Area: Severn
Distance: 160 km
Time: 3 – 4 Hours Driving
Things to Do Along the Way:
Play: Stop at Hewitt’s Fun Farm for fall fun for the entire family. Find your way through a corn maze, pick a pumpkin, or jump in a bouncy castle.
Explore: Discover the rural history of our region at the Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum with expansive grounds featuring historic buildings and farming equipment. Stop in the Village of Coldwater and learn about early European settlers at the Coldwater Heritage Mill. As you travel north be sure to stop along the locks of the Trent-Severn Waterway, starting at Lock 45 – Port Severn, to the historic Big Chute Railway and over to Lock 42 – Couchiching. Over in Washago, the Washago Grist Mill can be seen over the river.
Capture: Wander through Grant’s Woods or along the Uththoff Trail beneath a canopy of fall colours!
Eat: Stop in Coldwater for an early fuel up at Em’s Cafe or grab some lunch at The Tiffany or Old Familiar. For fine dining, make a reservation at Lighthouse 45 at Rawley Resort near Port Severn. Over in Washago, Lock 42 Grill is a must for a burger and grab some extra snacks to go at Canoe Fresh Foods. Heading back towards Orillia on Hwy 11, pull off at Blue Moon Junction for a great sit-down meal or grab some take out at Weber’s Restaurant (pull off at the Southbound parking lot and cross the walking bridge).
Events: The Coldwater Fall Fair brings the best and brightest in local farm products and agriculture along with lots of family fun activities. The Images Thanksgiving Studio Tour takes place Thanksgiving weekend, annually, with stops in Severn. Combine your road trip with visiting artist studios and pop-up galleries throughout the region. The Coldwater Witches Walk brings all things spooktacular to the village.
Parking: Plan before you go! Click here to learn about street parking information in Severn
Extend Your Stay: Make a getaway of your rural adventure! Combine this Driving Route with another OLC Route for the ultimate fall drive. Enjoy a resort stay at Bayview Wildwood Resort or Rawley Resort & Spa. Additional hotel accommodations can be found nearby in Orillia.
NOTE: Use caution when pulling over to view landscapes. Be mindful of blind spots and traffic. Do not trespass onto private property.
Follow the autumn colours along the water, from the Coldwater River to the Trent-Severn Waterway. Get ready to experience a drive full of beautiful, vibrant colour.
Begin your journey on Highway 12 west, to the Village of Coldwater. Stop and wander the downtown for some sightseeing, shopping and grab a bite to eat before heading out again on Hwy 12 which merges into Highway 400 Trans Canada Highway. Continue to Port Severn and take in the sights at Lock 45, the entry point from Georgian Bay to the top of the Trent-Severn Waterway. Get back on Hwy 400 and exit towards Upper Big Chute Road for a stop at the Big Chute Marine Railway. Continue along the winding road
Continue on
Follow the 15th Line to Highway 11 to head back to Orillia.
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