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Celebrating our past while embracing the future is what makes Orillia a rich, vibrant and charming community to live, work and visit. Its charming heritage-themed downtown, lively neighbourhoods and parks are rich with beauty and history. Start your journey here with our historic sites, architecture and walking tours.
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At the bottom of The Narrows, joining Lake Simcoe and Couchiching, are the remains of ancient fish weirs used and cared for by the Huron-Wendat and today the Chippewas. For more information on the fascinating history of the Fish Weirs, click here. |
Where once the Champlain Monument once stood in Couchiching Beach Park, only the staircase remains. It was removed in 2017 for restoration and has yet to return at the advice of Parks Canada and the Champlain Monument Working Group. For updates on the status of the restoration, click here. |
The OPP Museum, located in Orillia, Ontario, Canada is committed to the preservation and continuation of the material and cultural heritage of the Ontario Provincial Police. Click here to access the museum's website. |
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| The Orillia Municipal Heritage Committee is responsible for the stewardship of the designated properties in Orillia under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Click to here access the committee's home page, or click on Designated Properties or Properties of Interest for more information on heritage sites in Orillia. |
Built in 1895, the Opera House has been a focal point for the cultural life of the City of Orillia. The only professional quality performing arts venue in the town, the theatre at one time was also used as a municipal office, police headquarters, and jail.
Click here to access the Orillia Opera House's website for history, events listings, and ticket purchases. |
Located in the heart of downtown Orillia, the clocktower of the Sir Samuel Memorial Building is a beacon for the museum's historical location. The museum holds various exhibits, classes, art showings and events today. Click here to access the Orillia Museum of Art and History website.
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The Stephen Leacock House, historically known as "The Old Brewery Bay", is significant for its association with renowned Canadian author and academic, Stephen Leacock (1869 - 1944). Constructed in 1928, the house and surrounding grounds remains open today for tours, exhibits, and events.
Click here for the Stephen Leacock Museum home page. |
The Provincial Plaque Program is run by the Ontario Heritage Trust with nearly 1,300 familiar blue and gold plaques across Ontario. There are four within the Orillia area:
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The tour is approximately 4 kilometers long and will take you through the historical buildings and quaint, locally owned shops that call downtown Orillia home. You'll not only see the magnificent century homes, but hear all about the owners and pioneers who helped shape Orillia's early days. |
The tour will take you along the shoreline of incredible Lake Couchiching. You'll stroll through Tudhope Park, past the Port of Orillia to the Atherley Narrows and Mnjinkaning Fish Weirs. |
With nine points of interest on the Leacock grounds, your visit to the national historic site will be enhanced with the easy to use, free audio tour. Learn about Stephen Leacock's life and construction his stunning lakeside home through the fully narrated guide. |
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The City of Orillia's Indigenous Initiatives page works to collect resources to help residents further their understanding of the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in our community and across our nation through education and engagement. |
To help residents connect with resources and experiences, the City has compiled the Black History Month page to reflect various initiatives and resources on Black history and culture within the region and country. |
Inquiries?
Contact Jacqueline Surette
Manager of Culture
705-345-4530
jsurette@orillia.ca
