If your family is searching for a March Break adventure that blends hands-on learning with a little historical magic, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons in Midland is ready to transport you straight to 1649.
From March 16 to 20, the site’s Adventures in Time Travel program invites visitors of all ages to experience life in 17th-century Wendake.
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“Sainte-Marie among the Hurons brings history to life with this popular, one-of-a-kind attraction that promises a great day of discovery and entertainment for the whole family,” says Stan Cho, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “I encourage Ontarians from across the province to schedule an unforgettable trip to the past as part of their March Break planning.”
A Day in 1649
Visitors can roam the reconstructed settlement and immerse themselves in daily life from centuries past.
- Craft with natural materials
- Try your hand at historic cooking
- Dress in period clothing, and even search for hidden artefacts
From the rhythmic clang of the blacksmith’s hammer to the cozy interiors of longhouses and wigwams, the sights and sounds of 1649 are everywhere.
Children (and adults) can also enjoy:
- Outdoor scavenger hunts across the historic grounds
- Roasting bannock over an open fire
- Making clay pots, mini birch bark canoes, corn husk dolls, or paper mokuks
- Learning traditional fire-starting techniques and listening to Indigenous stories in timed presentations
“Where else can you spend a day living like it’s 1649 and still make it home in time for dinner?” asks Marina Opitz, Operations Manager at Sainte-Marie. “March Break at Sainte-Marie offers hands-on fun and learning — and nobody even needs to fix a time machine when they’re done.”
Extend the Adventure
For families wanting a little extra time in the past, or just a cozy getaway, the site’s new waterfront cabins offer the perfect retreat.
Open throughout March Break and beyond, the heated cabins sleep up to six guests and feature indoor and outdoor fireplaces, handcrafted furniture, and direct access to the historic site.
Every overnight stay includes tickets to Adventures in Time Travel or a guided tour, making it easy to immerse yourself fully in the experience.
On-site dining is also available at Restaurant Sainte-Marie. They offer kid-friendly favourites like chicken tenders and fries alongside traditional dishes such as three-sisters soup and bannock.
Plan Your Visit
Admission is $12 per person, with free entry for children five and under, support persons for guests with disabilities, First Nations, Métis, Inuit visitors with ID, and Ontario teachers or Canadian Armed Forces members with ID.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website. Whether you stay for a day or a night, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons promises a March Break full of discovery, storytelling, and memories your family won’t soon forget.
