Just 90 minutes north of Toronto, Orillia – “The Sunshine City” – is central Ontario’s best-kept secret. A historic destination nestled between the shores of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe with a bustling arts and culinary scene, Orillia is where natural beauty and culture combine.
Every summer, travelers are invited to explore the best of what this lakefront destination has to offer. The Sunshine Getaway package is an all-inclusive getaway, offering a one-night stay in one of two luxury hotels with breakfast in the morning, dinner at your choice of two restaurants, tickets to a live show at an iconic theatre, your choice of three historical City tours, and a dining and shopping voucher to explore Orillia’s cultural hub, Downtown Orillia. Check out what’s on the 2024 itinerary!
Choose your Show
Standing as a cultural beacon in the heart of historic Downtown Orillia, the Orillia Opera House is the largest professional performing arts venue north of Toronto. Entertaining audiences since 1895, The OOH brings world-class performances to perform across its historic stages year-round.
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.
The Long Weekend by Norm Foster
July 3 to July 19
A raucously funny play about two married couples and a weekend getaway that goes hilariously awry. It’s 1994. Max and Wynn Trueman and Roger and Abby Nash have been friends for years, but when they come together at Max and Wynn’s new vacation home, grievances, desires, and secrets spill out, sparking nonstop laughs.
With lacerating wit, The Long Weekend skewers marriage and friendship, over a long weekend that goes anything but smoothly. And the shoulder pads get pretty big.
Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe
July 24 to August 9
To help relieve his mother’s despair, a young boy creates a list of everything that brings joy to their lives. The list grows with every passing year. Reflecting on a life of highs and lows, the audience goes on a wonderful journey that focuses on finding joy in everyday moments and appreciating the simple pleasures around us. Often hilarious and always uplifting, Every Brilliant Thing is a rare treat: a comedy about depression and loss that will captivate your imagination.
Those Movies by Norm Foster
August 14 to August 30
When Harry asks his pal Patrick to accompany his coworker Millie and her visiting cousin Chelsea for a blind date, Patrick reluctantly agrees. But as the night unfolds, wires get crossed and false assumptions between Patrick and Chelsea spiral into a comical miscue. And the comedy rolls out from there.
Those Movies affectionately spoofs and celebrates the tried-and-true romantic comedy formula that movie fans know so well, as the story zigs and zags its way through a maze of mixups, mayhem, and misunderstandings. Foster’s spot-on dialogue, richly drawn characters, and impeccable comic timing are on full display.
Foster’s latest stage comedy is an absolute crowd-pleaser destined to delight both longtime fans and newcomers alike!
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 just a short distance from the theatre. Breakfast will be included!
The Best Western PLUS Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre features spacious guest rooms with premium amenities including complimentary high-speed internet, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and an onsite full-service restaurant, The Grape & Olive Bistro. Breakfast is served in the Grape & Olive Dining Room which 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. This quaint hotel is just steps away from beautiful Lake Couchiching, where a sandy beach and public swim await, along with Downtown Orillia’s unique shops, galleries, eateries, and of course, the Orillia Opera House. Modern rooms will provide you with a cozy night’s rest and mouthwatering dining at the attached restaurant, Fionn MacCools. 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 Restaurant
The Grape & Olive Bistro is all about bringing people together over delicious food, with a fresh and flavourful menu. Enjoy farm-to-table inspired dishes, smoked meats, and creative 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!
Choose a Tour
Step back through time and discover Orillia’s rich heritage, filled with stories of blossoming careers of iconic Canadian artists, Wild West-style lore, and stunning architecture.
At the Leacock Museum National Historic Site, you can explore the stately waterfront summer home of Canada’s greatest literary humourist, Stephen Leacock. This guided tour includes a detailed viewing of the 19-room home and scenic grounds, along with exclusive access to the museum’s current exhibits.
Option 2: Art Appreciation Tour
Interested in art? Then this tour option is for you. Our expert guide will take you through several current exhibitions and discuss the themes, techniques, and history related to the works on display. No knowledge of art is necessary for this tour, just come ready to experience amazing artwork and learn something new.
Option 3: Historical Building Tour
The Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building (where OMAH is housed) has a history as storied as any of its artifacts. In this tour option, you’ll learn about our building’s early years as a customs house, its eventual transition to the Orillia Museum of Art & History, and everything in between. Our expert guide will share information and stories while giving you a behind-the-scenes look at this fascinating building, including a glimpse inside our historic clock tower.
Shop, Dine, Explore
Stroll the streets of Orillia, where heritage buildings, public art, and boutique shops await. The Sunshine Getaway package includes $25 in Downtown Dollars to use where and how you would like! These vouchers can be used as cash in all BIA-registered businesses within the core, including many shops, restaurants, and cafes. A business directory can be found at downtownorillia.ca.
So, what will you choose? Your Sunshine City Getaway awaits.
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