Shadows & Stone: Evening Experience
Explore historic Sainte-Marie… at night
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.
History by candlelight
Watch the sparks fly in the blacksmith shop. Roast bannock on a stick. Explore darkened historical buildings. Hear the creatures of the Wye River stir to life. Sip tea by the crackling fire in the longhouse, listen to stories, and imagine what Wendake would have been like in the 1600s at night.
Get ready to experience Sainte-Marie in a whole new way. This small-group tour experience is 1.5-2 hours and will proceed even if it rains, so please dress appropriately.
Dates and times
- Dates: Thursday evenings from July 2 to September 3, 2026
- Times:
- 7:30 p.m. (English)
- 8:00 p.m. (English)
- 8:30 p.m. (French). NOTE: Should there be no French reservations as of Tuesday at noon, the 8:30 p.m. experience will take place in English.
Tickets details
- $20 per person, tax included
- Maximum of 25 participants per start time
- Advanced ticket purchase is recommended, to avoid disappointment
- This event is recommended for guests ages 13 and up
- Sainte-Marie/Discovery Harbour season passes aren’t valid for this small-group event
- Sainte-Marie’s complimentary admission programs for Indigenous peoples, Ontario Teachers, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as same-day Martyrs’ Shrine visitors do not apply to this event
- Please read the information found under “Plan Your Visit” below for more details about what to expect when attending Shadows & Stone: Evening Experience
Image gallery
Please click each image below to see a larger version.
Add a three-course meal
Make a full date night of your Shadows & Stone experience by booking a decadent meal, featuring wild game and Indigenous-inspired cuisine, at Restaurant Sainte-Marie before evening experience begins! They have one of the best patios in the region.
Book your meal with your Shadows and Stone tickets or call Restaurant Sainte-Marie at (705) 321-2912 to make a reservation. Regular menu also available.
Prix fixe menu
- Smoked salmon and dill cream bannock canapes
- Bison meatloaf spheres, skewered and wrapped in bacon with a mozzarella center
- Three sisters squash fritters
- Three sisters and ricotta crispy squash blossoms
- Maple baked salmon with lemon rice and seasonal vegetable
- Lake Erie pickerel lemon pepperer or cajun served with lemon rice and seasonal vegetables
- Red wine and longhouse lager-braised bison ribs with mashed potatos and seasonal vegetables
- Slow -braised rabbit ragout in red wine and tomato with carrots, onions, celery and herbs served over Herritage egg ribbons
- 4oz venison grilled steak with mashed, seasonal vegetables and red wine blueberry reduction
- Berry bannock shortcake with traditional wojapi (berry pudding)
- Maple mouse with candied peacans
- Homemade maple pudding
- Warm bannock beignets stuffed with wojapi (berry pudding)
What time should I arrive for my dinner experience?
This is a decadent, three-course dinner service. For the best experience, we highly recommend you check in a Restaurant Sainte-Marie at your scheduled seating time – two hours before your historic evening experience begins.
Are substitutions or special diet requests accommodated?
Substitutions are available upon request. We recommend you contact Restaurant Sainte-Marie in advance to ensure the best service. Call Tammy at (705)-321-2912.
Where do I check in for the dinner and tour experience?
If you have booked a dinner and tour package, please start your experience at Restaurant Sainte-Marie instead of the main entrance to the historic site. After dinner, you’ll be invited to proceed to admission to begin your evening tour.
Is this tour and dinner experience suitable for children?
This experience is designed and recommended for children 13 and up.
While we love our furry friends, we are not able to accommodate pets at this special event (service dogs are welcomed of course). Thank you for your understanding.
- This small-group experience includes a maximum of 25 participants. We highly recommend you pre-purchase your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
- All ticket sales are final.
- The gift shop and museum will be open before and after your visit.
- This tour is recommended for guests ages 13 years and up.
- This experience is between 1.5 and 2 hours long.
- If you face challenges with your lungs, or you have allergies to smoke, please note that the longhouse can be a smoky environment.
- Participants may wish to wear a mask for some/all of the tour. Some part of the tour are held inside historic buildings which have small footprints.
- Lanterns will be provided and belong to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. Souvenir lanterns are available for purchase in a variety of colours.
- Taking photos is encouraged.
- Smoking or vaping (including marijuana) is not permitted on Sainte-Marie property.
- Please note this tour takes place mostly outdoors and, visitors should plan to dress according to weather conditions.
16164 Highway 12 East, Midland, ON, L4R 4K8
Parking Info
There is ample parking for visitors including those with RVs and buses. Please park in the parking lot provided and make your way to the admissions entrance. We also have bike racks available for cyclists coming from the Tay Trail.
Need more info?
Please contact us at hhp@ontario.ca or (705) 526-7838 if you have any questions.
Ontario’s first European Community, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons 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. This community was abandoned and burned down in 1649.
After extensive archaeological and historical research, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is now recreated on its original site, where the mission’s compelling story is brought to life with costumed historical interpreters, demonstrations and hands-on activities.
Located near Midland, on the Wye River, this world-renowned reconstruction offers visitors a unique opportunity to see the earliest Canadian pioneer life through self-guided visits, group tours, interactive education programs, and special events. Complete your experience by exploring our interpretive museum and themed gift shop.
