Martyrs' Shrine
Martyrs' Shrine
4.5
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Martyrs' Shrine, including the Church and Grounds, is closed for 2020. Please visit our website for interactive content. We will reopen in 2021 on May 1. Martyrs' Shrine is Open from the First Saturday of May through to and including Thanksgiving Monday. Martyrs' Shrine is only National Shrine outside of Quebec, and honours the lives and stories of St. Jean de Brebeuf and his companions who served the Wendat peoples of Huronia living out the Mission of Jesus Christ.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
233 reviews
Excellent
128
Very good
79
Average
20
Poor
5
Terrible
1
Mammig
Windsor, Canada205 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We were lucky enough to make a private reservation to visit here. This place is not open to the general public until May 2022. Only private bookings are available and while they may seem expensive the experience far outweighs the costs. Our experience was amazing. It was enlightening and we both would highly recommend everyone visit here to learn about the brave souls who sacrificed their lives here. This does not have to be a religious experience. It is history that is very important, that we should learn and process and teach our children. Canada doesn't preserve historical sites the way we should and the significance of the Shrine and St. Marie Among the Hurons should be taught to ALL children regardless of race religion or whatever. I cannot recommend this place enough.
Written 30 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina C
Coquitlam, Canada6,336 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
The Martyr's Shrine is located at 16163 highway 12 west, Midland.Ontario, Canada.
The Shrine honours the eight Jesuits Missionaries who lived, worked and died there over 350 years ago.
This church is magnificent. Limestone exterior, cottonwood interior and ceiling was designed to resemble a canoe. Beside the church there are acres of park full of statues and momuments that you can explore. The must visit place is "14 Stations of The passion of Christ", step by step to show the sufferings and death of Jesus. And don't miss the" look out tower."
This is a good place for meditation and reflection.
Happy traveling!
The Shrine honours the eight Jesuits Missionaries who lived, worked and died there over 350 years ago.
This church is magnificent. Limestone exterior, cottonwood interior and ceiling was designed to resemble a canoe. Beside the church there are acres of park full of statues and momuments that you can explore. The must visit place is "14 Stations of The passion of Christ", step by step to show the sufferings and death of Jesus. And don't miss the" look out tower."
This is a good place for meditation and reflection.
Happy traveling!
Written 2 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SurreyGirl27
Addlestone, UK1,151 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
Fabulous setting and the stations of the cross are beautiful. The church is also beautiful and makes for fantastic photo opportunities,especially from the tower.
Written 24 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
agac
Canada367 contributions
May 2013 • Solo
The church is not winterized opens in may. Beautiful architecture, the interior is designed as a longhouse. The stain glass windows depict the history of the area. Visit the museum it is full of wonderful items from the area. After visiting the church stroll the grounds which have a station of the cross, statues of saints from all over the world and an observation deck. Well worth a visit.
Written 7 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sankoshy
Toronto, Canada44 contributions
Aug 2013
I'm glad my friend told me about this church‚ or I would have never bothered making the trek up to Midland. Originally the church was built only using wood and it had no electricity. Infact it use to close starting in October to some time in the summer. A recent renovation has equipped the church with a beautifull stone exterior and wonderful park area behind it. The church is perched on top of the hill and has wonderful views of the surrounding area. The interior of the church has intricate stained glass windows which brings in light of different color illuminating the inside. This colored light accompanied by the candle lit interior and serene surroundings make it a remarkable sight.
Written 3 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather
2 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
Website says open with hours posted. Drove for two hours with an elderly parent visiting from nipigon Ontario. Arrived to find the grounds closed. When we tried to walk up and at least get a picture we were told by workers that they were closed and asked to leave.
We understood the gift shop and other facilities wouldn’t be accessible this time of year. But couldn’t imagine not being able to visit the grounds. Especially since the website has current hours stating they were open. What a disappointment. Our visitor and parent has been trying to get there for years.
We understood the gift shop and other facilities wouldn’t be accessible this time of year. But couldn’t imagine not being able to visit the grounds. Especially since the website has current hours stating they were open. What a disappointment. Our visitor and parent has been trying to get there for years.
Written 26 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave W
Georgetown, Canada513 contributions
Aug 2019
I always enjoy visiting Martyrs Shrine in Midland. It is a beautiful and peaceful place. The grounds are well kept with several shrines to visit, including the papal altar where JPII celebrated Mass in 1984. The Church itself is also a striking edifice atop the highest hill in the area, and beautiful inside as well where relics of the Canadian Martyrs can be viewed and venerated. It can be a little distracting with camera-touting tourists everywhere, but there is a quiet and peaceful place to prayer in the woods called 'Berbeuf's Prayer Garden.' If you need that quiet time while visiting, that's a good place to go. Be aware that there is an entrance fee of $6 when you arrive by car which helps them to maintain the site.
