| Ontario's Leading
Marine Heritage Site Discovery Harbour
traces its roots back to the original
Penetanguishene British naval and military base
built as a result of the War of 1812 to safeguard
access to Upper Canada. Originally titled
"His Majesty's Naval Establishment on Lake
Huron", the base was an important strategic
location to keep ships in a state of readiness
and to supply British posts to the northwest. By
1820 the establishment was home to over 70
people, including sailors, officers, shipwrights,
and soldiers. Five large ships, fifteen smaller
vessels, and numerous workshops and dwellings
were constructed.
The relocation of a British garrison on
Drummond Island introduced a military component
to the Penetanguishene base in 1828 and by 1834
Canada was defended exclusively by these forces.
An impressive stone Officers' Quarters was built
in 1845 and the Military occupied the site until
1856. For more detailed historical information
click
here.
Today Discovery Harbour is a picturesque
historic site situated on beautiful
Penetanguishene Bay. Throughout the summer
visitors can enjoy fun and interactive daily
activities including site tours, sailor's rope
work, tea and croquet at Officers' Quarters,
rowing a longboat, model shipbuilding, and even
cannon demonstrations. Discovery Harbour is
also the homeport of the magnificent ships H.M.S.
Tecumseth and H.M.S. Bee,
full-scale active replicas of the original Royal
Navy vessels that were stationed at the base in
the early 19th century. The on-location King's
Wharf Theatre offers great summer shows and
diverse entertainment throughout the year.
Fine dining can be enjoyed in Discovery Harbour's
beautiful waterside restaurant Captain Roberts'
Table, and impressive shoreline boardwalks
provide the perfect place to enjoy an evening
sunset overlooking the historic ships.
|
