Discovery Harbour Newsroom

Huronia Historical Parks launching immersive overnight experiences

March 24, 2026

North Simcoe County – Huronia Historical Parks is inviting visitors to stay a little longer with the launch of brand-new overnight experiences at both Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Discovery Harbour—two of Simcoe County’s signature tourism destinations.

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons opened its cozy four-season cabins in late November 2025, offering guests an entirely new way to immerse themselves in the site’s rich history. Cabins at Discovery Harbour will be available as of April 3, 2026. Whether visitors are looking for an unforgettable historic adventure or vibrant on-site event programming, overnight stays promise a memorable way to experience each attraction.

“Overnight experiences offer a new, creative way to enjoy Huronia Historical Parks’ living history sites with your family and friends,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Enjoying a night under the stars and staying in a bespoke, custom cabin built on-site by skilled craftspeople is a charming invitation for visitors to stay longer and make the most of their visit to Simcoe County.” 

Nestled along the scenic Wye River, Sainte-Marie’s four-season cabins blend modern convenience with rustic charm. Each climate-controlled cabin features custom-built furniture handcrafted by Sainte-Marie’s own carpenters, a welcoming electric fireplace and sofa, plus a bar top and stools that create a warm retreat just steps from the historic grounds. 

At Discovery Harbour, guests can wake up to panoramic views of beautiful Georgian Bay. Its winterized cabins—located just off the original Officers’ Quarters—feature cozy furnishings and a heritage-inspired atmosphere that reflects Penetanguishene’s naval and military past.  

 “These new overnight experiences let guests slow down, stay longer, and truly connect with our historic sites,” said Chad Moreau, Senior Operations Manager at Huronia Historical Parks. “Extended stays also help strengthen the local economy—supporting nearby restaurants, shops, and tourism partners throughout the region.” 

Every cabin includes a private outdoor firepit, Muskoka chairs, and a sturdy picnic table—perfect for relaxed daytime meals and quiet evenings beneath the stars. Guests can pre-purchase firewood for convenient delivery to their site. Modern washrooms and full shower facilities are just a short walk away, and all overnight stays include on-site parking and secure, gate access.

A standout feature of these new offerings is that every overnight booking includes a historic or event experience. This winter, Sainte-Marie cabin guests enjoyed Sky Stories, an immersive storytelling evening by the fire in the longhouse. Springtime guests at both historic sites will enjoy a guided tour led by experienced costumed historical interpreters. This summer, visitors will experience seamless access to engaging programming and vibrant living history. 

Overnight experiences—including historic and event programming—are $200 per night per cabin, taxes included. 

Guests can learn more at SainteMarieamongtheHurons.on.ca or DiscoveryHarbour.on.ca. 

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Photo captions:

• Sainte-Marie’s waterfront cabins are a cozy getaway right next to the historic site and Wye River
• Sainte-Marie’s waterfront cabins include furniture built by the historic site’s carpenters.
• Discovery Harbour’s overnight cabins include beautiful Georgian Bay views.
• Seated right next to Georgian Bay, Discovery Harbour’s overnight cabins are a great choice for a cozy couple’s retreat.

Discovery Harbour Announces Exciting Lineup for the 2026 Mid‑Winter Social 

February 3, 2026

Penetanguishene, ON – Discovery Harbour invites families, residents and winter enthusiasts to celebrate Family Day Weekend at the 2026 Mid‑Winter Social, running February 14-16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. This year’s event brings together winter fun, heritage experiences and an exciting slate of featured performers, offering memorable activities for all ages across the historic site. 

The Mid‑Winter Social remains a favourite local tradition, offering a mix of outdoor activities, hands‑on indoor experiences and enjoyable entertainment. Held alongside Penetanguishene’s Winterama festivities, it provides a relaxed and welcoming way for the community to come together and enjoy the long weekend. 

“The Mid-Winter Social is a great event to enjoy with friends and family at Discovery Harbour, one of Ontario’s unique historical sites,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “The diverse array of entertainment and hands-on experiences offers something for everyone, and the partnership with the Town of Penetanguishene creates an unbeatable value. I encourage everyone bring your loved ones to Penetanguishene this Family Day Weekend and enjoy winter fun at Discovery Harbour.” 

