Samuel de Champlain in Georgian Bay Region

1615 Midland Ontario- Joseph Le Caron c1586-1632 arrives with Champlain as first missionary to the Hurons; celebrates first recorded Mass in Ontario at Carhagonha, near Midland. A memorial mass was held this past Sunday at Carhagonha, on Georgian Bay.

Samuel de Champlain--His Beach Preference in the Summer of 1615

Where did Champlain hang his bathing suit during the summer of 1615?

There are many theories about the legendary Cahiaque. Is it near Orillia, as the Champlain Monument in Lake Couchiging Park states, or is it near Midland and the site of Sainte Marie among the Hurons? Was it a beach location, or an interior settlement along one of the rivers flowing into Georgian Bay. Regardless of the location accessible waterways were critical for canoe travel and the very important and strategic decision for picking a village as a location for business and commerce. Getting to Georgian Bay via what is now the Trent-Severn Waterway would have been the major trading route of its day. Did the Champlain party actually act as tourists and take a few days at the beach..... Huron village in Midland, Port Severn, Honey Harbour, or near Awenda Provincial Park. He could have stopped at what is today major resorts along the way such as Bayview Wildwood Resort in Port Stanton on Sparrow Lake, or the Delawana Inn Inn Honey Harbour, both have lovely beach areas and settings for a leisurely day at the beach.

Canada Day on Georgian Bay --The Cradle of Ontario's History

Georgian Bay is the Place to Be on Canada Day

The earliest European settlements in Ontario were located in the Midland-Penetanguishene area of Southern Georgian Bay. One can step back into Canada's historical past and re-live the life of what it was like to be alive on July 1, 1615 when Samuel de Champlain was visiting the La Mer Douce, the sweet water sea. See Midland for links to local accommodation and attractions or visit the Town of Midland Ontario site for details on Canada Day celebrations.