The Town of Midland, about 50 km north of Barrie, has a population of over 16,000 is at the gateway to 30,000 Islands in Georgian Bay. Midland derived its name from being approximately half way between Victoria Harbour and Penetanguishene. The area around Midland has a population of approximately 43,000, but in summer months, the area population grows to over 100,000 with over 8,000 cottages, resort hotels, provincial and national parks in the area.
The town was a Huron settlement dating to the 1300s, and became heavily populated in the 1600s and attracted French fur traders and Jesuit missionaries who came to find converts. The stories of Midlands early days are immortalized on the murals around the town and along the waterfront.
Attractions include the Martyrs’ Shrine, Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, Sainte Marie Among The Hurons, Huronia Museum and Huron Indian Village. The Georgian Bay Islands National Park, and its popular Beausoleil Island, is just 8 km from Midland by water.
Midland Attractions
Castle Village
701 Balm Beach Road, Midland
(705) 526-9683
Visit Dracula’s Dungeon of Horror featuring a series of early prison housing well-known horror characters or the Museum of Medieval Armament where you will learn about heraldry & amour throughout the Middle Ages. Located behind the castle, an Enchanted Kingdom covers acres of nature & fantasy including Little Red Riding Hood & Grandma’s House, Goldilocks & the Three Bear’s house, Mother Goose & family, Teddy Bear’s Tea Party, Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, Merlin’s tower Bridge & more. Inside the Castle, enjoy a unique shopping experience with over 10,000 gift items on display. Open Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5:30 pm, Sunday 12 to 5 pm Closed Mondays – Except July, August & Long Weekends. Closed January to March. The Enchanted Kingdom Park is open early May to Thanksgiving, weather permitting. Separate Admission for Dracula’s Dungeons, Museum of Medieval Armament, and Enchanted Kingdom.
Gratrix Garden Lilies
P.O. Box 186, Coldwater, ON, L0K 1E0
Bus: (705) 835-6794 Phone: (705) 835-6794
Imagine the experience of seeing, touching, and smelling thousands of living flowers. Over 500 different varieties of lilies and daylilies on display, by this popular lily farm for gardeners and florists. Open daily from May 1 to October 15, 9am to 6pm, with Peak blooming season is July 1 to August 15.
Huronia Museum & Huron-Ouendat Village
P.O. Box 638
Midland, ON L4R 4P4
(705) 526-2844
The recreated Huron Village represents one of hundreds of similar villages that occupied Huronia for over two thousand years. These villages would have supported 30 to 300 families and consisted of palisades, longhouses, wigwams, sweat lodges, drying racks and fire pits. Huronia Museum houses a variety of displays, which illustrate the human history and culture of one of Ontario’s most historic areas. Unique exhibits, which portray the many ideas, images and objects from the people of Huronia. Open mid-October to end of March 31st weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and April 1st – October 16th Open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Museum and Village are closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and Good Friday. Admission: Adults $6, Seniors $5,50, Youth (to 17 years) $4.50, children under 6 are free.
Martyr’s Shrine
16163 ON-12, Midland, ON L4R 4K6
(Hwy 12, Midland , across from Wye Marsh, just east of Midland)
(705) 526-3788
The twin-spired Shrine Church and 75 pleasantly landscaped acres honour the eight Jesuit saints who lived, worked and died here over 350 years ago. Learn about the Jesuit missionaries, Jean de Brébeuf, Gabriel Lalemant, and their companions who were responsible for bringing Christianity to Canada’s First Nations peoples. A place of pilgrimage and a ministry of prayer Features include Shrine Church, St. Ignatius Prayer Room, Papal Visit Monument, Little Flower Island, Irish Peace Garden, First Nations Park, picnic area and much more. The Shrine church and facilities are wheelchair accessible. Open from mid May to Thanksgiving weekend in October. Admission $3.00 per person (10 and over), $35.00 -Family Season Pass (A family of four), $50.00 – Bus Day Pass (with passengers)> Special student pricing $6.includes the “Walk Where They Walked” half day educational program.
