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New and exciting experiences are bringing history to life at Orillia’s beloved historic waterfront home this spring.
After recent restorations, technology and gift shop additions, and the creation of brand-new exhibits, the Leacock Museum is ready to offer visitors a one-of-a-kind touring experience on the shores of Old Brewery Bay.
On the tour
All 9.5 acres of the scenic grounds are up for exploration with access to Leacock’s historic gardens, waterfront trails, a local onsite restaurant, and gift shop. Free self-guided audio tours of the grounds are available for those looking to explore at their own pace, or scheduled guided and self-guided tours can be booked to view the immersive displays inside the home.
Nine points of interest are featured throughout the grounds, while the house offers two current exhibits. On the main floor, “A Leacock Love Story” looks at the real-life romantic relationship between Stephen Leacock and his wife, Beatrix, as told through her final letters. Upstairs, “75 Years of Laughs: Reminiscing the Leacock Medal for Humour” features past winners of the Leacock Medal, along with a few of the awards on display, their origins, and a fascinating deep dive into former winner Farley Mowat.
For the first time during a tour, visitors will have access to Leacock’s famous boathouse during the newest exhibit “Boating Old Brewery Bay.” Open now, this exhibit will explore Leacock’s passion for boating with historic equipment on display – some of which belonged to Leacock himself – along with photographs by featured artists, including some by world-renowned photographer Yousuf Karsh. This area will be accessible through the guided House and Grounds History Tour.
One of Orillia’s most prominent landmarks, the boathouse has long been a favoured feature on the shores of Lake Couchiching. The exhibit’s opening marks a new era of immersion while exploring the grounds, bringing Leacock’s equipment back on display in its original home.
Gatsby Garden Party
Adding to the lineup of exciting events, the Museum will also be presenting its Gatsby Garden Party on June 17. Combining the decadence of the 1920s with the simplicity of a picnic style outing, this event will feature live entertainment, lawn games, and a silent auction. Inside the museum, an awards ceremony and poetry reading for the K. Valerie Connor Memorial Poetry Celebration will also take place. Immerse yourself in history and literature during this fun family-friendly event!
How to book a tour
As of May 20, the Leacock Museum will be open for home tours from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the last booking scheduled at 3 p.m.
Those looking to visit the new “Boating Old Brewery Bay” boathouse exhibit can schedule a guided House and Grounds History Tour from Tuesday to Friday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. or on Saturdays at 11 a.m.
To book a timeslot, please call 705-325-3320 or click the button below to book online. Bookings must be made with 24 hours notice to your requested tour time. More details on events and tours can be found at leacockmuseum.ca.
Make it a package
Orillia's popular Sunshine Getaway Package is back! This package includes a 2 for 1 coupon to tour the Leacock Museum, lunch at local onsite restaurant Fare, dinner at your choice of two restaurants, a one-night stay at a local hotel, and a ticket to one of the Orillia Opera House's professional Summer Theatre productions! Just 90 minutes north of Toronto, the Sunshine Getaway package will help you experience all the wonderful things the Sunshine City has to offer.
The Sunshine Getaway package is just $225 per person, including all gratuities, taxes, and fees! Click the button below to learn more and book your stay.
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