Stay & Plan

Getting Around

Whether arriving by car, bus, or are looking to cycle the Sunshine City, you won't get lost trying to find or navigate through Orillia. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Orillia is just 90 minutes north of Toronto. 

Directions

Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Orillia has remained a tourist destination for over a century, offering easy access from central highways. 

  • If you are travelling to Orillia from the south, follow Highway 11 north right to our doorstep.
  • If you are coming from the north, just follow Highway 11 south.
  • If you are coming from the east or west, Highway 12 will get you here quickly and easily.


Looking for more maps of the city? Visit our maps page for an up-to-date listing.

Navigating the Downtown Waterfront

There are various construction projects underway within the Downtown Waterfront area as part of a long-term plan to revitalize the area and better connect the beautiful waterfront to the historic downtown. As a result of current and planned construction during the 2023 summer season, there are some impacts to access, parking and park amenities that residents and visitors should note.

Please visit our Navigating the Downtown Waterfront webpage for up-to-date information on construction progress and visitor navigation.

Closures

As a result of the various construction projects taking place throughout the downtown waterfront area, there are various closures currently in  place. See the map below for details.

 

Map of available routes to the downtown waterfront

Sunshine Shuttle Service

To assist with getting residents and visitors to and from the downtown waterfront, a convenient shuttle service is available this summer.

Pick up takes place at Municipal Parking Lot 6, located at 107 West St. S., which is accessible from West Street South or Andrew Street South. Drop off will be at the Jarvis Street entrance of Couchiching Beach Park. The Sunshine Shuttle to and from Couchiching Beach Park will be free with flat parking fee of $30 per day for vehicles to park in Lot 6. Parking can be paid by using the Passport Parking mobile application. The Passport Parking app is user friendly and available to download from all major app stores.

The Sunshine Shuttle will operate with a 20-minute cycle during peak waterfront usage times on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays from May 20 to Sept. 4, 2023.

Operating Hours:
Fridays: 3 to 8 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sundays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Holiday Mondays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Parking

Parking is important for both residents and visitors. There are more than 1,000 parking spaces on city streets and in municipal parking lots in the downtown core. The City's Clerk's Department - Legislative Services Division, ensures that parking by-laws are followed so that everyone has fair and equal access to parking.

View our parking page for up-to-date parking policies, maps, and pay information.

Public Transit
View Orillia's public transit page for details on hours, routes, and costs.

Ride-Sharing & Taxicab Services

Transportation network companies, or TNCs (commonly referred to as ride-sharing services) and taxicab companies, provide options to get around our City. This page includes information on Orillia's currently licensed transportation companies, how they're regulated, and who to contact for more information.  

Licensed Transportation Companies: TNCs and taxicab companies require a business license in order to operate in Orillia.

Ride-share: A TNC provides drivers who carry passengers in the driver’s own vehicle for a fee, arranged by a mobile app. The following TNCs are licensed to operate in Orillia:

  • Uber: For more information, visit the Uber website or download the Uber app.

Taxicab: The following taxicab companies are licensed to operate in Orillia:

 

 Frequently Asked Questions about TNCs and Taxicab Companies
 Does the City set the fares charged by licensed transportation companies?
No. TNCs and taxicab companies set fares they feel are appropriate for their business model. 
Are licensed companies permitted to implement surge pricing? 
Yes. A TNC can apply surge pricing during peak (busy) periods for example, but a customer must agree to the price before the trip begins through the TNC’s app. Taxicab companies must ensure all rates including any scheduled price variance, is prominently displayed in characters of at least 0.5 centimetres in height and in Arial font on the sun visor or dashboard of each taxicab so that it is readable by any passenger situated inside the vehicle.
Is street hailing prohibited? 
Street hailing of TNC vehicles is prohibited; all trips must be booked in advance through the TNC’s app. Street hailing of taxicabs is permitted.
Are TNC vehicles required to have any identifying markings or or decals?
Yes. TNC vehicles must have a decal displayed in the front windshield (passenger side) which displays the logo or name of the TNC. Taxicabs are also required to be identified which includes having a roof light.
How do I get more information?
For more information about the by-law regulations, or to file a complaint, contact the by-law office at 705-325-2313, or online here (hyperlink to: https://www.orillia.ca/en/city-hall/issues-and-complaints.aspx)
When I book a trip through a TNC app, will I always see the driver's name and photo?
Before a trip starts, TNCs must give customers (through their app.), the driver’s first name and photo, as well as the companies’ contact information, estimated cost of a requested trip based on the destination, description of the vehicle, license plate number, and current location of the TNC Vehicle. Before getting into a vehicle, it is recommended that you check to make sure the photo matches with the driver that is picking you up.

