Pirates of the Bay
Avast ye! Get ready to embark on an adventure like no other!
Set sail for adventure on Saturday, August 2, 2025, as Discovery Harbour transforms into a lively pirates’ paradise! Enjoy a full day of family fun with swashbuckling activities, hands-on crafts, and exciting new additions to this year’s event. Don’t miss what’s new—come explore!
Date and time
Saturday, August 2 only
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- tickets available for purchase on-site and online in-advance.
Swashbuckling spectacles
- Mermaid lagoon
Snap a magical photo with our shimmering sea-siren and hear tales from the deep! - Parrot pirate show
Feathered fun awaits! Catch this lively show and learn parrot tricks from our colourful crew.- A ticket is required for all guests aged 2 and up to attend the parrot show.
- Shows are at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:15pm and 3:30 pm
- Shows are at 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:15pm and 3:30 pm
- A ticket is required for all guests aged 2 and up to attend the parrot show.
- Encounter the infamous Blackbeard
Cross paths with the legendary pirate—if you dare! Perfect for photos and tall tales. - Pirate encampments & roving rogues
Step into a pirate’s life with bustling encampments and mischievous mateys on the move! - Forge & flame demonstrations
Watch the blacksmith at work and discover the fiery secrets of the historic steam kiln - Gallows Alley – dare to pose!
Face the noose (just for laughs!) in this delightfully dark photo op zone. - Chat with Skeleton Jack
Ask our talking skeleton your best riddle—if you can handle his bone-dry sense of humour! - Boom! Black powder demonstrations
Feel the thunder! Watch a thrilling display of historic musket and cannon fire.- 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm
- 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm
- Pegleg’s Rest at Keating House
This historic home becomes a pirate’s playground packed with fun hands-on activities. - Refuel at the snack shacks
Grab popcorn, slushies, and sweet loot at the Scallywag Snack Shack and Shiver Me Sweets Shop—a feast fit for scurvy sea dogs! - Treasure Map & Hunt
Follow the clues on your treasure map to uncover hidden loot throughout the site—an adventure for young buccaneers and savvy scavengers alike! - Cool Down Area
Beat the heat with water cannons, sprinklers, and a sponge toss! A splash zone for sea dogs of all ages.
Join the crew with pirate activities!
- Swab the deck! Try your hand at keeping the ship shipshape with this classic pirate chore—great fun for kids!
- Get your pirate name from the mermaid – She’ll reveal your true pirate identity!
- Sign the ship’s log – Officially become part of the crew.
Hands-on pirate crafts
- Make a fearsome pirate hook
- design a colourful parrot mask
- create a paper plate boat
- craft a “message in a bottle” necklace
Adventure & action
- Conquer three giant inflatables – bounce, climb, slide, repeat!
- Challenge your mates in bubble soccer
Bonus experiences (separate ticket required)
- Parrot shows – Laugh and learn with these feathered performers!
- A ticket is required for all guests aged 2 and up to attend the parrot show.
Admission
- Admission is $12, tax included
- Kids 5 and under are free
Free admission types
- Season pass holders
- Support persons accompanying a paying person
- Canadian Armed Forces members
- Indigenous, Métis, Inuit
- Kids 5 and under
Beer Tent & Food Trucks
Drop anchor and dig in! Enjoy local eats and refreshing brews in our lively beer tent area.
Meet our vendors & exhibitors!
- Calming Souls Creations
- Grandma’s Beach Treats
- Immortal Engraver
- Ink Fusion
- Joka Wares
- Leany’s Personalized Creations
- P.J. Meats
- Red Rabit
- Shinning treasures, jewelry, and accessories
- The Charming Gem/Aramose
- Wood, Wool and More
- Restaurant Sainte-Marie
- Atlantic Challenge Canada
Plan your visit
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.
- Taking photos is encouraged
- Smoking or vaping (including marijuana) is not permitted on Discovery Harbour property
- Please note this event takes place indoors AND outdoors and, visitors should plan to dress accordingly for weather and terrain
How to get here
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.
About Discovery Harbour
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.
