Contact(s)
Photo by @takeflightdronevideos
You can’t beat an Orillia weekend!
It doesn’t matter how you arrive in the Sunshine City, it’s what you do here that will make for a memorable weekend.
Whether you dock at one of the 220 slips at the Port of Orillia, drive into town with friends for a getaway, or pack up the camper and plan for a family weekend at one of the campsites on the City’s perimeter, there’s always something to do, whatever your group’s interests.
Orillia’s charming downtown is just steps from the Port of Orillia or a five-minute drive from Highway 11.
Plan your weekend around one of the 20-plus festivals and events hosted in the city’s core each year. Or, book your trip based on a concert or live theatre event happening at the historic Orillia Opera House.
Shop more than 150 unique shops, browse the work of artists in the Peter Street Arts District and choose where you’ll feast with a selection of more than 25 locally-owned restaurants in the area.
Take in the ambiance of the popular #SeeYouOnThePatio program in the summer that sees certain streets closed to traffic on Friday and Saturday evenings to expand restaurant patios in an al fresco atmosphere. Late-night shopping and live entertainment also add to the relaxed vibe.
It’s never just a day at the beach when you’re in the Sunshine City. Orillia is fortunate to have two sandy beaches with shallow, clear water on the shores of Lake Couchiching – Couchiching Beach Park at the Port of Orillia, and Moose Beach at J.B.Tudhope Memorial Park. Look for kayak and stand-up paddleboard rental kiosks at each, as well as a range of restaurants, like Studebakers Beachside and Fionn MacCool’s, just steps away from Couchiching Beach, and a popular restaurant at the Barnfield Point Recreation Centre at Tudhope Park.
The 65-acre Tudhope Park also offers accessible trails throughout and along the waterfront, plenty of space for the kids to run around, picnic tables, beach volleyball, baseball, and slo-pitch. Thousands of Gordon Lightfoot fans also flock to the Golden Leaves statue at the far point of the park each year. And, it’s home to the Mariposa Folk Festival each July.
Hawkridge Golf Club offers 45 holes of exceptional greens to play a round and popular ‘19th’ hole to regroup with friends over food and drink afterwards. Check out the stay-and-play offers at numerous hotels in the area and stay for a few days.
Looking to make last-minute plans for the weekend? Pack your bags and experience the small-town, cottagey charm of Orillia. We’re only a 90-minute drive from Toronto. You won’t be disappointed!
For more Sunshine City news, events, and activities, return to the main page here.
Discover more of Orillia with our blog.
Instagram: @VisitOrillia
Facebook: @VisitOrillia
