Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Step back in time to 17th century Canada on Georgian Bay. Experience Ontario’s oldest European community and one of Canada’s National Historical Sites. Explore, hear the legends in the Longhouse and join in. Touch history, and experience life at this historic French Jesuit mission in the heart of the Huron-Wendat First Nation. Sainte-Marie now stands re-created on its original location where the compelling story is brought to life.
Audio wands for self-guided tours available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Portuguese, Standard & Simplified Chinese.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
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 Native visitors.
By 1648, Sainte-Marie was a wilderness home to 66 French men, representing one-fifth of the entire population of New France. Sainte-Marie’s brief history ended in 1649, when members of the mission community were forced to abandon and burn their home of nearly ten years.
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.
Located near Midland in the beautiful Southern Georgian Bay area, this world-renowned reconstruction illustrates the interaction of the French and Wendat nations. Visitors get a unique opportunity to see the earliest Canadian pioneer life, through guided or self-guided visits, school group tours, interactive education programs, special events, and corporate functions.
Visit our Interpretive Museum and themed gift shop, and complete your stay with a delicious meal in Restaurant Sainte-Marie.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is part of Huronia Historical Parks, which includes Discovery Harbour.