L'entrée principale de le Havre de la Découverte

About us

The roots of Discovery Harbour date back to 1793, when Sir John Graves Simcoe scouted Penetanguishene Bay as a strategic site for a naval base. The steep-sided, deep water bay would be an ideal spot to protect and maintain ships. The bay could also serve as a vital transport link from York (Toronto) to the northwest.

The War of 1812 between Britain and the United States sparked the construction of an active naval dockyard at Penetanguishene. By 1817, the British Navy, anxious to patrol and protect the Upper Great Lakes against a future attack, began building the Naval Establishment.

The Naval Establishment would soon become a permanent home to the warships: H.M.S Tecumseth and H.M.S. Newash.

What’s included in your admission fee

  • Access the reconstructed naval and military base including a wharf, dockyard, sailor’s barracks, captain’s residence and more
  • Step aboard two gorgeous, fully-rigged historic vessels: the H.M.S. Tecumseth and the H.M.S. Bee
  • Explore the Officer’s Quarters, an original building constructed in the 1830s and beautifully restored
  • View the hull of the original H.M.S. Tecumseth, carefully preserved and maintained in our interactive indoor museum
  • Learn the story of Discovery Harbour with a free audio tour, accessible through the Huronia Historical Parks app
  • Shop for gifts, naval-themed decor, and souvenirs in our retail store, Barracks Boutique
Un interprète à travailler sur le havre en costume de marin

Costumed interpreters

We’re a living history museum. Our friendly and knowledgeable historical interpreters offer craftwork demonstrations, answer your questions, and bring the history of Discovery Harbour to life so that you can step back in time.

Les mains d'un interprète historique en costume de soldat. Il tient un bayonet.

Historic background

The roots of Discovery Harbour date back to 1793, when Sir John Graves Simcoe scouted Penetanguishene Bay as a strategic site for a naval base. The steep-sided, deep water bay would be an ideal spot to protect and maintain ships. The bay could also serve as a vital transport link from York (Toronto) to the northwest.

une équipe de tournage à travailler sur le HMS Bee, un navire à le havre de la découverte

Facility rentals

Discovery Harbour may be an option for your proposed filming project, depending on the nature and time of year. We also host weddings and events on our beautiful boardwalk and grounds, pending availability and resources. Request your facility rental by contact our coordinator today.

Un interprète historique, habillé en costume du capitaine Roberts, à diriger des visiteurs

Careers

Huronia Historical Parks operates two of Ontario’s premier historic attractions, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Discovery Harbour. Both locations are attractions of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. We offer tremendous opportunities to work with an exciting team in a unique environment with diverse visitors from around the world.

Rope on the deck of a ship

Need more info?

Please contact us if you have any questions: