When Stephen Leacock penned his soon-to-be hit Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town on the shores of Brewery Bay, he had no idea that the town rumoured for the book’s inspiration would embrace the moniker of the Sunshine City for decades to come.
Just 90 minutes north of the GTA, Orillia has since moved from a hidden gem to a widespread destination for visitors seeking beautiful lake country views and spending their time in a charming downtown. With a bustling arts and culture scene, boutique shops and delectable culinary experiences, it can be overwhelming to pick what suits you!
Luckily, there’s the Sunshine City Getaway package that makes travel easy without the hassle. Package includes lunch at a historic bakery, a show at an iconic theatre, dinner at your choice of two great restaurants and an overnight stay at your choice of two gorgeous hotels – with breakfast in the morning. Take your pick of accommodations, dining experiences and a show and let Sunshine Getaway take care of the rest.
Choose your Hotel
Stay at your choice of either the Best Western PLUS Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre (on Memorial Drive, a five-minute drive from downtown) or the Champlain Waterfront Hotel, at the foot of our main street and steps from the theatre. Breakfast will be included!
The Best Western PLUS Mariposa Inn & Conference Center features spacious guest rooms with premium amenities including complimentary high speed internet, indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and onsite full service restaurant The Grape & Olive. Breakfast is served in the Grape & Olive Dining Room and features a full hot and cold buffet including coffee and specialty teas.
The Champlain Waterfront Hotel is a historic boutique hotel located in the heart of Orillia’s downtown. Located steps away from the beautiful waterfront, unique shops and eateries & a short stroll to the Orillia Opera House. Modern rooms will provide you with a cozy night’s rest and Fionn MacCools attached to the hotel. Breakfast is available each morning in the main lobby and features a grab and go Continental offering including pastries, yogurts and coffee and tea.
Choose your Dining
The Grape & Olive is all about bringing people together over delicious food, with a homemade, fresh and flavourful menu along with amazing service for your dining pleasure. Everything is prepared fresh with smoked meats and sides to create truly mouthwatering dishes.
Fionn MacCools believes quality time should be spent over quality fare. Just minutes away from the Port of Orillia on Lake Couchiching, Fionn MacCools strives to satisfy your appetite for honest food and great company, while bringing you good times that happen for no reason – which is the best reason of all.
(Remember, your choice of hotel doesn’t change which Dinner venue you choose. You can stay at the hotel of your choice and select between one of two wonderful restaurants for Dinner.)
Choose your Show
The Orillia Opera House has been entertaining audiences since 1895 and remains an iconic landmark in Orillia’s historic downtown. Depending on when you visit, you’ll see one of three fabulous shows at the Orillia Opera House, featuring some of Canada’s best actors from Stratford, Shaw, Broadway and beyond! Take your pick from the Summer Theatre series for quality entertainment during your stay.
Doris & Ivy in the Home by Norm Foster
June 19 to July 15
Retired prison guard Doris Mooney has just moved in to Paradise Village, a retirement home in Canmore, Alberta. She quickly befriends Ivy Hoffbauer, a former champion skier who’s taken aback by Doris’s cheerful brashness. Rounding out the trio is dapper Arthur Beech who has designs on Ivy. Love, gossip and sex behind the compost heap, this is Foster at his hilarious best. Be the first audience ever to enjoy it!
Driving Miss Daisy
July 20 to August 12
The unlikely friendship between an African-American chauffeur and his elderly employer in the deep South. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, this play finds the warmth and humanity in a world so often filled with inequity. Humorous and heartfelt, it is a classic play that has delighted audiences for decades.
Come Down from Up River
August 17 – September 2
Shaver Bennett has lived a rather solitary life as a logger in Northern New Brunswick. One day he arrives in Saint John at the doorstep of his estranged niece, Bonnie Doyle and her wife Liv Arsenault. Bonnie and Shaver haven’t seen each other in 20 years, so welcoming him into their home has its ups and downs — with a big dose of humour and heart in this new Foster comedy that has already wowed audiences across the country.
So, what will you choose? Your Sunshine City Getaway awaits.
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2022 Ontario Staycation Tax Credit
Save your receipts! Ontarians are eligible for the Staycation Tax Credit when you stay at an eligible hotel, motel, resort, lodge, bed-and-breakfast establishment, cottage, or campground before December 21, 2022. Learn more about the credit here.
Memorable Experiences in Every Season
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