In Orillia and Lake Country, on top of the many fantastic attractions & outdoor recreation options we have shared with you, there are an array of free activities and choices for one to make. This is a fantastic way to extend your stay in Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Severn, Ramara or Rama First Nation. Plan to venture out on our trails, paddle our waterways routes, take a walking tour, enjoy the music at the waterfront and more. We’re happy to provide you with some great suggestions for free activities to do while you are visiting Orillia and Lake Country in any season!
See below the different tabs providing information about things to do in Orillia & area.
We don’t call ourselves Lake Country for nothing. We have lakes & rivers pretty much every way you turn! So if you want to enjoy the waterways with a canoe, kayak, SUP, boat waterski, wakeboard, fish, or anything else water related, you are in the right place. Our lakes and rivers are like paradise for the water enthusiast. Do you have your own mode of transportation to venture out on the waterways? Make sure to check out our Paddling Guide & Website or if you’re looking to launch your motorboat for water sports and fishing, check out our various boat launches.
Orillia is known for its waterfront parks and beaches, offering a plethora of activities that mix water, sun and fun together in unforgettable ways. Situated between three lakes, Simcoe, Couchiching and Bass, as well as the historic Trent-Severn Waterway, the area is also home to three provincial parks to enjoy camping.
If you didn’t arrive here by boat, chances are you’ve strapped your kayak, paddleboard or canoe to the roof of your vehicle, or will rent one once you’re here. Although the lakes are known for boating, jet skiing and tubing, there are plenty of quiet bays and rivers to take in quieter paddling pursuits.
There are three waterfront parks on Lake Couchiching – Couchiching Beach Park at the Port of Orillia in Orillia’s downtown core, Moose Beach at Tudhope Park (an easy bike ride away, along the trail), as well as Centennial Park in the Village of Washago. Each has new playground equipment and picnic areas so a day at the beach is easy and inexpensive. If you don’t want to bring your own food, there are delicious and affordable options nearby.
Looking to restore your soul amongst tall trees? Enjoy a peaceful walk through the Copeland Forest. The beauty of this 4,400-acre forest outside of Orilia is that it can be a place for quiet contemplation, while at the same time, offer four-season trails for a variety of recreational users including bikers, equestrians, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Several entry points make it convenient to access.
Now, more than ever, it’s important to know where our food comes from and to be able to rely on fresh produce and locally produced foods. Fortunately, the Orillia area has many farmers markets that offer healthy food harvested within a short drive – plus delicious homemade baking to make meals extra special.
Looking for a distinctive gift? Visitors to our local farmers markets enjoy vendors who make everything from wine and beer to handcrafted furniture, pottery and clothing. There’s a good chance you’ll even find something for your furry friends!
The Orillia Farmers Market, located in downtown Orillia, is one of the longest-running markets in the province, with its beginnings in 1842. This season, they are welcoming even more vendors than last year.
Although fairly new in comparison, the Fairgrounds Market at ODAS Park, just outside of Orillia, boasts more than 40 producers and farmers who “make it, bake it or grow it” so you don’t have to.
The Coldwater Mill Market, in the quaint village of Coldwater, has been operating for many years on the property of the historic Coldwater Mill on Mill Street. Local vendors continue traditions of the past by offering organic produce and seedlings, farm-raised meat, as well as home baking, preserves, maple syrup and honey.
The Washago & District Lions Club will offer a farmers market at the Lions Hall in Washago this summer, featuring fresh produce and other locally raised food, unique arts and crafts, as well as a BBQ and live music.
- Orillia Farmers Market – Year Round / Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Fairgrounds Farmers Market – Year Round / Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Coldwater Market – Last Saturday in May to Thanksgiving weekend / Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Washago Farmers Market – June to Thanksgiving weekend/Fridays, 2 – 7 p.m.
A trip to the Orillia area just isn’t complete without taking in our museums and heritage sites. Learn about the area’s early Black history, Mnjikaning fish weirs, history of the OPP, and Coldwater area. Each of these sites are free to attend.
Just outside of Orillia, at the intersection of Line 3 and Old Barrie Road in Oro-Medonte sits a humble log church with an unmarked cemetery. But, the history of the Oro African Church is anything but simple. It’s the last built relic of a community of African Canadians whose roots are affixed to the history of the United Empire Loyalists and represents the vital role that Black militiamen played in the War of 1812.
Our area is ripe with Indigenous land and history, too. Those who boat between lakes Simcoe and Couchiching surely know the Narrows, where the two lakes meet, but what they may not know is that historic Mnjikaning fish weirs, more than 5,000 years old, lay as sharp wooden stakes beneath the water. These protected weirs have great historical significance as they are the best-preserved fish weirs in eastern North America.
Orillia is also home to OPP Headquarters and the OPP Museum, which offers a fun and in-depth look at the history of the province’s main police service through exhibits and collections.
Not far from Orillia, sits the charming Village of Coldwater. While visitors enjoy unique shopping and dining experiences here, they can also step back in time at the Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum and learn about the area from 1820 to 1950. Situated on the site of 1836 settler Archibald Woodrow’s home, the museum has 6.6 acres of bucolic land that includes heritage buildings, the Coldwater Heritage Trail and Heritage Gardens.
