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First founded as a village in 1867, Orillia's 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.
Leacock Museum National Historic Site
It was Canada’s beloved literary humourist, Stephen Leacock who first coined Orillia’s moniker as the Sunshine City in his internationally acclaimed novel, Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town. Today, the author’s treasured Orillia summer home is protected and upheld as a National Historic Site, meticulously well-kept true to Leacock’s life. Visitors are invited year-round to explore the museum’s exciting interchanging exhibits, inspired by Leacock’s love for the arts and his famous friends, as well as pop into historical and literature-inspired festivals and events.
Current exhibitsUpcoming eventsTours
Orillia Museum of Art & History
30 Peter Street South.Recognized by its historic, eye-catching clock tower, the Orillia Museum of Art and History sits on the cornerstone of the Orillia Arts District in downtown Orillia. First erected in 1894, the designated heritage site is a fitting location to celebrate the stories of Orillia’s cultural life and early beginnings. The museum is organized with both history and art exhibits showcased evenly throughout the year, along with all-ages workshops, youth camps, and special events open to the public. The Orillia Museum of Art & History also offers private historical tours around the City.
Current exhibitsUpcoming eventsTours
Ontario Provincial Police Museum
777 Memorial Avenue.
Funded by the Ontario government and administered by the Ontario Provincial Police, The OPP Museum preserves, documents, and interprets artifacts and archival materials that help to build an understanding of the history of policing in Ontario since the formation of Upper Canada in 1791, specializing in the material culture of the Ontario Provincial Police from 1909. Admission to the O.P.P. Museum is free.
Current exhibits
Orillia Opera House
1 West Street North.
Since its opening in 1895, the Orillia 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 historic theatre has also previously been the home to Council Chambers, City Hall offices, market stalls, and most famously, the town's lock-up. Today, the Orillia Opera House features performances by a wide variety of internationally renowned artists.
Upcoming eventsGuided tours
Free self-guided tours
Download for free on your app store.Tripvia Tours is a free app offering three guided mobile tours of some of Orillia's main attractions. Discover history along the Millennium Trail as waterfront views, heritage sites, and historic tales guide your way, explore the Leacock Museum's historic gardens and grounds, or, discover the secrets behind downtown Orillia's most prominent heritage sites, including the Orillia Opera House, The Old Fire Hall, and more.
Millennium TrailHistorical DowntownLeacock Museum
Historic points of interest
The Mnjikaning Fish Weirs National Historic Site
The City of Orillia is situated on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg, specifically the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, a member of the Chippewa Tri-Council and Three Fires Confederacy. For over 5000 years, this land existed as a gathering place for Indigenous Peoples. At the bottom of The Atherley Narrows, joining Lake Simcoe and Couchiching, the remains of one of North America's oldest human developments remain. Ancient fish weirs were used and cared for by the Huron-Wendat, and today the Chippewas. The Mnjikaning Fish Weirs are now a protected National Historic Site.
We encourage you to visit our Indigenous Initiatives webpage to learn more about this land's extensive heritage, as well as discover ways to further honour and reflect upon the lives of Indigenous Peoples throughout history and today.
Indigenous InitiativesVisit Rama First NationThe Mnjikaning Fish Weirs
Heritage Designated Properties
Orillia was founded as a village in 1867 and incorporated as a town in 1875. Due to logging and rail links with Toronto and Georgian Bay, Orillia quickly became a commercial centre and summer resort in the mid 1800's.
Through the efforts of many public figures and organizations, including the Municipal Heritage Committee, many of Orillia's earliest builds still stand today as protected sites.
Many of these sites are featured during our above free self-guided routes, as well as the Orillia Museum of Art & History's guided walking tours. To learn more about the significance and location of each property, visit the buttons below.
Heritage Designated Properties Properties of Interest
Stories Along the Trail
Encompassing the Millennium Trail, a 9.5 km paved route which borders the City's main waterfronts, The Lightfoot Trail Network connects to the Uhthoff Trail in the north, the Oro-Medonte Rail Trail in the south-west and the Ramara Trail in the east.
Those who begin their journey from the Uhthoff Trail in the north and head towards the Ramara Trail in the east will discover all 14 of Orillia's heritage stories along the way. These plaques detail some of Orillia's most interesting landmarks and periods in history.
A map showcasing the route can be found on the City's Trails webpage, or by clicking the button below.
Provincial Plaques
Orillia and area is home to four Provincial Plaques as a part of the Provincial Plaque Program, an effort to share stories of the people, places and events that have helped to shape the province.
The plaques can be found below:
- Chief William Yellowhead - Located at Couchiching Beach Park
- Founding of Orillia - Located at the Orillia Opera House
- Franklin Carmichael - Located at the Orillia Public Library
- Rama Indian Reserve - Located at United Church, Rama Road
Looking for help?
Email: visit@orillia.ca
Facebook: @VisitOrillia
Instagram: @VisitOrillia
Visitor Information: (705) 238-8761
Orillia Opera House, 1 West St. N. Orillia, ON. L3V 3A6
Current hours: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Can't get through during these times? Leave a message and one of our Tourism Ambassadors will get back to you as soon as possible.
