Here are some answers to the questions we are most frequently asked.
If you don't find the answer to your question here, send us an email at festival@montgolfieres.com
As part of our 40th edition, we are offering you a renewed formula to maximize your experience. The festival will take place over two weekends*, from August 11 to 13, 2023 and from August 17 to 20, 2023.
Thursdays and Fridays: 2:30 pm to 11:30 pm.
Saturdays and Sundays: 12pm to 11:30pm.
The festival site comes to life at 5 Chemin de l'Aéroport, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 7B5.
The site is open rain or shine. Please note that some activities, such as the inflatable games, will be temporarily cancelled. However, we're offering a host of other activities that you're sure to enjoy just as much!
The former "rain check" policy for cancelled flights no longer applies as of the 2022 edition. No refunds or exchanges of day tickets, integrated or regular 7-day passports and parking tickets are allowed. Please dress appropriately for the day's weather.
Rain checks for 2019 were accepted in 2022 to honor the old discount policy. However, starting in 2023, no Rain checks will be applicable.
To book your flight, go directly to the ticket office.
Before getting started, we recommend that you consult the Important Information section to make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria for a hot-air balloon flight.
No. In all, there will be 18 flights, all spread out between August 11 and 20. For the full schedule, please visit the Flight Experience page.
In the event of adverse weather conditions, you will have the option of postponing your flight or receiving a refund. In this case, you must be at the kiosk on time to reschedule your flight or receive a refund. For further information, please consult the Important info section.
We take the safety of our festival-goers and our team to heart. Therefore, if the weather conditions are unfavorable, the flights will be cancelled. However, the site will remain open and it will still be possible to immerse yourself and live the ballooning experience! When in doubt, consult our social networks.
Here's how to enjoy a day at the Terrasse 40e Fonds de solidarité FTQ:
You already have your daily ticket or 7-day passport?
Log in to your Ticketmaster account to purchase your deck experience.
Don't have your daily ticket or 7-day passport?
Once on TicketMaster, select your product;
The option to add the deck experience to your order will be offered as a second step.
Integrated 7-day passport (quantity sold out)
Gives access to the site, all shows, rides and includes parking for the 7 days of the festival.
Regular: For people 13 years and older.
Youth: For people between 5 and 12 years old.
Child*: For children under 4 years old.
7-day passport
Gives access to the site and to all the shows for the 7 days of the festival.
Regular: For people 13 years and older.
Youth: For people between 5 and 12 years old.
Child*: For children under 4 years old.
*4 years old and under do not need a passport. With a proof of age, they have free access to the site.
Regular: For people 13 years and older.
Youth: For people between 5 and 12 years old.
Children: For children 4 years and under.
Family: For two adults and two children 12 years old and under.
Directly on our website, from the ticketing section.
Please note that before the festival begins, there are no physical sales outlets. Also, our offices are not open to the public.
Don't worry, it's very simple! You can get a prepaid credit card wherever they are available and use it to make your purchases on our site.
Yes, but no seats will be available on the floor. Several giant screens near the main stage will ensure that you don't miss anything!
Once you have purchased your passports or tickets, a confirmation message will be sent to the email address associated with your order. You will then have access to your tickets from your TicketMaster account.
If you are having difficulty, contact us at festival@montgolfieres.com
Daily tickets: Yes, you can transfer them as many times as you like, until you have activated them on the festival website.
7-day passports (integrated or regular): Yes, you can transfer them as many times as you like, until noon on August 11. After that time, they belong to you and can no longer be transferred.
1-Download the TicketMaster application on your cell phone
Open the TicketMaster application and log in to your account. If you don't already have an account, register.
Go to the My Events section and select the event for which you wish to view your tickets.
Click on Transfer. * If the button is grayed out, it means that the tickets cannot be transferred. Select the tickets you wish to transfer, and click Transfer to . Enter the recipient's information, including phone number and email address, and an optional comment.
TIP: If a cell phone number is entered, the link to claim the ticket will be sent via text message. All you have to do is click on Send! If an email address is entered, the link to claim the ticket will be sent by email.
Click Transfer Ticket. Your transferred tickets will be marked as "Sent". Once the recipient has accepted the tickets, you will see "Accepted". You will receive an email confirming that the ticket has been accepted by the recipient. After a successful transfer, the ticket can no longer be used in your account to access the event.
