With wide-open blue skies and sparkling snow as far as the eye can see, Orillia’s moniker as the ‘Sunshine City’ doesn’t just apply to the summer months. 90 minutes north of Toronto, Orillia welcomes visitors for a fresh winter escape, surrounded by some of the best outdoor winter destinations in Central Ontario, offering up a charming city full of fun activities, shopping and dining experiences.
We’ve compiled some suggestions on different experiences to enjoy during your Orillia getaway. Stay at one of 13 cozy accommodations in close proximity to Orillia’s downtown and regional adventures, take advantage of mid-week discounts and seasonal packages!
Girls’ Getaway
Treat you and your friends to an eclectic excursion to Orillia’s hot spots. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with your closest friends on a trip of sightseeing, dining, and rejuvenation.
Relaxation means something different for everyone. Maybe its slowing down at Cavana Ridge Spa and Salon, just minutes outside of Orillia. Or maybe throwing an axe and smashing electronics in a rage room calm you down – Axe Men Throwing can help with that.
Take in Orillia’s arts and culture, exploring the Orillia Museum of Art & History, Orillia Arts District and Leacock Museum. From inspiring historical exhibits to evocative art shows featuring a wide range of artists. Traverse Orillia’s historic downtown to see creativity on display with public art around every corner.
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Have a taste of the old country at Picnic Tapas & Wine Bar where European style meets Canadian charm. Around the corner, Lone Wolf Café doubles as a cozy hang out spot during the day and transforms into a cocktail bar at night. Their After Dark menu offers memorable concoctions for those late nights out. Maybe the crew is looking for a lively atmosphere and Couchiching Craft Brewing Co. offers locally produced brews paired with live music and entertainment most nights of the week.
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Romantic Getaway
Late winter can feel like a dismal time to be inspired for romance, making it the perfect time to plan something special and rekindle that spark!
Make it a date night at Provenance Wine Bar, an intimate hidden gem where you get the full sommelier experience paired with exquisite dining. Try something new at The Common Stove, a FeastON certified restaurant built on the Farm-to-Table ethos, using locally sourced meats and vegetables, built around a wood-fired grill. Maybe you’re looking for dining with a view? Check out FARE restaurant, located on the Stephen Leacock Museum Historic Site and overlooking Brewery Bay on Lake Couchiching. Winter brings serene views over the frozen lake with swans flocking the bay.
ORILLIA DINING
Make it dinner and a show! The Orillia Opera House is the largest live-theatre venue north of Toronto and features high quality entertainment – from big laughs to renowned musical acts. In the heart of Downtown Orillia, the theatre is just steps away from local shopping and dining. In the winter the theatre is full of lively acts and performances to remember!
Stay & Play
Winter is fleeting and Orillia looks to make the most of the season! Hugging the shorelines of both Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe, this boater’s paradise turns into an ice fishing mecca in the winter. When the conditions are right, it’s the perfect spot for perch and pike fishing. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at ice fishing, A Breath of Fresh Air offers ice hut rentals just steps from Couchiching Beach Park on the shores of Lake Couchiching.
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Orillia sits in Ontario’s snowbelt and once the snow sets, snowmobilers flock to the region. There are approximately 275 km of groomed trails around the area thanks to the Orillia District Snowmobile Club and its amazing volunteers who carefully groom the trails. A number of Orillia hotels such as the Comfort Inn and Best Western Plus Mariposa have easy access to the trail network and offer special discounts for snowmobilers.
For outdoor enthusiasts, spend the afternoon exploring the canopied trails of Scout Valley Nature Reserve. Bring your snowshoes to make the most of the winding trails through scenic landscapes.
Cozy Accommodations
Relax at one of Orillia’s 13 welcoming accommodations. For a getaway steeped in history check out the Champlain Waterfront Hotel in Orillia’s downtown. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is an award winning hotel just a short drive from the region’s best skiing destinations. Dine where you stay at the Grape & Olive restaurant at Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn. These are just a few of the many fantastic places to rest your head during your Orillia getaway.
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Whether it’s shopping and dining at more than 150 shops and 30-plus restaurants in the charming downtown core or playing in the great outdoors, winter in Orillia has something for everyone and is simply not to be missed.
