Southern Georgian Bay & Historic Huronia 2009

Southern Georgian Bay represents several of the most significant First Nation people’s historic interpretations and early settlement recreations in Canada; the beginning of European inland settlements; the early beginnings of commerce and the fur trade in North America.  Each of the communities around Southern Georgian Bay has its own characteristics, however all have one thing in common and that is the fresh water of Georgian Bay, originally named “La Mere Douce” by Samuel de Champlain.   

 

Summer on Georgian Bay

Summer beaches and family fun mix with the opportunities to experience many of the most significant historical attractions in Canada. Family fun with historical interpretation is highlighted throughout the Southern Georgian Bay region.  In Midland, unique relics and artifacts found at the Huronia Museum-Ouendat Village represent Huron life before the arrival of the Europeans dating back more than 10,000 years.  This is a favourite destination for families and history buffs as they can walk through a traditional Huron village, discover marine history in the museum, and visit a significant Canadian historic book and gift selection.   

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons reflects the first European settlement existing prior to the Huron Iroquois wars.  The first inland settlement, only accessible by a long arduous canoe trip from Montreal, with portages linking the major rivers and lakes such as the Ottawa River, Lake Nipissing and the French River flowing into Georgian Bay.   Sainte-Marie will educate and entertain with their historical recreations and living village.

 

Martyrs’ Hall Museum and Education Centre, located at Martyrs’ Shrine contains a museum dedicated to the Martyrs, the Shrine Archive and an audio visual presentation area.  The grounds and viewing area over the historic Wye River provide a beautiful pastoral and picturesque setting.  Atop “The Lookout”, imagine standing with the Jesuit missionaries and the Huron peoples, watching for the supply canoes.  The view of Georgian Bay and the Wye Valley  is virtually unchanged by time

 

In Penetanguishene,  Discovery Harbour and the Military Establishments represent the English infusion into the Southern Georgian Bay area with British naval and military forces ready to defend Upper Canada.  The building of the Military Road by John Graves Simcoe, created a transportation corridor from Lake Simcoe to Penetanguishene in preparation for the War with the United States culminating in the War of 1812.  An Ontario tourism destination, Discovery Harbour is also home to the replica British sailing ships H.M.S. Tecumseth and H.M.S. Bee.

 

Winter Outdoor Attractions

Many of Ontario's outdoor witner attractions provide exceptional family fun and winter getaway opportunities for snow tubing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, ice fishing and skating.  Families can plan their winter fun vacation around the many winter carnivals and snow frolics in the area.