Written 20 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaryEllen926
Elmhurst, IL56 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
Visiting this hilltop church and surrounding grounds gives you a chance to understand the religious significance of this site. While there were no guides, walking the grounds, visiting the church and reading the information helped us get a more wholistic picture of what occurred during this time period. Combine this with Discovery Harbour and Sainte Marie among the Hurons for a 2 day learning experience.
Written 8 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian F
Barrie, Canada213 contributions
in a league with st anne de beaupre. A real bridge place between Catholic, European and First Nations people. Not surprising that John Paul ii came here to pray for our national healing.
Written 18 February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J0hanna7
Toronto, Canada71 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
The church is spectacular and can be seen for miles around. There are all the stations of the cross.
The cost to enter the premises is $4 each for adults and the parking is included. Lots of nice benches to sit, this is good as it is hilly. It has a cafe and plenty of washrooms which is also handy. Quite clean too.
The cost to enter the premises is $4 each for adults and the parking is included. Lots of nice benches to sit, this is good as it is hilly. It has a cafe and plenty of washrooms which is also handy. Quite clean too.
Written 2 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Visit Us
Our Season
First Saturday of May to Thanksgiving Monday
Mass Times
4 MAY - 14 OCTOBER 2019
Saturday & Sunday : 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM & 7:30 PM
MAY, JUNE, SEPTEMBER, AND OCTOBER
Mon-Fri : 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM & 7:30 PM
JULY AND AUGUST
Mon-Fri : 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Sacrament of Reconcilliation
4 MAI - 14 OCTOBER 2019
Daily: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, and 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also available upon request.
Blessings and Spiritual Conversation
4 MAI - 14 OCTOBER 2019
Daily: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
A Jesuit Father is available in the Administration Office daily for Blessings, and spiritual conversation.
Pilgrimages & Events
Plan your visit to the National Shrine
September 2019today
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Albanian Pilgrimage
Archdiocese of Toronto Western Pastoral Region Pilgrimage
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
35th Annual Living Rosary Sunday Pilgrimage
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Feast of the Canadian Martyrs Celebration
Tiawenk Fundraising Dinner
Tiawenk Fundraising Dinner
29 30 1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Download our 2019 Pilgrimage Poster
Upcoming Events
No Upcoming Events Found
Book Your Group or Pilgrimage
To book your group visit, educational programme, or pilgrimage, please contact us.
Contact Bookings
What You Need to Know
Helpful Information for Your Visit
What to Bring
Water
Sunscreen
Folding Chairs
Dogs (outside only, must on a leash)
What NOT to Bring
Pets (with the exception of dogs on leash, and Service Animals)
Charcoal Barbecues (propane is accepted)
Gift Shop
This unique Gift Shop at Martyrs’ Shrine is open from May to October and offers pilgrims an extensive selection of religious articles, souvenirs, and gift ideas. It features art, statues, scapulars, jewellery, postcards, books, prayer cards, crosses, rosaries, and much more.
More Information
20170713 - B. Penney 006St. Ignace II
Located East of Martyrs' Shrine on Rosemount Rd., the Site of St. Ignace II was originally a palisade village. In 1649, it was captured along with the neighbouring St. Louis Mission, where St Jean de Brébeuf and Gabriel Lalemant were seized. They were brought to St. Ignace II and, after suffering severely, died.
Today, the land of St. Ignace II is owned and cared for by Martyrs' Shrine. During the months of July and August, Mass is celebrated here every Wednesday at 3:00 PM.
086Caragouha
Located in Tiny Township, near Thunder Beach, Caragouha is a plot of land where the first Mass in Ontario was celebrated August 12, 1615 by the recollet Fr. Joseph LeCaron in the presence of Samuel de Champlain. This plot of land, on which stands a stone altar, is now owned and cared for by Martyrs' Shrine. An annual memorial Mass is held on this site on August 12th.
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Ontario’s first European Community, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons was the headquarters for the French Jesuit Mission to the Huron Wendat people. In 1639, the Jesuits, along with French lay workers, began construction of a fenced community that included barracks, a church, workshops, residences, and a sheltered area for Native visitors. By 1648, Sainte-Marie was a wilderness home to 66 French men, representing one-fifth of the entire population of New France. Sainte-Marie's brief history ended in 1649, when members of the mission community were forced to abandon and burn their home of nearly ten years.
