Midland

Midland Ontario Historical Sites Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction to Midland, Ontario Historical Sites and Visitor Information

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Georgian Bay, Midland, Ontario, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends deep-rooted Indigenous heritage, pivotal historic landmarks, vibrant cultural life, and natural beauty. With a history stretching back thousands of years to the Huron-Wendat people, Midland invites visitors to explore the origins of First Nations life through immersive experiences at sites such as the Huronia Museum and the reconstructed Huron-Ouendat village. The arrival of French Jesuit missionaries in the 17th century marked a significant chapter, most notably preserved at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons—a living history museum reflecting early European-Indigenous interactions—and the nearby Martyrs’ Shrine, a national pilgrimage site.

Midland flourished in the 19th and early 20th centuries as an industrial and economic hub, shaped by its harbour, shipbuilding heritage, and railway development. Today, the town features well-preserved murals, a lively downtown, and natural attractions like the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Midland also hosts popular festivals, including the renowned Butter Tart Festival, and provides access to a wealth of outdoor adventures across Georgian Bay and surrounding parks.

This guide offers detailed information for travelers seeking to experience Midland’s historical sites, cultural events, natural attractions, and practical advice on tickets, visiting hours, accessibility, and travel tips. Whether you are a history enthusiast, nature lover, or cultural explorer, Midland promises a memorable visit steeped in heritage and scenic charm. For more information, consult resources such as the Midland Connect tourism site, the official Sainte-Marie among the Hurons website, and the Discovery Harbour page.

Toronto Transit Commission Midland station on Scarborough RT line in Scarborough Ontario Canada

Panoramic view of the TTC's original Midland Station on the Scarborough Rapid Transit route

Indigenous Roots and Early Settlement
French Missionaries and the Jesuit Legacy: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
19th Century Founding and Economic Growth
Midland’s Harbour and Shipbuilding Heritage
Downtown Revitalization and Heritage Preservation
Festivals, Murals, and Natural Attractions
Planning Your Visit: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility, and Travel Tips
Discovery Harbour: History, Hours, and Travel Tips
Downtown Midland and Historic Murals
Georgian Bay and 30,000 Islands Cruises
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
Rotary Waterfront Trail and Midland Harbour
Beaches and Parks
Midland Food Tours and Culinary Scene
Festivals and Events
Outdoor Activities: Hiking, Skiing, and More
Penetanguishene and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Additional Resources and Official Links

Indigenous Roots and Early Settlement

The region now known as Midland has been home to the Huron-Wendat (Ouendat) people for thousands of years. This area thrived as a center for trade, agriculture, and spiritual life along Georgian Bay. Archaeological evidence and living traditions highlight its significance and the complex societies established here. The Huronia Museum and Huron-Ouendat Village offers a reconstructed pre-contact Huron village, immersing visitors in Indigenous life prior to European arrival and highlighting the enduring Indigenous presence and the impacts of colonization (Midland Connect).

French Missionaries and the Jesuit Legacy: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

The 17th century marked a profound transformation with the establishment of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons by French Jesuit missionaries in 1639. As Ontario’s first European settlement, this mission became a hub for religious, cultural, and economic exchange between the French and the Huron-Wendat (Midland Connect). The nearby Martyrs’ Shrine honours eight Jesuit missionaries who were martyred and draws more than 100,000 visitors annually (Martyrs’ Shrine).

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is now a living history museum, with reconstructed buildings and costumed interpreters bringing the 1600s to life. Visitors can explore the challenges faced by both settlers and their Indigenous partners.

Visiting Hours & Tickets:

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons: Open May to October, typically 9 AM–5 PM. Admission: $15/adults, $12/seniors/youth, free for children under 5.
Martyrs’ Shrine: Open May 1 – October 31, 9 AM–5 PM. Admission is free; donations are welcomed.
Both sites are wheelchair accessible.

For details and tickets, visit the official Sainte-Marie among the Hurons website and Martyrs’ Shrine.

19th Century Founding and Economic Growth

Modern Midland was established in the 1840s by European settlers along Georgian Bay, initially known as Mundy’s Bay and Hartley’s Landing (Midland Connect). The Midland Railway Corporation’s choice of the area as its western port in 1871 led to rapid growth, and by 1872, the townsite became Midland City (The Canadian Encyclopedia). The railway’s completion in 1879 accelerated exports of lumber and grain, and the town was officially incorporated in 1878.

Midland’s Harbour and Shipbuilding Heritage

With the railway came industrial growth—most notably, the construction of harbour facilities and large grain elevators by 1881 (Midland Connect). Shipbuilding flourished, supporting Great Lakes navigation and commerce (The Canadian Encyclopedia). The Midland Harbour area features a massive outdoor mural on the old grain elevators—North America’s largest historic mural—depicting a Huron-Wendat figure and a Jesuit priest at Sainte-Marie (Midland Connect).

Downtown Revitalization and Heritage Preservation

Despite economic setbacks during the Great Depression and after the 1950s shipyard relocations, Midland adapted by attracting new industries and tourism (Midland Connect). Today, its downtown core is vibrant with boutiques, cafes, and cultural venues. Over 40 outdoor murals, inspired by local history and painted by Fred Lenz, decorate the town (Lady’s Travel Blog).

Festivals, Murals, and Natural Attractions

Midland’s cultural identity is celebrated through festivals like Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival, which draws over 60,000 visitors each June. The town is recognized for its environmental stewardship as a Bee City and is home to the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, offering conservation education and recreation.

