History & Museums | Orillia & Lake Country Tourism

Be intrigued by museums that display signature collections and rare pieces throughout Orillia & Lake Country.

The Orillia Museum of Art & History showcases the stories of Orillia’s past while inspiring future generations. The Stephen Leacock Museum is a National Historic Site celebrating the life and work of Canadian humourist Stephen Leacock. Head over to the Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum for a step back in time to rural farm life on beautiful immersive grounds. In the heart of the Village of Coldwater is the Coldwater Mill, a historic site right on the banks of the Coldwater River.

Beyond museums, there are many heritage sites and historical places of significance throughout the region. Discover the Mnjikaning Fish Fences, also known as the fishing weirs, that date back over 7,000 years located at the Narrows of Lake Couchiching. Travel our scenic country side and visit The African Methodist Episcopal Church or Big Chute Marine Railway.

There is so much heritage throughout the Orillia & Lake Country region from historic sites to self-guided tours. Expand your horizons!

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COLDWATER CANADIANA HERITAGE MUSEUM

You can touch history at Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum including The Woodrow Homestead which sits on 6.5 acres of parkland. We promote, collect, and retain history of Coldwater and surrounding areas from 1830 to 1950. Admission is by Donation. We are open from May through to Labour Day, Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Enjoy our Devon Teas every Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00 and wander our River Trail winding through Heritage Gardens along the Coldwater River. A Place for Discovery…A Place of Memories. Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum is now certified as cycle friendly!

Address: 1474 Woodrow Rd. Coldwater, Ontario L0K1E0

MARIPOSA FOLK FESTIVAL

Mariposa Folk Festival is an exciting, vibrant and storied musical happening! Mariposa has presented its incredible performances and programming for over 60 glorious years. Come join us! Enjoy and share in the rich tapestry of festival experiences that animate the wonderful spirit of Mariposa! The festival is a celebration of song, story, dance and craft, and so much more. Taking place in a beautiful lakeside setting, Mariposa features some of the most renowned artists on the North American and international scenes, as well as emerging artists for you to discover. It is a 3-day getaway with 100+ performances on 11 stages. For those camping at Mariposa, the fun starts the day before the festival opens and finishes the day after it closes.

Address: 10 Peter St Orillia ON L3V5A9

Downtown Orillia Family Festival/Events History/Culture Orillia

LEACOCK MUSEUM HISTORIC SITE

LEACOCK MUSEUM NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE – For over fifty years the Leacock Museum has been welcoming visitors to the Old Brewery Bay on the shores of Lake Couchiching. This stately, 19-room summer home represents Stephen Leacock’s lifetime love affair with Orillia, a town he immortalized as the mythical Mariposa in his quintessential best-seller Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town. Included in the nearly 10- acre site are Leacock House, the Boathouse, and the museum archives and administration building. Don’t forget to stop by the Leacock Cafe and enjoy some amazing food and beverages, or stop through on the trails for some ice cream! The museum grounds feature gardens and trails such as the Orillia Millenium Trail or the Lightfoot Trail that travels throughout Orillia along the waterfront, through the property! These trails are ideal for a stroll, especially in their summer fullness or during fall colours. Enjoy the amazing waterfront, located on Lake Couchiching makes for some amazing views and a convenient spot to take a break from paddling and enjoy this local historic site! Open year round and available for rentals, meetings and special events.

Address: 50 Museum Drive, Orillia

Bus Tours Family History/Culture Indoor Activities Orillia Social Events Summer Activities Tap Into Maple

ORILLIA MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY

The Orillia Museum of Art & History is located in the historic 1894 Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building in the heart of downtown Orillia’s shopping and restaurant district. This unique art gallery and museum presents significant art & history exhibitions of both regional and national importance.

