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Outside the resort · Ontario's Lake Country
Lake Country: half a day outside the resort
The resort belongs to Ontario's Lake Country, which takes in Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Rama, Ramara and Severn on Lakes Simcoe and Couchiching. Here is our short list, with distances from the front door.
Within 15 minutes
- Mnjikaning Fish Weirs National Historic Site. Stakes of ancient fish fences stand in the Atherley Narrows between the two lakes, on the way into Orillia. They are open all year; see our history page for the story.
- Downtown Orillia. About 11 km away, with small shops, bakeries and cafés in the historic centre.
- Couchiching Beach Park. The town's lakefront has a sandy beach, an aqua theatre, flower gardens and picnic tables. It makes a good walk after a long breakfast.
- Stephen Leacock Museum. The summer home of the humorist Stephen Leacock, built in 1928 on Old Brewery Bay and now a National Historic Site. Autumn hours run until 18 December 2026, Thursday to Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
- Orillia Opera House. A theatre hosting local productions and touring acts; check its own listings.
- Orillia Museum of Art and History. Local art and Lake Country history, a good choice for a wet afternoon.
By season
| Season | What we would add |
|---|---|
| Summer | Boats and paddling on the Trent-Severn Waterway; the Mariposa Folk Festival in Orillia, 9 to 11 July 2027 |
| Autumn | Colour along the lakes; a quieter Leacock Museum; the resort's December show run |
| Winter | Short days and a long swim; the fireplace in the suite does the rest |
| Spring | The lakes come back to life; there are fewer crowds before the cottage season |
Planning a half-day
- Leave after breakfast at The Weirs, around 10.
- Stop at the narrows for the weirs.
- Walk downtown Orillia and have lunch.
- Visit the Leacock Museum if it is a Thursday, Friday or Saturday.
- Be back by 4 for the pool before dinner.
Where to find more
The regional tourism body, Ontario's Lake Country, runs an events calendar and a visitor guide, and the resort itself points guests to it. The Orillia Chamber of Commerce keeps a list of local festivals. We only include events here once their organiser has published dates.