The little port of Midland (population: 16,214), on the southern side of the Bay, is the center for a fairly large surrounding area, and a considerable amount of grain passes through it every year. It is also a good base for visiting several nearby historical sites.
Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons is a re-created mission station, originally founded in 1639 by Jesuits. On site is a museum describing the history of the mission and occasionally re-enactments staged.
Awenda Provincial Park is located just outside the town of Penetanguishene, near Midland. This is a popular summer time park and campground with beaches along Georgian Bay, and picnic areas. There is also a beach specifically designated for dogs.
There are short walking trails through the woodlands.
The replica of an Indian village in Little Lake Park, Midland, shows what life was like for the Huron. It includes the big longhouses that a large family would have lived in, a medicine man's house, store-rooms, etc, as well as demonstrations of how canoes were made.
Huronia Museum, nearby, holds an interesting collection of Indian utensils and artifacts.
Address: Huronia Museum and Huron/Ouendat Village, 549 Little Lake Park Road, Box 638, Midland, ON L4R4P4, Canada
Phone: 1 (705) 526-2844, Fax: 1 (705) 527-6622
This massive shrine, built in 1926, serves as a memorial to eight French Jesuit priests from the first mission station, who were murdered and are commemorated in its Martyrs' Shrine, consecrated in 1926. This shrine to René Goupil, Isaac Jogues, Jean de la Lande, Antoine Daniel, Jean de Brébeuf, Gabriel Lalement, Charles Garnier and Noël Chabanel is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. Pope John Paul II celebrated mass here a few years ago. Inside the church, which is almost entirely wood-paneled, the sandalwood canoe-shaped vault is particularly impressive. A small lookout tower in front of the church affords a splendid view of the surrounding area.
Read More
Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons
Read More
Read Less
Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons, Midland
Martyrs' Shrine, Midland
