Curl up by the fire in your full-service lodging, or, head out on the slopes to get your heart pumping. Just 90 minutes north of Toronto, a classic Canadian winter getaway awaits in Orillia & Lake Country. Here’s a quick guide to planning your winter experience.
Step 1: Choose Your Stay
Visit Severn
In Port Stanton, along the shores of Sparrow Lake, Bayview Wildwood Resort has been a go-to family destination for generations. Enjoy expansive waterfront views just steps away from your cozy cabin along with a variety of winter activities such as cross-country skiing, skating, snowshoeing, and tobogganing. Indoors, dine in the waterfront lounge, enjoy a variety of theme-nights, and sign up for a fun workshop.
Book Your Stay.
Over in Port Severn, Rawley Resort invites visitors to experience the best in relaxation. Retreat to nature, unwind with a spa treatment, and indulge in culinary delights, all along the riverside of the Trent-Severn Waterway. Rawley offers a series of Bespoke Experiences for a chance to disconnect from the everyday. Book Your Stay.
Visit Rama First Nation
Casino Rama Resort is all about fun and relaxation. The casino features over 49 gaming tables and over 1700 slots to try your luck at and win big. Shop at the The Gathering Place boutiques featuring local Indigenous art and the latest fashions. Appetites hit the jackpot, with several unique restaurants to choose from, from fine dining or just a burger & a pint, there’s lots of options! Be pampered at the Balance in Life Spa, take in a show at the Entertainment Centre, and then return to your room to cozy up by the fire. Book Your Stay.
Visit Oro-Medonte
Find your thrill at Horseshoe Resort! Play all day on the slopes, either on ski or snowboard, and choose from a total of 29 runs. If cross country is more your style, explore 30 km of groomed double-track set Nordic trails. Take the kids snow tubing, try your hands at a fun fat biking experience, or lace up the ice skates for a twirl around the rink. This place has something for everyone. Finish up the day in one of the resort’s restaurants, recover at the spa, and then head to your luxury suite for rest and relaxation. Book Your Stay.
A four-season glamping experience, Glen Oro Farm is a rural eco-retreat that offers winter glamping and guided horseback trail rides. Spend an unforgettable night in a stylish Prospector’s Tent (yes, there is heat!), or gaze at the bright night sky in the Stargazer Dome, and recharge in the midst of a peaceful forest. Take a relaxing horseback ride through Glen Oro Farm’s scenic wooded trails and learn about horse care and riding techniques from expert guides. Book Your Stay.
Carriage Ridge Resort is a cozy and quaint lodging perfectly nestled within the snowy hills of Oro-Medonte. Within proximity to plenty of outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, trails, fat biking, and snowmobiling; as well as unique spa and wellness experiences, this resort is the perfect home base for your winter getaway experience. Enjoy cozy, luxury suites with an indoor pool and games rooms. Book Your Stay.
Visit Orillia
Known as the gateway to cottage country, The City of Orillia is perfectly located within the heart of lake country with ease of access to the entire region’s outdoor experiences. Book your stay at one of the City’s many luxury hotels, head out on the town at night to experience the top-tier culinary scene, take in some world-class entertainment, and explore the quaint heritage streets of downtown Orillia’s cultural hub. Book Your Stay at an Orillia accommodation.
Step 2: Build Your Itinerary with Some Outdoor Fun
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
Hit the slopes at Mount St Louis Moonstone for an awesome day of skiing or snowboarding. The family-friendly ski hill can accommodate skiers and snowboarders at all levels, from beginner to expert! Snowboarders have the option of three awesome terrain parks. Visit Website.
Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Fat Biking, and Groomer Rides
Over 100 km of beautiful, rolling trails await at Hardwood Ski & Bike, a renowned ski and bike centre. Gear rentals are available for all ages when booking in advance. Looking for something really special? Book a special winter groomer tour which allows members of your household to tour the grounds of Hardwood Ski and Bike in the comfort of a climate-controlled bubble cabin. It’s heaps of fun! Visit Website.
Ice Fishing
Perfectly nestled between what is known as The Twin Lakes: Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe; Orillia is a hotspot for those looking to experience some great ice fishing. When the lakes freeze over, A Breath of Fresh Air Outdoor Sports offers affordable fishing hut rentals so you can head out and drop a line, stress-free. Visit Website. Make sure to check conditions before heading out!
Snowmobiling Lessons
Get your adrenaline pumping on a guided snowmobile ride through the forest. SMART Adventures offers snowmobile lessons and guided snowmobile tours. Kids and beginners are most welcome! Booking a lesson means you’ll get step by step learning experience designed to equip riders with essential skills and confidence. On guided tours, you’ll explore the forest and stop for photos along the way. Learn more.
Step 3: Add Some Flavour
Dine
Orillia & Lake Country is home to some of the finest, farm-fresh eateries in the province. From freshly baked and locally sourced delights to mouthwatering roadhouse, you can always find what you’re in the mood for. Check out our Eat & Drink page to help you plan your food tour.
Looking for an indoor tasting and touring experience? Check out our wineries, cideries, and breweries page to find local tasting experiences!
Play
The fun doesn’t stop when you head indoors! Orillia & Lake Country is home to a variety of niche small businesses and activities that offer barrels of fun for all ages. Whether its glow-in-the-dark bowling, retro nights at the roller skating rink, arcade games, or a visit to the local board game café, there’s no shortage of fun in the region. Check out our Chilly Day Bucket List for more ideas.
After dark, head out and explore the nightlife, where live music events, brewery parties, and wine, cocktail, and scotch socials take over the local restaurants, bars, and shops. Not sure where to start? Check out our list of After Hours experiences in Orillia.
Entertainment
Looking to add some entertainment to the mix as well? The Orillia Opera House boasts some of the greatest acoustics around in its historic, near-700-seat auditorium. From major concerts and comedy shows to professional live theatre and ballets, you’re guaranteed to find your genre at the OOH! Visit Website.
Visit Casino Rama Resort and experience the great indoors! Check out what’s coming up impressive 5,000 seat Entertainment Centre, where a long list of international artists come to perform year-round. From Jerry Seinfeld to Alice Cooper, there’s always a show to look forward to at the resort. Visit Website.
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