9 Fun Places To Visit In Orillia This Summer
May 10, 2018Orillia, Ontario is a vibrant community located in Simcoe County between Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe. Featuring wildlife, beautiful beaches, rich history, fantastic museums, and more – Orillia is the place to be this summer.
HERE ARE OUR TOP NINE PLACES THAT YOU CHECK OUT:
1. LAKE COUCHICHING BEACH PARK
A great place to walk, grab a quick snack, swim, relax, and take in the sunshine, it’s no surprise that residents of Orillia adore Lake Couchiching Beach Park. With a great playground for kids, your children will want to spend the whole summer at the shore.
“Walk the boardwalk. Sit on a bench. Let the kids play on the great equipment. Bring a bathing suit and swim at the beach. Buy some fries at Frenchies or the snack bar close to the beach. Take a deep breath and enjoy it like I do. We are lucky to have such a fantastic park in Orillia!” – bizzyhavingfun, Trip Advisor
Centennial Drive, Orillia
1-705-325-1311
2. SCOUT VALLEY
With beautiful walking trails, Scout Valley is the perfect place to take a family hike or to walk your dog. Explore to find different species of trees, birds, wildlife, and adventure! This site also features great parking and clearly marked pathways.
“Safe well groomed trails. Dog-friendly. Multi-terrain. Beautiful scenery. Nice lookout to enjoy a panoramic view of [the] area.” – Ruyters17, Trip Advisor
Highway 11 & Old Barrie Road East, Orillia
1-705-726-9300
3. CANDY SHOPPE
Do you have a sweet tooth? If you want to feel nostalgic about the magical candies you enjoyed in your youth, the Candy Shoppe will be your lollipop dream! With a great selection of unique candy, chocolate, and novelty items, your entire family will have a blast exploring the colourful shop.
“Everything imaginable in candy land! I found candy I hadn’t seen since I was a child. A great walk down memory lane plus all my current favourites.” – Krystyne T, Trip Advisor
8903 Hwy 11 N, Orillia
1-705-327-8337
4. MARA PROVINCIAL PARK
While Mara Provincial Park may be smaller than other Ontario parks, many families prefer the less busy beaches, space for adventure, great location, and trails. Dive into the clear water or go for the day with a delicious picnic – you won’t be disappointed!
“Great park! I have been to much larger ones, but this small park with 100 [campsites] was quite the surprise. Less people in general, great sized beach. Play ground at beach for kids. Washrooms were clean. Campsite sizes were large. Water was warm, clear, sandy.” – Angelica A, Trip Advisor
181 Courtland Street, Orillia
1-705-326-4451
5. SCALES NATURE PARK
Scales Nature Park is a hot spot for all who are interesting in learning more about reptiles! This centre features the most complete live collection of creatures and even allows visitors to hold various reptile friends (with staff supervision). As one reviewer notes below, there’s even a trail that you can explore!
“This place is amazing for kids, totally worth a stop and reasonably priced. Kids get to handle some creatures and will on slower days get 1 on 1 interpretation. There is a nice trail to walk after your visit in their back yard also. Have recommended this place to many friends.”- DEAPLove4Life, Trip Advisor
82 Line 15 S, Orillia
1-705-327-2808
6. ORILLIA FARMER’S MARKET
If you’re new to the area or want to come and visit Orillia for a day, we encourage you to “do what the locals do…shop the farmers’ market”. The Orillia Farmer’s Market features baked goods, fruits and vegetables, cheeses, meats, music, handmade crafts, and other artisan goods. Open every Saturday in the summer; you’ve got to check it out!
“Orillia hosts an authentic farmers’ market in the heart of its charming downtown near the spectacular library and historic (and haunted) opera house. Shop the market, check out the impressive Gordon Lightfoot sculpture and then settle in for lunch at one of the many fine downtown restaurants. Assuming, that is, you haven’t already filled up on market treats send samples!” – howellmr, Trip Advisor
4500 Fairgrounds Rd, Orillia
1-705-484-1244
7. STEPHEN LEACOCK MUSEUM
The Stephen Leacock Museum is rich with history, and the perfect place to learn, grab a bite to eat, and explore cottage gardens. The museum, as you might have guessed, is where Canadian humourist Stephen Leacock spent his summers. The two-story house site features arbours, a boathouse, a café, and a visitor’s centre.
“The Stephen Leacock House and Museum is like stepping back in time to a lovely summer house from the 1920’s. Beautiful setting on the lake. Excellent introduction to the house and Leacock by the interpreter at the door. Well worth spending some time there on a summer afternoon.” – andreagordon55, Trip Advisor
50 Museum Drive, Box 625, Orillia
1-705-329-1908
8. ORILLIA MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY
Located in the heart of Orillia’s Arts District, the Orillia Museum of Art & History was designed within the historical Sir Samuel Steele Memorial Building. With interesting displays, engaging exhibits, and beautiful collections that cover two floors of space, you’re sure to enjoy all that the museum has to offer.
“This is definitely one of Orillia’s Hidden Gems! The history behind the museum itself is more than enough reason to visit. The exhibits change every few months, but there’s always an exhibit which nods to Orillia’s rich history.” – CanadianDreamer75, Trip Advisor
30 Peter St S, Orillia
1-705-326-2159
9. ORILLIA BOAT CRUISES
All aboard! Orillia Boat Cruises offer packages for various boats that can be booked for special events, private tours, group tours, and celebrations. The cruise will take you to see homes and cottages on the lake, while Captain Tom provides commentary on the various sites you will see. With two levels of boat to explore, a snack bar, and meals on dining cruises, a summer boat ride sounds perfect to us!
“A great boat cruise with a knowledgeable and entertaining Captain. Beautiful scenery. Relaxing voyage.” – KellyD1965, Trip Advisor
1 Centennial Drive, Orillia
1-705-325-2628