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New and exciting experiences are bringing history to life at Orillia’s beloved historic waterfront home this season.
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, “Decoding Anne Lister: History's First Modern Lesbian” uncovers the cryptic diaries of revolutionary queer writer Anne Lister. 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.
Special Events
As one of Orillia's most scenic waterfront destinations, the autumn season is an especially beautiful time to explore the museum's grounds. This fall, a variety of special events are on the calendar for you to immerse yourself in the richness of harvest season. This October, the museum will return with Ghost Walks on the Leacock Museum Grounds for a spooktacular after-dark experience, along with a floral workshop; Roses and Rose, where you'll make your own autumn bouquet with direction from local florist Florillia. Included in the package is a museum tour and autumn beverage from Fare Restaurant. Adding to the lineup of autumn-themed events, the museum will present six Fall High Teas to reserve.View upcoming events
How to book a tour
The Leacock Museum is 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 guided tour of the Leacock Museum, lunch from a local restaurant on the museum grounds, 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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