A visit to the Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons Historic Site brings history to life with costumed hosts, recreated buildings from the 1600s, immersive experiences, and a great museum. Located near Midland, Ontario, it is an easy drive north of Toronto and makes a great day trip.
This was a French Jesuit mission, and history lovers will want to enjoy this experience. During my visit, there were plenty of families with kids also enjoying the experience.
Ready to learn more about Sainte-Marie among the Hurons!
What is Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is a village reconstructed in 1967 as a centennial project that brings Ontario history to life. The original French Jesuit mission was the first European settlement in Ontario, and their base as they spread out to visit nearby Indigenous villages.
The mission lasted for about 10 years, from 1639 to 1649, before it was burned by the Jesuits themselves as other indigenous bands increased attacks in the area, and some of the missionaries were killed. Inside the Church of Saint-Joseph, you will find the graves of Gabriel Lalemant and Jean de Brebeuf.
I learned from the interpreters that the French called the indigenous “Hurons” while they prefer the name “Wendats”. It is a recreated mission with wooden buildings, farm animals, costumed hosts, and a museum.
What to Expect When You Visit
- Walking through a recreated fortified mission, which highlights life in the 1600s. The music you hear near the entrance is traditional Voyageur songs.
- Costumed interpreters demonstrating and discussing daily life at the mission
- A blacksmith shop, chapels, a cookhouse, barracks, and a waterway. Also, an Indigenous Area with wigwams and long houses
- Hands-on exhibits and storytelling. In one of the buildings, you are able to try on typical costumes for a photo opportunity. During my visit, a cookfire burned with venison and food demonstrations of the time. The sample 3 Sisters soup was delicious, made with corn, beans, and squash.
- Farm animals brought by canoe from Quebec, including cows, pigs, and the unique Houdon chickens (seasonal).
- A large museum depicting the history of the times
- Restaurant Sainte-Marie has basic menu options. During the Sweetwater Festival, they were serving waffles with maple syrup, of course
- The Welcome Centre also includes a gift shop and theatre with a 15-minute introductory film to the site
- It takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours to visit the site, longer if going to the various demonstrations. I found the costumed interpreters loved to talk and answer questions, and during my visits, I often spent about 15 to 20 minutes in discussion about life at the mission with them.
Top Highlights Not to Miss
- Talking with the interpretive and knowledgeable staff and learning the history. They just love to talk and share the story
- There were several cooking and food prep displays with cooking over the open fires
- The blacksmith demonstrations
- Inside the wooden chapel
- Walking along the palisade walls (seasonal activity)
- Seasonal festivals (especially fall and winter programs), and I recommend purchasing tickets in advance.
Is Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons Worth Visiting
My honest take is I loved the unique immersive history experience with the farm animals, fires cooking the various foods (and the free samples), and learning about life at the mission. Best for those who enjoy living history vs static museums.
Nearby Attractions to Combine Your Visit
Wye Marsh
The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is a short walk from Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. During the Sweetwater Harvest Festival in the spring, there is a Sugar Shack with one of the best explanations of the process I have ever seen. Also in the spring is Swan Landing.
In the summer, rent a canoe to explore the wetlands. Anytime, see the Birds of Prey exhibit and walk the nature trails. I recommend the Broadwalk Trail, which ends at the Lookout Tower. Sometimes there is live music in the pavilion.
Martyrs Shrine
Martyrs Shrine is located across Highway 12, but there is a walkway along the river as well. Located on a 300-acre property with natural forests, manicured gardens, devotional spaces, and the shrine itself.
Midland Harbour
The Midland Harbour area is mainly a public park, perfect for a picnic lunch. There are also cruises of Georgian Bay available.
Discovery Harbour
Discovery Harbour, located in Penetanguishene along the shores of Georgian Bay, is another immersive experience with period ships and a costumed guide next to the entrance. There is also a restaurant, gift shop, and local theatre.
This was a military base, so expect to see cannons and costumed soldiers. You will do a lot of walking to visit the many houses, dating from the 1800s.
Also worth a visit in Ontario is Petroglyphs Provincial Park.
Best Time to Visit
During the spring (usually in late March), for the Sweetwater Harvest Festival, which also includes admission to Wye Marsh. Enjoy a maple tasting experience, a traditional food experience, a historic sugar shack, a pancake breakfast, and visit the local artisan market.
First Light is also another popular festival held in late November and early December.
If not attending one of the festivals, it is best to visit from spring to fall for the full programming. The area is also known for fall colours, so that also makes for a great day trip.
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive earlier in the day for demonstrations, and you will also find it less crowded
- Wear comfortable walking shoes (gravel paths), although I found it muddy in places and was glad I was wearing hiking boots. I also went to nearby Wye Marsh.
- Check event schedules ahead of time. During First Light and Sweetwater Festivals, expect it to be busy and that there will be a lot of families
- Bring water and plan for the weather (as it is mostly outdoors)
How to Get There
It takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to drive to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons from Toronto.
Head north on Highway and through Barrie, take exit 121 on Highway 93, then head east on County Road 23, left (north) on County Road 58 until reaching the end. At Highway 12, turn left and go a few metres, with the entrance on your left, and follow the road to the free parking. Use the same entrance for Wye Marsh.
Another interesting way to get there is to take the Tay Bike Route, which starts in Waubaushene and continues to Midland.
You may wish to combine a tour of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons with a Georgian Bay road trip.
Final Thoughts
The Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons Historic Site is for people who want to learn more about the history of Ontario in the 16th century, or include it while exploring the Midland and Penetanguishene area.