Address: 30 Peter St. South Orillia, ON L2V5A9

Arts Attractions Corporate Downtown Orillia Family History/Culture Indoor Activities Kids Camps Orillia Orillia Arts District Shop Local Shoppes Social Events Tap Into Maple

DOWNTOWN ORILLIA

Visit Orillia’s perfectly placed downtown just steps away from everything you need! Whether Downtown Orillia is your destination or just a pit stop, expect a wide variety of casual to fine dining restaurants plus dozens of specialty stores to explore! Within walking distance of the grocery and liquor stores, and steps from the waterfront. Downtown Orillia offers everything you want out of your all season getaway. Visit Downtown Orillia to experience everything from art to delicious food to year-round events, street festivals and even a weekly Farmers’ Market. For a list of Downtown Orillia Businesses Click HERE For a Map of Downtown Orillia Businesses Click HERE

Address: 33 Mississaga St. E Orillia, Ontario L3V6S3

Bus Tours Downtown Orillia Family History/Culture Information Orillia Shop Local Summer Activities

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BIG CHUTE MARINE RAILWAY – LOCK 44

Big Chute Marine is the only marine railway of its kind in North America. This lock operates as a open carriage that runs on a railway going into the water allowing the boats to drive onto it and be lifted up by straps. The lift then proceeds to move across 60 feet of dry land to place the boat back into the water on the other side of the ridge between Severn River and Gloucester Pool. Big Chute has large grounds for picnicking and boater camping.

Address: 7000 Upper Big Chute Rd Coldwater, ON L0K 1E0 Canada

Attractions Boating/Boat Tours History/Culture Marinas/Marine Severn

BRECHIN ARTIFACTS

Located in Brechin Ontario. Brechin Artifacts has a huge inventory of stone statues and yard ornaments for every budget. We have an extensive supply on hand and if we do not have it in stock we will search what you desire from our massive network of suppliers to satisfy every customer. Our mission is to make every customer’s needs met, no matter how big or small.

Address: 2256 Highway 12 Brechin, Ontario L0K1B0

History/Culture Ramara Shoppes

Brierley Pottery

Gary Brierley is a well known professional potter who has specialized in functional and decorative stoneware for 30 years. Whether it’s setting the most amazing dinner table or finding that unique and special gift, you’ll enjoy shopping in his tranquil studio just outside of Barrie, and perhaps adding to an existing collection of Brierley Pottery. Gary specializes in functional and decorative stoneware, providing beautiful pieces that are unique and of the highest quality and craftsmanship. Every year he enjoys meeting new people, sharing with them his craft and the soul that goes into it.

Address: 55 Ridge Road West Oro Station, ON L0L 2E0

Arts History/Culture Oro-Medonte Shoppes

CITY OF ORILLIA, DEPT. OF CULTURE & HERITAGE

VISION: We see a city in which culture is understood to be central to making Orillia a place where people want to live, work, play and invest. We see a city that is a regional hub for tourism built on the quality of its natural and cultural environment, and the vitality of arts, heritage and cultural activities. We see a city that values its downtown as a social, economic, and cultural hub of the community. We see a city where growth and development are managed in a way that preserves the community’s natural and cultural assets and its unique small town ambience and identity. We see a city that values public space across the community, working to protect and enhance it through effective urban design and art in public places. We see a city that supports and values a dynamic cultural sector of arts, heritage and cultural organizations and individuals committed to collaboration and shared resources.

Address: 50 Andrew St. S Orillia, Ontario L3V7T5

History/Culture Information Orillia

Cloud Gallery

Cloud Gallery is a hybrid art gallery located in a 10,000 square foot heritage building in downtown Orillia. They showcase art inspired by Ontario’s natural beauty and feature works from over 25 leading artists from across the province. Cloud Gallery makes buying great art easy.

Address: 23 Mississaga St W Orillia, ON

Arts Downtown Orillia Downtowns History/Culture Indoor Activities Orillia Orillia Arts District

COLDWATER CANADIANA HERITAGE MUSEUM

Address: 1474 Woodrow Rd. Coldwater, Ontario L0K1E0

Bus Tours Family History/Culture Severn Social Events Tap Into Maple

COLDWATER MILL

This Landmark Grist Mill in Coldwater was constructed in 1833-34 for the Ojibwa natives who had been settled on 3969 hectares (9800 acres) between the Coldwater River and the Narrows at Orillia, on the western side of Lake Couchiching. It is a special piece of history for the village of Coldwater and is a beautiful site to see. The surrounding grounds with the river flowing by are a fantastic area for local events and a great area to gather. Plan a visit to the Grist Mill to learn more about its history, tour the inside including a local art gallery and craft shop located inside and include a lunch or dinner at the attached Mill St Bistro.

