Welcome to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Ontario’s first European Community, Sainte-Marie was the headquarters for the French Jesuit Mission to the Huron-Wendat people. In 1639, the Jesuits, along with French lay workers, began construction of a palisaded community that included barracks, a church, workshops, residences, and a sheltered area for Indigenous visitors. By 1648, Sainte-Marie was home to 66 French men — one-fifth of the entire population of New France. Sainte-Marie’s history ended in 1649, when members of the mission community were forced to abandon and burn their home of ten years.
Shadows & Stone: Evening Experience
What does a 17th century Jesuit mission look like at night? Find out! Join a small group of intrepid visitors on a guided evening tour of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. Grab your lantern and discover the shadows of the past during this immersive and intimate experience. Then cozy up in the longhouse over historic teas and listen to Indigenous stories.
Daily time travel
This national historic site will be open for daily time travel from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting May 3. Your living history experience includes an introductory film, the fully-reconstructed mission, a restaurant, an indoor museum and a gift shop. We suggest allocating at least 1.5 hours for your visit. Dogs on leashes are permitted on the historic site.
Restaurant Sainte-Marie
Enjoy lunch or dinner inside the Restaurant Sainte-Marie dining room or on their beautiful patio just outside the palisade walls! With a great mix of traditional French dishes, fan favourites, and kid-friendly options, you and your guests are sure to delight in this new culinary destination at the heart of this historical attraction.
Farm Fridays
Sainte-Marie is home to heritage cows, pigs and chickens as well as historic gardens. Join the adventure this summer by taking part in Hands-on Heritage: Farm Fridays! This program, happening in July and August, invites you to get your hands dirty to help with farm chores, while learning about historic agriculture.
Daily historic demonstrations: July and August
- Historic fire starting methods: 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- Canoeing and waterway demonstrations: 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Storytelling in the longhouse: noon and 2:30 p.m.
- Indigenous cames: 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
- 17th century medicine: 1 and 3:30 p.m.
Anishinaabewin Maamninendimowin – Indigenous Ingenuity
Opening May 31 – A travelling exhibition presented by Indigenous Tourism Ontario and Science North
Sainte-Marie is thrilled to host the Anishinaabewin Maamninendimowin: Pane Gii-Bite exhibit – also known as Indigenous Ingenuity: Timeless Inventions!
This captivating exhibit blends science, culture and fun to ignite pride in and appreciation for the incredible innovations of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
VOTE NOW:
Ontario’s Choice Awards!
Vote for Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Discovery Harbour in the Ontario’s Choice Awards!
Sainte-Marie is up for the prize in the Top Museum category and the Top Festival category (First Light).
Discovery Harbour is nominated in the Top Small Museum category and the Top Festival category (Pumpkinferno).
Vote living history! Takes seconds, closes September 7.
Sign up for our newsletter
Sign up for our newsletter and be in the know! Get early notice about your favourite events at Sainte-Marie and Discovery Harbour. Pick up interesting historical facts. Hear about deals and discounts. Find out about career opportunities at Huronia Historical Parks. Learn about new activities at both historic sites.
The perfect venue
Historic Sainte-Marie offers a fascinating backdrop to your Annual General Meeting, conference or staff retreat! Our Brébeuf Event Centre is fully equipped with a projector, screen, table and chairs for up to 100 guests, a kitchen, private entrance, coat room, and can accommodate up to 100 guests. Ample free parking onsite. Catering is available through Restaurant Sainte-Marie or book your own!
Buy your season passes
For just $35 tax included, season pass holders gain unlimited admission to both Sainte-Marie and Discovery Harbour during their visitor seasons, as well as unlimited admission to most special events, including First Light, Pumpkinferno, Pirates of the Bay, Hometown Harvest Festival and many more!
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