If you're looking for something genuinely different to do with the family this season, Huronia Historical Parks just gave you three great reasons to get out and explore.
Starting Saturday, May 2, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Discovery Harbour, and Nancy Island Historic Site all open for the 2026 summer season. All three sites are open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, and this year's lineup is the strongest it's ever been.
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Spend the night
You've probably done the day trip. But have you ever considered staying the night?
Both Sainte-Marie and Discovery Harbour now offer overnight cabin stays right on-site. These aren't just a place to sleep. Every booking includes immersive, hands-on historical programming that you simply can't get during a regular visit.
At Sainte-Marie, you'll wake up to peaceful views of the Wye River, just steps from a National Historic Site. At Discovery Harbour in Penetanguishene, the cabins sit directly on Georgian Bay. Think spectacular sunrises and beachside mornings before you step back into the world of 19th-century British naval life.
"These overnight stays offer a rare chance to experience our historic sites in an entirely new way, after hours, immersed in the setting, and surrounded by natural beauty," says Chad Moreau, Senior Manager of Operations for Huronia Historical Parks. "Guests can slow down, stay overnight, and form a deeper connection to the stories and places that make these sites so special."
Cabins are $200 per night, taxes included.
Living history you can touch
All three sites bring history to life in hands-on ways that go well beyond reading a plaque. You'll find towering tall ships at Discovery Harbour, the storied hull of the HMS Nancy at Nancy Island, and the iconic longhouses at Sainte-Marie.
In July and August, all three sites run daily timed historical demonstrations. We're talking 17th-century fire-starting, artefact spotlights, and Brown Bess musket firing. It's the kind of stuff that sticks with kids ... and honestly, with adults too.
Guided tours are available at all three sites throughout the summer for an extra $5 per person. If you want to go deeper into the stories behind these places, it's well worth it. Sainte-Marie also runs Farm Fridays, kid-friendly tours where families help care for heritage animals and gardens. Yes, chores are involved. And yes, kids love it.
What's new at Nancy Island this summer
Nancy Island Historic Site in Wasaga Beach is having a big year. Two brand-new events are joining the lineup this season.
First up is an art festival on June 13 and 14, turning the historic waterfront site into a creative outdoor escape. Then in August, Awaken the Isle brings a full pirate-themed celebration to the island, packed with family-friendly fun.
"Nancy Island is ready to welcome guests to the historic heart of Wasaga Beach," says Tim Godin, Manager of Operations for Nancy Island Historic Site. "We're excited to offer new and dynamic ways for families to experience the past."
If you're already heading to Wasaga Beach this summer, Nancy Island is an easy and worthwhile detour.
Favourite events are back too
Returning fans will be happy to know that many beloved experiences are coming back this season. (Note: some of these activities are pay to play.)
At Sainte-Marie:
- National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 18 features drumming and dancing
- Legends of Lacrosse returns on June 21
- Hearth to Table historic dining series is back with new themed multi-course 17th-century meals each month
- Shadows and Stone, the atmospheric evening experience, runs Thursday nights from late June through August
At Discovery Harbour (reputedly one of the most haunted historic sites in Ontario):
- Supernatural Saturdays return with Ghost Tours, Secrets of Séance, and the Bo'sun's Brig Escape Room
- Drayton Entertainment is back for a full season of performances at King's Wharf Theatre
- Historic Blacksmith Workshop lets you try your hand at an ancient trade in a real working forge
The season pass is a seriously good deal
If you're planning more than one visit, the season pass is worth every penny. For just $35 per person, you get unlimited access to all three sites for the entire season. That includes special events like:
- First Light
- Pumpkinferno
- Hometown Harvest Festival.
For families who like to get out and explore, it pays for itself fast.
Plan your visit
All three sites open May 2 and are open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Free parking is available at Sainte-Marie and Discovery Harbour. Nancy Island has on-site parking plus municipal lots nearby.
For tickets, overnight bookings, and full event details, visit:
