Deux interprètes historiques habillés en costumes de donnés voyages en canoe le long du canal de Sainte-Marie-au-pays-des-Hurons

Go back
in time

Step into this story of cultural contact, determination and survival

Icon of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

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 fenced 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.

Discoveries After Dark

Thursdays 6:30-8:30 pm

Join a small group of intrepid visitors on a guided winter evening tour of Sainte-Marie. Learn some of the historic site’s secrets, take in some fascinating history, then warm up in the longhouse, taste historic teas and listen to Indigenous legends. Reservations required!

Quatres hommes autochtones en habits cérémoniaux, à jouer un gros tambour en chantant

National Indigenous Peoples Day

June 21, 2023

Sainte-Marie is proud to be a part of highlighting the achievements of Indigenous peoples through our education-focused celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day each year. We’re now accepting application forms from presenters and school groups wishing to take part!

A wintery forest with metal sap buckets in the foreground

Sweetwater Harvest Festival

March 18, 19, 25 & 26

Join the Friends of Wye Marsh and Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons for an awesome maple syrup experience this spring. The Sweetwater Harvest Festival is the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre’s biggest fundraiser of the year – and ONE ticket gets you access to TWO fantastic sites.

Un mur de bois

Plan Your Visit

Sainte-Marie will reopen to the general public and travel trade groups May 6, 2023. Educational programs begin January 30, 2023. Events take place throughout the year.

Two boys making clay okies inside the education centre at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

Hours of operation

This impressive reconstructed 17th-century mission – staffed by knowledgeable and friendly costumed interpreters and complemented by an indoor museum – will reopen for daily admission on May 6, 2023. Until our regular season begins, visitors can check out our special events, plan a group tour, or book an educational program.

Un homme habillé en costume de donné à l'entrée d'un édifice sur le site historique de Sainte-Marie

Student summer jobs

Make your summer historic! Complete our quick online form to apply to become a historical interpreter, ticket booth and retail attendant, or maintenance crew member. Post-secondary students work from early May to early Sept. High school students work from early July to early Sept.

Three girls playing Indigenous games in the longhouse at Sainte-Marie

Education programs

We’re now booking 2023 spring and fall education programs! This nationally-significant historic attraction has been offering students curriculum-rich, engaging, hands-on learning opportunities for more than 50 years. Help bring history to life for your students in-person or online!

Season passes

For just $29.95 plus HST, season pass holders gain unlimited admission to both Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Discovery Harbour, whenever the historic attractions are open, from April 1 to March 31! This includes admission to special events (except specialized activities) like First Light and Pumpkinferno.

We’re on Instagram!

Share your adventures by tagging us and using #saintemarieamongthehurons

Four images of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons: two men playing lacrosse, the blacksmith at work, some resin and birchbark, a smiling interpreter in costume