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Keep checking this page for the latest news releases from Nancy Island Historic Site and Huronia Historical parks!
Awaken the Isle: A free pirate adventure takes over Nancy Island
August 3, 2026
WASAGA BEACH, ON — On Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nancy Island Historic Site will transform into a lively pirate port for Awaken the Isle, a free, family-friendly daytime adventure filled with immersive experiences, hands-on activities and swashbuckling fun.
Set against the backdrop of the historic hull of the H.M.S. Nancy, in the heart of Wasaga Beach, the event invites guests to explore an action-packed pirate adventure, featuring pirate decor, interactive stations, and dynamic elements. Costumes are encouraged, imagination will lead the way, and guests can choose their adventure through optional activities and treats.
An immersive journey from start to finish
From the moment visitors arrive, they are transported into a bustling pirate world. Guests first enter Nancy Island’s Pirate Recruiting Station, where they receive a pirate name and a “pirate passport”—a fold-out map and activity guide encouraging exploration across the island.
From there, the island opens into themed zones where visitors can move at their own pace, choosing from a mix of ongoing and scheduled experiences throughout the day.
“Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to join a spirited crew of pirates for a full day of island adventure?” says Will Baird, General Manager for Huronia Historical Parks and Nancy Island Historic Site. “It’s a fun way to bring history to life with experiences the whole family can dive into.”
Hands-on, swashbuckling fun
Guests can create pirate hats or hooks, test the golf ball cannon, walk the plank and train at Pirate Academy. Creative stations like Sand and Sea bring myths of mermaids and sea monsters to life. An energetic cast of roaming pirates and staff keeps activities flowing and guests engaged across the island.
Live demonstrations—including blacksmithing and musket drills—add historical depth, complemented by exhibits inside the Nancy Island Museum.
The central stage features entertainment including a Sea Shanty Sing-Along (11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.) and the interactive Pirate Trivia Game (1:30 p.m.). These lead up to the Awaken the Isle ceremonies at noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. — a signature, island-wide experience featuring sound effects such as the clanging of the bell culminating with a pirate rallying cry.
Why attend Awaken the Isle?
Awaken the Isle stands out as a free, fully immersive festival experience that blends history, creativity, and play.
With something for every age group—from young families to couples and retirees—this one-day event offers a unique mix of entertainment and education in a beautiful waterfront setting. Guests can experience the thrill of pirate life—without ever leaving shore.
Learn more at NancyIsland.ca
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PHOTO CAPTIONS:
- Awaken the Isle guests are invited to join the crew in full pirate garb
- Roaming pirate performers will help to keep guests entertained all day long
- Nancy Island historic site brings to life the story of the H.M.S. Nancy, a storied shipping-turned-war vessel that played a pivotal role in the war of 1812
Media Inquiries
Mikaela Lefaive
Marketing & Media Relations Coordinator
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Huronia Historical Parks｜Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
mikaela.lefaive@ontario.ca | 705-427-2564
Sydney Vajda
Marketing & Media Relations Coordinator
Discovery Harbour
Huronia Historical Parks｜Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
mikaela.lefaive@ontario.ca | 705-427-2564
Huronia Historical Parks Welcomes Back Popular Summer Experiences
July 20, 2026
Midland, ON – Huronia Historical Parks is offering new events as part of its signature summer evening experiences at Discovery Harbour, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and now, Nancy Island Historic Site.
New this year, Nancy Island Historic Site is offering historic talks on Fridays at 5:15 p.m. From daring transatlantic flights launched from Wasaga Beach to the story of HMS Nancy and the Battle of the Nottawasaga River, these engaging programs uncover remarkable stories that helped shape Canada’s history. This series complements the Town of Wasaga Beach’s free live concerts, held Friday nights on the island throughout July and August.
At Discovery Harbour, Supernatural Saturdays return with a new Night with a Medium experience, along with the popular Bos’un’s Brig Escape Room, Secrets of Séance, and the ever-popular Ghost Tours. Guests can choose a single experience or combine all three for a full evening of thrills.
At Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Shadows and Stone invites visitors to explore the historic site by lantern light on a guided evening tour, complemented by a new three-course Indigenous-inspired dining experience at Restaurant Sainte-Marie.
