25

Orillia was founded in 1867 as a village, the same year Canada became a country. Now a full-fledged city, Orillia has been growing in size and reputation ever since. Ranked by Moneysense as the second-best place to retire in Ontario and the third best city to retire in all of Canada, it is easy to see why Orillia’s leisurely atmosphere has it nicknamed The Sunshine City.

Looking for beaches, boating and trails? Orillia is home to many provincial parks including Mara Provincial Park, Lake Couchiching, Bass Lake Provincial Park and McRae Point Provincial Park.

Looking for culture? Orillia’s got that too. Visit the Orillia Opera House. Established in 1895, you can still watch a theatrical performance, concert or dance recital. How about the Orillia Museum of Art and History? Where you can find constantly changing exhibits that celebrate creativity and heritage. The Ontario Provincial Police Museum is also in Orillia and is a great resource that houses the unique history of policing in Ontario through archives and artefacts. Beyond Orillia’s museums make learning an ongoing sport at one of Lakehead University’s two campuses in the city.

There are also many events to be found in Orillia including the Roots North Music Festival, Mariposa Folk Festival or the unique Orillia Scottish Festival. Orillia Square mall in the Severn area is a great place to stop for stores like Canadian Tire and Coles. Take in a film at Galaxy Cinemas Orillia and enjoy fine dining at eateries like Era 67 or Grape and Olive Wine Bistro.

The city of Orillia is also developing a multi-million dollar recreation center set to be completed in 2022 as well as a $17 million dollar waterfront development plan, which will improve infrastructure including roads and pipes, which should allow for the easier development of more businesses and condos. Although there are approximately 35 condos in Orillia, the number is set to rapidly increase in the coming years.

There are a lot of great restaurants. If you can't start your day without caffeine fear not, your nearby choices include Starbucks. Groceries can be found at Kathys Bakery which is not far and you'll find Will Steven Dr not far as well. Interested in the arts? Look no further than R Vandermeer Fine Arts and Orillia Museum of Art & History. If you're an outdoor lover, you are not far from McKinnell Square Park and Park.

If you are looking for transit, don't fear, there is a Bus Stop (Memorial Ave. / Dunedin St.) a short distance away. It also has route Georgian nearby.