 

Cycling 

Orillia proudly boasts more than 29 kilometres of trails that complement our waterfronts and green spaces. 

For up-to-date trail information and maps, visit our trails page at Orillia.ca/Trails.

Rent or repair your bike with local businesses Bike Stop of Orillia and The Crank and Sprocket.

 

Important city policies for visitors

Municipal Accommodation Tax

The City of Orillia passed By-Law 2019-120 to implement a mandatory 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) effective September 1, 2020. The MAT will apply to the purchase of the accommodations provided for a continuous period of 30 days or less.

The MAT must be identified as a separate item or charge on each bill, receipt invoice etc.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Orillia and Lake Country at OrilliaMAT@orillialakecountry.ca 

For visitors - frequently asked questions
How much is the Municipal Accommodation Tax and what does it get applied to?

The Municipal Accommodation Tax is 4%. It comes into effect September 1, 2020 and is only applicable to the room portion of the costs associated to overnight accommodations.

All other revenues generated from the accommodation services; whether sold individually or included in a room package; are excluded from the Municipal Accommodation Tax, including but not limited to, meeting room rental, food and beverage, room service, laundry services, internet access, parking etc.

The HST is applicable to the funds received from the Municipal Accommodation Tax if the business is an HST registrant.
Why do I have to pay this tax?
The Municipal Accommodation Tax is a mandatory tax imposed by City Council through By-Law 2019-120 - A By-law to Impose Municipal Accommodation Tax on the purchase of transient accommodation in the City of Orillia.
Can I refuse to pay this tax?
No you cannot refuse to pay this tax. The Municipal Accommodation Tax is mandatory and must be paid to the accommodation operator at the same time that you pay for the booking.
Do I have to pay the MAT if I booked my stay prior to September 1, 2020?
If your accommodation was booked and paid for prior to September 1, 2020, the tax will not be applicable. If it was paid for on September 1, 2020 or onwards, the tax is applicable.
Under what authority does the Provider have to charge/collect the MAT?
City of Orillia By-Law 2019-120 - A By-law to Impose Municipal Accommodation Tax on the purchase of transient accommodation in the City of Orillia.
I'm staying in an AirBnB, do I have to pay this tax?
Yes, as of September 1, 2020 when booking your accommodations on AirBnB you will pay 4% MAT of your total cost.
What happens with the funds generated through the Municipal Accommodation Tax?

Funds generated through the MAT are shared 50% with a tourism entity (Orillia & Lake Country Tourism) and 50% with the City of Orillia per the legislative requirements. 

Orillia & Lake Country Tourism invests in destination marketing and program development aimed at enhancing the visitor experiences in Orillia and the region. 

Orillia City Council has passed a policy that stipulates 100% of the city portion of the MAT must be used to enhance tourism in Orillia.

For accommodation providers - frequently asked questions
How much is the Municipal Accommodation Tax and what does it get applied to?
The Municipal Accommodation Tax is 4%. It comes into effect September 1, 2020 and is only applicable to the room portion of the costs associated to overnight accommodations.

All other revenues generated from the accommodation services; whether sold individually or included in a room package; are excluded from the Municipal Accommodation Tax, including but not limited to, meeting room rental, food and beverage, room service, laundry services, internet access, parking etc.

The HST is applicable to the funds received from the Municipal Accommodation Tax if the business is an HST registrant.
Is HST charged on top of the MAT?
Yes, 13% HST is charged on top of the MAT and is covered under Section 154 of the Excise Tax Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. E-15).
How do I remit the Municipal Accommodation Tax that I have collected?
The City of Orillia has authorized Orillia & Lake Country Tourism (OLC) to collect and administer the tax. 

The remittance process will include a monthly remittance form which is available on the OLC website and payments can be made through EMT, EFT, Online Bank Bill Payment or by cheque. Submissions and payment are due within 15 days of the previous month. 

