Get ready to find out the best things to do in Orillia, Ontario! This fun town in Canada has lots to do for families, especially in the summer. It’s right next to two beautiful lakes, Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe.
You can enjoy at Couchiching Beach Park! You can also ride a bike on special paths that go through pretty places. Do you like learning about history? Then you can visit a museum about a funny Canadian comedian named Stephen Leacock. Feeling hungry? The Orillia Farmer’s Market has yummy fresh food and cool things to buy, like toys and pictures.
Love water? Lakes Couchiching and Simcoe are perfect for playing in! You can rent a kayak, canoe, or a special board to stand on and paddle around. So get ready for a fun time in Orillia!
List of 11 Best Things to Do In Orillia
1. Couchiching Beach Park, Orillia
If you like building sandcastles and swimming in cool water on a sunny day, then you must visit Couchiching Beach Park! This sandy beach is the perfect place to relax and have a blast with your family. You can play frisbee with your grown-ups, have a yummy picnic lunch under the trees, or simply soak up the sunshine. The park even has a playground where you can climb and slide!
Are you feeling adventurous? You can rent a paddle boat or kayak and explore the lake. Just remember to wear your life jacket whenever you’re on the water – safety first!
Here’s a tip: Since the park is under construction right now, make sure to check online to see if it’s open before you go.
2. Orillia Biking Trails
Do you like riding bikes? Orillia has many biking trails that wind through scenic landscapes. These trails are perfect for both beginners and experienced cyclists. You can choose between easy rides along the waterfront or more challenging off-road adventures.
If you don’t have your own bike, don’t worry! There are places in Orillia where you can rent one.
3. Orillia’s Farmer’s Market
The Orillia Farmer’s Market is a must-visit for everyone! It’s a bustling place filled with booths selling fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious treats, sushi restaurants, and amazing crafts. You can find all sorts of goodies, from yummy jams and honey to pretty paintings and souvenirs.
The market is a great way to support local businesses and get a taste of what Orillia is all about. Plus, it’s a fun place to wander around and see all the interesting things people make and sell.
Here’s a tip: The market can get crowded sometimes, so be prepared to wait a little if there’s a long line at a booth you want to visit.
4. Stephen Leacock National Historic Site, Orillia
Did you know that Canada has a famous comedian named Stephen Leacock? You can learn all about him at the Steven Leacock National Historic Site. This museum is located in a beautiful old schoolhouse exhibits about Leacock’s life and work.
The museum might be more interesting for grown-ups, but you can still have fun looking at the old books and pictures. Maybe you’ll even be inspired to write your own funny story!
Here’s a tip: Since the museum is sometimes closed, it’s a good idea to call ahead and check the hours before you go.
5. Downtown Orillia for Shops, Restaurants, and Breweries
Downtown Orillia is full of life! There are many shops selling everything from toys and clothes to books and souvenirs. You can also find delicious restaurants serving all kinds of food, from pizza and burgers to pasta and ice cream.
And if you’re feeling grown-up (well, almost!), there are even a few breweries in downtown Orillia where your grown-ups can try some local craft beers (but remember, these are only for grown-ups to drink!).
Here’s a tip: If you’re looking for a specific store or restaurant, you can ask your parents or do a quick search online to find its address before you go.
6. Wilkie’s Bakery, Orillia
Do you have a sweet tooth? Then you’ll love Wilkie’s Bakery in downtown Orillia! This bakery is famous for its butter tarts, which are a kind of Canadian dessert. They also have many other yummy treats, like cookies, cupcakes, and pies. So grab a sweet snack and enjoy it while you walk around downtown and explore the shops.
7. Moose Beach, Orillia
If you’re looking for another beautiful beach to visit, check out Moose Beach! This beach provides lots of options for everyone. You can relax on the sand, go fishing off the shore, or take a refreshing dip in the lake.
There’s also a splash pad at Moose Beach, which is a water park area with fountains and spray guns. It’s a perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day!
Here’s a tip: Moose Beach can get busy, so be prepared for crowds, especially during the summer months.
8. Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe, Orillia
Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe are perfect playgrounds for water sports enthusiasts. You can rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard and explore the beautiful scenery.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try waterskiing or wakeboarding. Remember to wear a life jacket and always follow safety guidelines whenever you’re on the water.
Here’s a tip: There are companies in Orillia that offer rentals for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. You can also find some that offer lessons for water sports if you’re a beginner.
9. Camping and Hiking in Orillia
Do you love camping – hiking, and spending time outdoors? Then Orillia is the perfect place for you! There are many provincial parks located near the town that offer campsites. Here are a few options:
Bass Lake Provincial Park: This park is located within Orillia itself and offers beautiful scenery and plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and hiking. You can even roast marshmallows over a campfire at night – how cool is that?
Mara Provincial Park: This park is a short drive away from Orillia and has campsites right on the shores of Lake Simcoe. You can go boating, canoeing, and kayaking in the park, or just relax on the beach and build sandcastles.
McRae Provincial Park: This park is another short drive from Orillia and offers a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and swimming. Imagine exploring the forest trails and spotting all sorts of interesting animals and plants!
Camping is a great way to experience the beauty of nature and spend quality time with your family.
Here’s a tip: Provincial parks can get booked up quickly, especially during peak season (summer months). Make sure to reserve your campsite well in advance, especially if you’re planning your trip during the summer.
10. Ontario Provincial Police Museum, Orillia
Are you curious about how police officers work? Then you might enjoy visiting the Ontario Provincial Police Museum. This museum is dedicated to the history of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), which is the provincial police force for Ontario.
The museum has exhibits on police uniforms, vehicles, and equipment. You can even learn about some of the important cases that the OPP has solved over the years.
Here’s a tip: Since the museum is sometimes closed, it’s a good idea to call ahead and check the hours before you go.
11. Casino Rama, Orillia (if you’re with grown-ups)
While this isn’t exactly in Orillia, Casino Rama is a popular entertainment destination located about a 20-minute drive away. It’s a large casino resort that offers a variety of games, shows, and restaurants.
Important to remember: This is a place for grown-ups only. So if you’re on a trip with your family, this might be an activity for grown-ups to enjoy on their own while you have fun exploring other parts of Orillia!
Tips for planning your trip to Orillia
The best time to visit Orillia is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, Orillia is beautiful all year round.
Be sure to pack comfortable shoes for walking around town and exploring the outdoors.
Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and sunscreen if you plan on spending time at the beach or swimming in the lake.
If you’re traveling with young children, be sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks to keep them happy.
Most importantly, relax, have fun, and enjoy your time in Orillia!
Orillia is a charming town with lots of things to do for everyone. Whether you love spending time outdoors, exploring shops and museums, or simply relaxing by the lake, Orillia is the perfect place for a weekend getaway or if you want to enjoy a longer vacation.
So get ready to have some fun in Orillia!