There is truly nothing better than enjoying the shopping and dining amenities Orillia has to offer – unless it’s taking advantage of the natural beauty of our lakes and trail systems.
The journey is just as great as the destination and that can definitely be said for the many ways to travel around Orillia and enjoy the Lake Country area. Paddlers, anglers, cyclists and hikers who visit the area appreciate a different side to the Sunshine City through its pristine waters, smooth trails and rugged forested routes.
90 minutes north of Toronto, start planning your summer getaway!
Find the Water Route that Fits You
By Paddle
Thanks to a connecting network of waterways, the area has countless paddling opportunities for paddlers of all experience levels and stamina. Check out our list of Paddling Routes to find the one that interests you. Each route details its distance, average time to travel, nearby points of interest and launch points.
Don’t have your own watercraft? For those who want to leisurely explore the shoreline of Lake Couchiching, A Breath of Fresh Air provides rental opportunities at reasonable hourly rates for kayaks and standup paddleboards. Ever tried yoga on the water? Sunrise Yoga Studio offers SUP Yoga with rentals and guided paddle excursions, beginners welcome!
Paddle RoutesBy Boat
For motorboat and personal watercraft enthusiasts in Orillia and Lake Country, nothing beats cutting through the sun-kissed waves of lakes Couchiching and Simcoe on a hot day. The two lakes are each known for recreational boating with Lake Simcoe also being a beacon for anglers and Lake Couchiching boasting a reputation for dropping the anchor and enjoying popular swim spots.
The Trent-Severn Waterway connects directly with Lake Couchiching to the Port of Orillia. Known as the ‘Jewel of the Trent-Severn’, the Port of Orillia is a great meeting place for boaters to connect, rest, and discover all that Downtown Orillia has to offer- including great dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Learn MoreGone Fishin’
Another addition to Orillia’s waterfront is the fishing pier, a post-and-beam-covered structure that offers an optimal area to fish, as well as dock space for canoe and kayak access. It’s an awesome spot for people to relax with a line in the water at no cost.
For those who like to get out in their boat to cast a line, lakes Simcoe and Couchiching attract anglers from all over. Lake Simcoe is known throughout the province for its lake trout and whitefish, while Lake Couchiching is known for its yellow perch, northern pike and bass. Check out the Fishing Brochure for top spots to fish.
For nearly 40 years the area has also been home to the famed Perch Festival that takes place every spring. This event has been a large draw for long-time anglers and families alike.
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Find the Cycling Route that Fits You
Simcoe County is a well-known and favoured destination for cyclists and Orillia’s trails along the waterfront and through neighbourhoods in the city. It’s the perfect spot to begin your journey with paved and rail trails running to other communities in every direction. Whether it’s flat and beginner-friendly you’re looking for, or hilly and challenging, the area has something for every cyclist.
Orillia is the perfect basecamp for an overnight cycling getaway, offering the perfect après ride experience with a wide selection of restaurants, just a short stroll from your hotel. With safe access to trails and on-road routes via the Orillia Millennium Trail or just a short drive to epic mountain bike single track.
In Orillia, cycle along the Millennium Trail alongside Lake Couchiching’s shoreline. The trail connects you from the Uhthoff Trail, right to the Port of Orillia and its historic downtown for shopping and dining. You can then split off towards Oro-Medonte’s Rail Trail or continue on for a scenic ride through Tudhope Park. Be sure to stop in at the famed Leacock Museum and on-site FARE restaurant along your route!
Looking to rent a bike during your stay? The Bike Stop offers e-bikes, hybrid bikes, and kids bikes for rent for the day, weekend or all week! The Crank & Sprocket offers rentals for e-bikes, hybrid, mountain, road, and fat bikes at daily rates. Looking for bike-friendly businesses to stop in at on your journey? Visit cyclesimcoe.ca to plan your routes in and around Orillia and Simcoe County, including where to eat and stay.
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Find the Hiking Route that Fits You
Find your stride hiking along one of Orillia’s trails, from relaxing, scenic paved and gravel routes, to terrains that will get your heart pumping. Walk the Millennium Trail along the shoreline of Lake Couchiching, through the winding trail at Tudhope Park. Don’t miss the beautiful sculpture honouring Orillia’s own Gordon Lightfoot on the park’s peninsula during your walk.
The Uhthoff Trail is shared by cyclists and hikers alike, as a fully canopied forested gateway between Orillia and Severn. Download the Uhthoff Trail App for a self-guided tour while you walk, highlighting the area’s history, flora and fauna, and points of interest along the way.
If you’re looking for a challenging hike with your best furry pal, the 230-acre Scout Valley nestled between Highway 11 and Old Barrie Road (with access from Old Barrie Road, Line 15 North and Forest Home) has three loop trails and offers a phenomenal lookout with views of lakes Simcoe and Couchiching. It’s a beautiful hike through a deciduous forest for all ages.
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Dining Experiences
Orillia has become a hub of culinary flavours. Whether you’re looking for a patio to catch up with friends at Studabakers or Rustica Pizza Vino, a specialty crafted brew at Couchiching Craft Brewing Co., or an intimate fine dining experience at The Common Stove or Era 67, you’ll find what you’re looking for! Enjoy European-inspired Tapas at Picnic Tapas & Snack Bar. Find where flavours meet local fresh ingredients at Eclectic Cafe. Pick up artisanal cheese at the Rind & Truckle, discover Simcoe County’s craft chocolatier at DWN Chocolate, and who can leave without a Wilkie’s Buttertart. Enjoy specialty coffees and teas at Lone Wolf Cafe, Mark IV Bros, or Apple Annie’s Cafe. And of course, take home one of Mariposa Market’s signature donuts! Find all these dining experiences and more during your stay in Orillia.
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Arts & Culture
Some of Canada’s great artists, writers, and musicians have a called Orillia home. The Group of Seven’s Franklin Carmichael first started sketching here, Canada’s Troubadour Gordon Lightfoot had his humble beginnings singing in choirs. Renowned sculptors Elizabeth Wyn Woods and Emmanual Hahn have their art on display around the city. Canadian humourist Stephen Leacock found respite in Orillia, building his cottage on the shores of Lake Couchiching to write. The Sunshine City has been a vibrant attraction for artists and art enthusiasts throughout its history, creating an active arts scene.
Whether you’re stopping in at the Orillia Museum of Art & History or walking through smaller galleries and cafes, art is everywhere in Orillia. Take a self-guided tour to the city’s public art locations or walk the historic downtown for Streets Alive, an annual summer celebration of art.
Orillia’s performing arts scene can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. The Orillia Opera House is one of the largest performance venues north of Toronto, showcasing high quality and entertaining theatre productions and concerts. The newly refurbished Rotary Aquatheatre is a staple landmark at Couchiching Beach Park and offers outdoor big band and concert band experiences for free in the summer. Throughout the city, enjoy live music at restaurants and cafes, as well as the mini-stage at Alley Cats Music & Arts while paroozing vinyl records.
The City is also home to the iconic Mariposa Folk Festival. Every July, festival-goers flock to Tudhope Park for a magical weekend of music, art, dance, poetry, and more. The festival is celebrating over 65 years and over 25 years back in its hometown of Orillia.
Learn MorePlan Your Stay
Now that you know what to do in Orillia, it’s time to find a place to stay! The Sunshine City is home to over 15 hotels ready to serve you, located with easy access to Orillia’s activities, dining and supply needs. Rest easy and stay longer.
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