For more information contact OrilliaMAT@Orillialakecountry.ca 
Is there an auditing process to verify monthly submissions?
Yes, both the City of Orillia and OLC will routinely select submissions for audit. The verification process will include a 3rd party auditor assigned by, and paid for by the respective governing authority.
Is this a mandatory or voluntary tax?
Yes, the Municipal Accommodation Tax is a mandatory tax and must be paid to the accommodation operator at the same time that you pay for the booking.
Are any guests exempt from paying the MAT?
  • Accommodations that are rented for a period of more than 30 days
  • Accommodations that are paid for by employees of the Crown receiving a "government rate" for the accommodation
  • Accommodations that are paid for by employees of the School Board receiving a "school board rate" for the accommodation
  • Accommodations provided as shelter
  • Accommodation supplied by employers to their employees in premises operated by the employer
Under what authority does the Provider have to charge/collect the MAT?
City of Orillia By-Law 2019-120 - A By-law to Impose Municipal Accommodation Tax on the purchase of transient accommodation in the City of Orillia.
What happens if the guest doesn't show up for its reservation?

The by-law reads "A Purchaser shall, at the time of purchasing Accommodation, pay the Municipal Accommodation Tax in the amount of four (4) per cent of the Purchase Price of Accommodation provided for a continuous period of 30 days or less provided in a hotel, motel, motor hotel, lodge, inn, bed and breakfast, dwelling unit or any place in which Accommodation is provided"

Therefore, if the guest is being charged for the accommodation (no show included) the MAT should be collected and remitted, if not paying for the accommodation but rather a cancellation charge then it would not apply.
What about rooms that were booked prior to September 1, 2020?
If the accommodation was booked and paid for prior to September 1, 2020 the MAT will not be applicable. If it was booked before September 1, 2020 but paid for on September 1, 2020 or onwards, the tax is applicable.
What happens if I'm late in submitting payment?
Late payment fees will be charged at a rate of 1.25 per cent on the first day of default and the first of each month until paid.
What if a refund was issued to a guest after submitting a return?
Adjustments from prior reporting periods can be made in a future return.
What if I did not collect any MAT in the reporting period?
If no tax was collected you will still be required to submit the return indicating that no tax was collected in that month.
What happens with the funds generated through the Municipal Accommodation Tax?

Funds generated through the MAT are shared 50% with a tourism entity (Orillia & Lake Country Tourism) and 50% with the City of Orillia per the legislative requirements. 

 

Orillia & Lake Country Tourism invests in destination marketing and program development aimed at enhancing the visitor experiences in Orillia and the region. 

 

Orillia City Council has passed a policy that stipulates 100% of the city portion of the MAT must be used to enhance tourism in Orillia.

Smoke and vape free
As per Chapter 954, City of Orillia owned or leased properties are smoke and vape free (effective May 15, 2019).  Smoking or vaping any tobacco, cannabis, e-liquid and herbal material used for water pipes is prohibited in the following locations owned or leased by the City of Orillia:
  • any property upon which is located a municipal building, park or beach
  • any parking lot, trail, walkway, or lane
  • any dock or pier
  • on or within a vehicle located on City-owned or leased property
  • on or within a boat located or moored on City-owned or leased property

City of Orillia owned or leased properties include: all municipal properties, City parks, beaches, trails, parking lots, 70 Front St. N. (Metro Plaza), Nordia (2 Hunter Valley Rd.), Port of Orillia, Stephen Leacock Museum, Orillia Opera House and Orillia Public Library.

For specific locations, view the detailed map.

For more information visit our frequently asked questions

 

Additional tourism contacts

Tourism Simcoe County
1151 Highway 26 West
Minesing
experience.simcoe.ca
1-800-487-6642

Orillia District Chamber of Commerce
575 West Street South
Orillia
orillia.com
705-326-4424
1-888-326-4424

Oro-Medonte Chamber of Commerce
148 Line 7 South
Oro-Medonte
oromedontecc.com 
705-487-7737

Ramara Chamber of Commerce
2304 Highway 12
Brechin
ramarachamber.com
705-484-2141

Orillia & Lake Country Tourism

22 Peter Street South
Orillia
www.orillialakecountry.ca

705-325-9321

1-866-329-5959

Looking for Help?

Email: visit@orillia.ca
Facebook: @VisitOrillia
Instagram: @VisitOrillia

Visitor Information/Box Office: (705) 326-8011
Orillia Opera House, 1 West St. N. Orillia, ON. L3V 3A6
Current hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
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.

 

 

© City of Orillia, 50 Andrew Street South, Suite 300, Orillia, Ontario, L3V 7T5, Tel: (705) 325-1311, Fax: (705) 325-5178, Email: info@orillia.ca

By GHD Digital