Sainte-Marie launches immersive guided tours – from April to October

April 16, 2025

MIDLAND, ON – Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is launching a series of guided tours from April through October. These intimate, small-group experiences led by a costumed interpreters offer visitors a chance to explore the 17th-century Jesuit mission headquarters, diving deep into the rich tapestry of the site’s history.

“Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is one of Ontario’s most unique homegrown cultural tourism experiences, offering visitors an immersive look into a fascinating time in Canadian history. “The dedicated team at Sainte-Marie does a wonderful job of bringing the sights, sounds, and tastes of 17th-century North America to life, and a guided tour allows guests of all ages to learn in a hands-on, interactive way. Now more than ever, Ontario residents should look to their own backyard for experiences, like Sainte-Marie, that support the local economy and celebrate our shared history.”

– Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming

Pre-season Guided Tours in April (NEW)

For the first time, Sainte-Marie is inviting guests to embark on exclusive pre-season guided tours this April, offering an early glimpse of the historic site before its official summer season opens. Led by the site’s most knowledgeable interpretive staff, these intimate, small-group experiences promise a deeper connection to the rich history of the Jesuit community in the heart of Wendake.

The April tours offer a rare opportunity to engage all five senses while exploring the meticulously reconstructed site. Guests will be transported back in time as they hear the ethereal chants echoing through the chapel and the rhythmic clang of the blacksmith at work. In the cookhouse, they can savor the comforting taste of freshly baked cornbread, while the longhouse provides a cozy setting to sip tea and watch the smoke rise from a crackling fire.

Interactive activities will bring history to life, with opportunities to play traditional First Nations games and learn ancient fire-starting techniques using a bow and spindle, as well as flint, birch bark and steel. This immersive experience invites visitors to step into the past and discover the living heritage of Sainte-Marie in a way that has never been offered before.

• Cost: $13 per person (tax included)
• Dates: April 1-26
• Times:
  • Tuesday to Friday: 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
  • Saturdays and Good Friday (April 18): 10:30 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.

“We’re excited to expand the opportunity for visitors to experience Sainte-Marie by taking this unique tour. Anyone with an appreciation of history will enjoy the chance to immerse themselves in the past in a more intimate and engaging way before the summer season rush.”

– Will Baird, General Manager of Huronia Historical Parks

Weekend Tours in May, June, September and October

These weekend tours will run outside of peak tourism season, offering a more in-depth exploration of the site, complementing Sainte-Marie’s living history program and providing additional context to the site’s complex story.

• Times: 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Cost: $5 per participant (in addition to regular admission fees)
• Dates: Saturdays and Sundays (plus Labour Day Monday) from May 3 to June 22, and September 1 to October 5

Daily Tours in July and August

For the most fulsome living history experience, featuring daily activities and historical demonstrations, guests are invited to come during the months of July and August and enhance their adventure with a guided tour.

• Cost: $5 per participant (in addition to regular admission fees)
• Dates: Daily from June 28 to August 31
• Times: 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. (English); noon (French)

Hands-on Heritage: Farm Fridays (NEW)

A family-friendly addition to the summer programming, Farm Fridays will provide a hands-on opportunity for children to engage with history. Visitors can participate in farm tours, help with farm chores, meet heritage breed animals and dig into traditional gardening methods.

• Cost: $5 per participant (in addition to regular admission fees)
• Dates: Fridays from July 4 to August 29
• Times: 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

“We believe families will have a great time getting to know our heritage breed animals and learning about traditional farming methods in a hands-on and engaging way. This experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with history and understand the daily lives of those who lived here centuries ago.”

– Chad Moreau, Manager of Operations for Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

All tours begin with a newly updated introductory film that sets the stage for the adventure. Guests will visit key historical buildings and explore three picturesque courtyards, each brimming with stories of the past, diving into the rich heritage at Sainte-Marie’s indoor museum and showcasing an array of fascinating artifacts. Afterward, they will be welcome to browse unique treasures at the gift shop and indulge in delicious meals at Restaurant Sainte-Marie. This experience is designed to delight and educate visitors of all ages, making history come alive in the most engaging way.

Most of Sainte-Marie’s guided tours are perfect for visitors aged 10 and up. The best experience for younger children is Hands-on Heritage: Farm Fridays, providing more interactive and activity-based learning. For tour details and tickets, please visit SainteMarieamongtheHurons.on.ca.

