Route 1: Scarborough, York Mills Station, Newmarket
"First Light" Celebration Event at Sainte-Marie-Among-The-Hurons
Lovely dinner at waterfront restaurant included!

Now in its 24th year, Sainte-Marie’s “First Light” is a must-see event as you tour the site amidst the spectacular glow of over 5,000 candles.

The magic begins when visitors approach the candlelit historic site, as a beautiful amber glow illuminates the famous 17th-century mission. Candlelit pathways will guide you through the historic site, including through highlighted historic buildings, dressed up for the holiday season. Experience the beauty of the season wrapped in history, with take home crafts, treats in the cookhouse and a selection of local vendors located in the adjoining Brebéuf Event Centre and museum, showcasing a variety of products for sale.

​We will be having a delicious early dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Midland before going to St. Marie. You will receive an email from us closer to the tour date requesting your preferred menu choice and to let us know of any dietary restrictions. Gluten-free and vegetarian options will be available.

Tour Dates

1-Day Trip
Sat Dec 7, 2024
A different bus will be doing pickups at Mississauga, Islington Station and Vaughan on Sun Dec 8. If you would prefer to book on that bus, please click here.

Price

$179 per person
All prices are per person, in Canadian dollars. All taxes and tips are included!

Pickup Locations

12:30 PM Scarborough Town Centre
1:00 PM York Mills Station
2:30 PM Newmarket
To book over the phone
​please call (866) 208-2950

Inclusions

  • Round trip transportation on deluxe motorcoach with washroom and WiFi.
  • Admission to Sainte-Marie Among The Hurons First Light celebration included.
  • Admission to the Martyr Shrine included.
  • Lovely dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Midland included.
  • Complimentary flashlight included.
  • Escorted tour with ShortTrips.ca tour director available during tour. 
  • All tips & taxes included.

Approximate Return Times

  • Newmarket 10:00 PM
  • York Mills 10:45 PM
  • Scarborough 11:10 PM

Deposits, Payments, Cancellations & Refunds

  • 100% full refund if you cancel at least 14 days before the trip departure date. 
  • Sorry but no refunds if cancellation is received less then 14 days before trip departure date. 
  • Your can transfer your seat to anyone else you know, up to the time of departure without penalty. 

Travelling With Children

  • Children 10+ are welcome on this tour. Price is the same as adults. ​Please note the late return time!

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. This today is known as Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. ​

Located near Midland in the beautiful Southern Georgian Bay area, this world-renowned reconstruction illustrates the interaction of the French and Wendat nations. 

Martyr Shrine

The Martyr's Shrine is one of 9 national shrines in Canada and the only national shrine outside of Quebec. It is consecrated to the memory of the Canadian Martyrs, six Jesuit Martyrs and two lay persons from the mission of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.

The shrine also participates in the Sainte-Marie's First Light celebrations by lighting up the impressive church and their grounds.

​Free shuttle buses are available all evening to transport you to and from St. Marie Among The Hurons.