Walk, run, bike, blade, or simply stroll down any of the numerous trails in Ontario’s Lake Country. Exploring our trails is a great way to lead a healthy lifestyle and experience some of the beautiful scenery our region has to offer. Ontario’s Lake Country has so many parks to offer. Whether you need a ton of green space for a game of Frisbee, or a large family gathering, or if you require a smaller space that is great for young kids, Ontario’s Lake Country has a park to suit anyone’s needs. Pack a picnic and stay for the day!
Would you like a route already planned for you? Ontario’s Lake Country has some walking tours for you to try. these walking tours are a great way to spend the day while learning and seeing some of the history in our area. Best of all, these fully planned routes don’t cost anything!
- Downtown Orillia (map available at Orillia’s City Hall or at the Orillia Chamber of Commerce)
- Downtown Orillia Walking Tour (Click to see the full free walking tour)
- Historic Architecture of Coldwater (map available at Ontario’s Lake Country office)
- Ramara Historical Sites and Places of Interest
Arts
– Streets Alive Maple Masterpieces: Don’t miss these amazing pieces of artwork throughout Downtown Orillia!
Orillia Fall Fair
– Orillia & District Agricultural Society will be celebrating their fall fair. Enjoy food, livestock, beer garden, children’s games, truck/tractor pulls, a demolition derby and so much more at ODAS Park!
Oro Worlds Fair
– Enjoy talent shows, parades, livestock, truck and tractor pulls and so much more at the 15/16th side road of Oro- Medonte!
Coldwater Classic Car Show
– Enjoy all the amazing classic cars that will line the streets of Coldwater! Check out all your favourite stops in Coldwater along the way! Don’t miss this great event in Coldwater!
Coldwater Fall Fair
– Enjoy a great weekend of tractor pulls, food, livestock shows, children’s games/events and so much more at the Coldwater Fairgrounds. Don’t miss this great fall fair in Coldwater Ontario!
Ontario’s Lake Country is home to many fun and exciting winter activities, some of these activities are free and easy to access if you have your own equipment. You can plan to visit the Simcoe County Forest Trails for snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Visit the Copeland Forest for a walk through the snow covered canopy or check out one of the local rinks for skating. Have your own equipment for fishing, come and try out ice fishing along our waterways. We also have some fantastic snowmobile routes throughout the region connecting you to and extension of provincials trails taking you across Ontario. Come and experience winter in Ontario’s Lake Country.
Ontario’s Lake Country is filled with treasures (or caches). Download the free app, and navigate your way to these caches. Do all of this while exploring the beautiful surroundings of Ontario’s Lake Country.
- Water Activities
-
We don’t call ourselves Lake Country for nothing. We have lakes & rivers pretty much every way you turn! So if you want to enjoy the waterways with a canoe, kayak, SUP, boat waterski, wakeboard, fish, or anything else water related, you are in the right place. Our lakes and rivers are like paradise for the water enthusiast. Do you have your own mode of transportation to venture out on the waterways? Make sure to check out our Paddling Guide & Website or if you’re looking to launch your motorboat for water sports and fishing, check out our various boat launches.
- Beaches & Parks
-
Orillia is known for its waterfront parks and beaches, offering a plethora of activities that mix water, sun and fun together in unforgettable ways. Situated between three lakes, Simcoe, Couchiching and Bass, as well as the historic Trent-Severn Waterway, the area is also home to three provincial parks to enjoy camping.
If you didn’t arrive here by boat, chances are you’ve strapped your kayak, paddleboard or canoe to the roof of your vehicle, or will rent one once you’re here. Although the lakes are known for boating, jet skiing and tubing, there are plenty of quiet bays and rivers to take in quieter paddling pursuits.
There are three waterfront parks on Lake Couchiching – Couchiching Beach Park at the Port of Orillia in Orillia’s downtown core, Moose Beach at Tudhope Park (an easy bike ride away, along the trail), as well as Centennial Park in the Village of Washago. Each has new playground equipment and picnic areas so a day at the beach is easy and inexpensive. If you don’t want to bring your own food, there are delicious and affordable options nearby.
Looking to restore your soul amongst tall trees? Enjoy a peaceful walk through the Copeland Forest. The beauty of this 4,400-acre forest outside of Orilia is that it can be a place for quiet contemplation, while at the same time, offer four-season trails for a variety of recreational users including bikers, equestrians, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Several entry points make it convenient to access.
- Markets
-
Now, more than ever, it’s important to know where our food comes from and to be able to rely on fresh produce and locally produced foods. Fortunately, the Orillia area has many farmers markets that offer healthy food harvested within a short drive – plus delicious homemade baking to make meals extra special.
Looking for a distinctive gift? Visitors to our local farmers markets enjoy vendors who make everything from wine and beer to handcrafted furniture, pottery and clothing. There’s a good chance you’ll even find something for your furry friends!
The Orillia Farmers Market, located in downtown Orillia, is one of the longest-running markets in the province, with its beginnings in 1842. This season, they are welcoming even more vendors than last year.