After an exciting visit to Sainte-Marie, visitors can take their adventure to the next level at Discovery Harbour in Penetanguishene, opening May 3! Step into the storied past of British naval and military history. Expert guides will lead visitors through the fascinating legacy of this historic site daily, starting on May 3 and continuing throughout the summer. For a more spine-tingling guided experience, dare to join Ghost Tours Saturday nights in July and August, where the eerie legends of this haunted harbour come to life. Stay tuned—details and tickets will be available soon at DiscoveryHarbour.on.ca.

March Break event at Sainte-Marie offers kid-friendly time travel

March 3, 2025

MIDLAND, ON – From March 10-14, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons invites families to step back in time for Adventures in Time Travel, a unique opportunity to experience life in Wendake in 1639. Guests can immerse themselves in the past by trying their hand at period crafts, sampling historic teas and foods, dressing in 17th-century clothing, uncovering hidden artifacts and much more. The best part? No time machine is required!

This March Break, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons offers a rare chance to explore the reconstructed historic settlement of Sainte-Marie, including the blacksmith shop, longhouse and the Church of Saint-Joseph. It’s a one-of-a-kind winter experience that brings the past to life.

The Adventures in Time program offers a lively mix of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Inside the museum, guests will craft corn husk figures and create clay pots. Outside, they can try on authentic 17th-century costumes and engage in traditional First Nations games like lacrosse. Time travellers of all ages will also be invited to embark on scavenger hunts to uncover artifacts and intriguing objects hidden around the historic site and museum. Visitors can watch historical demonstrations, such as basketmaking and fire-starting, adding to the immersive experience.

“Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is a fascinating destination year-round, but there’s something truly magical about experiencing winter life in 17th-century Wendake. Our guests are in for a memorable, hands-on journey through history.” – Will Baird, General Manager, Huronia Historical Parks

As many activities take place outdoors, guests are encouraged to dress warmly and come prepared for winter weather. Restaurant Sainte-Marie will be serving up family-friendly meals, including traditional dishes like three-sisters soup, while the Flint & Timber Gift Shop will offer snacks, freshly made popcorn and hot chocolate to keep visitors cozy during their outdoor adventures.

Tickets for Adventures in Time Travel are $12 per person, tax included. Sainte-Marie offers free admission to children five and under, as well as to a support person accompanying a paying guest with a disability. First Nations, Métis and Inuit visitors, as well as members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Ontario Teachers, can enjoy the event for free with valid ID.

Visitors can learn more about Adventures in Time Travel and buy tickets at saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca/events.

Holiday Magic by Candlelight at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Martyrs’ Shrine
This Year’s First Light to Include Two Landmark Destinations

November 13, 2024

MIDLAND, ON – First Light is an award-winning holiday event featuring live musical performances, an extensive artisan market, and family activities—all illuminated by thousands of candles. This year, the candlelit holiday magic will include two landmark destinations for the price of one: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Martyrs’ Shrine.

The reconstructed 17th-century mission will be transformed into a magical holiday experience, and Canada’s early church will also be fully illuminated, hosting family fun for all. The beloved First Light has been extended to include Sunday evenings and will take place from 5:30 to 9 p.m on November 21-24, November 28 to December 1, and December 5-8.

“This year’s First Light at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Martyrs’ Shrine is a great way to start the holiday season, and a great reason to visit Midland with friends and family,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “First Light is a one-of-a-kind, magical winter experience for people of all ages. Take your loved ones and learn about the early Church in Canada and enjoy the festive sights, sounds, and tastes of the season – all lit by candlelight in two beautiful, historical settings.”

All 12 evenings will offer a rich tapestry of festive activities and experiences for guests to enjoy and each weeknight also includes a special feature, allowing guests to choose their own candlelit adventure:

• Thursdays: World-class fireworks, visible from both Sainte-Marie and Martyrs’ Shrine, will light up the winter night sky at 7 p.m. Community choirs will perform holiday tunes at 6 and 7:15 p.m.
• Fridays: Neil Monague will share traditional First Nations stories and hand-drumming by the fire in the longhouse, offering a cultural experience guests are sure to enjoy.
• Saturdays: Francophone sensation Ariko, featuring the Lefaive family, will perform a great mix of traditional and original toe-tapping French fiddle tunes in the Sainte-Marie theatre.
• Sundays: Mark the start of Christian Advent by participating in a special Mass inside the gorgeous Martyrs’ Shrine at 7:30 p.m.

Guided by lantern-lit pathways, visitors at Sainte-Marie will enjoy historic buildings adorned for the holiday season with fresh greenery and festive décor—all bathed in the beautiful amber glow of cozy fires and more than 5,000 candles. The Martyrs’ Shrine will offer a festive lights experience, illuminating the church’s beautiful grounds, including a pedestrian-only market-style square and warming stations.