2- Transfer from a computer Log in to your TicketMaster account.
Find your event by clicking on your name at the top right of the page and then selecting My Tickets.
Find your event and click on View Details.
NOTE: If the Transfer Tickets button is grayed out, it means that tickets cannot be transferred.
Select the tickets you wish to transfer and click Continue.
Enter the recipient's information, including email address and a comment (optional).
Click on Send.
Yes, and it only takes a few seconds to create the account. If the person already has an account, be sure to use the email address associated with their Ticketmaster account. This will make it even easier for the recipient to accept the tickets.
When you transfer a ticket, the recipient who receives it must accept it on the TicketMaster application. Once accepted, TicketMaster sends them a new barcode to activate their tickets.
Once you've sent the tickets, you'll see one of two statuses: "Pending" means that the recipient has not yet accepted the forwarded tickets, so you can remind them to check their email and text messages for the invitation; "Accepted by" means that the tickets have been forwarded.
No, parking tickets are not transferable. To find out which items are eligible for transfer, check your order in your online account. If the Transfer button appears, you can transfer this item to another person. If the button is grayed out, you cannot transfer this item.
No, terrace access is not transferable. To find out which items are eligible for transfer, check your order in your online account. If the Transfer button appears, you can transfer this item to another person. If the button is grayed out, you cannot transfer this item.
Yes, once you accept the passes, you can dispose of them as you wish. If you are unable to attend the event, transfer them to the sender or the person of your choice. Please note that for daily tickets, as soon as you activate them, they can no longer be transferred. The same applies to passports: after noon on August 11, they can no longer be transferred.
Absolutely! The time indicated on your ticket corresponds to the opening time of the site. You have access to the festival from that time until closing time.
Opening hours
Thursdays and Fridays: 2:30 pm to 11:30 pm.
Saturdays and Sundays: 12pm to 11:30pm.
It doesn't mean anything (unfortunately, it's not the secret code of our chocolate cupboard). On the site, you are free to go wherever you want.
You can now consult the programming section to discover the artists who will be with us for the 2023 edition!
No. All performances at the festival are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Yes, our programming is for people of all ages. Shows, massive hot air balloon flights, rides, inflatable games, activities, a gourmet offer and many other things to see and do. There's something for everyone, whether they're enjoying the festivities with friends or family!
Yes, we offer a user-friendly event for everyone. There are parking spaces for people with reduced mobility, as well as a platform for the shows. To get there, simply follow the signs.
Each person in a wheelchair will be entitled to one (1) companion with free access to the site and to the dedicated platform near the stage, by submitting their access card (e.g. CAL).
Each person requiring assistance will be entitled to one (1) attendant with free access to the site, by submitting their access card (e.g. CAL).
No. Although we would love to pet your pitoos, no animals are allowed on site. Of course, guide dogs are an exception.
On the site, it is forbidden to have:
Our site offers a variety of services on the entire site: fine dining stations, refreshment areas, relaxation areas and more! Facilities for maintaining the cleanliness of the site (garbage and recycling garbage cans) are also present on site.
The festival site is located at 5 Chemin de l'Aéroport, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 7B5. Here is how to get there:
Car
Parking available from Gouin Boulevard. Rate of $15.00/day (taxes and service charges included).
Public transportation from Montreal
Downtown terminus (Bonaventure metro) : Line 96, door 17 or 18
Transfer at St-Jean Terminus to the Hot Air Balloon Shuttle or the St-Jean Blue Line bus service
Public transportation from the South Shore
Panama (Brossard) Terminal: Line 96, platform No 15
Transfer at St-Jean Terminus to the Hot Air Balloon Shuttle or the St-Jean Blue Line bus service
Public transportation in Saint John
Watch for electronic variable message signs on Highway 10, Highway 30 and Highway 35 to keep you informed of traffic conditions as you approach the event site. Bike rack on the bus.
Bikes
Bicycle racks are located outside the site and near the pedestrian entrance. Bicycles are not allowed on the event site.
Yes, folding chairs are allowed.
Yes, a landscaped area with tables and shade will allow you to make the most of your meal. In addition, a gourmet alley will be waiting for you on site!
No, we have everything you need! Personal alcoholic beverages are therefore prohibited.