Many of these experiences can now be paired with exclusive overnight packages, creating unique getaway opportunities that extend the adventure beyond sunset. Guests are encouraged to skip the drive home and enjoy exclusive overnight cabin experiences at Sainte-Marie and Discovery Harbour. These sought-after packages provide an immersive way to extend the experience beyond evening programs, allowing visitors to wake up surrounded by history. With limited cabin availability and strong demand expected throughout the season, visitors are encouraged to book early to secure their preferred dates.
Discovery Harbour: Supernatural Saturdays – now until Sept 5
This signature evening program features three eerie adventures, allowing visitors to customize their Supernatural Saturdays experience:
- Bo’sun’s Brig Escape Room kicks off the night, where you and your group must outwit the toughest Bo’sun in His Majesty’s Royal Navy. Solve his puzzles, beat his challenge, and earn your freedom.
- Next, step into the mystical world of the Victorian era with Secrets of Séance. Encounter strange phenomena, mysterious objects, and the compelling history behind spiritualism. This immersive experience is perfect for those intrigued by the paranormal and the power of belief.
- Finally, continue the adventure with a lantern-lit Ghost Tour. Hear true stories from the site’s past, along with modern-day sightings, as you explore Discovery Harbour which is often considered one of Ontario’s most haunted locations.
Night with a Medium is a new sold-out experience taking place on two exclusive dates: July 18 and August 8. Medium Ashley Valiant Blackwood will lead an immersive group reading set against the beautiful waterfront.
“Supernatural Saturdays combine history, mystery and immersive experiences in a way that’s uniquely Discovery Harbour,” said Will Baird, General Manager, Huronia Historical Parks. “With the addition of our overnight cabin packages, visitors can turn an evening of thrills into a memorable waterfront getaway.”
Whether you’re returning for another thrill or discovering it for the first time, Supernatural Saturdays promise a captivating blend of history and mystery. Learn more by visiting the Discovery Harbour Website.
Nancy Island: Historic Journeys: Stories of Sport, Flight, and War
Explore remarkable stories that have shaped Canada’s past on Fridays at 5:15 p.m. at Nancy Island Historic Site. These engaging talks uncover tales of adventure, innovation, conflict and community. From the evolution of Canada’s favourite sports to a daring transatlantic flight launched from Wasaga Beach, each program offers a unique opportunity to connect with the people and events that helped define our nation.
Talks are just $5 per person (tax included), offering an affordable and enriching way to spend a summer evening. Visitors can also enjoy treats and snacks available for purchase in the gift shop while taking in the experience. Guests looking for more summer fun can stay a little longer to enjoy Summer Sets, the Friday Night Concert Series hosted by the Town of Wasaga Beach—a perfect opportunity to pair an evening of history with live music on the Nottawasaga River.
Space is limited! Guests are encouraged to book tickets now on the Nancy Island website.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons: Shadows and Stone: Evening Experience – Every Thursday until Sept 3
This small-group guided experience offers a rare glimpse into what a 17th-century Jesuit mission might have felt like after dark. Guests will explore historic buildings by lanternlight, roast bannock over an open fire, sip tea in a longhouse while listening to stories, and imagine what life in Wendake may have been like in the 1600s. The experience also includes a stop at the blacksmith shop, where sparks light up the night.
New this year, guests can enhance their visit with a three-course dine and discover experience featuring Indigenous dishes and ingredients, at Restaurant Sainte-Marie.
“We’re creating more opportunities for visitors to extend their experience beyond a traditional day trip,” says Marina Opitz, Operations Manager at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. “With lantern-lit exploration, themed dining and overnight cabins, guests can enjoy a truly immersive and historic getaway.”
Guests can learn more, make dinner reservations, and book tickets on the Sainte-Marie website.
Stay the Story: Overnight Experiences
For guests seeking a deeper connection to these historic experiences, overnight stays in waterfront cabins at both sites offer a unique opportunity. Each experience is thoughtfully curated to complement the historic setting, enhance the program, and reflect the atmosphere of your stay.
