Orillia Accommodation Guide

INTRODUCTION

Incorporated in 1867, Orillia is an historical Canadian city with much to offer. The urban design of the city embraces the nature around it, with waterfront parks, lakes and trails enjoyed by visitors and locals. Annual festivals like the Orillia Perch Festival and Mariposa Folk Festival, and attractions such as Casino Rama and the Orillia Opera House, offer entertainment and leisure in a peaceful and pleasant environment. Orillia’s rich history and designated National Historic Sites can be explored using the 9.5 km (6 mi) Millennium Trail extends throughout the city. The trail is a link in the TransCanada Trail that connects Canadian provinces and territories. Downtown Orillia is known for its rustic charm, and contains many accommodation facilities, sights, shops and dining areas. Located at the base of downtown Orillia and overlooking Lake Couchiching, the Ossawippi Express dining cars illustrate Orillia’s history and waterfront views while providing a fine dining experience.

A Sunset at Georgian Bay1

Like most tourist destinations, summer and winter months are both peak seasons. June, July and August are the hottest months of the year in Orillia, making the beach a pleasant attraction. With the majority of snow fall and snow cover in January and December, winter high season is ideal for skiers and snowboarders. Finding accommodations in Orillia may be slightly more expensive during the high season, but booking in advance will ensure vistors have adequate lodging. September and October see the most amount of rain, and are the low seasons for tourists and visitors.

This WorldWeb.com Travel Guide article is helpful to those headed to Orillia in making informed accommodation choices.

Helpful Links

1) Accommodation Directory - This is a complete accommodation directory with detailed listings for hotels, bed & breakfasts, luxury resorts, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, these directories are designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on budget, personal preference and the nature of the trip.

2) Online Reservations - This useful search tool allows travellers to check for room availability and make secure online room reservations. This feature is particularly helpful during peak seasons, when finding accommodations may be a challenge.

3) Map - The Orillia map can assist visitors in planning their trip by locating accommodations, and the proximity of appropriate lodging to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

ORIENTATION

	Orillia Beachfront2

Located on the shores of Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching, Orillia is a part of the South Central Ontario Southern Georgian Bay area approximately 128 km (79.5 mi) away from Toronto. The TransCanada (Highway 12) leads into the city, and in addition to Laclie Street South and Rama Road, it is one of the major routes within the city providing access to the surrounding shorelines. Popular tourism areas include Rama Road, as Casino Rama is located on this route, and downtown Orillia because of its accessibility to the waterfront, trails, shopping centres and historical sites. Major accommodation districts accompany both areas.

ACCESS

The TransCanada Highway (Highway 12) provides a route to Orillia from most cities in Ontario. When travelling from Toronto, Highway 400 north turns into Highway 11 to Orillia. Memorial Avenue in Orillia provides an exit from the highway and access into the city. For those travelling via water routes, Orillia ports and marinas allow boats to both launch and dock for daily rates.

AIRPORTS

Pearson International Airport is located 115 km (71.5 mi) south of Orillia in Mississauga, Ontario, and is approximately one hour away from Orillia. Car rental companies offer one-way drop off to or from the airport. Also, limousines and buses provide service into Orillia.

Much smaller, but a great deal closer is Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, located 20 km (12 mi) south of Orillia. Corporate, commercial and general aviation are received on the runway, and Canada Customs services are available.

TRANSPORTATION

Upon arrival in Orillia, limousines and numerous taxis are on hand for service, along with the option of vehicle rental. When parking vehicles downtown, meters with a nominal hourly fee are available. The maximum time allowed to park varies according to time and place parked. "Pay and Display" lots require a minimum payment of 20 minutes parking time. Also, the City of Orillia provides public transit service throughout the city. Between the hours of 6:15am to 6:15pm on weekdays, and 8:45am to 5:45pm, buses depart downtown every half hour.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Hotels
Hotels in Orillia present acceptable rates, adequate amenities and proximity to attractions, including access to Casino Rama. Many hotels provide complimentary evening shuttle service to and from the casino. The Days Inn Orillia is located right across from Casino Rama, and is 15 km (9 mi) away from Pearson International Airport in Mississauga. Although it does not have any restaurants, its location makes it ideal for budget-conscious tourists interested in exploring Casino Rama. Hotels located slightly farther also provide shuttle service to the casino, but are closer to hiking and biking trails, boating, golfing and skiing activities.

