Awaken the Isle 2026
At Nancy Island historic Site: Saturday August 15, 2026
Awaken the Isle is a free, daytime pirate‑themed adventure that transforms Nancy Island into a lively world of sea rogues, quests, and hands‑on fun. Visitors of all ages are invited to explore the island through playful challenges, roaming pirate characters, crafts, and storytelling that symbolically “wakes” the isle from its long slumber. Costumes are encouraged, imagination leads the way, and guests choose their own level of adventure through optional activities and treats, making Awaken the Isle a spirited summer celebration full of discovery and mischief.
Admission for Awaken the Isle is free in 2026
Key details
- Dates: Saturday, August 15
- Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Location: Nancy Island Historic Site
- Admission: Free
Visitor Info
Free admission for this event
- Rain or Shine – This outdoor festival goes on, whatever the weather
- Family-Friendly with free kids’ craft activities available throughout the event
- Picnic area on site, make a day of it!
- Explore the museum on Nancy Island at no cost during the festival
- Animals – Leashed service animals only
Parking Information
Paid parking is available in the Nancy Island lot (119 Mosley Street) on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additional parking is also available in nearby municipal parking lots.
See link here: 2026 Muncipal and Provincial Parking Map
The Captain’s Deck
- Scallywag Tattoo Parlour $5
- Bucaneer Beasts & Birds Show $5
- 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
- Raise Yer Voice in a Raucous Sea Shanty Sing-Along
- 11:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m
- Pirate Trivia
- 1:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.
- Tortuga Treasures Market (vendors & artisans)
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ahoy, ye sharp-witted scallywags! Think ye know the ways o’ pirates? Can ye belt out every word o’ “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” and tell yer forecastle from yer quarterdeck without flounderin’? Then muster yer courage and join our lively Pirate Trivia Challenge upon the Captain’s Deck, located mid-island!
Come test yer mettle and prove ye’ve got the brains o’ a true buccaneer—but be warned, space be scarce, so stake yer claim early or risk bein’ left ashore!
Pirates need to take a break too! Make sure you partake in some land-lubbing action!
- Strike a Pose at the Pirate Garb & Selfie Station
- Coconut Bowling
- Sword Play
- Swashbuckle
- The Painted Pearl – Face Painting $5
Pirate Cove Academy
Grab your treasure map when you check in and see if you have what it takes to be a pirate! Graduate from Pirate Academy and become a buccaneer of the seven seas:
- Make a Pirate Hat and Hook: Craft and deck out yer own pirate hat an’ hook however ye please! But mark me words… don’t ye forget to slap yer fearsome pirate name right on the band, so all the seas know who ye be!
- Visit the Sand and Sea station: Bring the mythical mermaids of the sea to life with yer finest colours, and hear their enchanting calls driftin’ from the ocean’s depths as ye create!
- Fire the Golf Ball Cannon and Water Canon: Every pirate worth their salt must know how to fire the cannon—take careful aim, steady yer hands, and let ‘er roar! ’Tis a crucial skill for any buccaneer, whether defendin’ the ship or showin’ off yer might on the high seas!
- Walk the Plank: Avast, ye brave souls! Step right up, take the pirate’s oath, and walk the plank like a true buccaneer—but keep yer balance, matey! Only the steadiest pirates make it to the other side!
Black Beard’s Lair
- Neptune’s Court: Awaken the Isle Celebration
- 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 pm
- Pirate’s Salute: Black powder musket firing demo
- 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
- Port Forge: Blacksmith demo
- Salty Dog Snack Depot : Snacks, treats & tickets
The Scuttled Shipyard: Secret of the Alchemist Potion Making Demo:
Brew a cunning potion and cast a clever spell—just in case trouble comes crawlin’ out o’ the deep! Whether it’s fog to hide yer escape or a charm to ward off sea beasts, a wise pirate’s got a trick or two up their sleeve.
Captain’s Schedule
- 10:30 a.m.: Bucaneer Beasts & Birds Show
- 11:00 a.m.: Pirate’s Salute: Black powder musket firing demo
- 11:30 a.m.: The Captain’s Deck: Sea Shanty Sing-Along
- 12:00 p.m.: Neptune’s Court: Awaken the Isle Celebration
- 12:30 p.m.: Bucaneer Beasts & Birds Show
- 1:00 p.m.: Pirate’s Salute: Black powder musket firing demo
- 1:30 p.m.: The Captain’s Deck: Pirate Trivia
- 2:00 p.m.: Neptune’s Court: Awaken the Isle Celebration
- 2:30 p.m.: Bucaneer Beasts & Birds Show
- 3:00 p.m.: Pirate’s Salute: Black powder musket firing demo
- 3:30 p.m.: The Captain’s Deck: Sea Shanty Sing-Along
- 4:00 p.m.: Neptune’s Court: Awaken the Isle Celebration
- 4:30 p.m.: The Captain’s Deck: Pirate Trivia
Tortuga Treasures Market
Discover an incredible marketplace filled with talented artisans, crafters, makers, and food vendors! Enjoy a pirate-themed day of family fun while shopping unique handmade goods, artisan creations, sweet treats, and specialty foods from local vendors.
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.
- Parking is available at Nancy Island, however some walking from the lot to the Island is required. Please dress for the weather and take your time.
- While the Visitor’s Center will host some activities, this is primarily an outdoor event. We recommended wearing comfortable layers.
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to ensure time for check-in.
- Smoking or vaping (including marijuana) is not permitted on Discovery Harbour property.
- Concession stand snacks will be available at an added cost.
119 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach, L9Z 2X1
Parking Info
There is paid parking available at Nancy Island Historic Site, however we ask that RVs and Busses make alternative parking arrangements due to space.
Need more info?
Please contact us at hhp@ontario.ca or (705) 526-7838 if you have any questions.
Nancy Island Historic Site is rooted in a pivotal moment in Canadian history, commemorating the War of 1812 and the dramatic events that unfolded along the Nottawasaga River and Georgian Bay.
The site takes its name from the HMS Nancy, a British supply schooner that supported military posts throughout the upper Great Lakes. In August 1814, while attempting to evade American forces, the Nancy was scuttled by its crew near the mouth of the Nottawasaga River to prevent capture. The ship’s destruction marked a significant turning point in the conflict and is considered one of the most notable naval events of the war in this region.
Today, Nancy Island preserves this legacy through a museum and memorial tower dedicated to those who served during the War of 1812. Operated by Huronia Historical Parks, the island offers visitors a peaceful, scenic setting where history, culture, and community come together along the shores of Georgian Bay.
