Discover Orillia

Orillia can be discovered through art, local history and different ways of getting around. Galleries and studios, a historic opera house, trails through the city and the historic Trent-Severn Waterway each offer a distinct perspective. For your vacation plans, this means you can focus on cultural discoveries or get to know Orillia through its waterways and urban trail network.

Art and Culture in Many Forms

The Orillia Arts District spans more than two city blocks and includes independent galleries, studios and creative spaces. This makes it a great place to visit if you are interested in art and creative work. Streets Alive offers a different way to experience art: this annual project displays life-size sculptures on a different theme each year in downtown Orillia from spring through fall. The changing theme gives the art project a fresh focus each year.

The Orillia Museum of Art & History presents art and local history through exhibitions, programs and tours. Performing arts take centre stage at the Orillia Opera House, which has been a hub of the city’s cultural life since it opened in 1895. St. Paul's Centre also offers a versatile event space. Its Great Hall seats 400 and hosts concerts, workshops and cultural events throughout the year. The Centre is also the venue for the annual Roots North Music Festival.

Discover Orillia's Stories

Stephen Leacock acquired Old Brewery Bay in 1908 and had Leacock House built there in 1928. The Leacock Museum offers self-guided tours daily. If you are interested in Leacock’s connection to Orillia, you can include a visit to the museum in your travel plans. The two dates tell different chapters of the story: the acquisition of Old Brewery Bay and the later construction of the house.

Trails, Water and City Sights

The City of Orillia maintains a trail network spanning more than 29 kilometres. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, it offers another way to explore the area. The free Tripvia Tours app also offers three guided mobile tours of some of Orillia’s key sights. You can choose between the trail network and a themed mobile tour, depending on the kind of discovery that appeals to you.

The Port of Orillia is a municipal waterfront harbour operated by the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce. Orillia is also a stop along the historic Trent-Severn Waterway, which is 386 kilometres long. Both facts give the water a place in your travel plans, though they do not describe the same place or visit.

Visit the Market and Find What Suits Your Travel Interests

The Orillia Farmers’ Market offers fresh produce and handmade goods. It adds an option for travellers interested in food and local crafts alongside the city’s cultural attractions. Together with its galleries, museums and event venues, it offers several ways to experience Orillia: art and history can take centre stage, while the trails, harbour and waterway appeal to other interests.

If you are looking for a vacation rental in Orillia, first consider which aspects of the city matter most to your trip. Culture lovers can focus on the different institutions and event venues; those who would rather include trails and water in their plans will find options for that too.

Discover more local pages: Brechin, Wasaga Beach, Borden, Victoria Harbour, Collingwood, Angus, Port Severn and Penetanguishene.

For the broader travel overview: Simcoe County.