In accordance with the law, it is strictly forbidden to consume any form of cannabis on the entire festival site.
For more details, you can consult this link.
Yes, click here to learn more about accommodation options in the area.
Yes, click here to learn more about accommodation options in the area.
You must make a single transaction that includes all passengers in your group. Please note that we cannot guarantee that you will all be assigned together, so you may be divided* into sub-groups**.
Note that the hot-air balloons that fly at the festival can generally accommodate between 2 and 4 passengers.
*There are many reasons for separating a group, including heat and passenger weight.
**In the event of separation, children 14 and under will be grouped with an adult.
No. However, there are four criteria that must be met:
Yes. For safety reasons, please note that :
Note: If you suffer from a medical condition or have any questions about your abilities, please consult your doctor and inform the balloon pilot.
Hot-air balloon gondolas are equipped with either a door or a step allowing passengers to climb inside. As it's impossible to choose your balloon, all passengers must be able to use the footboard to step over the edge of the basket (average basket height = 3.5 feet).
The important thing is to be comfortable. As it's often cooler at higher altitudes and you'll be landing on farmland, remember to bring long clothes that will keep you warm and protect you from mosquitoes. With a pair of comfortable shoes, you'll be ready for your adventure!
Of course! We strongly encourage you to bring a camera so you can capture this magical moment.
Please note that neither we nor the driver and his team can be held responsible for any lost or dropped items.
No, you need to make sure you only carry what you need for your flight.
Usually, the landing takes place in a field close to a road or path to facilitate recovery of the balloon. That said, since the strength and direction of the wind have a major influence on a hot-air balloon's route, each departure leads to a different destination.
Thanks to tracking teams. One team follows the balloon from the moment it leaves and stays in communication with the pilot throughout the flight. On landing, they help the pilot repack the envelope and return the equipment to the trailer. Everyone then returns to the starting point in the pursuit vehicle.
To make the most of your hot-air ballooning experience, you can help the pilot and his team repatriate all the equipment. However, please make sure you have the pilot's permission!
Before departure, you will be asked to sign a liability waiver form, which releases International Balloon Club and the pilot from all liability. Please bear in mind that flying is an activity with inherent risk.
Your balloon flight may be rescheduled during the festival or refunded. However, you must go to the ballooning box office to schedule a discount or receive a refund.
Yes, the price remains the same.
No or too strong winds (more than 12 km/h), rain and thunderstorm cells within a 50 km radius are unfavorable conditions for take-off.
Sometimes the conditions do not seem favorable during the hours preceding the flight and the flight still takes place. The opposite is also likely. Flight directors (balloonmeisters) analyze the weather conditions before each flight, in order to give their authorization.
Please note that a late take-off time may affect the duration of the flight. Depending on the decision of the balloonmeisters, each pilot is responsible for his flight and can decide to fly or not, depending on the conditions.
We cannot guarantee the exact duration of the flight, as it depends on the weather conditions at the time of take-off. However, a flight lasts approximately 1 hour. As a passenger, you should allow 3 to 4 hours for the total duration of the activity, which includes meeting the pilot, setting up the equipment and inflating, the flight, landing, packing up the equipment and returning to the departure point.
Hot air balloons can fly because warm air is lighter than cold air. On summer days, when the sun warms the earth, a phenomenon occurs that creates hotter or cooler zones and wind vortices that represent a risk for hot-air balloons. By flying very early in the morning and at the end of the day, the earth is sufficiently cold and thermal phenomena are practically absent, which allows us to fly safely.
A hot air balloon flies on average around 2 to 3000 feet of altitude, but may sometimes have to go to more than 6000 feet to find a wind with a more favorable direction and speed. It is also possible to fly at less than 1000 feet, or even at the top of the trees of a forest, to give a totally different view of the landscape.
The short version is that it is impossible to steer a hot air balloon.
The long version is that a pilot is able, in some way, to steer his balloon according to the altitude and the winds.
Approximately, we lose 2 degrees Celsius for every 1,000 feet of altitude. So if it is 20 degrees Celsius on the ground, it will be about 18 degrees Celsius at 1,000 feet, and so on. Also, since the balloon is moving at the same speed as the wind, you will hardly feel the wind factor during the flight.
No, however, we ask passengers to specify on the reservation form the languages that are understood and spoken, in order to facilitate the assignment to a pilot.
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