Best Things to Do in Orillia: An Amazing Weekend Itinerary

I'm such a fan of taking road trips in Ontario, especially to visit its cute small towns. There are so many things to do in Orillia and Lake Country, making it a fantastic road trip destination. There's a great combination of outdoor activities and quaint towns, as well as a few gems that you won't find anywhere else.

Orillia is only 1.5 hours from Toronto, so it's the perfect place for a weekend getaway. I'm going to show you how to plan the ultimate weekend itinerary for Orillia and Lake Country. This region in Ontario includes Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Rama First Nation, Severn Township, and the Township of Ramara.

Things to Do in Orillia and Lake Country: Day 1

It's day one in Orillia and Lake Country, and this day offers a great mix of culinary and outdoor adventures. We'll also take the time to explore downtown Orillia with its cute shops and vibrant public art.

Treetop Trekking Barrie

Treetop Trekking Barrie is located at Horseshoe Resort in Oro-Medonte. Spend an adventurous day in the Copeland Forest up high in the trees. Go ziplining from platform to platform and trek between fun suspended games in the air. You'll venture across swinging logs, hanging bridges, Tarzan swings, suspended ropes and nets, and so much more. It's among the most fun things to do in Orillia and Lake Country.

Your guide will get you all suited up in a harness and will provide you with training before you venture out onto the course. There's a practice run that's close to the ground before you climb up into the trees. Use your own strength and balance to make your way across the platforms. No experience is required, only a sense of adventure and a love for nature.

There are numerous courses with varying degrees of difficulty. Start on the beginner course and then try some others. I suggest spending a few hours here and then returning again in the future to try the courses that you missed. Don't miss the zipline course. You'll need to have a guide venture out with you for this one (ask a staff member about it). The zipline course was 100% ziplines and it was a blast!

Quayle's Brewery

Quayle's Brewery is not only a farm brewery but an entire destination in itself. Located down a country road, Quayle's Brewery offers amazing craft beer brewed from their own farm fresh hops. It's truly "farm to glass" at Quayle's. There's a massive beer garden where you can enjoy pints, flights, and selections from a small food menu.

I had lunch at Quayle's Brewery, along with a beer flight. There are quite a few dishes that can be made vegan with modifications. Try the pretzel bites, the kale Caesar salad, and the Cajun fries. Their patio is also dog-friendly and kid-friendly, so feel free to bring the whole family!

Quayle's Brewery has many fun events featuring live music, comedy shows, and annual festivities. There are also trivia nights and other happenings always taking place at Quayle's. Stay in the loop by following along on social media.

In September, their "Hop-Toberfest" allows you to stroll through the hops fields, enjoy live music, and try beer made from fresh hops. Beer is usually made from dried hops, so it's a rare opportunity to try fresh hop beer. In November, Quayle's Christmas Market is an outdoor market with curated vendors and festive beverages.

Explore Downtown Orillia

After spending a couple of hours at Quayle's Brewery, it's time to explore downtown Orillia. Go for a walk around town, popping by the local shops and cafes. Bakes by the Lake is a gluten-free and vegan-friendly bakery. Mariposa Market is a local favourite local market with preserves, sauces, gifts, coffee and more. And if you are looking for more craft beer, stop by Couchiching Craft Brewing.

The Orillia Arts District is a hub for local artists and creatives. There are art gallery exhibitions, pop-ups, art shops, and public art along Peter St and Mississaga St. When I visited Orillia, there were decorated art guitars placed on street poles all over town, paying tribute to the late Gordon Lightfoot. This is part of the Streets Alive community art project where local artists create outdoor art for events and public spaces in Orillia.

Dinner at Fare Restaurant

Fare Restaurant in Orillia offers contemporary dining with beautiful waterfront views on the Stephen Leacock Museum grounds. Whether you dine indoors or outdoor on the patio, there's a relaxed and welcoming ambiance with helpful and friendly service. Fare Restaurant is the perfect place for a date night, gathering with your gal pals, or having dinner with your family.

Choose one of their innovative cocktails with something for every taste. The menu has the vegetarian items clearly marked with modifications optional for vegans. The Vegan Unagi Zucchini is one veg-friendly offering, and it's possible to ask for the Spring Risotto to be prepared vegan. There's also bread with roasted garlic and some light and fresh salads, too.

Things to Do in Orillia: Stay at Casino Rama Resort

Spend the night at Casino Rama Resort, a complete entertainment destination and Ontario's only First Nations Resort casino. The property honours the culture and heritage of Rama First Nation through its design and art in the rooms and public spaces.

The rooms are inspired by Muskoka lakeside cottages with rustic vibes. Every room is a spacious suite with plush and comfortable beds, living areas, fireplaces, and flatscreen TVs. My room had a large bathroom with a bathtub and a separate shower. You'll truly feel like you're on holiday with rooms like these.