- Stay the Story: Beyond the Shadows – Take part in the Shadows and Stone tour—and don’t rush home. Sainte-Marie cabin reservations include tickets to the evening experience and an exclusive commemorative art print. Guests can turn an evening of storytelling, heritage dining, and after-hours exploration into a memorable escape, surrounded by the sights and atmosphere of this historic site.
- Stay the Story: Supernatural Sleepover – Make a night of mystery even more memorable with a Supernatural Sleepover at Discovery Harbour. Cabin reservations include Ghost Tour admission and a keepsake souvenir lantern. After experiencing chilling tales and eerie encounters, guests can settle in for a one-of-a-kind overnight stay where history, legend, and the spirit of the site linger after dark.
Tickets available now
Huronia Historical Parks is excited to welcome both new and returning visitors to discover these unforgettable evening experiences. Whether you’re seeking thrills, stories, or a deeper connection to the past, these programs offer something truly unique. Make the most of your summer nights, try something new, step into history, and you never know what you might discover.
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PHOTO CAPTIONS:
- The Bosun’s Brig escape room includes puzzles inside reproduction historical prison at Discovery Harbour
- Ghost Tours offer an opportunity to hear some of the scarier stories from history at Discovery Harbour
- Nancy Island Historic Site is hosting a series of historic talks on Friday evenings in July and August
- Shadows and Stone at Sainte-Marie invites guests to experience this National Historic Site at night, including fireside stories in the longhouse
Media Inquiries
Mikaela Lefaive
Marketing & Media Relations Coordinator
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Huronia Historical Parks｜Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
mikaela.lefaive@ontario.ca | 705-427-2564
Sydney Vajda
Marketing & Media Relations Coordinator
Discovery Harbour
Huronia Historical Parks｜Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
mikaela.lefaive@ontario.ca | 705-427-2564
Season Opening May 2: Get Ready for Unforgettable Getaways at Huronia Historical Parks
April 20, 2026
Simcoe County – Starting Saturday, May 2, Discovery Harbour, Nancy Island Historic Site, and Sainte‑Marie among the Hurons invite visitors to kick off the 2026 summer season with immersive getaways unlike anything else in the region. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., these iconic destinations offer the perfect escape—where history, adventure, and hands‑on discovery come together. Guests can explore bold new programming, expanded interactive experiences, and exclusive overnight glamping opportunities that transform a day trip into a truly memorable retreat. From daytime discovery to after‑hours stays in remarkable historic settings, Huronia Historical Parks delivers unforgettable summer getaways close to home.
“Discovery Harbour, Nancy Island Historic Site and Sainte‑Marie among the Hurons are celebrating the start of the 2026 summer season with new activities that bring history to life in exciting new ways,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “With new offerings including overnight experiences at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Discovery Harbour, an art extravaganza and a pirate festival at Nancy Island, this summer promises unforgettable and learning adventures for visitors of all ages. I invite everyone to explore and enjoy these incredible historic sites this summer.”
Overnight experiences
Sainte‑Marie among the Hurons and Discovery Harbour now offer unforgettable overnight experiences that go far beyond a place to stay. Guests can book on‑site, four‑season waterfront cabins and enjoy exclusive access paired with immersive, hands‑on activities that bring history to life. Visitors can step into 17th‑century Wendake at Sainte‑Marie or experience the daily life of a 19th‑century British sailor or soldier at Discovery Harbour’s former frontier outpost.
In Penetanguishene, cabins sit directly on Georgian Bay, offering spectacular sunrises and beachside moments just steps from the door. At Sainte‑Marie, guests wake to peaceful views of the Wye River, mere moments from this National Historic Site. By combining unique accommodations with authentic historical programming, these stays deliver exceptional value—transforming a simple overnight into a fully immersive historical escape.
“These overnight stays offer a rare chance to experience our historic sites in an entirely new ways, after hours, immersed in the setting, and surrounded by natural beauty,” says Chad Moreau, Senior Manager of Operations for Huronia Historical Parks. “By pairing accommodations with authentic historical experiences, guests can slow down, stay overnight, and form a deeper connection to the stories and places that make these sites so special.”
