About Us
Huronia Historical Parks is a division of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
We operate Discovery Harbour, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Nancy Island Historic Site.
Discovery Harbour
The roots of Discovery Harbour date to 1793, when Sir John Graves Simcoe identified Penetanguishene Bay as an ideal location for a naval base. Its steep sides and deep waters were perfect for ships, while its position provided an important transportation link between York (Toronto) and the northwest. The War of 1812 prompted the construction of an active naval dockyard, and by 1817 the British Navy began building the Penetanguishene Naval Establishment to defend the Upper Great Lakes.
As relations with the United States improved, British naval forces gradually withdrew. After soldiers relocated from Drummond Island in 1828, the site became fully military, including barracks and an impressive officer’s quarters.
Today, Discovery Harbour is a living history attraction that immerses visitors in this past. The site features reconstructed buildings, costumed interpreters, interactive exhibits, historic ships, a theatre, gift shop, and dynamic seasonal events.
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 constructing 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, as well as special events, group tours, and educational learning programs.
Complete your experience with a visit to our interpretive museum, themed gift shop, or restaurant.
Nancy Island
Nancy Island Historic Site in Wasaga Beach, Ontario, is officially designated as a National Historic Event by Parks Canada. It commemorates the pivotal role of HMS Nancy, a British supply schooner destroyed during the War of 1812, in defending Upper Canada.
The site preserves the ship’s hull and features engaging exhibits that explore the strategic importance of the Great Lakes in protecting Ontario and shaping Canada’s early naval history. As a steward of national heritage, Nancy Island plays a vital role in preserving the legacy of Canada’s wartime past for future generations.
Nancy Island’s welcome centre also acts as a tourism hub, where guests can shop, secure beachfront parking, and explore opportunities to enhance their stay in beautiful Wasaga Beach, Ontario.
