Penetanguishene: Marine History, Trails and Parks

Discover Penetanguishene through its history, waterfront trails and community parks. Discovery Harbour is a living-history attraction centred on the 19th-century British naval and military base. Monuments and waterfront trails offer other ways to explore Penetanguishene. When planning your trip, choose from historic visits, a waterfront tour and time in the parks.

Marine History at Discovery Harbour

Discovery Harbour covers 30 acres and is a living-history attraction centred on the original 19th-century British naval and military base. The base was established after the War of 1812 to defend Upper Canada. The site's history thus connects a specific historical purpose with a present-day attraction.

Groups can take guided or self-guided tours with knowledgeable, costumed staff. A guided audio tour, available online, also lets visitors explore the grounds at their own pace. The King's Wharf Theatre at Discovery Harbour has 371 seats and is flanked by majestic tall ships and historic buildings. If a tour or theatre visit shapes your itinerary, check current visiting arrangements and schedules in advance.

Local History and Monuments

The Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives showcases the history of one of Ontario's oldest communities. The Penetanguishene Angels offer a different perspective: at the 1921 tercentenary celebrations, they were described as “Portals to Huronia.” They mark the entrance to the town as a welcome to visitors.

At the John Graves Simcoe Monument on the Trans Canada Trail, a telescope invites visitors to look through it. The monument's depiction connects Simcoe with his 1793 foresight that Penetanguishene would be strategically valuable as a naval base. John Graves Simcoe (1752–1806) was a British military officer and the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada. A significant historic monument in Huronia Park commemorates the capture of the American warships Tigress and Scorpion.

Trails Between the Harbour, Park and Town

The 3.0-kilometre Discovery Harbour Trail is a paved waterfront trail. It runs from the Historic Port of Penetanguishene to Discovery Harbour, linking two clearly identified sites in the town's history. The Penetanguishene Trail, also known as the Trans Canada Trail, connects Tiny Township with Midland and passes through Rotary Champlain Wendat Park. Visitors to the Penetanguishene Angels are advised to use the separate multi-use trail to reach the site safely.

Time in the Park and Swimming Options

Both Rotary Champlain Wendat Park and Huronia Park offer a sandy beach, a swimming area, a playground, a pavilion and washrooms. Families travelling with children can make the playground a separate stop; the beach and swimming area add time by the water to the options. Note that beach conditions vary by season, and check current water advisories before swimming.

When searching for a vacation rental or cottage, start by deciding which experiences you want to shape your stay: historic tours and theatre, monuments and trails, or time in the park with a beach and playground.

Discover more destinations: Victoria Harbour, Washago, Port Severn, Orillia, Tiny, Brechin, Barrie, Midland.

Go to the main travel overview: Simcoe County.