Address: 1 Mill St. Coldwater, Ontario L0K1E0

Arts Downtown Coldwater Family History/Culture Indoor Activities Severn Shop Local Shoppes Tap Into Maple

Creative Nomad Studios

You can find us in a newly renovated space at 23 Mississaga St W! Our whole mission is to support, enhance and bring together the local ‘creative nomads’ and join the work of a diverse range of creative and social entrepreneurs in our community – from freelancer artists to small businesses, entrepreneurs, designers, photographers, writers, creators of all kinds, theatre arts, musicians, videographers and community organizations. Creative Nomad Studios will not only provide access to professional services and space at an affordable rate to creative and social entrepreneurs, but it will also enable them to build a stronger, more resilient community collectively through its ongoing community-building programming. Memberships for space will start as low as $25/mo! Members get special rates on meeting and event spaces, promotional opportunities, networking and community, free consultations with experts, access to extensive business partnerships, meetups, events, and so much more!

Address: 23 Mississaga St W, Orillia, ON L3V 3A5

Arts Downtown Orillia Downtowns Family History/Culture Indoor Activities Orillia Orillia Arts District Weddings

DISCOVERY HARBOUR

Discovery Harbour traces its roots back to the original British naval and military base in Penetanguishene, built to safeguard access to Upper Canada after the War of 1812. “His Majesty’s Naval Establishment on Lake Huron”, (as it was first called) kept ships prepared to supply British posts to the northwest. By 1820, it was home to over 70 people, including sailors, officers, shipwrights, and soldiers. Five large ships, 15 smaller vessels, and numerous workshops and dwellings were built. In 1828, a British garrison on Drummond Island was relocated to Penetanguishene. By 1834, Canada was defended exclusively by these forces. An impressive stone Officers’ Quarters was built in 1845. The military occupied the site until 1856.

Address: 93 Jury Dr. Penetanguishene, Ontario L9M1G1

Bus Tours History/Culture Kids Camps Summer Activities

DOWNTOWN ORILLIA

Address: 33 Mississaga St. E Orillia, Ontario L3V6S3

Bus Tours Downtown Orillia Family History/Culture Information Orillia Shop Local Summer Activities

LEACOCK MUSEUM HISTORIC SITE

Address: 50 Museum Drive, Orillia

Bus Tours Family History/Culture Indoor Activities Orillia Social Events Summer Activities Tap Into Maple

MARIPOSA FOLK FESTIVAL

Address: 10 Peter St Orillia ON L3V5A9

Downtown Orillia Family Festival/Events History/Culture Orillia

MNJIKANING FISH WEIRS – NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

In 1982, the government recognized the Mnjikaning Fish Weirs as a National Historical Site. In conjunction with Parks Canada and the Mnjikaning Fish Fence Circle, strategic plans are in development to protect and promote the weirs located in our territory. The fish fence at the Atherley Narrows, is located near Rama First Nation. It is a complex system of underwater fences which was used for harvesting fish.

Address: L3V1P4

History/Culture Rama Ramara

ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE (OPP) MUSEUM

Situated in Ontario Provincial Police General Headquarters, the Museum is open to the public Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (closed statutory holidays). Free admission. Come and discover more than 100 years of proud policing tradition. Bring the kids, great indoor family activities including building lego, make your own puppet show, try on police uniforms, colouring, watching videos and learning the history of the OPP.

Address: 777 Memorial Ave Orillia, Ontario L3V6H1

Family History/Culture Indoor Activities Orillia

ORILLIA MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY

Address: 30 Peter St. South Orillia, ON L2V5A9

Arts Attractions Corporate Downtown Orillia Family History/Culture Indoor Activities Kids Camps Orillia Orillia Arts District Shop Local Shoppes Social Events Tap Into Maple

Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church

The Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church re-opened its doors to the public on August 19, 2016, after being closed for a few years, thanks to the support of hundreds across Canada and the USA. The Township of Oro-Medonte Council and Staff, friends of the church and descendants are very grateful and we wish to extend our deepest appreciation to everyone involved for making it possible! In partnership with the Simcoe County Museum the Church is open from Victoria Day Weekend until the last weekend in September with tours available on Saturday’s. The Church has a new mobile app! Now you can learn about the history of the Church even when it’s not open! Download the Muzeus app from the App Store or Google Play, scan the QR code and start your history lesson! Click on the ad to learn more. Like Us on Facebook to view photos, know about current tours at the Church and connect with descendants www.facebook.com/oroafricanchurch

Address: Oro, ON L0L 2X0

History/Culture Oro-Medonte Summer Activities

RAMARA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Ramara Historical Society was established to research, document, collect, classify, preserve and edit material illustrating the founding, settlement and development of the former townships of Rama and Mara, which is the geographical area now known as The Township of Ramara and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. In 2004 a group of interested residents met to form the Ramara Historical Society. The initial goal of this small group was to discover and protect printed materials pertaining to the history of Mara and Rama Townships including the former Rama Reserve. After a few years membership outgrew the Ramara Centre meeting location and we were fortunate to be sponsored by the Township of Ramara for our meeting space at Udney Community Centre where we also have a display case which houses our developing library. For ten years members have met regularly to share information, display personal artefacts and welcome speakers on various topics of historical interest. We have also enjoyed tours of nearby locations which have preserved their history. To inform the community of their heritage we have sponsored experts for our Speaker Nights and taken part with displays and information at many local events. Our collection has expanded to include […]

Address: 2347 Concession Rd. 10 Udney, Ontario L0K1B0

Clubs History/Culture Ramara Tap Into Maple

RAMARA TRAIL

The hiking trail starts in the south at the historic fish weirs that were built by the Mnjikaning First Nation people.“Mnjikaning” is an Ojibway word meaning “the place of the fish fence.” The trail follows the abandoned CN rail line through pastoral countryside, crossing the Rama Road/Monock Road intersection, along Monock Road to the Trail sign and extending to Mara-Rama Boundary Road. Total distance is just over 5km. Lake Couchiching means “outlet” or “little lake at the end of a big lake” in Ojibway. Learn more about Ramara Trails at www.ramara.ca/trails

Address: Ramara

Cycling Trails History/Culture Ramara Trails Winter Adventure

Rolling Sands Percherons

Take a step back in time with a horse drawn sleigh ride at Rolling Sands Percherons’ Oro-Medonte farm. Off-site carriages, wagons, trolleys, lead line ponies available to weddings, parties, and business functions. Call for pricing and by appointment only. On-site parking is available. For more information call Robert Southorn at 705-726-5968.

Address: 2251 Line 4 North Oro-Medonte Edgar, ON, Canada L0L 2L0

Family History/Culture Oro-Medonte Winter Activities

SAINTE MARIE AMONG THE HURONS

Ontario’s first European Community, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons was the headquarters for the French Jesuit Mission to the Huron Wendat people. In 1639, the Jesuits, along with French lay workers, began construction of a fenced community that included barracks, a church, workshops, residences, and a sheltered area for Native visitors. By 1648, Sainte-Marie was a wilderness home to 66 French men, representing one-fifth of the entire population of New France. Today throughout July and August, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is pleased to offer fun and informative demonstrations and “hands-on” activities that share aspects of life in the 17th century, including 17th century fire-starting, historic clothing and medicine, native games, 17th century music, historic cooking, and more.

Address: 16164 Highway 12, Midland, ON L4R4K8

Bus Tours Family History/Culture Kids Camps

SEVERN TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY

Location & History The The Severn Public Library is located at 31 Coldwater Road, in the middle of Coldwater’s business district. From our front windows, we have a superb view of the old gristmill with the Coldwater River flowing past. Library services in the village date back to the 1800’s when this was an Indian Village called Gis-se-nau-se-bing (cold river) and lending books brought from Scotland were kept in the Indian Agent’s home. Several other village locations housed books before the present library was built in 1937, as a memorial by the Sheppard family, to their parents Wm. Sheppard and Mary Ellen Buchanan. An additional two rooms were added in 1986-87, one being the Foster Meharry Russell Reading Room, a memorial gift from the family of this former Coldwater newspaper owner. In 1994 Coldwater became part of the new Township of Severn . The Severn Township Library Board now operates this library. About the Library Hours Monday 11:00 – 5:00 Tuesday 11:00 – 7:00 Thursday 11:00 – 7:00 Friday 11:00 – 5:00 Saturday 11:00 – 2:00 Closed Sundays and Wednesdays