Immersive history
From the towering tall ships at Discovery Harbour, to the storied hull of the HMS Nancy at Nancy Island Historic Site to the iconic longhouses of Sainte-Marie, guests can enjoy hands-on, interactive history across all three attractions each day. In July and August, Sainte-Marie, Discovery Harbour and Nancy Island are hosting daily timed historic demonstrations designed to bring history vividly to life, such as 17th-century fire-starting, artefact spotlights and Brown Bess musket firing.
All three attractions are open to the general public as well as school groups, community groups, and tour operators. Sainte-Marie and Discovery Harbour offer ample free parking and exciting youth programming—including summer camp experiences for booked groups. On-site parking is available at Nancy Island, with additional municipal parking lots available just steps away.
New and exciting events
Just steps from the beach, Nancy Island Historic Site invites visitors to take a break from the sand and dive into summer experiences unlike anything else in Wasaga Beach. This season, the island launches two brand‑new events: a lively art festival on June 13 and 14, transforming the historic site into a creative waterfront escape, and Awaken the Isle in August—a swashbuckling, pirate‑themed celebration packed with family‑friendly fun. Whether you’re beach‑hopping, exploring the shoreline, or looking for something unforgettable to add to your day, Nancy Island delivers history, culture, and summer energy all in one stop.
“Nancy Island is ready to welcome guests to the historic heart of Wasaga Beach,” says Tim Godin, Manager of Operations for Nancy Island Historic Site. “We’re excited to open our doors and offer new and dynamic ways for families to experience the past.”
Returning favourites
At Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, visitors can celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 18 with drumming and dancing, or enjoy Legends of Lacrosse on June 21. The sold-out hit Hearth to Table historic dining series returns with new themed multi-course 17th-century meals each month. Shadows and Stone, the site’s atmospheric evening experience, will run Thursday nights from late June through August.
At Discovery Harbour, reputedly one of the most haunted historic sites in Ontario, Supernatural Saturdays return with three spine-tingling crowd-pleasers: Ghost Tours, Secrets of Séance, and the Bo’sun’s Brig Escape Room. Guests can also enjoy a full season of performances at King’s Wharf Theatre by Drayton Entertainment. And the Historic Blacksmith Workshop offers an opportunity to learn an ancient trade with an expert, in a real working forge.
Guided tours
All three attractions will offer popular guided tours throughout the summer. Visitors can dive deeper into these foundational Canadian stories with the help of knowledgeable interpreters, for an additional $5 per person.
Sainte-Marie will also host special kid-friendly tours on Farm Fridays, where families learn about caring for heritage animals and gardens—and even help with chores!
For guests looking to experience the best of history right now, check out spring guided tours, which are available on select dates and times at all three historic attractions throughout the month of April.
Season passes
Three iconic historic sites. One unbeatable price. For just $35 per person, visitors enjoy unlimited access to Sainte‑Marie among the Hurons, Nancy Island Historic Site, and Discovery Harbour all summer long—and beyond. The pass unlocks endless opportunities for family fun, spontaneous day trips, and repeat visits, with beloved seasonal events like First Light, Pumpkinferno, and the Hometown Harvest Festival all included. It’s exceptional value for families and explorers looking to experience more, return often, and make history part of their year, not just a single visit.
Plan your visit
For tickets, information, or to book an overnight experience, visit:
- SainteMarieamongtheHurons.on.ca
- DiscoveryHarbour.on.ca
- NancyIsland.ca
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PHOTO CAPTIONS:
- Discovery Harbour is open for the summer season as of May 2, 2026.
- Historic interpreters at Discovery Harbour will demonstrate black powder musket firing throughout July and August.
- Step inside the Longhouse at Sainte-Marie and discover a space rich in culture, tradition, and hands-on learning.
- Sainte-Marie’s heritage breed cows charm visitors of all ages.
- The Nancy Island Historic Site welcome centre will be open to beach goers and history lovers all summer.
- The original hull of the HMS Nancy is part of the Nancy Island museum.
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Sydney Vajda
Coordinator of Marketing & Media Relations
Huronia Historical Parks, Discovery Harbour
705-427-3396 | sydney.vajda@ontario.ca
Mikaela Lefaive
Marketing & Media Relations Coordinator
Huronia Historical Parks｜Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
mikaela.lefaive@ontario.ca | 705-427-2564