“Every year, First Light offers visitors the opportunity to kick off their festive season,” says Will Baird, General Manager of Huronia Historical Parks. “Reinvigorating our partnership with Martyrs’ Shrine allows us to offer even more magic and activities to enjoy.”

Returning performers include Ruth Sutherland, playing traditional harp music in the historic Church of Saint-Joseph on select nights; hand drumming by Chris Walser in the longhouse; and the energetic fan favorite, Doug Feaver, performing holiday folk tunes in the chapel. Families will enjoy kid-friendly crafts at both locations, candle-making and blacksmithing demonstrations, storytelling, opportunities to meet Saint Nicholas at the Martyrs’ Shrine and much more.

For those who love holiday shopping, more than 50 exceptional crafters and artisans will be located throughout the Brébeuf Event Centre and indoor museum at Sainte-Marie. Gift shops at Sainte-Marie and Martyrs’ Shrine will also be open, offering charming holiday finds.

“First Light, for us, is an exciting time for families to come and celebrate the light of Advent and Christmas,” said Father John O’Brien, Director of Martyrs’ Shrine. “Canada’s first Christmas carol was composed here, so it’s an incredibly rich, historic, and beautiful place to enter the spirit of the season.”

Restaurant Sainte-Marie will be open, offering multiple mouthwatering options, including an indoor dining experience featuring a traditional holiday meal. The Canadiana Patio, a visitor favorite, will offer quick-serve options. New this year: experience First Light like never before inside new dining domes, providing a meal under the stars, available by reservation only. Call 705-321-2912 to make a reservation. Hot chocolate, cotton candy, freshly popped popcorn and sweet treats will also be available for purchase in Sainte-Marie’s on-site candy shop.

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons asks that visitors bring non-perishable food donations, with the goal of filling a large canoe in support of the local Salvation Army Food Drive. Guests are also invited to support our community by making a donation to United Way.

Parking will be available at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Martyrs’ Shrine, with shuttles traveling between the two destinations throughout each First Light evening. On Friday and Saturday evenings, shuttle buses will run to and from Sainte-Marie from Midland’s Walmart.

Huronia Historical Parks would like to thank the generosity of lead sponsors Tay Township and NT Power, as well as Garraways Electrical and Factory Recreation. In-kind donations from Morden Sand and Gravel, Midland Walmart and the Georgian Bay Tree Farm also help to ensure that every guest enjoys this festive and memorable event to the fullest.

For more information or to buy tickets online for First Light, please visit SainteMarie-events.ca. Tickets can also be purchased at the door at both destinations. Guests are not required to make a reservation or purchase advance tickets.

Sainte-Marie celebrates harvest season with fall family fun
Historic mission hosts timeless celebration of autumn Thanksgiving weekend

October 10, 2024

MIDLAND, ON – This October 12 to 14, the grounds of Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons will transform into a charming backdrop for a vibrant tapestry of autumnal activities at the annual Hometown Harvest Festival. This year’s event promises to be more exhilarating and immersive than ever, combining cherished traditions with fun new fall experiences for guests of all ages.

“This long weekend, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is showcasing the wonder of fall at its annual Hometown Harvest Festival – a must-see holiday event for people of all ages,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “With a variety of fun fall activities, unique food experiences, and exceptional sights steeped in history, this family-friendly event offers the perfect opportunity to make new memories as you celebrate the joys of Thanksgiving.”

Pull on a cozy sweater and visit the historic mission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to wander an expansive artisan market brimming with local, handcrafted treasures. Explore over 30 unique booths offering everything from delectable baked goods to exquisite jewellery.

Get ready for an adventure through time with a new family scavenger hunt for artifacts. Take part in captivating historical demonstrations and test your lacrosse skills, or make your own hand-dipped candles. Enjoy toe-tapping live performances by children’s music sensation Russ Clayton. Engage in colossal games of pumpkin checkers, gourd tic tac toe and corn darts.

Also new this year is a brand-new outdoor beer garden, hosted by Restaurant Sainte-Marie. Located right on the historic site, amongst historical buildings, this vibrant space lets parents kick back and savor the moment while keeping an eye on their kids as they enjoy historic games and crafts. But that’s not all—prepare your taste buds for a treat! The restaurant will be debuting an exclusive lager crafted just for Sainte-Marie among the Hurons by the talented brewers at Quayle’s Brewery. Known for their innovative approach to craft beers, Quayle’s is sure to deliver a brew that perfectly complements the historic atmosphere.

The festival wouldn’t be complete without beloved classic attractions, including opportunities to tour Sainte-Marie’s barns and meet heritage animals, savour mouthwatering three sisters’ soup prepared in the historic cookhouse, and roast delicious bannock over an open fire.

