Winter comes alive at Discovery Harbour
Breathe in the crisp Georgian Bay air and step into a winter celebration like no other. The Mid‑Winter Social transforms the historic grounds of Discovery Harbour into a lively mix of glowing firepits, heritage experiences, delicious comfort food, and hands‑on adventures. Add to your experience with a dynamic, kid-approved performance inside the King’s Wharf Theatre!
It’s winter the way it should be — cozy, active, joyful, and a little bit magical.
Dates and hours
Saturday, February 14 — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, February 15 — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday, February 16 — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
General admission
$12 per person, taxes included – children 5 and under are free
Get outside and enjoy historic winter fun at Discovery Harbour, from snow tubing to blacksmithing – live performances sold separately
Live performances
$12 per person, taxes included
Bring the whole family for a dynamic, one-hour, kid-approved show inside the King’s Wharf Theatre – Mid-Winter Social admission included!
Bring your Winterama button to receive 25% off the cost of general admission or theatre admission. Learn more below, under Plan your Visit.
Outdoor winter fun
- Kids’ snow tube run (weather permitting): big thrills for little explorers! Fast, safe and fun.
- Scenic winter walking routes: wander through Discovery Harbour’s picturesque historic landscape transformed into a serene winter wonderland.
- Warming fires with maple taffy and s’mores: warm up and enjoy everyone’s favourite sweet treats.
- Snow Snake – traditional Indigenous game: try your hand at a centuries‑old game played by First Nations and Métis peoples
Indoor activities
- Face painting: add a splash of magic to the day with whimsical winter‑themed face painting.
- Creative winter craft stations: get hands‑on with activities inspired by the season. Create winter treasures to take home!
- Warm indoor spaces
Feature performances inside King’s Wharf Theatre
This year’s entertainment lineup showcases a dynamic mix of high‑energy performances guaranteed to captivate children, families, and winter‑weekend explorers alike.
Tickets for these 1-hour shows are available online, in advance, or at the door. Cost for the show AND access to the historic Mid-Winter Social (combined ticket) is $12 per person, taxes included. Free admission programs don’t apply.
Sonshine & Broccoli
Juno-nominated children’s music
With more than two decades of entertaining families across Canada, Sonshine & Broccoli deliver an energetic, interactive, feel‑good musical performance that gets kids (and grownups!) singing, dancing, and smiling from ear to ear.
Razzmatazz
Award-winning bilingual performers
Razzmatazz brings a lively mix of music, storytelling, and comedic character play. Their bilingual performance engages audiences of all ages with songs, movement, and memorable moments that celebrate connection and creativity.
Buck’s Magic
Family Magic Show
Uncle Buck delivers a lively mix of colourful magic, comedy, and audience participation—keeping kids amazed and parents laughing along.
Hands-on heritage
- Blacksmithing demonstrations: watch sparks fly as the blacksmith bends iron over anvil.
- Historic games: play 19th century games like Nine Men’s Morris.
- Costumed interpreters: learn about the fascinating story of Penetanguishene’s naval and military establishments.
Special experiences (add-ons)
Enhance your Mid-Winter Social experience with one of these unique hands-on activities:
Mini Blacksmith Workshop
$60 per participant
Craft your own keepsake using traditional blacksmithing techniques in this two-hour, hands-on training session.
Ages 15+
Shot of History: Public Musket Firing
$20 per participant
Feel the power of history with a guided musket‑firing experience.
Ages 16+
Be the Mid-Winter Social food provider!
Join the Mid-Winter Social team by serving concession-style food at Captain Roberts’ Table from Saturday, February 14 to Monday, February 16, 2026!
This annual family friendly winter event aims to bring together the community fun, entertainment, and delicious dining options.
While we love our furry friends, we are not able to accommodate pets at this special event (service dogs are welcomed of course). Thank you for your understanding.
- Please allocate 15-30 minutes for parking and admissions. Parking is available at 93 Jury Drive for free.
- Discovery Harbour is wheelchair accessible, however pathways may be snow covered.
- There are several accessible parking spots near the main entrance of Discovery Harbour, but they fill quickly during this event. We recommend arriving early.
- Taking and sharing photos is encouraged, unless otherwise indicated by performers.
- Smoking or vaping (including marijuana) is not permitted on Discovery Harbour property.
- Light snacks will be available for purchase at the concession stand inside King’s Wharf Theatre.
- Please note this event takes place mostly outdoors and, visitors should plan to dress accordingly for weather and terrain.
- Admission notes:
- Mid-Winter Social general admission:
- Entry is $12 per person
- Children 5 and under enjoy free entry
- Additional free admission types include: Season pass holders; First Nations people, Inuit people, and Metis people; Members of the Canadian Armed Forces; and a support person accompanying a paid guest with a disability.
- Your ticket includes access to most activities, with a handful of premium add‑ons available for those looking to enhance their visit.
- Winterama button holders can also enjoy 25% off regular admission as part of our community partnership.
- King’s Wharf Theatre performance admission:
- Theater Performances $12 per person.
- No free admission types apply.
- Your ticket includes access to the Kings Wharf Theater Performance.
- Your ticket also includes same-day access to the historic grounds of Discovery Harbour during the Mid-Winter Social.
- Winterama button holders can also enjoy 25% off regular admission as part of our community partnership.
- Mid-Winter Social general admission:
93 Jury Drive, Penetanguishene, L9M 1G1
Parking info
Please park in the parking lot provided and make your way on foot through the black entrance gates to the boardwalk area and The Charthouse (Admissions building).
Need more info?
Please contact us at hhp@ontario.ca or (705) 549-8064 if you have any questions.
Discovery Harbour traces its roots back to the original British naval and military base in Penetanguishene, built to safeguard access to Upper Canada after the War of 1812.
“His Majesty’s Naval Establishment on Lake Huron”, (as it was first called) kept ships prepared to supply British posts to the northwest. By 1820, it was home to over 70 people, including sailors, officers, shipwrights, and soldiers. Five large ships, 15 smaller vessels, and numerous workshops and dwellings were built.
In 1828, a British garrison on Drummond Island was relocated to Penetanguishene. By 1834, Canada was defended exclusively by these forces. An impressive stone Officers’ Quarters was built in 1845. The military occupied the site until 1856.
Discovery Harbour is operated by Huronia Historical Parks, and is an Attraction of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
