Photo via Orillia & Lake Country Tourism
What could be more relaxing than a summertime lakeside retreat? For a short drive just outside of Toronto, it can be yours! There’s never a dull moment when you spend your summer in Orillia, and this year there’s really something for everyone.
Enjoy a sweet escape from the city with the charm of a cottage town and all the world-class dining you’d expect at home. Experience a vibrant culinary and art scene alongside waterfront views that you’ll only find in lake country. It’s enough to breathe in and make you say “aaahh.”
Ready to pack the car? Let us help you plan your trip. Here are 10 things to do in Orillia this summer:
Thinking of making it a weekend trip? You should because Orillia closes several streets downtown every Friday and Saturday night for an unbeatable patio experience. Take a seat outside and sip a glass of wine while you take in the ambiance, or explore the extended art walks that make an appearance every weekend.
Okay, this one isn’t an event per se, but if you’re visiting Orillia, then you can’t miss the dining experience at FARE restaurant, located on the historic Leacock Museum grounds. The museum looks plucked from a storybook, and the grounds make for a perfect after-dinner stroll. Trust us.
You can get it all without making the plans yourself. Enjoy fine dining, theatre tickets, and a luxe overnight stay with this getaway package. It’s perfect for enjoying the best of summer in Orillia without the fuss.
Stock up on fresh produce at this charming farmers market located outside the historic Orillia Opera House. Experience the community on a down-to-earth level and take your pick of locally made and grown goods. The farmers market happens every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Step back in time and explore Canadian writer Stephen Leacock’s historic boathouse. Enjoy the setting that inspired many of his stories while perusing the on-site photography exhibit. It’s a must-see for Canadian lit fans and history buffs alike.
This giant, floating obstacle course is available at Orillia’s must-visit beachy hotspot, Tudhope Park all summer long. Enjoy on-the-water slides, swings, and balance beams while you take in the warm waters of Lake Couchiching.
Orillia’s downtown core is rich with history. Take a fun, 19+ walking tour to explore the city’s “wild-west” days of the 1870s. This entertaining evening tour takes place every Wednesday until September and finishes with a pint at local British-style pub, The Hog N’ Penny.
If you like biking and beer, then you should definitely sign up for this cycling tour. Exploring the scenic and historic sights of Orillia while making a few pit stops at the best pubs in the city. This tour is over the course of 2 days, so don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time between pints!
Summer is the most colourful time in downtown Orillia. The annual Street Alive Festival runs from spring to fall and brings a large number of public art to discover on every corner. This year’s theme is “A Painter Passing Through,” is a tribute to late folk-legend and Orillia native, Gordon Lightfoot and features life-sized hand-painted guitars throughout the downtown core.
Lake life is calling. Don’t you think it’s about time you booked your trip?
A brand-new arts festival is coming to North Vancouver this June that local history lovers…
Have you ever wondered what it's actually like to live in a tiny home? Not…
If you love shopping local, you're going to be excited about this one. Makers is…
If you’re wandering around Vancouver or other parts of B.C. this weekend and see landmarks…
Its waters are mesmerizing, its beaches are pristine, and it's a great alternative to Okanagan…
Get your daily dose of history here!