Groups and travel trade
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.
2024 Group rates
| Category | Admission Only (Self-Guided Tour) | Guide Fee (Add-on) | Guided Tours (Admission + guide) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | $10.00 | $5.00 | $15.00 |
| Seniors (65+) Students (13+) Youth (6-12) | $7.50 | $5.00 | $12.50 |
| Children 5 and under | Free | Free | Free |
*Rates include tax. Rates are not valid for special events and are subject to change.
2024 Dates and hours
- May 18 to September 1: 7 days a week
- 10 am to 5 pm
- Please allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the visit
- Please contact us for guided tours availability