Address: 31 Coldwater Rd

Business Downtown Coldwater History/Culture Information

Simcoe County Barn Quilts

With participating locations through Oro-Medonte, Severn, and Ramara, Simcoe County Barn Quilts features 155 painted quilts, mounted on barns and buildings across the region to celebrate agriculture as an essential thread in the fabric of Simcoe County. Drive safely and respect privacy. When viewing barn quilts please use caution when stopping or slowing down. Please remember that the quilts that are on private property must only be viewed from the safety of your vehicle. See the map of Barn Quilts

Address: 1151 Highway 26 West Minesing, ON

Agri - Attractions Agri & Eco Tourism Arts Attractions History/Culture Oro-Medonte Ramara Severn

SIMCOE COUNTY MUSEUM

The Simcoe County Museum was created in 1928 by Women’s Institute members Mrs. C.P. Stocking and Mrs. R.A. Sutherland. The collection was first displayed at the Barrie Public Library, then the Barrie Registry Office. In the 1950s, the County of Simcoe took responsibility for the collection, and the first wing of the Museum was opened on Highway 26 (at the current location) in 1962. Over the years, the museum has grown significantly, and now is composed of a five gallery facility with sixteen outdoor heritage and display buildings. At the Simcoe County Museum, we believe that our visitors should be able to experience history first hand in a museum that is engaging and exciting. Come to the Museum and discover the stories behind our collection of over 30,000 artifacts!

Address: 1151 Highway 26, Minesing, Ontario

Family History/Culture Indoor Activities Social Events

SINGING HEART STUDIOS

Singing HeART Studios is a … Fibre and Mixed Media Arts Studio, a Canadian Artists Collective, and a Gallery. We empower imaginative thinking through creative expression. We offer convenient, unique opportunities to become engaged through imaginative, informative workshops and classes. Our Boutique features beautiful materials and kits for rug hooking, knitting, felting, upcylcing and re-purposing of fabric, furniture, and decor.Our focus is Canadian, environmentally friendly and socially conscious Art. Singing heART Studios inspires the imagination specialist in all of us. We are flexible and accommodating. Contact us today to experience the wonderful world of fibre and mixed media arts!

Address: 25 Mississaga St. E. Unit 5 Orillia, Ontario, Canada

Arts Downtown Orillia History/Culture Shop Local

STREETS ALIVE

Streets Alive! is an annual outdoor art event in downtown Orillia open to the public all summer long. It draws locals, cottagers and tourists to Orillia’s downtown streets to boost the local economy and instill a sense of civic pride. In 2022 Streets Alive celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Mariposa Folk Festival with a Flower Power theme blooming across the city. Streets Alive! started in 2009 as an offshoot of the successful Orillia Festival of Banners. This first Streets Alive! event featured jury-selected artists transforming large-scale vinyl banners with their art live on the street. The Peter Street art block was buzzing with music, performance art and hands-on activity. The appeal of the event was particularly evident on the second day, as over 400 people lined up in the rain to vote for their favourite banners. The top four artists earned substantial People’s Choice cash prizes, and their banners joined the Festival of Banners collection for prominent display in Orillia. The project has grown each year, with more and more artists vying to get involved and word of our incredible artistic endeavours spreading farther afield. 2010 featured giant guitars. The next year brought wrought-iron sailboats with lexan sails as the artists’ canvas. […]

Address: orillia, on

Arts Downtown Orillia Festival/Events History/Culture Orillia

Tiffin’s Creative Centre

Check out showings by local artists in our ‘Cut Above Gallery’. Watch our News Page and our Facebook page for upcoming shows, openings and events. You will be impressed by the talent, quality and depth of the artistic community in and around Orillia. Find a distinctive work of art that will impeccably enhance your space. We are located in the heart of Orillia’s Arts District.

Address: 22-B Peter Street South Laneway, Orillia, ON L3V 5A9

Arts Downtown Orillia History/Culture Orillia Orillia Arts District