Every year, the skies over Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu take on a colorful array of hot-air balloons, from dawn to early evening. It's a magical spectacle that you can experience directly from the skies, by booking a flight. Each flight is an unforgettable experience, as the balloon is rocked by the currents of air.
For early risers and sunrise enthusiasts! Join us at 4:45 a.m. for a sunrise hot-air balloon flight. At 6:00 am, take to the skies and discover the beauty of the landscape bathed in the first light of day. An unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers.
To round off a day of festivities! Join us at 3.45pm for a hot-air balloon ride at sunset. At 5:30 p.m., climb aboard and let yourself be carried into the air to admire the landscape under the magnificent evening colors.
*Please note:
Asfor the evening flights, we cannot guarantee that you will return in time to attend the shows being presented that evening.
Depending on weather conditions, hot-air balloons can take off from different locations. During the festival, the main departure point is the site itself, of course, depending on Mother Nature!
THE 2025 TAKE-OFF SITE:
- The festival site
We'll keep you informed in real time on our social networks and on the festival site regarding the status of the take-offs. Be sure to follow us on our platforms to keep up to date with everything!
For a hot-air balloon to rise from its bed or even deploy on the ground, it requires the cooperation of Mother Nature. Even if the weather is fine, a few conditions are enough to complicate the flight.
→ Cool temperature;
→ Light winds, below 15 km/h (8 knots) on the ground;
→ At sunrise and sunset;
→Goodvisibility.
→ Winds too strong, above 15 km/h (8 knots);
→ Zero winds;
→ Presence of a thunderstorm cell within a 50 km radius;
→ Rain;
→ Wet fields.
→ Young people aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult;
→ Passengers must be physically fit to: get in and out of the basket easily on their own, hold onto something without assistance and remain standing for the duration of the flight;
→ Use the step on the side of the carrycot to step over its edge;
→ Take the shock of landing. This is equivalent to a jump from a kitchen chair;
→ Be able to walk on uneven terrain.
After a thorough analysis of the weather, the officers decide whether or not to authorize hot-air balloon launches. There are several flag codes to keep track of the situation during the festival.
This flag indicates that teams are authorized to inflate with hot air. However, they must wait for authorization from the officers before taking off.
This flag indicates that only cold air inflation is permitted. Teams must wait before inflating with hot air and taking off.
This flag indicates that conditions are not favorable for swelling.
For over 40 years, the International Balloon Festival has been lighting up the skies over Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu with dozens of colorful balloons. Spread over a period of 10 days, the festival is one of the biggest national tourist events, and the largest gathering of hot-air balloons in Canada.
The impressive number of hot-air balloons at the festival has earned the city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu the prestigious title of Hot-air Balloon Capital, a distinction it and its residents have proudly held for many years.
The vast ballooning community involved in the International Balloon Festival helps to make this event a unique gathering for all families and all ages. We also thank the local farmers who allow us to land on their land every year. We're happy to maintain this special relationship with the community.
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