After extensive archaeological and historical research initiated by the Society of Jesus, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is now recreated on its original site, where the mission’s compelling story is brought to life.
Connected to Martyrs' Shrine by trail, this world-renowned reconstruction illustrates the interaction of the Canadian Martyrs and Wendat nations. Visitors get a unique opportunity to see the earliest Canadian pioneer life, through guided or self-guided visits, school group tours, interactive education programs, special events, and corporate functions.
VISIT THEIR WEBSITE
The Pilgrim Route
Through the collaborative efforts of the Martyrs’ Shrine, Georgian Bay Trails and Simcoe County Trails, a permanent 89 km off-road Pilgrim Route has been established to the Martyrs’ Shrine. While the official signs marking the new Pilgrim Route continue to be developed, the map below can be of assistance in guiding your pilgrimage to the Shrine.
View Route
Bus Tours Stopping at Martyrs' Shrine
Find Bus Tours Departing Near You with a Stop at Martyrs' Shrine
Burgess Tours Inc
*All New* Upper Canada Tour - September 3-10, 2019 (8 Days)
"Georgian Bay (cruise of 30,000 Islands), Midland, Collingwood, Muskoka Lakes, Wasaga Beach, Beautiful Blue Mountains, Historical Kingston & Sunset Thousand Islands Dinner Cruise"
Departing Moncton, Petitcodiac, Sussex, Hampton, Quispamsis, Saint John, Fredericton & Woodstock | Tour with Guide | English Language Tour
DISCOVER MORE
See full details on the Burgess Tours Website
Learn More
Bus tours promoted on our website are from third-party travel companies who have booked their group at Martyrs' Shrine.
It is for informational purposes only. Martyrs' Shrine does not organize, sell, or otherwise distribute these packages.
Driving Directions
Toronto
Collingwood & Wasaga
Huntsville & Muskoka
Sudbury & Parry Sound
GPS Coordinates & Tips
16163 HWY 12 W, Midland, ON, L4R 4K6
For those requiring our GPS coordinates for navigation, please use the following coordinates for our location:
Latitude 44.73681
Longitude -79.84169
Experiencing difficulties finding the Martyrs’ Shrine with your GPS? Please try any of the following alternatives:
Ontario 12 or ONT 12, in place of the street name
Tay Township, in place of the city/town
locate a nearby intersection: Ontario 12 & William St.
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English | Français
MISSION
Martyrs’ Shrine invigorates pilgrims through the story of the Martyrs and their companions, who lived the mission of Jesus Christ.
VISION
At Martyrs’ Shrine pilgrims of all faiths and cultures will be renewed in faith, hope and love, and inspired to continue the mission of this sacred place where saints walked.
VALUES
Peace, Prayer, Solidarity, Hospitality, Justice, Pilgrimage, Thanksgiving, Leadership, Healing, Contemplation, Reconciliation
OUR LOCATION
16163 Highway 12 West
P.O. Box 7
Midland, Ontario, Canada
L4R 4K6
OUR SEASON
Martyrs' Shrine is open to the public from the first Saturday of May to Thanksgiving Monday.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Gates: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Administration and Information Office: Open Daily: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Les Trois Soeurs Cafe: Now Open Daily 10 AM to 4 PM until October 14, 2019.
Gift Shop: 9:30 AM - noon & 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM.
QUICK LINKS
Home
Employment Opportunities
Visit Us
Pray With Us
Make a Donation
©2018 Martyrs' Shrine.
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Written 22 September 2019
Hello,
I will be visiting in the summer with my family and I was wondering if we could bring a portable BBQ to have a picnic on the grounds?
Written 18 April 2018
Hi Nicole - I have never tried to BBQ on the grounds and I have not seen anyone else BBQ there. There are lots of great places around Midland/Penetang to do so, but the Martyr's Shrine would not be my first choice.
Written 21 March 2019
The website says that leashed dogs are permitted on the grounds, but not in the buildings.
Written 6 May 2017
Martyrs_Shrine
Midland, Canada
Hello,
Martyrs' Shrine is wheelchair accessible. Please however note that there is uphill terrain.
Written 8 July 2016
Martyrs_Shrine
Midland, Canada
Hello! We are located at 16163 Highway 12 West, Midland, Ontario. Take Hwy 400 North, to Hwy 12 West exit. Continue on Hwy 12 until you see the church, right before you get into Midland.
Written 29 January 2016
How do I get there from Scarborough Town Center using public transportation?
Written 15 July 2015
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