It’s a scorcher out there! 🥵 Heatwaves can be a hiccup in your vacation plans, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your time in Orillia & Lake Country as the temperatures climb. We have some tips to make the most of your OLC getaway during a heatwave:
OUTDOORS
🌿 Find shaded areas, such as canopied forest trails to explore
Stay out of the sun and under the shade of beautiful wooded areas. Orillia & Lake Country offers loop trails, rail trails, and scenic routes to enjoy for a leisurely hike to see and hear wildlife all around.
💧 Tip: Stay hydrated! Bring water with you on any outdoor activities. Stop, rest, and rehydrate regularly.
🌊 Cool down at the beach, kayak on the water, or try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding
A splash of water to stay refreshed with a cool breeze off the lake. Enjoy the waters of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe with some low energy water time. Check out one of Orillia & Lake Country’s beaches to play in the sand and take a swim. Splash pads and playgrounds are also great fun for kids! Try your hand at kayaking with A Breath of Fresh Air Kayak Rentals at Couchiching Beach Park or sign up for a class with Sunrise Yoga Studio to try stand-up paddle boarding in Old Brewery Bay.
🔆 Tip: Reapply sunscreen often! When you’re outside, even if it seems a little cloudy, protect your skin!
🍹 Relax on a Patio
Pair a refreshing drink with delicious food at one of Orillia & Lake Country’s scenic patios! With special patio menus for apps, lunch, cocktails and more.
⚠ Be mindful of the weather when heading outside for activities. Check in at operators with outdoor activities that may be impacted by high temperatures and humidex, before arriving. Avoid strenuous activities and being outdoors during peak hours of heat. The City of Orillia has opened Cooling & Hydration Centres as part of the heat warning.
INDOORS
Stay cool and sweat-free with some great indoor fun!
🖼 Visit a Museum or Gallery
Step back in time with interactive exhibits highlighting Orillia & Lake Country’s past. We recommend checking out Orillia Museum of Art & History’s Reflection of our Roots exhibit and the Leacock Museum’s exhibit From War to Wonders.
🎲 Adventure awaits at a Board Game Cafe or Axe Throwing!
Showcase your skills for dice, cards, and tabletop games at Cards & Coasters board game cafe! Test your barbarian skills in-person at Ax-Men Throwing.
🎳 Throw it back to some blacklight Bowling
Some activities never go out of style. Orillia Bowl is Orillia’s only 18 lane bowling centre and features Glow blacklight bowling as part of the fun!
👜 Browse, Shop, Explore
Visit the largest independent book store north of Toronto, Manticore Books! Stop by boutique shops like My Moon Collective or Blossom Plants + Goods. Shop for one-of-a-kind clothes in Plum Loco. Discover fun and toys for the family at Jack & Maddy Kids Store. These are just a few of the amazing stores to check out in Downtown Orillia!
🏊 Play where you stay!
Check out indoor pools and activities at your resort or hotel. Bayview Wildwood Resort, Horseshoe Resort, and Fern Resort offer loads of indoor fun for the whole family! Lagoon City Pier One Resort and Rawley Resort have beautiful dining along lakeside views. Casino Rama Resort offers gaming floors, live entertainment, and spa amenities. In Orillia, enjoy indoor pools and exercise areas at select hotels.
ANYTIME
🍦 We All Scream for Ice Cream!
Treat yourself to a cool sweet treat at Coldwater Ice Cream, Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream, Apple Annie’s Cafe, DWN Craft Chocolatier, Cool Cones, Sweet Dreams and more.