If your perfect weekend involves stunning views, outdoor spaces, and a perfectly poured drink, it’s time to set your sights on Orillia & Lake Country. While the region has long been known for its lakes and trails, a wave of inventive craft beverage producers are turning it into a premier destination for thirsty adventurers. Pack your sunglasses and your appetite, because we’re taking a tour through the area’s best pints, flights, and hidden gems, where local ingredients and spectacular patio views always come standard.
Woodfolk Cider
For a craft cider experience like no other, take a trip to Woodfolk Cider. This dream come true was built by Martha Lowery and Alastair Whitehead, after years of planning. Martha and Alastair create true farm to glass ciders, pressed from apples grown right on their property, and neighbouring farms. They use unique apple varieties like Crimson Crisp, Porter’s Perfection and Providence, which boasts a stunning pink flesh. Their ciders are refreshingly dry, with zero sugar and aged to perfection. The selection is unique and ever-changing.
Nestled in Oro-Medonte, Woodfolk boasts a gorgeous outdoor tasting area with endless, stunning views. Summer Saturdays feature a rotating lineup of local food vendors serving up everything from artisanal wood-fired pizza to savory smoked meats. Looking for a slower pace? Visit on Sundays for a rejuvenating yoga session right on the deck. From spring through fall, Woodfolk is a beautiful destination.
Quayle’s Brewery
Quayle’s Brewery is an award-winning brewery located in the rolling hills of Oro-Medonte, a short drive from Toronto and only minutes from Orillia. They grow their own hops and brew and can their beer right onsite. If you like it hoppy check out Big Chute or two Monkeys and a Trenchcoat. If you like it dark, try their Maple Coffee Ripple Ice Cream Stout. And for the sour lovers, Quayle’s brews the Cabin Fever line-up that includes fresh, fruity flavours like Lemon Raspberry and Blackberry Pomegranate. With 14 taps and an impressive selection of cans for sale to take home, Quayle’s has something for every beer lover.
The brewery was built in 2016 as a re-creation of a 19th century local landmark, the Musical Barn. This gorgeous 3 story space is home to the brewing operation as well as ample seating. Outside, Quayle’s has a big, beautiful patio where that overlooks the expansive, rolling property, hop yards and beer garden. Listen to live music on the patio all summer long. Enjoy a menu of elevated pub food, including their legendary smashburger.
Quayle’s Brewery offers an exciting roster of events including trivia nights, comedy nights and yoga in the hop yard. Don’t miss their amazing vendor markets in May, July and November. This family and dog friendly brewery is the perfect place to spend an afternoon or to book your next special event.
Couchiching Craft Brewing Co.
Couchiching Craft Brewing Co. is located in the heart of vibrant Downtown Orillia, just steps to Lake Couchiching. The brewery opened in 2020 after an extensive renovation of the historic building. They brew a variety of award-winning beers right onsite. When it comes to what’s pouring, Couchiching hits all the right notes with a twelve-tap lineup. Their cutting-edge production system yields everything from crisp, award-winning lagers to adventurous, puckering sours and robust IPAs, ensuring there is a pint for every palate. The brewmasters love a good collaboration and often pair with other local businesses and organizations to craft extra special brews. This June, keep an eye out for “Champagne for my Real Friends,” a Brut IPA, a light-bodied, highly effervescent, spritzy beer style, with a portion of proceeds going to Lake Country Pride.
In 2025 Couching Craft Brewing Co. merged with long time local favourite restaurant, Brewery Bay. This iconic Orillia staple, in business for over 3 decades, was the perfect match to Couchiching’s delicious brews. Find an exciting menu of old and new favourites. Come for the food and beer and stay for one of their great events that including live music, sing alongs, creative workshops, bird bingo and more!
Why not make a weekend out of it and tour all 3? Find a great place to stay here.
