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Every year, the skies over Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu are filled with the enchanting spectacle of hot-air balloons. These majestic balloons take to the skies at first light, and offer an equally captivating spectacle in the early evening, taking into account weather conditions to ensure the safety and enjoyment of spectators.
The best times to take to the skies are around 6.30 in the morning and 6.30 in the evening, on the festival site.
Depending on weather conditions, the hot-air balloons can take off from different locations. During the festival, the main point of departure is the site itself, of course, depending on Mother Nature!
We'll keep you informed in real time on our social networks and on the festival website about the status of the take-offs. Be sure to follow us on our platforms to keep abreast of everything!
* Take-off sites will be revealed shortly.
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.
→ 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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