Deux interprètes historiques habillés en costumes de donnés voyages en canoe le long du canal de Sainte-Marie-au-pays-des-Hurons

Go back
in time

Step into this story of cultural contact, determination and survival

Icon of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

Welcome to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

Ontario’s first European Community, Sainte-Marie 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 palisaded community that included barracks, a church, workshops, residences, and a sheltered area for Indigenous visitors. By 1648, Sainte-Marie was home to 66 French men — one-fifth of the entire population of New France. Sainte-Marie’s history ended in 1649, when members of the mission community were forced to abandon and burn their home of ten years.

A wintery forest with metal sap buckets in the foreground

Check out the Sweetwater Harvest Festival

March 23 and 24

Join the Wye Marsh and Sainte-Marie for an awesome maple syrup experience March 23 and 24. The Sweetwater Harvest Festival is the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre’s biggest event of the year – and ONE ticket gets you access to TWO fantastic sites. Check out a sugar shack, taste delicious maple taffy, roast bannock, and more!

Buy your Season passes

Valid April 1 to March 31

For just $35 tax included, season pass holders gain unlimited admission to both Sainte-Marie and Discovery Harbour during their visitor seasons, as well as unlimited admission to most special events, including First Light, Pumpkinferno, Pirates of the Bay, Hometown Harvest Festival, and many more!

Quatres hommes autochtones en habits cérémoniaux, à jouer un gros tambour en chantant

Present on National Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Application deadline of April 15

Would you like to do a demonstration or presentation at Sainte-Marie’s in-person or virtual celebrations? Apply today! Last year’s in-person event on June 21 welcomed more than 2,800 guests. The free virtual program drew 26,700 online learners. Come and be a part of this dynamic experience!

Un mur de bois

Plan Your Visit

Sainte-Marie will reopen daily in on May 4, 2024. In the meantime, check out our winter events! Educational programs and group tours are also available most of the year.

Deux interprètes historiques, habillés en costumes de donné, à enseigner l'écriture avec des plumes et de l'encre

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Monthly updates

Sign up for our newsletter and be in the know! Get early notice about your favourite events at Sainte-Marie and Discovery Harbour. Pick up interesting historical facts. Hear about deals and discounts. Find out about career opportunities at Huronia Historical Parks. Learn about new activities at both historic sites.

Trois interprètes historiques costumés à marcher ensemble le long de la route qui longe Sainte-Marie

Hours of operation

Reopening May 4, 2024

This impressive reconstructed 17th-century mission – staffed by knowledgeable and friendly costumed interpreters – will be open daily from May 4, 2024. Allocate approximately 1.5 hours for your visit. We recommend you download the Huronia Historical Parks app for a full audio tour. Dogs welcome!

Students playing lacrosse as part of an educational program at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

Now booking 2024 education programs!

Discover hands-on, curriculum-driven (and fun!) learning opportunities at this reconstructed 17th century Jesuit mission in the heart of Wendake. Explore half-day, full-day, and digital learning experiences your students will never forget.

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Share your adventures by tagging us and using #saintemarieamongthehurons

Four images of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons: two men playing lacrosse, the blacksmith at work, some resin and birchbark, a smiling interpreter in costume