City of Orillia
Located just north of ordinary, the City of Orillia is situated in one of the most unique and picturesque regions in Central Ontario. Bordered by two lakes, Orillia is surrounded by diverse communities, rural landscapes and unspoiled, breathtaking views making it the best place to experience four-season living, and providing an amazing home for Lakehead University.
We’ve got arts, music, theatre, festivals, sports, beaches, skiing, pubs and restaurants, all within an hour from Toronto and 30 minutes from Barrie. Catch a great concert at Casino Rama, a local band at one of the restaurants in the downtown core, or a music festival at Burl’s Creek.
Minutes from campus is the largest growth area of Orillia in West Ridge. New restaurants, shops and businesses offer new possibilities, part-time employment, and shopping.
Love the outdoors? Our campus is surrounded by some of the best recreational trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Sandy beaches and parks complement the waterfront, which offers some of the best boating and water sports.
Within 30 minutes of campus you’ll find three ski and snowboard hills, dozens of golf courses, unique dining and shopping opportunities, and a number of incredible breweries and distilleries.
Orillia also provides you with so much more. From places of worship to cultural centres and a hospital, you will find everything you need close to campus.
Must try places to eat: 125 Breakfast Club, Mariposa Market, Shine, Rustica, The Shack Eatery, Bounty Fish and Chips, Thai Plate, Kenzington Burger Bar, Cosmo’s Ristorante, Sushi Wadasi
Must see sights: Leacock Museum National Historical Site; Orillia Museum of Art and History; Scout’s Valley; Couchiching Beach Park and Tudhope Park; Mnjikaning Fishing Weirs
Must try outside: Treetop trekking at Horseshoe Resort; stand-up-paddleboard (SUP) yoga on Lake Couchiching; Mariposa Folk Festival; moonlight snowshoeing through the Copeland Forest; Shaw’s Maple Syrup Farm; Island Princess tour; skiing and biking at Hardwood Hills
Best shopping spots: Downtown, West Ridge Shopping District, Orillia Square Mall