Rediscover History at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons – 2024 Season

Ontario’s historical gem, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, invites visitors to step back in time and experience the province’s first European community, as it opens for the 2024 season tomorrow.

Founded in 1639 as the headquarters for the French Jesuit Mission to the Huron-Wendat people, this palisaded community was a hub of cultural exchange and trade until its abandonment and burning in 1649.

Now meticulously recreated on its original site, Sainte-Marie offers a captivating journey through history.

Costumed historical interpreters bring the mission’s story to life, offering insights into daily life and interactions between Europeans and Indigenous peoples through a fully reconstructed palisaded community featuring barracks, a church, workshops, residences, and buildings illustrating the events of that era through more than 750 artifacts.

Guided Tours

For those seeking a more immersive experience, guided tours are available from June 29 to August 23. Led by knowledgeable interpreters, these tours delve into the mission’s history, providing context and detail to enrich your visit.

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Events This Year

Throughout the year, Sainte-Marie hosts special events celebrating Indigenous culture and the region’s rich history. Highlights include:

National Indigenous Peoples’ Day on June 21, features educational activities and cultural showcases, honouring the rich heritage and achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Shadows & Stone: Evening Experience, offering guided tours of the site after dark, allowing visitors to experience the ambiance of the 17th century mission under moonlight.

Hometown Harvest Festival from October 12 to 14 celebrates the fall season with crafts, family activities, and a vendor market featuring handmade items.

First Light, is a holiday event featuring family activities, live music, a vendor fair, historical demonstrations, and candlelit pathways, creating a magical ambiance.

Visitors can also shop for souvenirs and art and wares from local Indigenous artisans at Flint and Timber, the on-site gift shop.

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons opens for the season on May 4th. The site is open daily from May 4 to October 14, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regular admission grants access to the fully reconstructed mission community, an introductory video, interactions with costumed interpreters, visits to historic landmarks like the Church of Saint Joseph, and more. Visitors can also enjoy free same-day admission to the Martyrs Shrine.

Trip Planning – Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

Immerse yourself in Ontario’s rich history at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, cultural explorer, or simply curious about Canada’s past, there’s something for everyone to discover at this iconic site.

When: May 4 to October 14, 2024 | 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

First Light: Late November/December, Dates TBA

Where: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, 16164 Hwy 12 East, Midland

How Much: