Frequently Asked Questions

It is a heritage site featuring two of the oldest surviving buildings in Northern Ontario: The Ermatinger Old Stone House (1814–1823) and The Clergue Blockhouse (1894), It tells the story of early settlement, the fur trade, and industrial history in Sault Ste. Marie.

800 Bay St., Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, near the St. Mary’s River waterfront and the downtown area.

June to mid-October: 7 days a week – 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Tuesday–Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Winter Hours)

Sundays & Mondays during the winter are closed.

Statutory holidays and other dates may be closed or have special hours

Yes, there is usually a small admission fee, with discounts for youth, seniors, and families. 

Some special events are entry by donation.

Absolutely! There are hands-on exhibits, costumed interpreters, outdoor spaces, and seasonal programs ideal for families and school groups.

For the tech savvy members, we offer Augmented Reality and QR codes.

Accessible parking available of Bay St. The Heritage Discovery Centre and many areas are accessible. The historic buildings have limited accessibility due to their original construction (2-storey). However, we do offer touch screens with information and tours. Following the boardwalk to the Old Stone House allows visitors to enter an accessible entrance through the Summer Kitchen. Accessible washrooms available in the Heritage Discovery Centre. Contact staff ahead of time if you have specific accessibility needs.

Yes, staff can provide guided tours, interpretive talks, and living history demonstrations.  Guided Tours require an advanced booking for groups and private tours.

Photography is generally allowed; however, flash restrictions may apply to protect artifacts in certain historic rooms. For commercial or event photography, ask staff for permission and do require film & photography fees.

Yes, free on-site parking is usually available for visitors, including accessible spots. Coach Bus car park is available. If all parking spaces are full, there is 2-hour parking beside the Heritage Discovery Centre.

Food and drink are not permitted inside the heritage buildings, but the outdoor grounds and Heritage Discovery Centre lobby are more flexible. Special events may include food vendors.

Yes! The site regularly hosts special events throughout the year.  Refer to our events listing for dates. Rentals of the Site for weddings, events, and small groups are also available for fees, and are subject to availability.  Rentals could also include our Heritage Culinary menu options. Availability varies.  Contact us for more information or inquiry about rentals.

Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on interest, activities, and seasonal programming.

Pets are not permitted inside buildings, except certified service animals.

The Visitor Centre includes a 50-seat movie theatre, War of 1812 Gallery exhibits and interpretive displays, “The Post” gift shop, accessible washrooms, Event/meeting space, information desk, and administrative office.

Ermatinger House: Exhibits focus on, Early settler life, Fur trade and voyageurs, of the early 1800’s during the era of Charles Oakes Ermatinger. Blockhouse: The house of Francis H. Clergue – our leader of the industrial empire.

Heritage Discovery Centre: War of 1812 gallery.

Yes, the site has curriculum-based education programs for elementary and secondary classes, including hands-on activities and historical demonstrations.

Inquire with us regarding our adult programming for bus tours, groups and Road Scholars.

Yes, popular seasonal events include Fall Rendezvous, Strawberry and Blueberry Socials, Holiday House Teas, Halloween House. Availability varies by year. Refer to our events schedule.

Yes. Group tours, bus tours, and school groups are welcome, but advanced booking is recommended to ensure staffing and availability.

The Ermatinger Old Stone House is carefully restored to reflect the 1800s period, based on archaeological evidence, historic documents, and expert interpretation.The Clergue Blockhouse retains its original late-19th-century industrial character.

Often yes—costumed interpreters may present crafts, fur trade tools, gardening, or 19th-century household skills, depending on the season.

Fall Rendezvous festival brings 4 days of demonstrations, cannons, muskets, and more.

Strollers are allowed in the Heritage Discovery Centre but may not fit well inside the historic buildings due to narrow doorways and heritage preservation considerations.

Yes. “The Post” gift shop is open during the operation timing. Visitors can purchase Souvenirs, locally made items, Books and historical resources, Handmade crafts, Children’s educational items.