Casino Rama at Night 3

As the ultimate tourist destination, Casino Rama offers hotel accommodations, including 300 luxury suites, each with a fireplace and full bathrooms. There is also a fitness facility, a full service spa with an indoor pool, steam room, sauna and a leisure rooftop patio. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the 17, 837-square-metre (192,000 sq ft) casino contains over 2,300 slot machines, 120 gaming tables and hosts competitive poker tournaments. The Entertainment Centre seats 5,000 and well-known artists perform on stage with different acts occuring every week. With nine restaurants on site, visitors are given the chance to satisfy any craving. The banquet and meeting facility is available to accommodate anything from intimate group meetings of 20 or large receptions of up to 500 guests.

Downtown Orillia
A vibrant place for visitors, Downtown Orillia is approximately 113 km (70 mi) from Pearson International Airport, and 11 km (7 mi) from Casino Rama. Many accommodations located downtown, including a number of bed and breakfasts, are waterfront with access to the beach, numerous shops, dining and attractions. The Quality Hotel Champlain Waterfront is the only waterfront hotel in downtown Orillia, and is very close to tourist sites, restaurants, and shops.

Bed and Breakfasts
Orillia is home to a number of bed and breakfast accommodations. As a popular and reasonable alternative to hotels, Orillia bed and breakfasts offer simplicity and escape while maintaining luxury and charm. While the cost is comparable to that of hotels, bed and breakfasts are more intimate, with personable hosts in alluring classic homes constructed in the 1900s. A classic Victorian home built in 1896, Tisdale House can be found in downtown Orillia, and is minutes away from Lake Couchiching, shopping and eateries. It offers visitors high speed Internet access, laundry facilities and private bathrooms, amongst other amenities.

	Orillia Trails4

Camping
Bass Lake Provincial Park contains 182 campsites, including 92 with electrical services and three group sites. During the summer, the park allows for visitors to swim, hike and fish. Kayaks and canoes can also be rented for boating. Reservations are accepted from Victoria Day in May until Labour Day in September, but the sites are on a first-come, first-served basis during early spring and late fall. Although campsites are closed in the winter, skiing and snowshoeing can still be enjoyed in the park.

Mara Provincial Park campground has 105 campsites, 36 of which have access to electrical services. The campground is close to a wide beach attributed as one of the best in the area, with a boat launch capability and a play area.

Accommodation Alternatives
Located on the shoreline on Lake Couchiching, Fern Resort has seven different accommodation facilities on site, each suited to fit guests’ needs. The resort started as a winter facility, but is now open all year round. Winter activities such as ice fishing, dog sledding, snow shoeing, curling and skiing, keep guests entertained during colder months. Summer activities include tennis, golf, fishing and archery. Fern Resort mainly caters to busy seasons and holiday weekends, offering specialty packages during these times. It is also the next closest hotel to Casino Rama.

With organized canoe trips during the summer months, and a location close to sailing and skiing sites, the HI-Orillia Home Hostel is ideal for travellers looking to enjoy the outdoors. It is not a members-only hostel; however, non-members are required to pay an extra fee for accommodation.

The Port of Orillia grants access to docking, boat launches and waterfront facilities. Situated in easy walking distance of downtown Orillia, it offers easy access to shopping, dining and lodging. It is open in mid-May through to Labour Day in September, and offers free shuttle service to Casino Rama. Showers are available for those wishing to remain housed in their boats. Laundromats, grocery stores and restaurants are also located nearby.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

1. A Sunset at Georgian Bay; Georgian Bay, ON, Canada
2. Orillia Beachfront; Georgian Bay, ON, Canada
3. c/o Casino Rama; Casino Rama at Night; Orillia, ON, Canada
4. Orillia Trails; Georgian Bay, ON, Canada