Midland, Ontario: Historical Sites and Visitor Guide
What Midland Is
On the shores of Georgian Bay, Midland brings together Indigenous heritage, historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural landscapes. Its history stretches back thousands of years to the Huron-Wendat (Ouendat) people. Visitors can explore Indigenous history, French missionary heritage, the town’s industrial past, waterfront trails, outdoor attractions, and festivals such as the Butter Tart Festival.
Midland is also a gateway to Georgian Bay and the 30,000 Islands. For visitor information, see the Midland Connect tourism site, the official Sainte-Marie among the Hurons website, and the Discovery Harbour page.
History
Indigenous Roots and Early Settlement
The region now known as Midland has been home to the Huron-Wendat (Ouendat) people for thousands of years. It was a centre for trade, agriculture, and spiritual life along Georgian Bay. Archaeological evidence and living traditions point to the significance of the area and the complex societies established there.
The Huronia Museum and Huron-Ouendat Village features a reconstructed pre-contact Huron village, offering visitors an account of Indigenous life before European arrival and of the enduring Indigenous presence and impacts of colonization (Midland Connect).
French Missionaries and the Jesuit Legacy
French Jesuit missionaries established Sainte-Marie among the Hurons in 1639. Described as Ontario’s first European settlement, the mission became a centre for religious, cultural, and economic exchange between the French and the Huron-Wendat (Midland Connect).
Sainte-Marie is now a living history museum, with reconstructed buildings and costumed interpreters bringing the 1600s to life and presenting the challenges faced by settlers and their Indigenous partners. Nearby Martyrs’ Shrine honours eight Jesuit missionaries who were martyred and draws more than 100,000 visitors annually (Martyrs’ Shrine).
Midland’s Founding and Economic Growth
Modern Midland was established in the 1840s by European settlers along Georgian Bay. The area was initially known as Mundy’s Bay and Hartley’s Landing (Midland Connect). The Midland Railway Corporation selected the area as its western port in 1871; by 1872, the townsite had become Midland City (The Canadian Encyclopedia). The town was officially incorporated in 1878, and completion of the railway in 1879 accelerated exports of lumber and grain.
The railway helped spur industrial growth, including the construction of harbour facilities and large grain elevators by 1881 (Midland Connect). Shipbuilding also flourished, supporting Great Lakes navigation and commerce (The Canadian Encyclopedia).
Revitalization and Heritage Preservation
Midland experienced economic setbacks during the Great Depression and after shipyards relocated in the 1950s, but adapted by attracting new industries and tourism (Midland Connect). Today, the downtown core has boutiques, cafes, and cultural venues. More than 40 outdoor murals, inspired by local history and painted by Fred Lenz, decorate the town (Lady’s Travel Blog).
What to See and Do
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Martyrs’ Shrine
Sainte-Marie’s reconstructed historic buildings and costumed interpreters tell the story of the 17th-century mission and its French and Indigenous communities. Martyrs’ Shrine is a nearby national pilgrimage site.
Discovery Harbour
Discovery Harbour is a living history museum recreating the early 19th-century Penetanguishene Naval Establishment. Visitors can tour wooden sailing ships and historic buildings, and watch costumed interpreters demonstrate naval life, shipbuilding, and daily routines during this period (Discovery Harbour official website).
Downtown Midland and Murals
King Street is a hub of shops, cafes, and galleries. Midland’s more than 40 outdoor murals can be explored on a self-guided walking tour year-round; the collection is described as North America’s largest (Come Explore Canada).
At the harbour, a massive outdoor mural on the old grain elevators is described as North America’s largest historic mural. It depicts a Huron-Wendat figure and a Jesuit priest at Sainte-Marie (Midland Connect).
Georgian Bay and the 30,000 Islands
Midland is a gateway to Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands. Sightseeing and specialty cruises visit Beausoleil Island and Giants Tomb Island (EH Canada Travel). Advance reservations are recommended during summer.
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
The 3,000-acre Wye Marsh, just outside Midland, has trails, boardwalks, and observation towers for birdwatching, canoe tours, and educational programs (Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre). The area offers conservation education and recreation (Midland Connect).
Waterfront, Beaches, and Parks
The Rotary Waterfront Trail connects Midland’s parks and beaches along Georgian Bay. Midland Harbour has docks and picnic areas, with easy access to downtown dining.
Gawley Park Beach and Pete Pettersen Park Beach offer swimming and playgrounds. Little Lake Park is a spot for picnics and family outings.
Food, Festivals, and Outdoor Activities
Guided or self-guided food tours offer a chance to sample local specialties at cafes and waterfront eateries, including Grounded Coffee Co. and Dock Lunch.
Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival takes place each June and draws more than 60,000 visitors (Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival). “First Light” at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons takes place in November and December, when thousands of candles illuminate the historic site. Midland is also recognized as a Bee City.
Outdoor activities include hiking the trails at Awenda Provincial Park, skiing or snowshoeing at Wye Marsh and Mountainview Ski Centre, and enjoying local trails year-round.
Practical Visiting Information
Hours and Admission
- Sainte-Marie among the Hurons Open May to October, typically 9 AM–5 PM. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and youth, and free for children under 5. It is described as open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, May through October; hours may vary for special events.
- Martyrs’ Shrine Open May 1–October 31, 9 AM–5 PM. Admission is free; donations are welcomed.
- Huronia Museum and Huron-Ouendat Village Open May–October, 10 AM–5 PM. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for children and seniors.
- Discovery Harbour Open daily from mid-May to mid-October, 10 AM–5 PM. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $6 for youth (6–17), and free for children under 6. A family pass is $30. Guided tours are included with admission.
- Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre Open daily, 9 AM–5 PM, May–October.
For ticket details, see the official Sainte-Marie among the Hurons website and Martyrs’ Shrine. Sainte-Marie tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance; advance booking is recommended during peak times.
Accessibility, Tours, and Getting Around
Both Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Martyrs’ Shrine are wheelchair accessible. Most historical sites provide wheelchair access and other accommodations; check individual websites for details. Discovery Harbour has wheelchair-accessible pathways and facilities, though some historic buildings may have limited access.
Guided tours are available at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Huronia Museum, and Martyrs’ Shrine, as well as for downtown murals. Heritage walking tours of downtown murals are also available during seasonal events.
Midland is accessible via Highway 12, with ample parking near major attractions. Discovery Harbour is at 70 Yonge Street, Midland, and can be reached by car via Highway 400 and Highway 12 or by public transit via LINX Transit. Simcoe County LINX bus service connects Midland with Barrie and nearby towns (Come Explore Canada).
Tips
Late spring through early fall is a time for festivals and outdoor activities; winter offers skiing and festive events. Midland is approximately two hours north of Toronto via Highway 400/12. The town offers hotels, B&Bs, and cottages.
The grain elevator mural, waterfront parks, and downtown are photo locations. Respect Indigenous heritage and environmental guidelines at all sites. For the latest updates and ticket bookings, consult the Town of Midland’s official tourism portal. The Audiala app offers interactive guides and up-to-date event listings.
Nearby Places
Penetanguishene, just minutes from Midland, has waterfront parks, a splash pad, and scenic docks.
Discovery Harbour lists the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, Midland Cultural Centre, and Georgian Bay Waterfront Trail among its nearby attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the visiting hours for Sainte-Marie among the Hurons?
A: It is 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 them online via the official website or at the entrance. Advance booking is recommended during peak times.
Q: Is 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: Major sites offer accessible facilities; check individual sites for details.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes. Tours are available at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Martyrs’ Shrine, and 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).