The Ermatinger-Clergue NHS is designated by the Government of Canada but is operated by the City of Sault Ste. Marie, not by Parks Canada.

Yes—volunteers help with events, tours, seasonal programs, and maintenance. Applications are typically available through the website or the site itself.

There are outdoor spaces suitable for short breaks, though this is not a formal picnic site. Limited seating is available.

Yes, fully accessible bathrooms are in the Heritage Discover Centre.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, as you’ll be walking through historic buildings with uneven floors and around outdoor grounds. Dress for the weather during outdoor events.

The website offers online resources, videos, or links to local heritage organizations.

Artifacts vary in age but many date back to the 1800s, representing early settler life, fur trade tools, and Victorian furnishings.

Yes. Kid’s corner in the Heritage Discovery Centre is available with monthly activities for children. Also, depending on the season, visitors may try traditional games, demonstrations, crafts, artifact replicas, garden activities. All hands-on options depend on staffing and programming. Augmented Reality, and QR codes are also available for the tech savvy visitor. Audio tour wands are available for historical information while you tour the Site.

Some materials may be available in both English and French.

Often yes, but you must arrange a photography permit in advance. Some areas may be restricted for heritage protection.  Fees do apply.

• Watch for uneven floors in heritage buildings.
• Use handrails where provided.
• Supervise children closely around artifacts and exhibits.
• For events, follow all staff and volunteer instructions.

Historical buildings have modern HVAC system installed, and the Heritage Discovery Centre is fully climate controlled.

Public Wi-Fi is available in the Heritage Discovery Centre now and soon in the historical building to accommodate Augmented Reality experiences.

The City of Sault Ste. Marie has a policy regarding drone use within City limits. Please contact the corporation regarding Drone use.

Event schedules are typically posted through the site’s official webpage, City of Sault Ste. Marie announcements, social media, posters and local tourism info. We suggest being a member of the Friends of ECNHS to get advance notification of the events and programming of the site.

Donations are accepted on a case-by-case basis and must be reviewed by the Curator and the Historic Sites Board of directors. Usually, an item must pertain to the mandate and era before it is considered.

Core exhibits stay the same, but temporary displays and seasonal setups change throughout the year.

During busy events or tours, staff may control entry into small rooms to protect artifacts and maintain safety.

Yes, many volunteers help seasonally depending on the demand of the event.

Yes. Lost items can be claimed at the Heritage Discovery Centre front desk.

The site collaborates with the other City attractions like Canadian Bushplane, Entomica, Art Gallery of Algoma, and Sault Museum for an adventure pass which offers admission to all attractions in one pass. 

Gift certificates can be provided as requested.

Gardens are maintained using heritage-style plants to reflect the 19th-century period, though layouts have evolved over time.

Yes, during interpretive programs and events, staff and volunteers often wear period clothing to enhance the experience and portray the era.

Yes. Support can include event participation, on-site donations and through our donation form, volunteering, and purchasing items in the gift shop.

Financial donations and gift shop sales support the on-going maintenance and restoration of the historic buildings.

It preserves two of the oldest surviving buildings in Northern Ontario, representing early settlement, local industry, the fur trade, and the lives of Ermatinger and Clergue.  The Ermatinger House is a National Historic building, and Francis Hector Clergue is a national historic figure.  Both sit on the river’s edge of St. Mary’s, a Nationally designated waterway.

The non-profit charitable status partner group for the site is “Friends of ECNHS”. Friends of ECNHS help support ECNHS financially and with human resources: volunteer tour‐guides, event planning, fundraising, restoration, and educational programming.

The site is owned and operated by the corporation of the City of Sault Ste. Marie, under the management of the Historic Sites Board (HSB), appointed by city council. The HSB (with input from the curator and staff) ensures operational standards, museum‐compliance, heritage preservation, outreach, and programming.  The Site is part of the Recreation and Culture Division of the municipality.