Community Partnership Highlight 
As part of Discovery Harbour’s ongoing community partnership with the Town of Penetanguishene, Winterama button holders will receive a 25 per cent discount on regular admission to the Mid‑Winter Social. Visitors can also try the traditional winter game of Snow Snake, featured on‑site throughout the weekend as part of the shared Winterama celebrations. 
 

“The Mid‑Winter Social has become a wonderful tradition at Discovery Harbour, bringing families together for a weekend of winter fun and hands‑on heritage experiences,” said Will Baird, General Manager of Huronia Historical Parks. “This year’s lineup of performers adds an exciting energy to the event, creating memorable moments for visitors of all ages. We’re also proud to continue our partnership with the Town of Penetanguishene through Winterama, which contributes to the strong sense of community and celebration that defines this weekend.” 

Featured Performances for 2026 
This year’s entertainment lineup showcases a dynamic mix of high‑energy performances designed to captivate children, families and winter‑weekend explorers alike. Tickets for these shows are available online, in advance or at the door. 

Scarlett Black – Fire Performer 
February 14, 15 and 16 at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. 
Scarlett Black brings captivating fire artistry to Discovery Harbour all weekend long, blending skill, choreography and thrilling visual spectacle. Her three daily performances promise to be a stand-out experience for visitors of all ages. 

Sonshine & Broccoli – Juno‑Nominated Children’s Music Duo 
Saturday, February 14 at 1 p.m. (Kings’ Wharf Theatre) 
With more than two decades of entertaining families across Canada, Sonshine & Broccoli deliver an energetic, interactive, feel‑good musical performance that gets kids (and grown-ups!) singing, dancing and smiling from ear-to-ear. 

Razzmatazz – Award‑Winning Bilingual Children’s Show 
Sunday, February 15 at 1 p.m. (Kings’ Wharf Theatre) 
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 
Monday, February 16 at 1 p.m. (Kings’ Wharf Theatre) 
Uncle Buck delivers a lively mix of colourful magic, comedy and audience participation—keeping kids amazed and parents laughing along. 

Event Highlights 
Discover a full range of winter activities throughout Discovery Harbour, with experiences taking place both outdoors across the historic grounds and inside the site’s warm and inviting heritage-style buildings. 

Outdoor Activities 

• Kids’ snow tube run (weather permitting) 
• Scenic winter walking routes throughout the historic site 
• Warming fires featuring s’mores and maple taffy 
• Snow Snake – Try your hand at this traditional Indigenous and Métis winter game, available to enjoy throughout the weekend 

Indoor Activities 

• Face painting  
• Creative winter craft stations 
• Warm indoor spaces with hands‑on heritage engagement 

Historic Experiences 

• A Shot in History (age 15+) – a public black powder musket‑firing experience at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Limited tickets available – pre-registration strongly suggested. 
• Historic Blacksmith Workshop (a shortened version of the popular summer experience, ages 15+) – a hands‑on blacksmithing activity where participants forge and take home their own hand‑made iron hook. 11:15 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Pre-registrations are recommended. 
• Watch sparks fly at the blacksmith’s shop. 
• Historic games and costumed interpreters. 

Ticketing Information 

• General Admission is $12 per person, and children five and under enjoy free entry. Additional free admission types may apply. 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 per cent off regular admission as part of our community partnership. Kings’ Wharf Theatre performance tickets are sold separately. 

• Theatre Performances $12 per person (includes general admission to the event). No free admission types apply. Your ticket includes General Admission to the event and access to the Kings’ Wharf Theatre Performance of your choice, indoor and outdoor activities, with a handful of premium add‑ons available for those looking to enhance their visit. Winterama button holders can also enjoy 25 per cent off regular admission as part of our community partnership. 

Tickets for the Mid‑Winter Social, Kings’ Wharf Theatre performances (which include event admission), Mini‑Blacksmith Workshops and A Shot in History are available online. 

Find all details and purchase tickets at DiscoveryHarbour-Events.ca