Discovery Harbour
From centuries-old shipwrecks to magnificent tall ships, a 19th-century British naval and military garrison comes alive at Discovery Harbour.
Discovery Harbour in Penetanguishene is a 12-hectare living history park. Explore reconstructed and original historic buildings, including workshops, dwellings and a stone Officer’s Quarters built in 1845. Board the replica ships H.M.S. Tecumseth and H.M.S. Bee for hands-on above and below-deck tours and activities just like sailors would have done back in the day. Learn the tricks of sailor’s ropework or how to write with a quill pen.
Discovery Harbour | Huronia Historical Parks
How to get to Discovery Harbour
Location: 93 Jury Drive, Penetanguishene
By car: Discovery Harbour is nestled on Penetanguishene Bay in Southern Georgian Bay. From Highway 400, take Highway 93 north and follow the blue ship logos to the park. Parking is provided.
By transit: Ontario Northland provides bus service to Barrie. From Barrie, take the Simcoe County LINX 1 bus to Penetanguishene and the Mid-Pen Transit Penetanguishene Route to Fox Street and Broad Street.
Know before you go
Purchase tickets online or in person. Discovery Harbour is open daily from mid May to early September. July and August are the peak season for tours, activities and demonstrations. Check for special event dates and details before your visit.
Plan to spend at least two hours at Discovery Harbour.
Things to do at Discovery Harbour
Discover more activities and experiences.
View ancient artifacts
See an authentic 200-year-old shipwreck in the H.M.S. Tecumseth Centre. Besides the restored ship, you’ll find artifacts like an old comb and survey tools, plus a timeline display.
Attend seasonal events
Follow spooky Ghost Tours in the summer and get tickets for the award-winning Pumpkinferno event to kick off Halloween.
Get Instagram-worthy photos
Rustic wooden waterfront buildings painted in weathered red, blue and white make this picturesque park a photographer’s delight.
Dine while ship-watching
Dine with the view of the ships in the harbour as your backdrop at the on-site restaurant Captain Roberts’ Table located adjacent to the boardwalk.
Find unique souvenirs
Check out the Barracks Boutique for that perfect 19th-century nautical-themed treasure including branded Discovery Harbour apparel and postcards.
Watch a theatrical performance
Be entertained at The King’s Wharf Theatre. Flanked by historic buildings, the theatre is operated by Drayton Entertainment, one of Canada’s finest professional theatre companies.
Articles and itineraries
Get ideas and inspiration for your next trip.
Interesting facts about Discovery Harbour
John Graves Simcoe, a British Army general and the first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada, personally hand-picked the location to build his naval and military outpost.
The steep cliffs and deep water bay made the harbour an ideal spot to protect and maintain ships. It also served as a vital transportation link from York (now known as Toronto) to the northwest.
This 19th-century outpost was established to defend Upper Canada during the War of 1812 and it remained a safeguard until 1856, when the British military handed it over to the Canadian government.
Last updated: July 26, 2024