Sainte-Marie’s historical buildings will also be beautifully dressed up for the fall with heritage gourds and locally harvest seasonal foliage so that guests are truly immersed in the captivating hues of the fall season.

“This festival is a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to gather, embrace the bounties of the harvest, and connect with the rich traditions of our past,” says Will Baird, General Manager of Huronia Historical Parks. “I can’t wait to see the creativity and spirit of our young gardeners in the vegetable growing contests!”

Restaurant Sainte-Marie will serve up a sumptuous Thanksgiving feast featuring tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes and all the trimmings from noon to 8 p.m. Reservations are encouraged, and the full menu is available at SainteMarie-events.ca.

Young festival-goers are invited to showcase their harvest and artistic creations! Submit entries by October 10 in categories like “Most Unusual Vegetable,” “Best Looking Squash” and “Best Paper Plate Pumpkin art.”

Submissions will be judged by Sainte-Marie’s Agricultural Specialist, Madelaine MacDonald. The winner in each category will receive four tickets to First Light at Sainte-Marie, as well as four tickets to Pumpkinferno at Discovery Harbour – a total value of $120 per prize. The overall winner – across all categories – will receive four season passes to Huronia Historical Parks, valid for most events at both historic sites throughout the 2025-26 season!

Admission for the Hometown Harvest Festival is just $15 per person, taxes included. Advanced tickets are not required but may allow guests to skip the line upon arrival. Tickets and details are available at SainteMarie-events.ca.

Take part in a historical autumn adventure at Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons – where history comes alive.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: A time for reflection and learning at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

Historic site to offer free programming in-person and online

September 29, 2024

MIDLAND, ON – Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, a historic site dedicated to education, will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by hosting free in-person and online learning programs.

This day, held annually on September 30, is an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on the profound impact of the residential school system; honour the resilience, dignity and strength of survivors and intergenerational survivors; and remember the children who never came home.

“September 30 is an important day of reflection and remembrance – as well as a chance to seek a deeper understanding of Indigenous history through education and listening to the experiences of survivors and their descendants,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “The programming at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons empowers us to learn about the impacts of Indian Residential Schools in Ontario, as well as the unique cultures of Indigenous Peoples, as we further our efforts to advance reconciliation.”

The in-person commemorative event on September 30 at Sainte-Marie invites all guests to go on a journey of self-reflection. It begins with a sunrise ceremony at 6 a.m., led by Troy Monague of Beausoleil First Nation. A sacred fire will be lit the morning and maintained throughout the day by two firekeepers.

The sunrise ceremony will be followed by a guided tour, a raising of the survivor flag, as well as conversations with Indian day school survivor Marilyn Hopkins. Residential school survivor voices and stories will be aired inside the theatre, as well as in historic buildings. Guests will also have opportunities to learn about the 94 calls to action developed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

“As Ontarians, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are important opportunities to deepen our collective understanding and hear firsthand from Survivors and the families of the thousands of children who never made it home,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “Through its thoughtful programming, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is supporting visitors with their reflection on the importance of reconciliation with Indigenous people.”

Free in-person programming

• Location: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, 16164 Hwy 12 West, Midland, Ontario
• Date: September 30, 2024
• Time: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“On this solemn day of commemoration, our goal is to foster understanding, empathy and respect by amplifying Indigenous voices and perspectives,” explains Will Baird, General Manager of Huronia Historical Parks. “Our hope is that by offering free admission more people can learn about the path toward truth and reconciliation.”

The free online program features several Indigenous speakers – including lawyer and author Michelle Good, storyteller Sherry Lawson, as well as local leader Dr. Cynthia Wesley Esquimaux – sharing their thoughts on topics such as honouring survivors, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, and allyship.

Select videos are available at HHP-events.ca until September 29 as part of Indigenous Art and Culture Awareness Week, led by the Cultural Alliance in the Heart of Georgian Bay. A live event will take place on September 30, starting with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. All presentations will be available for learners to view on-demand from October 1 to 4 at HHP-events.ca.

Free online programming

• Dates: Select videos until September 29, live event September 30 starting at 10 a.m., and on-demand videos October 1 to 4
• Link: Register, watch and participate at HHP-events.ca

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons has been marking Orange Shirt Day – now the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – for several years.

“We too are on a journey toward truth and reconciliation,” explains Chad Moreau, Manager of Operators for Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. “We believe all Canadians have a role to play in learning about residential schools and in healing relationships with Indigenous peoples.”