Midland 30,000 Island Boat Cruise
Midland/Barrie Boat Cruises, Penetanguishene
Departs from Midland Town Dock (King Street)
Mailing: 10 Robert St. East
Penetanguishene, ON, L9M 1L6
(705) 549-3388 Fax: (705) 549-3711
Cruises available May to October for morning, afternoon, and mid-afternoon sightseeing cruises. Sunset dinner cruises with entertainment also available. Coast guard approved for 300 passengers. Lower level completely heated and fully wheelchair accessible. Licensed with LCBO and snack bar on board. Experience the sparkling waters, windswept pines and rocky grandeur of Muskoka/Georgian Bay’s 30,000 islands. Sailing subject to weather and minimum passenger requirement. Reservations are advised & Reserved Tickets must be picked up one hour prior to scheduled departures
Miss Midland – 30,000 Island Cruise
Midland Tours Inc
177 King St, Midland, ON L4R 3L8
(Located at the Midland Town Dock)
(705) 549-3388 Toll Free: (888) 833-2628
Take a Sightseeing Cruise aboard the 300-passenger Miss Midland and experience the sparkling water, the windswept pines and rocky grandeur of Muskoka-Georgian Bay’s 30,000 islands. Food, bar services and dinner packages available.
Murals of Midland
King Street & area, Midland
C/o Midland Business & Improvement Area
208 King Street, Midland, ON L4R 3L9
(705)526-7884
Over 30 huge murals grace the walls of businesses in the downtown core. The mural painted by Fred Lenz stretches across the ADM grain elevator building at Midland’s harbourfront and is 80 feet by 270 feet in size. This project has been labeled the “Largest Outdoor Historical Mural in North America”.
Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons
16164, Highway 12 East, Midland, L4R 4K8
(Hwy 12 East, Midland)
(705) 526-7838, Web:
Explore Canada’s national treasure and Ontario’s first European community. Experience the re-enactment & dramatic story of the 17th century French Jesuit mission to the Huron nation. Features an introductory audio-visual show, award winning interpretive museum, on-site restaurant and museum gift shop. Special summer presentations include 17th century fire starting, locked waterway demonstrations, and native storytelling with costumed guides. Open Victoria Day to Thanksgiving. Open weekdays May 1 to October 30 , and daily from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving weekends (prime season) 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (with last admission 4:45 p.m.) Admission.
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
Hwy 12, P.O. Box 100, Midland
Phone: (705) 526-7809
A non-profit environmental awareness facility that is home to some of the largest remaining breeding populations of rare bird species including Trumpeter Swans. One of the best places to observe the lifestyles of mink beaver, ermine, porcupine and river otter. Enjoy the fresh air as you canoe through the marsh or just take a leisurely walk in the woods. Offers various activities and special events throughout the year, guided hikes, exhibit hall, video theatre, snack bar, gift shop, lunchroom, and cabin for group overnight accommodations.
Midland Parks
Harbourside Park
Beside Midland Harbour
This 4 acre park has waling/hiking trails and lookout area
Huronia Park
Bayshore Dr
This 7 acre park overlooks Georgian Bay
Mac McAllen Park
On Woodland Dr
85 acre park with both natural & active settings has several baseball diamonds, beach volleyball & tennis courts, mini golf, boating (10 hsp & under), beach area, bicycle & walking paths, flower gardens, skateboard park & snack bar. It’s home of the YMCA, Georgian Bay Rowing Club, NSSRC, Midland Curling Club, Huronia Museum & Huron-Ouendat Village, Midland Beach Volleyball Club, & the Midland Lawn Bowling Club.
McCullough Park
North side of Midland Harbour
This park covers 12 acres and has nature trails
Pete Pettersen Park
On Georgian Bay at Vindin St and Fifth St
This 24 acre park has baseball diamond, swimming area, playground and boat launch, with access to th eRotary Waterfront Trail
Sainte Marie Park
Wye Valley Rd off Hwy #12 has both a walking and bicycle path
Ojibway Landing Park
Robert St W near Centre St
This 5 acre park has a swimming and playground area, walking and bicycle trails, fishing, and tent/trailer camping
Rotary Waterfront Park
On Penetanguishene Bay from Town Dock to Centre St
This 90 acre park has nature trails and fishing, boat launch, and a swimming and playground area
Port McNicoll
This 14 acre park in the Township of Tay has both a swimming and playground area
Oakwood Park
Park St in Victoria Harbour
This 12 acre park in the Township of Tay has a baseball diamond, outdoor ice surface, and a concession booth