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Orillia’s Sunshine City moniker doesn’t stop when September starts.
Autumn brings with it plenty of warm temperatures and bright days. In fact, many people prefer the kaleidoscope of colour that blankets our neighbourhoods and the shorelines of our waterways to the uniform green leaves of summer.
And there’s plenty to do!
For those art lovers looking to find unique items for themselves or as gifts, the Images Thanksgiving Studio Tour, Oct. 7-10, will take you on an exceptional adventure traveling throughout the Orillia area and Simcoe County to see the works of and talk to over 30 different artists at more than 18 studios.
The fall festivities don’t stop there, October marks the return of Fall Flavours of Orillia & Lake Country, a celebration of the region’s freshly farmed, mouthwatering produce. Select restaurants across Orillia and the surrounding area will formulate brand new three-course fall-themed menus based on local, in-season foods. Foodies and autumn lovers won’t want to miss this unique festival of flavours!
As the days get shorter and nights get cooler, we are rewarded with a colourful landscape along our trails to mark the change of season. Orillia never fails to offer remarkable recreational opportunities at any time of year, but the freshness of fall is one of the best times to hit the Millennial Trail, a three-metre-wide multi-use path that runs through two of Orillia’s amazing waterfront parks – Couchiching Beach and J.B. Tudhope Memorial – and follows Lake Couchiching through Orillia from the Ramara Ganaraska Trail to the Uhtoff trails in Severn Township.
Our beautiful waterfront is also still in play in September and October. It may be a bit chilly to go for a swim, but kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and motorized boating are still enjoyed in the fall – even more so due to the brilliant oranges, reds, and yellows dotting the scenery.
Want to spend time with your furry best friend? The cooler temps make fall a great time of year to leash up your dog and hike through nearby forests like Scout Valley where three loop trails within 230 acres of deciduous forest will tire even the most exuberant pooch. For off-leash adventures, Orillia offers two scenic leash-free parks to let your furry-friend roam free; Clayt French Park and Kitchener Park.
Road cyclists have long made this area a destination, flocking here to experience hundreds of kilometres of hilly, windy roads and scenic loop trails throughout Orillia and neighbouring communities like Oro-Medonte, Severn, and Ramara townships that have an abundance of restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and businesses that cater to them.
Many of these same routes attract car clubs from all over for one- or multi-day drives through our picturesque area. It’s an impressive sight to see beautifully restored vintage cars driving under the canopy of our back roads.
No matter what activities you partake in throughout your visit, there is no denying that good food and friendly service are just as important as the events of the day. There are plenty of places to dine in Orillia’s downtown core, with offerings that cover everything from gourmet to vegetarian to casual dining. Orillia’s growing Westridge neighbourhood has also made a name for itself when it comes to offering international food and popular restaurants. Whatever your taste, your meals are sure to be the perfect garnish for your daily adventures.
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