For more information about Sainte-Marie’s free National Day for Truth and Reconciliation learning programs, visit SainteMarie-events.ca.

Sainte-Marie welcomes more than 1,500 people for National Indigenous Peoples Day

July 9, 2024

MIDLAND, ON – On June 21, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons once again transformed its historic site, museum and grounds into a platform for First Nations and Métis cultural teaching and learning. National Indigenous Peoples Day at this landmark attraction celebrated and showcased the talents of Indigenous drummers, storytellers, singers, artists and experts.

The celebration welcomed more than 1,500 people, including approximately 1,000 students from Ontario schools, providing a unique opportunity for these young learners to engage with Indigenous knowledge keepers and Sainte-Marie’s historical interpreters, enriching their understanding of history and culture.

“National Indigenous Peoples Day is an opportunity to come together to celebrate the diversity and richness of Indigenous history, heritage and traditions,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Congratulations to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons for hosting such a successful event, with unique and insightful in-person and online programming that inspired visitors to learn all about Métis and First Nations cultures.”

“Congratulations to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons for hosting another inspiring National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration. This event not only highlights the vibrant cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples but also fosters invaluable opportunities for Ontarians, particularly youth, to engage directly with Indigenous knowledge and traditions,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “Initiatives like these play a crucial role in promoting cultural awareness and understanding across our province.”

In addition to watching performances, participants were invited to enjoy hands-on activities: playing lacrosse, building corn husk figures and crafting clay pinch pots. Indigenous ingenuity was on full display, as experts demonstrated birchbark canoe building, survival in the bush skills, as well as basketry techniques. New this year were local Métis storyteller Basile Dorion and Smoke Trail Cultural Group, a large drum group from Alderville First Nation.

“To me, National Indigenous Peoples Day at Sainte-Marie is an occasion to gather and celebrate First Nations and Métis cultures in the spirit of knowledge sharing,” says Will Baird, General Manager of Huronia Historical Parks. “It’s an opportunity for all of us to learn about and to recognize the many diverse achievements of Indigenous peoples.”

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons also offered a free online event with virtual sessions ranging from hand drum construction to Indigenous fusion cooking with traditional ingredients. More than 20,000 people tuned in to access the educational platform and learn more about Indigenous cultural teachings.

“Each and every day, it’s important we recognize the many contributions and accomplishments of Indigenous people, which is why learning related to First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures, histories, perspectives and contributions is now embedded across recently issued curricula for elementary and high school students,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Education. “Working with diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit educators, Elders, Knowledge Holders and Indigenous partners, we look forward to building on these new learning opportunities and celebrations like this one as we continue to advance meaningful reconciliation.”

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is a heritage facility primarily dedicated to education. The attraction was founded in 1967 to share the important story of cultural contact between French Jesuits and the Wendat Nation in the 1600s. Today, Sainte-Marie also recognizes its role in building cultural understanding and providing educational opportunities.

“We believe in using our public platform to educate and engage,” says Chad Moreau, Manager of Operations at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. “Through the building of partnerships with Indigenous and Métis presenters, as well as with local Indigenous organizations, we were able to present a program that celebrated Indigenous cultures on this special day.”

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons launches summer evening experience

July 4, 2024

MIDLAND, ON – What does a 17^th century Jesuit mission look like at night? Sainte-Marie among the Hurons invites you to find out! Shadows & Stone: Evening Experience will take small groups of people through the national historic site at sunset on Thursdays until August 29, 2024.

Shadows & Stone: Evening Experience invites guests to explore darkened historical buildings, roast bannock over a fire, watch sparks fly in the blacksmith shop and imagine what the settlement of Wendake would have been like at night in the 1600s. The two-hour tour ends with an opportunity to sip historic teas and listen to traditional Indigenous stories in the cozy longhouse.

“This is a rare opportunity to experience Sainte-Marie at night, without the crowds,” explains Will Baird, General Manager of Huronia Historical Parks. “Our goal is to offer small groups of guests an immersive, intimate and unforgettable historical experience.”

Tickets for Shadows & Stone: Evening Experience are $20 per person, tax included. Tours begin at 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in English, and at 9 p.m. in French. Advanced ticket purchases are highly recommended as spaces for these evening tours are limited.

“First Light illuminates the reconstructed mission with thousands of candles, but this tour is truer to the lived experience of Wendake in the 1630s,” said Chad Moreau, Operations Manager of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. “Candles were expensive in that era, so the residents of Sainte-Marie would have gone through their evening routines in relative darkness.”

Guests can buy tickets and learn more about Shadows & Stone: Evening Experience at SainteMarie-events.ca.