Although fairly new in comparison, the Fairgrounds Market at ODAS Park, just outside of Orillia, boasts more than 40 producers and farmers who “make it, bake it or grow it” so you don’t have to.
The Coldwater Mill Market, in the quaint village of Coldwater, has been operating for many years on the property of the historic Coldwater Mill on Mill Street. Local vendors continue traditions of the past by offering organic produce and seedlings, farm-raised meat, as well as home baking, preserves, maple syrup and honey.
The Washago & District Lions Club will offer a farmers market at the Lions Hall in Washago this summer, featuring fresh produce and other locally raised food, unique arts and crafts, as well as a BBQ and live music.
- Orillia Farmers Market – Year Round / Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Fairgrounds Farmers Market – Year Round / Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Coldwater Market – Last Saturday in May to Thanksgiving weekend / Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Washago Farmers Market – June to Thanksgiving weekend/Fridays, 2 – 7 p.m.
- Museums & Heritage Sites
-
A trip to the Orillia area just isn’t complete without taking in our museums and heritage sites. Learn about the area’s early Black history, Mnjikaning fish weirs, history of the OPP, and Coldwater area. Each of these sites are free to attend.
Just outside of Orillia, at the intersection of Line 3 and Old Barrie Road in Oro-Medonte sits a humble log church with an unmarked cemetery. But, the history of the Oro African Church is anything but simple. It’s the last built relic of a community of African Canadians whose roots are affixed to the history of the United Empire Loyalists and represents the vital role that Black militiamen played in the War of 1812.
Our area is ripe with Indigenous land and history, too. Those who boat between lakes Simcoe and Couchiching surely know the Narrows, where the two lakes meet, but what they may not know is that historic Mnjikaning fish weirs, more than 5,000 years old, lay as sharp wooden stakes beneath the water. These protected weirs have great historical significance as they are the best-preserved fish weirs in eastern North America.
Orillia is also home to OPP Headquarters and the OPP Museum, which offers a fun and in-depth look at the history of the province’s main police service through exhibits and collections.
Not far from Orillia, sits the charming Village of Coldwater. While visitors enjoy unique shopping and dining experiences here, they can also step back in time at the Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum and learn about the area from 1820 to 1950. Situated on the site of 1836 settler Archibald Woodrow’s home, the museum has 6.6 acres of bucolic land that includes heritage buildings, the Coldwater Heritage Trail and Heritage Gardens.
- Recreation
-
Walk, run, bike, blade, or simply stroll down any of the numerous trails in Ontario’s Lake Country. Exploring our trails is a great way to lead a healthy lifestyle and experience some of the beautiful scenery our region has to offer. Ontario’s Lake Country has so many parks to offer. Whether you need a ton of green space for a game of Frisbee, or a large family gathering, or if you require a smaller space that is great for young kids, Ontario’s Lake Country has a park to suit anyone’s needs. Pack a picnic and stay for the day!
- Walking Tours
-
Would you like a route already planned for you? Ontario’s Lake Country has some walking tours for you to try. these walking tours are a great way to spend the day while learning and seeing some of the history in our area. Best of all, these fully planned routes don’t cost anything!
- Downtown Orillia (map available at Orillia’s City Hall or at the Orillia Chamber of Commerce)
- Downtown Orillia Walking Tour (Click to see the full free walking tour)
- Historic Architecture of Coldwater (map available at Ontario’s Lake Country office)
- Ramara Historical Sites and Places of Interest
- Entertainment
-
Arts
– Streets Alive Maple Masterpieces: Don’t miss these amazing pieces of artwork throughout Downtown Orillia!Orillia Fall Fair
– Orillia & District Agricultural Society will be celebrating their fall fair. Enjoy food, livestock, beer garden, children’s games, truck/tractor pulls, a demolition derby and so much more at ODAS Park!Oro Worlds Fair
– Enjoy talent shows, parades, livestock, truck and tractor pulls and so much more at the 15/16th side road of Oro- Medonte!Coldwater Classic Car Show
– Enjoy all the amazing classic cars that will line the streets of Coldwater! Check out all your favourite stops in Coldwater along the way! Don’t miss this great event in Coldwater!Coldwater Fall Fair
– Enjoy a great weekend of tractor pulls, food, livestock shows, children’s games/events and so much more at the Coldwater Fairgrounds. Don’t miss this great fall fair in Coldwater Ontario! - Winter Activities
-
Ontario’s Lake Country is home to many fun and exciting winter activities, some of these activities are free and easy to access if you have your own equipment. You can plan to visit the Simcoe County Forest Trails for snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Visit the Copeland Forest for a walk through the snow covered canopy or check out one of the local rinks for skating. Have your own equipment for fishing, come and try out ice fishing along our waterways. We also have some fantastic snowmobile routes throughout the region connecting you to and extension of provincials trails taking you across Ontario. Come and experience winter in Ontario’s Lake Country.
- Geocaching
-
Ontario’s Lake Country is filled with treasures (or caches). Download the free app, and navigate your way to these caches. Do all of this while exploring the beautiful surroundings of Ontario’s Lake Country.