Major city · Canada
Penetanguishene
Stay 1 night, or 2 if you want Awenda's beaches and Discovery Harbour without rushing. Base in town; a car is the practical way to move.
Penetanguishene is a small Georgian Bay town of about 9,000 on the south shore of Lake Huron, 45 km north of Barrie via Highway 93. Its draw is marine history: the 1812-era naval yard at Discovery Harbour, reconstructed schooners, and Awenda Provincial Park's beaches a short drive west. It pairs naturally with Midland, 5 km away, and works as a one-night stop on a Simcoe County loop rather than a destination on its own.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for beaches and Discovery Harbour; Feb for the winter carnival and ice fishing
- avoid Nov–Apr for beach and harbour visits (Discovery Harbour is seasonal)
- Airports
- YYZ · YTZ
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Penetanguishene911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Ontario Provincial Police (non-emergency)1-888-310-1122
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Penetanguishene, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyA low-crime small town; the real risks are winter driving, cold water on Georgian Bay and unmarked swimming spots.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 1-888-310-1122 Ontario Provincial Police (non-emergency)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYYZ Toronto Pearson (About 2 h by car via Hwy 400 and Hwy 93; no direct rail or bus to Penetanguishene).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: sights sit 3–8 km (1.9–5 mi) apart and bus service is limited.A car is the practical choice: sights sit 1.9–5 mi (3–8 km) apart and bus service is limited.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$2–5 (≈ US$2–4)
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at the LCBOC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)C$2.50–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Museum or sight ticketDiscovery Harbour admissionabout C$12 (≈ US$9) (check)
- Budget bedWaterfront cottage (up to 6), a night, per roomC$250 (≈ US$190)
- Mid-range bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomC$180 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomC$320 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YYZ Toronto Pearson (About 2 h by car via Hwy 400 and Hwy 93; no direct rail or bus to Penetanguishene) · YTZ Billy Bishop Toronto City (Add downtown traffic before the Hwy 400 run north)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Feb
Care
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Mar
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Apr
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Dec
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Mixed: Feb. Avoid: Mar–Apr, Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C) low), wettest Dec (13 rain days), driest Jul (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Penetanguishene: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
12 rd
Feb
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
10 rd
Mar
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
10 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
10 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Nov
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
12 rd
Dec
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: sights sit 3–8 km apart and bus service is limited. Mid-Pen Transit links Penetanguishene and Midland; Simcoe County LINX connects to Barrie. Taxis are available locally.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 10–15 min
Hwy 93 or Mid-Pen Transit, about 5 km (3.1 mi)Hwy 93 or Mid-Pen Transit, about 3.1 mi (5 km)
Butter Tart Festival in June; Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is here.
Awenda Provincial Park
goDoor to door: 15 min
Drive west on Awenda Park Rd, about 8 km (5 mi)Drive west on Awenda Park Rd, about 5 mi (8 km)
Sand and cobble beaches; day-use fee applies, arrive early in summer.
Door to door: 40 min
Drive via Hwy 93 and Hwy 26, about 35 km (22 mi)Drive via Hwy 93 and Hwy 26, about 22 mi (35 km)
Long freshwater beach; very busy Jul–Aug.
Door to door: 50 min
Drive south on Hwy 93 to Hwy 400, about 50 km (31 mi)Drive south on Hwy 93 to Hwy 400, about 31 mi (50 km)
Better as a stop on the way in or out than a return day trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown / Main Street
Walkable to shops and restaurants; closest to the museum and waterfront.
Penetanguishene Bay waterfront
Marina-side stays and rentals; short drive to Discovery Harbour.
Midland side
5 km (3.1 mi) east; more rooms and restaurants, still close to everything here.3.1 mi (5 km) east; more rooms and restaurants, still close to everything here.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$140–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$230 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or inn double room1 × 1 night × C$180 | C$180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$160 | C$320 |
| Awenda day-use vehicle permit1 × C$21 · check | C$21 |
| Discovery Harbour admission2 × C$12 · check | C$24 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$60 |
| Trip total≈ C$328 per person per day, bed included | C$655≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2–5 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Casual lunch main | C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can at the LCBO | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) / C$2.50–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Awenda day-use vehicle permit | about C$21 (≈ US$16) (check) |
| Discovery Harbour admission | about C$12 (≈ US$9) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Discovery Harbour runs May–Sep only: check dates before you plan around it.
- Beach and boat traffic peaks in Jul–Aug; parking at Awenda fills on weekends.
- Winter roads off Hwy 93 ice up; snow tires help Dec–Mar.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Ontario Provincial Police (non-emergency)
- 1-888-310-1122
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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PenetanguishenePenetanguishene
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- OPP non-emergency1-888-310-1122
Embassy
No embassies here; the US consulate general is in Toronto, and most countries keep missions in Ottawa or Toronto.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Mid-Pen Transit, single ride: about C$3 (≈ US$3) (check)
- Taxi, town to Midland: about C$15–20 (≈ US$11–15) (check)
- Toronto Pearson → Penetanguishene by car: about 2 h, 150 km (93 mi)about 2 h, 93 mi (150 km)
Say or show
- Merci — Thank you (mair-see)
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-zhoor)
- Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? (kom-byen sa koot)
- Où est la plage ? — Where is the beach? (oo ay la plahzh)
- Puis-je payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (pweezh pay-yay par kart)
English is the everyday language; French is common and both are official in Canada.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Penetanguishene. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for beaches and Discovery Harbour; Feb for the winter carnival and ice fishing · avoid Nov–Apr for beach and harbour visits (Discovery Harbour is seasonal) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YYZ: drive times field-checked, last LINX departure, taxi fallback.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Main Street, the waterfront, Discovery Harbour.
- Place pages with verified hours (Discovery Harbour, Centennial Museum, Awenda) and eat pages with last orders.
- Seasonal fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialTown of Penetanguishene
- officialDiscovery Harbour
- officialAwenda Provincial Park — Ontario Parks
- officialSimcoe County LINX transit
- secondaryWikivoyage: Penetanguishene, revision 5160157 (CC BY-SA 4.0)