Mid-Winter Social: Experience winter
Happy Family Day!
Today is the last day for Mid-Winter Social. Come and join us for a day of fun!
Join us on Family Day weekend 2025
About the Mid-Winter Social
Discovery Harbour celebrates winter by welcoming visitors to the historic site on February 15-17, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily. This event runs in tandem with the Town of Penetanguishene’s 77th Annual Winterama.
All the activities (Saturday, Sunday and Monday – see below for specific times.)
Outdoor Adventure
- jump on the tractor-pulled wagon ride
- experience the thrill of a kids’ snow tube run – we provide the tubes!*
- strap on snowshoes and stomp along the snowshoeing track*
*Some activities are weather dependent*
Historic Experience
- explore historic Keating House, watch historic cooking demonstrations and sample warm maple syrup
- watch the sparks fly at the historic blacksmith demonstration
- be mesmerized while watching the Black Powder Musket firing demonstration
- dress up like a 19th century British soldier in the soldiers’ encampment
- enjoy guided tours of the original establishment’s Officers’ Quarters and explore a 19th century soldiers’ encampment
- explore the H.M.S. Tecumseth Centre and check out the real Tecumseth shipwreck and other museum displays
- listen to traditional Métis storytelling in the Métis dwelling
Games, crafts and more!
- say hello to costumed characters! More info and details coming soon!
- join the fun of the new Outdoor Winter Games – a variety of mini-games happening at Parade Square
- try the hands-on traditional activities of candle-making and beading in our cozy cabins
- transform into your favourite animal at our face painting station!
- games and activities in the H.M.S. Tecumseth Centre
- discover your inner artist at our Arctic Art Adventure in the H.M.S. Tecumseth Centre
Sweets, treats and shopping
- warm up with hot chocolate and a variety of snacks at the Cocoa Corner in the H.M.S. Tecumseth Centre and Theatre Treats at the Kings’ Wharf Theatre
- roast bannock over a crackling open fire
- visit local artisans and vendors in Garrison Hall
Everything else
- kid-approved live performances in the Kings’ Wharf Theatre (more info coming soon!)
- enjoy a delicious meal at Captain Roberts’ Table
- Visit Métis Nation of Ontario crafters and artisans in Navy Hall (free to enter)
Mid-Winter Social tickets
- tickets are $12.00 per person (tax inclusive)
- cash, credit and debit accepted
- reservations are not required. Walk up, walk in!
- free parking is available at 93 Jury Drive
Free admission details
- kids 5 and under are free!
- Indigenous, Métis and Inuit people with valid ID
- support persons accompanying a paying person
- season Pass Holders
- Canadian Armed Forces Members
Good to know
- service animals only will be permitted at this special event, please leave your pets at home
- the event will run in most types of weather (sun, rain, snow, ice)
- the event will take part almost entirely outdoors, please dress for conditions
Schedule of events!
We’ve got a great line up of activities for you this Family Day Weekend.
Some activities are weather dependent – we will post on our social media channels if any changes occur.
PLEASE NOTE, the Escape Room has been cancelled due to inclement weather. All other Mid-Winter Social activities are still operating at this time.
Delicious food options
Captain Roberts’ Table will be open during the Mid-Winter Social!
General Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
| Saturday | Sunday | Monday |
| Regular Menu 9am – 4pm | Regular Menu 9am – 4pm | Regular Menu 9am – 4pm |
| Event Menu 9am – 4pm | Event Menu 11am – 4pm | Event Menu 9am – 4pm |
| Brunch Menu 9am – 2pm |
Check out their regular menu here: Restaurant – Discovery Harbour
Foodiez Food Truck
Serving up a delicious range of family favourite, hot food options and sides!
Theatre Treats and the Cocoa Corner
Located at the Kings’ Wharf Theatre, visitors will be able to get their showtime snacks like popcorn and hot chocolate at the Theatre Treats snack bar.
In the heart of the action, at the HMS Tecumseth Centre, visitors can grab a hot chocolate and other delicious snacks at the Cocoa Corner.
Come play at the Mid-Winter Social!
Vendor and artisan market
Located in Garrison Hall at the Mid-Winter Social, our Artisan and Vendor market is sure to have a little something for everyone!
Apply to be a vendor at the 2025 Mid-Winter Social event!
Do you create one-of-a-kind products for sale? Would you like to be part of this emerging vendor market? Apply to be an artisan or food vendor at Mid-Winter Social!
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 arrive 15-20 minutes early to allow time to allow for parking and admissions.
- Taking photos is encouraged.
- Smoking or vaping (including marijuana) is not permitted on Discovery Harbour property.
- Light snacks will be available for purchase from the Snack Shack.
- Please note this event takes place mostly outdoors and, visitors should plan to dress accordingly for weather and terrain.
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 Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries.
