Pirate festival takes over Penetanguishene

A costumed Captain Hook character posing with kids in Penetanguishene, Ont. on Sat., August 3, 2024. (CTV News/Steve Mann)

Pirates of the Bay set sail along Discovery Harbour, immersing Penetanguishene locals and visitors into the world of pirates.

As the largest pirate festival in Ontario, the event featured performances, exhibits, sword fights, a costumed Captain Hook character and other hands-on pirate activities.

"It's really cool for visitors to come out to the historic site," said Melissa Elsdon from Huronia Historical Parks. "They get a little bit of history and a lot of pirate fun at the same time."

Elsdon added that pirates are not relevant to Discovery Harbour's historical significance, but Pirates of the Bay showcased that history through musket firing and blacksmith demonstrations.

"[They] happened daily here at Discovery Harbour and were part of life here at the establishment many years ago," stated Elsdon. "We've got lots going on that directly ties to the history that happened here at Discovery Harbour."