and become active global citizens.
High School students in ECSD can apply to study abroad in France and Québec through Alberta Education and Childcare. Students normally apply during their Grade 10 year to participate in the exchange in their Grade 11 year.
This unique program pairs Alberta students with students from France and Québec. Taking place during the school year, paired students will attend school together in the same location at the same time for 8 or 12 weeks each depending on location.
Visiting students will live in their Alberta host families’ homes and attend school with their Alberta exchange partners. Visiting Alberta students will be hosted by their exchange family and attend school with their partners.
Applications are now open and close by:
- March 15, 2026 for Québec
- April 15, 2026 for France
Resources
We say Oui in YEG - French in YEG
Flying Canoë Volant
Taking place each January, Flying Canoë Volant is a four-day outdoor winter festival in Edmonton that celebrates French-Canadian, First Nations, and Métis cultures through lights, music, and interactive art. Held in Mill Creek Ravine and Edmonton’s French Quarter, families can explore glowing trails, enjoy live performances, listen to storytelling in teepees, and watch fun canoe-themed races. Taking place in late January or early February, it is a magical way to embrace winter together.
Click here to learn more.
Institut Guy Lacombe
Institut Guy Lacombe supports Francophone and French Immersion families. They offer an extensive library where families can borrow French books and games, and they even host birthday parties en français. This welcoming space allows children to be fully immersed in French outside the classroom.
Click here to learn more.
Alliance Française of Edmonton
The Alliance Française of Edmonton fosters meaningful connections between people and the French language and culture. It offers opportunities to learn French and engage with many facets of Francophone culture, including art, literature, poetry, film, history, gastronomy, contemporary affairs, and ideas.
Click here to learn more.