Rendez-Vous Champlain Penetanguishene 2015 3.29

Historical Background

On August 1st, 1615, Samuel de Champlain, Governor of New France, landed at the Huron village of Toanche on the Penetanguishene Penninsula. With him was Étienne Brulé, whom he had sent to live amongst the Huron five years before. Pere Joseph LeCaron had preceded them a few days before. The three of them would be the beginnings of 400 years of French presence in the province to be called Ontario. Champlain would help the Huron in an attack against the Iroquois in New York State, and then spend almost a year here in Huronia, solidifying friendships, cementing fur-trading alliances and learning the ways of the Huron whom he greatly admired.

In the summer of 1921,Père Athol Murray, a priest at Ste. Anne’s Parish, organized belated 300th Anniversary celebrations in Penetanguishene marking Champlain’s visit. Present amongst the vast crowds at the spectacle were Premiers Drury of Ontario and Taschereau of Quebec. Over the years there have been several Champlain crosses on the shores at Toanche on Penetanguishene Bay.

Rendez-Vous Champlain Penetanguishene 2015
July 31st - August 2nd, 2015

The Rendez-Vous Champlain 2015 Festival will celebrate 400 years of French presence in Ontario.

Some of the highlighted events will include:
•A re-enactment of Champlain's Landing in 1615
•Order of Good Cheer Celebrations
•Live Entertainment
•Parade & Fireworks
•Interactive Workshops & Historial Demonstrations
•Great food, family fun and more!


Stay tuned for further details in the coming months!