While you may be familiar with their casino that's open 24/7, did you know that there are amazing concerts and performances at Casino Rama Resort? Some of the biggest acts in the world have performed here, like Mariah Carey, Ringo Starr, Kelly Clarkson, Jerry Seinfeld, and so many more.

Things to Do in Orillia and Lake Country: Day 2

It's day two in Orillia and Lake Country. After a relaxing overnight at Casino Rama Resort, stick around the resort to take advantage of the spa and pool. Then, we'll enjoy the great outdoors on a hike. Lastly, we'll end our trip at an adorable village that's truly one of a kind.

Breakfast at The Weirs

Casino Rama Resort has several restaurants, and you'll find many delicious options at The Weirs for breakfast. It's a casual dining spot with a full breakfast menu and fantastic service. I really enjoyed the avocado toast and breakfast potatoes, plus I appreciated the bottomless cups of coffee.

Spa at Casino Rama

After breakfast, start the day off by treating yourself to a massage at the Balance in Life Spa at Casino Rama. Their skilled team of estheticians and registered massage therapists offer a full menu of treatments and services, like massages, facials, manicures and pedicures.

I can't say enough good things about my massage. It was head-to-toe relaxation where the RMT provided extra focus on my shoulders where I had some knots. She also shared some little exercises and tips for things that I could do at home.

After your massage or spa treatment, enjoy the eucalyptus-scented steam room, sauna, the heated saltwater pool, or even the fitness center. Even if you aren't a guest at the hotel, you can use the spa facilities for the day as long as you spend $45+ on a treatment.

Hike at Black River Wilderness Park

Black River Wilderness Park is a family owned and operated campground by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. It's only a short drive from Casino Rama Resort, so it's a great stop after you check out of the hotel. The stunning Black River flows through this wilderness park where you can go tubing, hiking, or camping.

If you aren't spending the night at one of their rustic cabins, yurts, tipis or going tent camping, it's possible to purchase a day pass to enjoy the property. Day visits cost $10 per person, and you can park your car at the main entrance. It's only a short scenic walk to reach the hiking trails that meander through 180 acres of wilderness.

There are four main trails at Black River Wilderness Park (red, yellow, blue and green), including the Mshkikiikimigaa Miikaanhs Interpretive Trail (red trail). There are signs along the interpretive trail with details about the plants that grow here and their uses.

The Chippewas of Rama First Nation are part of the Anishnaabeg (Ojibwe) First Nation. They believe that all living things are equal, encompass a spirit, and have roles and responsibilities to one another. This interpretive trail highlights the roles of the living things in these local forests and waterways. Whether you're hiking, tubing or camping, Black River Wilderness Park is one of the best things to do in Orillia and Lake Country.

Explore the Village of Coldwater

After your hike, spend the afternoon in the village of Coldwater. Part of Severn Township, Coldwater is an adorable historic village where you can shop, dine, and appreciate the quirky public art along its main street (Coldwater Road).

While Indigenous Peoples lived here for many centuries (it was once the headquarters of a 9,800-acre Ojibway territory), the first settlers came to Coldwater in the 1700s. Coldwater is thought to be the second oldest settled community in Ontario (with Penetanguishene being the oldest). Coldwater Road is over 400 years old.

In present day, Coldwater is a rural village with a population of 1400. It's the oldest and most historic village in Severn Township. Talk a stroll down Coldwater Road and Mill Street to see the Coldwater Mill from 1833. Visiting Coldwater is one of the best things to do in Orillia and Lake Country. While I already love small towns and villages, Coldwater is such a vibrant and unique place to visit.

Stop for coffee or a light lunch at Em's Cafe. You can also have lunch at local establishments, The Old Familiar or The Tiffany Restaurant. Coldwater Ice Cream is a favourite in town and they even have a few fruit sorbets that are naturally vegan.

My favourite thing about Coldwater was its unusual art throughout town. They have annual festivals to witchcraft and wizardry with nods to Harry Potter. This year's "The Magical World of Witchcraft and Wizardry" event featured live music, themed vendors, costumes, crafts, a forbidden forest walk, and the chance to visit the sorting hat.

Even if you aren't visiting during the annual festivals, you can admire the public outdoor art surrounding The Dark Bazaar and the Puzzles & Pastimes Hobby Shop. There's also a public fairy garden with whimsical art to discover. I spoke to the owner who lovingly cares for the garden. She said that decorations, like little fairy homes and gnomes are continually added to the garden as visitors love contributing their own magic.

My visit to Orillia and Lake Country was in collaboration with Orillia and Lake Country Tourism.

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