Planning Your Visit: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility, and Travel Tips

Visiting Hours and Tickets:

Huronia Museum and Huron-Ouendat Village: May–October, 10 AM–5 PM. Adults $10; children/seniors $7.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons: May–October, 9 AM–5 PM. Adults $15; seniors/youth $12; under 5 free.
Martyrs’ Shrine: May–October, 9 AM–5 PM. Free admission, donations appreciated.

Accessibility: Most sites provide wheelchair access and other accommodations; check individual websites for details.

Guided Tours and Events: Available at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Huronia Museum, and during seasonal events including the Butter Tart Festival and heritage walking tours of downtown murals.

Travel Tips: Midland is accessible via Highway 12, with ample parking near major attractions. The grain elevator mural, waterfront parks, and downtown are top spots for photos.

Discovery Harbour: History, Hours, and Travel Tips

Discovery Harbour is a living history museum recreating the early 19th-century Penetanguishene Naval Establishment. Visitors can tour wooden sailing ships, historic buildings, and watch costumed interpreters demonstrate naval life, shipbuilding, and daily routines during this pivotal era (Discovery Harbour official website).

Visiting Hours: Mid-May to mid-October, 10 AM–5 PM daily.

Tickets: Adults $12, seniors (65+) $10, youth (6-17) $6, children under 6 free, family pass $30.

Guided Tours: Included with admission, providing in-depth historical insights.

Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible pathways and facilities; some historic buildings may have limited access.

Getting There: Located at 70 Yonge Street, Midland. Easily reached by car via Highway 400 and Highway 12, or by public transit via LINX Transit.

Nearby Attractions: Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, Midland Cultural Centre, Georgian Bay Waterfront Trail.

Downtown Midland and Historic Murals

Midland’s downtown, especially along King Street, is a hub of shops, cafes, and galleries. The town’s collection of over 40 outdoor murals—North America’s largest—offers a self-guided walking tour year-round (Come Explore Canada).

Georgian Bay and 30,000 Islands Cruises

As a gateway to Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands, Midland offers sightseeing and specialty cruises to Beausoleil Island and Giants Tomb Island (EH Canada Travel). Advance reservations are recommended during summer.

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre

A 3,000-acre marsh just outside Midland, the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre features trails, boardwalks, and observation towers for birdwatching, canoe tours, and educational programs (Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre). Open daily 9 AM–5 PM, May–October.

Rotary Waterfront Trail and Midland Harbour

This scenic trail connects Midland’s parks and beaches along Georgian Bay. The harbour provides docks, picnic areas, and easy access to downtown dining.

Beaches and Parks

Gawley Park Beach and Pete Pettersen Park Beach offer safe swimming and playgrounds. Little Lake Park is perfect for picnics and family outings.

Midland Food Tours and Culinary Scene

Enjoy guided or self-guided food tours, sampling local specialties at cafes and waterfront eateries like Grounded Coffee Co. and Dock Lunch.

Festivals and Events

Major events include the Butter Tart Festival each June, and “First Light” at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons in November and December, featuring thousands of candles lighting up the historic site.

Outdoor Activities: Hiking, Skiing, and More

Outdoor enthusiasts can hike Awenda Provincial Park’s trails, ski or snowshoe at Wye Marsh and Mountainview Ski Centre, and enjoy year-round activities on local trails.

Penetanguishene and Nearby Attractions

Just minutes from Midland, Penetanguishene offers waterfront parks, a splash pad, and scenic docks—perfect for family-friendly exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Sainte-Marie among the Hurons?
A: Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, May through October; hours may vary for special events.

Q: How do I buy tickets for Sainte-Marie among the Hurons?
A: Purchase online via the official website or at the entrance; advance booking is recommended during peak times.

Q: Is the Martyrs’ Shrine open year-round?
A: No, it is open seasonally from May to October, 9 AM–5 PM.

Q: Are historical sites accessible for those with disabilities?
A: Yes, major sites offer accessible facilities; check specific sites for details.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Martyrs’ Shrine, Huronia Museum, and for downtown murals.

Q: What public transit options exist for Midland?
A: Simcoe County LINX bus service connects Midland with Barrie and nearby towns (Come Explore Canada).

Visual Highlights

[Sainte-Marie among the Hurons guided tour]
[Martyrs’ Shrine pilgrimage site]
[Midland outdoor mural – Brebeuf Lighthouse]
[Kayaking in Georgian Bay]
[Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre trail]

Interactive maps and photo galleries are available on official tourism websites.

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for festivals and outdoor activities; winter offers skiing and festive events.
Getting There: Approximately two hours north of Toronto via Highway 400/12.
Accommodations: Midland offers hotels, B&Bs, and cottages.
Respect: Please honor Indigenous heritage and environmental guidelines at all sites.

Additional Resources

Summary and Recommendations

Midland, Ontario is a destination where Indigenous legacy, European settlement, industrial heritage, and natural splendor converge. From exploring Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and the Martyrs’ Shrine to enjoying downtown murals, waterfront trails, and vibrant festivals, visitors can engage with the region’s rich history and dynamic culture. Accessibility, guided tours, and a lively events calendar ensure a rewarding experience for all.

For the latest updates, ticket bookings, and more, consult the Town of Midland’s official tourism portal and affiliated cultural sites. Download the Audiala app for interactive guides and up-to-date event listings.