Sainte-Marie among the Hurons — Attraction in Tay

Overall, great museum with friendly staff- except for one lady there that speaks German. The setup of the museum is excellent- starts with a short film detailing the history of the area, then goes directly to the outdoor museum that replicated the way of life of the Wendat and the French Jesuit missionaries in the past. It ends with a small indoor museum with some artifacts from that period, a cafe if you want to relax and recharge from all the walking you’ve done and of course, a gift shop for souvenirs. Our family really enjoyed the visit, with just one ‘sour’ note for the entire experience that’s why I only gave 4 stars. At the start of our visit, there was a tour group from Germany that came ahead of us. They were assigned one theatre for the introductory film, while we wait for our turn for the other theatre. There was one female staff assisting the tour group. She closed the door for the theatre assigned to the group, looked at our family and said she didn’t want anyone mistakenly going to the said theatre as the film there was in German. With a chuckle, I said ‘Oh for sure, we wouldn’t understand anything’. She then looked at us again then said something in German while standing at the doors. Found it a bit rude, given that I was always taught to not speak my native language when speaking with someone that spoke to me in English first. I was really tempted to ask her to translate what she said in English, but unfortunately, I chose to stay silent. Whatever it was that she said doesn’t matter I guess, but it just left quite a bit of a bad impression on both my husband and I. Anyway, I still recommend this museum, I just hope this lady is more polite to other people...

Located near Midland, Ontario, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is a fascinating step back to the 17th century, showcasing Canada’s early history. Originally built in 1639 as Ontario’s first European settlement, this reconstructed village was the French Jesuit mission to the Huron-Wendat people. It blends immersive reenactments, authentic settings, and rich history, perfect for anyone passionate about history tourism.

The experience starts with ample free parking and a warm reception. Clean, well-maintained washrooms add to the comfort. A 15-minute documentary introduces the settlement’s founding, its cultural role, and its burning in 1649, with the site faithfully rebuilt in the 1960s as a living museum.

The self-guided tour, aided by a clear handout and numbered exhibits, is a highlight. Explore longhouses, a church, workshops, and barracks, with wooden huts featuring cots, hearths, and period tools that vividly recreate 17th-century life. Costumed interpreters share engaging insights into daily practices like farming and fire-starting. The Sainte-Marie Museum, with over 750 artifacts, dives deeper into the fur trade and cultural exchange.

At $15 per adult (prices may vary; tickets available onsite)

This immersive village is a must-visit for history lovers, offering a deep look into...

I recently visited Sainte-Marie among the Hurons in Midland, Ontario, and it was a truly immersive and fascinating experience. This living museum does an incredible job of bringing history to life. I felt like I was stepping back in time and experiencing the daily life of the historic settlers firsthand.

The exhibits, including the old beds, writings, and displays of animal skins, were all very intriguing. I even asked one of the staff if the animal skins were real, and they confirmed that they are. They explained that the skins come from a company that confiscates them from individuals who acquire them illegally, which added an interesting layer to the visit.

The museum also features some very cute animals, including pigs and cows, which were a delightful addition to the experience. One fun detail: by the end of the tour, we ended up smelling like campfire smoke! It just added to the authentic atmosphere.

Overall, the visit was both educational and engaging, and I highly recommend it if you're interested in history and want to see it brought to life in such...