5 Best Sights in Midland and Penetanguishene, Side Trips from Toronto

A series of 63 islands in Lake Huron's Georgian Bay, the park can be visited only via boat. Organized boat tours with the park or private companies operate from the weekend closest to May 24 through mid-October, weather permitting. To explore one of the islands on foot, book a trip on the park's DayTripper boat, bring your own boat, or take a water taxi in Honey Harbour.

The park's own boat, the DayTripper (C$15.70 June–early Oct.), makes the 15-minute trip to Beausoleil Island, which has hiking trails and beaches, from Honey Harbour, 15 km (9 miles) north of Port Severn at Highway 400 Exit 156.

Two companies do cruises through the Georgian Bay but don't allow you to disembark on any of the islands. The 300-passenger Miss Midland, operated by Midland Tours (C$36), leaves from the Midland town dock and offers 2½-hour sightseeing cruises daily at 2 mid-May to mid-October. The company can arrange departures from Toronto, which includes time to explore the town of Midland. From the Penetanguishene town dock, Penetanguishene 30,000 Island Cruises takes passengers on Penetanguishene Harbour and the Georgian Bay islands tours, including 1½- and 2½-hour cruises of Penetanguishene Harbour and 3½-hour cruises of the 30,000 islands of Georgian Bay, on the 200-passenger MS Georgian Queen. Lunch (C$55) and dinner (C$63) cruises are available with reservations. Captain Steve Anderson, the owner and your tour guide, has operated these tours—a family business—since 1985. Cruises depart one to three times daily in July and August; less frequently (but usually Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday) in May, June, September, and October.

Nearly 1 million artifacts on Native and maritime history are on display at the museum building, and there's also a replica Native American village. Visitors can expect contemporary art and extensive photography pieces, in addition to traditional Native art and archaeological collections.

On a hill overlooking Ste.-Marie among the Hurons, a twin-spired stone cathedral was built in 1926 to honor the eight missionaries stationed in Huronia who were martyred between 1642 and 1649. In 1930, all eight were canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. The shrine is still active as a pilgrimage site and has daily services.

Explore ancient caves, hike along craggy hilltop trails, get a thrill on zipline rides, or brave the suspension footbridge—25 meters (82 feet) above the ground with amazing views of the bay 300 meters (985 feet) below. Hiking boots or sneakers are required.

A Jesuit mission was originally built on this spot in 1639. The reconstructed village, which was once home to a fifth of the European population of New France, was the site of the first European community in Ontario; it had a hospital, farm, workshops, and a church. Workers also constructed a canal from the Wye River. A combination of disease and Iroquois attacks led to the mission's demise. More than 20 structures, including two native longhouses and two wigwams, have been faithfully reproduced from a scientific excavation. Staff members in period costume demonstrate 17th-century trades, share Native stories and legends, and grow vegetables—keeping the working village alive.