In order to take advantage of a mild spring and accommodate visitors who travel early, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons will be open weekdays beginning TUESDAY APRIL 10, then open seven days a week starting MONDAY MAY 14.   Due to visitor demand, Discovery Harbour will increase access to weekend travellers this May/June, open TUESDAY TO SATURDAY, from Tuesday May 22,   then seven days a week from Saturday June 30 to Sunday September 2.

During the spring, visitors to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons can use audio tour wands free of charge to hear the compelling story of the Jesuit community built in the 1600s in the heartland of the Huron/Wendat people.  The audio wands are available in 12 languages.  “Last year we saw an increase of 3% in international travellers at our sites,” said Jan Gray, now making up 21% of the total attendance for both historic attractions.  “We will continue promoting both attractions to the Greater Toronto Area’s new Canadian markets with advertisements in many of the cultural newspapers and radio stations, in 5 different languages,” said Gray.   She added that, “Last season 54% of our Ontario visitors came from the Greater Toronto Area and we will continue to promote our nationally significant sites and stories to new Canadians”. 

Special Events and Festivals continue to draw in thousands of people from across the province and beyond. “Last year our overall attendance to our special events was up by 20%,” said Gray.  “ I am also pleased to announce that Sainte-Marie among the Hurons First Light Event held annually over the holiday season was once again awarded to be in the  Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario for  2012”.  This is the third year in a row that First Light has been honoured with this prestigious award. 

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons will celebrate National Aboriginal Day on June 21,  including special hands-on activities, Aboriginal music, drumming and dancing…continuing on  Aboriginal Festival Weekend held June 23 and June 24.  Franco-Ontarian Day September 25 will see French culture and heritage come to life through story telling, special displays, activities, and a new education program for students. The ever popular Thanksgiving Harvest Festival, with Arts and Crafts Show returns October 6 and 7, showcasing over 40 outstanding artisans and crafters. And, of course, the awarding winning First Light is back…evenings of November 29, November 30 and December 1, voted in the top 100 of Festivals and Events, Ontario!   Under the glow of over 3,000 candles, enjoy live music, family crafts, Aboriginal drumming, choirs, and much more. 

Step aboard Discovery Harbour for the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812 with special exhibits, events, tours and presentations…a three year commemoration called ‘CELEBRATE PEACE’ beginning this summer!   Included in the highlights, visitors can partake of free admission to the site for Doors Open Huronia – June 2.  All season long, War of 1812 –War on the Lakes Art Exhibit will be shown in the North Visitor Centre.    Returning for another year, cultural music returns during Ditties and Shanties, July 21, and experience Penetanguishene’s Métis roots with Métis Day Bo’jou Neejee Saturday August 11, 2012, with artisans, Métis music, hands-on crafts and traditional games.  This fall, the whole family will have a frightfully good time at Haunted Harbour – October 25, 26 and 27…featuring many new scary delights!

Discovery Harbour Spring season: May 22 to June 30, Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. 

Summer season: July 1 to September 2, 2012, open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm.  Last daily admission: 4:30pm.

For information contact Kathleen Trainor, A/Manager, Marketing and Visitor Services, Huronia Historical Parks. kathleen.trainor@ontario.ca  705-528-7696