Hamilton 
Ontario’s historical gem, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, invites visitors to step back in time and experience the province’s first European community.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Founded in 1639 as the headquarters for the French Jesuit Mission to the Huron-Wendat people, this palisaded community was a hub of cultural exchange and trade until its abandonment and burning in 1649.
Now meticulously recreated on its original site, Sainte-Marie offers a captivating journey through history.
Costumed historical interpreters bring the mission’s story to life, offering insights into daily life and interactions between Europeans and Indigenous peoples through a fully reconstructed palisaded community featuring barracks, a church, workshops, residences, and buildings illustrating the events of that era through more than 750 artifacts.
Guided Tours
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
For those seeking a more immersive experience, guided tours are available from May 2 to October 12. Led by knowledgeable interpreters, these tours delve into the mission’s history, providing context and detail to enrich your visit.
Events This Year
Throughout the year, Sainte-Marie hosts special events celebrating Indigenous culture and the region’s rich history. Highlights include:
- National Indigenous Peoples Day
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- Day of Learning on June 18 brings together First Nations and Métis voices for a full day of cultural experiences. Timed events include ceremonies, drumming, and demonstrations, while ongoing activities invite hands-on learning, traditional games, food sampling, and artisan markets in a historic setting.
- National Indigenous Peoples’ Day comes alive on June 21 with Legends of Lacrosse. Meet Brad Kri and Jim Calder, explore Indigenous games, join cultural tours, and take part in hands-on activities and skills sessions celebrating the history and spirit of lacrosse.
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- Shadows & Stone: Evening Experience offers a lantern-lit tour of historic Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. Explore 17th-century buildings by night, hear Indigenous stories in a longhouse over tea, roast bannock, and watch blacksmithing sparks fly. This 1.5–2 hour immersive event on Thursday evenings from July 2 to September 3 includes optional dinner or drinks and runs rain or shine.
- Hearth to Table: Dinner in 1648 is a culinary journey into the 17th century at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. Guests dine by candlelight on French-inspired dishes made with historic techniques and seasonal ingredients. Each course is introduced by a costumed interpreter, offering insights into the challenges of cooking in 1648. Limited dates: June 27, July 25, August 22, September 19, and October 10.
- Hometown Harvest Festival runs from October 10 to 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Celebrate the fall season with live music, take-home crafts, family activities, and kids’ harvest contests with prizes. Meet heritage animals, explore a handmade-only artisan market, and enjoy the festive atmosphere marking the beauty and abundance of autumn.
- First Light is a holiday event featuring family activities, live music, a vendor fair, historical demonstrations, and candlelit pathways, creating a magical ambiance.
Visitors can also shop for souvenirs, art and wares from local Indigenous artisans at Flint and Timber, the on-site gift shop.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is open daily until Thanksgiving weekend, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regular admission grants access to the fully reconstructed mission community, an introductory video, interactions with costumed interpreters, visits to historic landmarks like the Church of Saint Joseph, and more. Visitors can also enjoy free same-day admission to the Martyrs Shrine.
Trip Planning – Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Credit: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Immerse yourself in Ontario’s rich history at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, cultural explorer, or simply curious about Canada’s past, there’s something for everyone to discover at this iconic site.
When: Open daily from May 2 to October 12 | 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
First Light: November 26 to December 13, 2026
Where: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, 16164 Hwy 12 East, Midland
How Much:
Admission Rates: High Season — Victoria Day to Labour Day
Adults: $15
Seniors (65+)/Students (13+)/Youth (6 to 12): $12
Guided Tour: $5 additional
Children 5 and under, Indigenous Persons,
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Ontario Teachers (with valid ID): FREE
Admission Rates: Sept 8 to October 12
Adults: $13 tax inc.
Seniors (65+), Students (13+), Youth (6 to 12): $10 tax inc.
Hometown Harvest Festival (Oct. 10-12) – $15
Children 5 and under, Indigenous Persons,
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Ontario Teachers: FREE
(with valid ID)
