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 waterfront dining as you lunch at a National Historic Site, 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.
Head Out for Lunch
Stroll the streets of Orillia — “Mariposa” as immortalized by Canada’s greatest humorist, Stephen Leacock — and then visit his historic home on Lake Simcoe in a quiet bay with amazing views. You’ll be able to take a guided tour of the National Historic Site and the famous studio where he wrote Sunshine Sketches of a Small Town. A delicious lunch will be prepared for you by FARE Restaurant, and you can take it as a box lunch to eat by the lake or in the gardens, or eat in the restaurant itself. A visit to Leacock Museum is a perfect way to spend a summer’s afternoon.
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.
Moving In by Norm Foster
July 5 to July 21
When Mark and Gretchen decide to move in together at fifty-something, they think they’ve got it all figured out. But their grown-up children have other ideas. Mark’s son Brett is a wannabe rock star who says he’ll lend a hand – but never quite gets around to it. Gretchen’s daughter Rachel is a cop who flies across the country to arrest her mom’s midlife crisis. Sparks fly and jokes crackle in this new and hilarious show by Canada’s comedy genius.
Halfway There
July 26 to August 11
Brett and Drew are tired of their crowded condo and their demanding careers in Toronto. They want a house of their own, but they can’t compete in the city’s ruthless real estate market. When Brett’s Aunt Maggie dies and leaves him a gorgeous old house in a charming tourist town, it’s a chance to start anew. From nosy neighbors to renovation disasters, they face one hilarious challenge after another. Will they overcome the prejudice and the problems in their new community, or will they long for the diversity and the excitement of the city?
Come Down from Up River
August 16 – September 1
Stewiacke, Nova Scotia, is a small town with a big claim to fame: it’s halfway between the North Pole and the equator. But that’s not the only thing that makes it special. It’s also home to Vi, Rita, Mary Ellen, and Janine, four friends who know everything about everyone in this tiny town. Well, almost everything. They didn’t see Sean coming. He’s a handsome doctor who just moved in for a temporary job at the clinic. And things are about to get interesting in the lives of four old friends.
So, what will you choose? Your Sunshine City Getaway awaits.
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