Huronia — Uncover the Martyrs' Secret

Your adventure begins at the Sainte-Marie among the Hurons site in Penetanguishene, founded in 1639 by French Jesuits. This complex of 11 reconstructed buildings spanning 2 hectares, including a chapel and hospital, immerses you in the daily life of the mission. It was here, or nearby, that eight of the twelve Canadian Martyrs perished between 1642 and 1649. The museum, which welcomes over 100,000 annual visitors according to Destination Ontario, exhibits 17th-century Jesuit and Wendat artifacts, offering insight into Ontario's cultural heritage and Franco-Wendat contact.

Continue to the Chapel of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, rebuilt between 1926 and 1934. This central mission building, measuring 12m x 8m, is an example of 17th-century Jesuit architecture. Although Canadian Martyrs Jean de Brébeuf, Gabriel Lalemant, and Antoine Daniel perished in captivity, the chapel remains a symbolic place of martyrdom for these figures canonized in 1930. Nearby, the Mission Hospital testifies to the care provided to missionaries and the Wendat, illustrating the health challenges of the era in Huronia. Your investigation leads you through these places of memory.

The journey then takes you to the Blacksmith Shop and Refectory of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. The blacksmith shop, essential for tool repair and object manufacturing, was a vital activity hub for the survival of the Jesuit mission in Huronia. The refectory, on the other hand, was the gathering and dining place for the Jesuits, reflecting the community organization of the time. These faithfully reconstructed buildings help you visualize the logistics required for a 17th-century mission, far from the urban centers of New France. The site is managed by Huronia Historical Parks, a provincial entity.

Explore the Sainte-Marie among the Hurons Cemetery, a 17th-century historic site containing the remains of Jesuits and Wendat converts who died between 1639 and 1649. The grave markers have been reconstructed based on archaeological records, highlighting the importance of this resting place. A short walk away, the Longhouse, an archaeologically faithful reconstruction of a 11m x 6m Wendat dwelling, offers daily demonstrations of traditional fire-making techniques and Wendat historical narratives. These sites in Penetanguishene are poignant witnesses to Franco-Wendat contact and Ontario's heritage.

Your quest concludes at the Bastion of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, an integral part of the mission's defensive palisade. This strategic point, essential for protecting the mission against attacks, recalls the tensions of the era. By exploring this site, you have journeyed through the history of the Canadian Martyrs, discovered the resilience of 17th-century Jesuit missions, and touched upon Ontario's cultural heritage. This outdoor escape game will have allowed you to visit Penetanguishene and its surroundings, understand the challenges of Huronia, and see augmented reality bring the history of this corner of Canada to life.