Date: July 30-August 2, 2010
Location: Gimli, Manitoba, Canada
Period: 1000 AD
Temporary Trading Village in the New World
Portrayals: Anglo Norse, Hiberno Norse, Icelandic, Irish, Scandinavian Vikings
Thursday, July 29 
- Arrival and set up by 5:00 pm
- Particpant Briefing at 7:00 pm
- Show rehearsal at 8:00 pm
Friday, July 30
-reenactors ready by 11:00 for kit and camp inspection
- Village opens 1:00 pm
- period crafts and merchants open
- short fight show at 3:30 with kiddie vike
- training and guest assessments
- Village closed at 6:00 pm
-Archery fun shoot 7:30 to twilight.
Saturday, July 31
-Reenactors and village ready by 10:30 am
- Village opens at 11:00 am
- Period crafts and merchants open
- Combat Demonstration 3:00 - 3:45 pm
- Kiddie Vike
- Village Reopens at 4:00 pm
- Village Closes at 6:00 pm
- Group Leaders supper off site
-10:00 PM Fireworks
Sunday, August 1
- reenactors and village ready by 10:30 am
- Village opens at 11:00 am
- Period crafts and merchants open
- Combat Demonstration 3:00 - 3:45 pm
Kiddie Vike
- Village Reopens at 4:00 pm
- Village closes at 6:00 pm
- EVENING FEAST and ALTHING
Monday, August 2
- Muster at arena for Parade at 9:15 am in kit
-Village opens at 12:00 pm
- Period activities and merchants open
-Short fight show at 3:30 pm with kiddie vike
- Village Closes at 4:30 pm
- Debriefing at 6:00 pm
***NOTE: If you arrive late and the village is open, you must wait until after the village closes to set up on Friday. If you must leave early, you must wait until the end of the day to tear down.
PERIOD CAMPING AND OTHER INFORMATION
What's Provided
- Mileage rate $0.14 per km per vehicle - a vehicle = 3 or more passengers...amounts to be prorated for less than three members and special guests only.
- Food for lunches during the event (period) Fri-Mon
- Wood for fires
- Water for cooking and drinking
- Washroom/showers
- Insurance - theft, damage, public liability
- first aid and fire extinguishers
- one supper meal
What's Not Provided
- period tent/tarp - there is no space for plastic camping
- brazier or firebox (no sod cutting)
- transportation to and from the event
- Breakfast and suppers
- local accommodation (book by April 1 if you want to get a place to stay as the influx of visitors is huge and everything gets filled)
Nearest airport is Winnipeg International
Passports: You must have a passport when entering and leaving Canada either by air or by auto. Letters of invitation will be issued to those from abroad. Suggest you have a picture of yourself in kit when questioned....what's in the bag...worth 1000 words.
The Vikings - Vinland Guest Assessments for combat for non-members will be required. Vikes UK Authenticity standards will be expected as a minimum for a year 1000 trading village. Standards must be met before taking the field. Guides are online below.
Archery will be a part of this show. Vikes UK standards are in effect for archery - which will take place weather permitting.
Helmets and Combat gloves must be worn for combat. (combat gloves must either be backed with 6mm thick leather or chainmail) and cover the fingers, the back of the hand and the wrist. (Standards are below)
2010 Gimli Viking Village Information Page
For more information on the festival go to
To see the Gimli Viking Village Splash Page
go to
A note about consumption of alcoholic beverages:
As we are on - site for 4 days, the village becomes our home. As such, we are permitted to consume alcohol within the confines of our fence. We do have to be discreet and responsible though, so please consider this.
It is not advised that reenactors visit the clubs or bars in town as that they are crammed with teenagers and the streets are full of people until late at night. Besides, we have a riot in the village!
However, should you choose to visit a local establishment, that is filled with people, please change into street clothing before you go.
Gimli, Manitoba. The village is set up adjacent to the harbour in the green space on the far left in the picture.
The Fine Print -
This event is open to any and all reenactors of the Viking Age who wish to attend provided they can meet the authenticity standard for personal clothing and encampment as set out by The Vikings - Vinland. These standards will be published below as a set of links, so keep checking back.
Our event is fully insured both by the Icelandic Festival and The Vikings - Vinland. The village is operated according to the authenticity standards of the Vikings - Vinland. Members of other reenactment organizations and independent reenactors will be required to pay a small administrative fee for the duration of the event. ($20 approx.) for 4 days.
The Festival and sponsors have made this event possible through their generous donations.
Please register early to ensure you can participate. Late registrations will be considered on a case by case basis.
A note on Merchants: Merchants are invited to this event on a case by case basis and each merchant will be juried due to very limited space for everyone. Merchants must have a period display for their wares. They must also be dressed in correct period clothing while merchanting. Standards for merchanting will be available online soon, so check back often.
A note about Meals: Breakfasts and suppers are on your own. We try to cater a period lunch to everyone in the village. Volunteers are needed to assist with this preparation. Please contact the standards officer if you would like to volunteer to help out with food preparation.
This page will be updated regularly, so check back often regarding standards for the event.
Merchant Registration Form CLICK HERE
Male Kit Standards (villagers and warriors) - Download PDF
Rebated Weapons Specifications - Download PDF
Female Kit Standards - Download PDF
(Female Fighters must follow Male Kit Standards)
Living History Exhibition (Village) Standards - Download PDF
Health and Safety Standards - Download PDF
Please note, these standards may be modified at any time, so please check back often.
Please submit your registration on or before July 1, 2010. Late registrations will be considered on a case by case basis.
This Page Last updated: June 22, 2010
Weather in Gimli - Gimli is on the shores of the lake as seen in the picture below. Weather patterns at this time of year vary considerably. Wind and rain are common and sometimes extreme. It can be cold and damp or hot and dry or humid, so plan for everything. This event has never been cancelled due to the weather. Generally, the weather is fair, with brisk winds and the occassional thunder shower.
Food For Lunches - Due to the logistics of trying to prepare lunch to a large number of people in a timely fashion, we have changed the way we will be handling lunch service. Eating groups will be established at Thursday's briefing, and each group will be required to pick up a basket of food for their group each day from the yacht club prior to the village opening. The baskets will contain a variety of items for a period, cold lunch unless the weather is bad, in which case there will be food to prepare a hot meal by each group. There will be enough food for the group size. Those with severe allergies/sensitivities may wish to join together in order to faciliate an appropriate selection of food. The basket must be returned clean and ready for the next day. Each group is responsible for cleaning their own utensils. A wash station will be provided for this near the portapotties with a wash, rinse and disinfect stand available.
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