Saturday, September 22, 2018 / by Jiun Liao
New to Orillia Checklist
Couchiching Beack Park
Couchiching Beach is a lakeside park located at the foot of Downtown Orillia. This Orillia beach is ideal for swimming, has an extensive boardwalk, play equipment, and a mini-train ride making it a great destination for families to enjoy Lake Couchiching.
Attend an event at Tudhope Park
Tudhope is another one of Orillia’s popular parks. Tudhope park has expansive green areas which makes it the ideal destination for many Orillia events including the Mariposa Folk Festival, RibFest, and more. This 65 acre park includes beach volleyball, a sandy beach, baseball fields, trails, splash pad, etc.
Take a boat tour on the Island Princess
The Island Princess tour boat is a great place to start discovering the beauty of Orillia. This Orillia boat cruise can tour Lake Couchiching, Lake Simcoe, Sparrow Lake, and more! Island Princess has many tour options to choose from including buffets and dinner options so you can relax and make a day of it.
Grab a burger at Webers
It has become a staple for many Canadian families since its inception in 1963 to stop and grab at least one of the popular Weber’s burgers on the way to their cottage. Visiting Webers is an experience that not only includes their widely famous charcoal barbecued hamburgers, but their excellent and efficient ordering service that will leave you wanting to return again and again.
Walk around Mississauga Street and visit Mariposa Market
One of the more iconic portions of Orillia is Mississauga Street, home of the famous Mariposa Market. Take a walk around this picturesque street and enjoy the wonderful little shops and the captivating aromas from Orillia’s restaurants. Mariposa Market is a historic family owned and operated bakery, cafe, and multi-season shop that you definitely don’t want to miss.
Grab a book at Orillia Public Library
Visit the modern yet very welcoming Orillia Public Library recently renovated in 2012. Adjacent to the Opera House, the Orillia library draws an average of 1,000 visitors a day and has been lauded by its beautiful architectural design, and great interior functionality.
Enjoy the Orillia Opera House
Since 1895, the Orillia Opera House has been a source of pride and a focal point for the cultural life of many Orillia residents. The city funded theatre offers great live music and theatre performances throughout the year, so there is always something to enjoy.
Do it all at Casino Rama
The ever popular Casino Rama resort, while not technically in Orillia, it is only a short drive where you can enjoy great food, fantastic entertainment, and terrific gambling fun (if you are of age). The Casino Rama concerts are some of the best entertainment you will find in Orillia! This casino offers many shows and concerts year-round bringing A-list celebrities and very popular bands to it’s 5,000 seat main stage. Maybe you would prefer to stay at one of the 300 all-suite full service hotel and enjoy delicious food at the 8 unique restaurant it offers. Casino Rama is definitely a must visit.
Learn history in the OPP Museum
The OPP Museum in Orillia is responsible for preserving the rich history of policing in Ontario since its inception in 1909, more than 100 years ago. The Ontario Provincial Police Museum also offers great indoor activities for kids including lego building, trying on police uniforms, and more!
Learn even more history at the Stephen Leacock Museum
Stephen Leacock is Canada’s beloved humorist that immortalized Orillia as the mythical Mariposa in his quintessential best-seller Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town. He built a 19 room summer home on a 10 acre plot of land which now serves as a museum covering his life from 1869 to 1944. Come and enjoy this local historic site!
Orillia has so much more to offer! I’m sure you will love living in this growing city.
