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.
National Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Huronia Historical Parks is proud to help highlight the accomplishments and innovations of Indigenous peoples through our educational celebration on June 19, our free online learning event launching June 20, as well as our lacrosse-focused celebration on June 21. Join us in this dynamic celebration!
Hearth to Table: Dinner in 1648
New! Savour 17th-century gourmet dishes by candlelight right on the grounds of historic Sainte-Marie. Hearth to Table invites guests to gather around a harvest table inside the chapel of the reconstructed Jesuit mission and enjoy a delicious, multi-course French meal featuring historic seasonal ingredients carefully prepared using methods from the 1600s.
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.
Restaurant Sainte-Marie
Enjoy breakfast, 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.
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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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