Winter Fest

Event Date: 
Friday, January 9, 2026 - 11:00am to 2:00pm EST
Event Location: 
Fire Pit & Lake Tamblyn Area
Event Contact E-mail: 

Enjoy the cool weather and warm up by the fire with FREE snacks cooked over the fire, hot chocolate, and more!

Take a stroll hovering above the snow on snowshoes, and if Lake Tamblyn is open for skating bring your skates, sticks, pucks, and hop on the pond!

Community Connections Fair

Event Date: 
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 - 11:00am to 2:00pm EST
Event Location: 
The Agora
Event Contact E-mail: 

Connect with various community organizations and businesses while enjoying some light snacks and beverages!

Join us in the Agora on Wednesday January 7 between 11:00am and 2:00pm for our Community Connections Fair!!

 

If you are a local business or organization and want to join the event, please reach out to orientation@lakeheadu.ca

Chili Chill Out - Department Fair

Event Date: 
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - 11:00am to 2:00pm EST
Event Location: 
The Agora
Event Contact E-mail: 

As we return back to campus, what better way to kick off the new semester than getting familiar with the various departments and student supports on campus while enjoying a FREE bowl of chili!

Join us in the Agora on Tuesday January 6 between 11:00am and 2:00pm for a Chili Chill Out Department Fair!

Barrie Colt's Hockey Game (Orientation)

Event Date: 
Thursday, February 12, 2026 - 5:30pm to 11:00pm EST
Event Location: 
Event at Sadlon Arena (555 Bayview Dr, Barrie) / Bus Pick Up at Simcoe Hall (500 University Ave, Orillia)
Event Contact Name: 
Madison Larochelle
Event Contact Phone: 
705-330-4010 ext. 2118
Event Contact E-mail: 
Get excited for the Barrie Colts Hockey Game at the Sadlon Arena in Barrie! This event is open to students who are new to Lakehead Orillia, including both first-year and transfer students. The event includes free transportation and a game ticket — you’ll just need to cover your own dinner!
 
This trip has a limited number of spots, as we only have a certain number of free tickets and free bus seats. Please note that registering does not guarantee your spot. Madison, the trip organizer, will send a personal confirmation email within 48 hours of your submission to let you know whether you secured a ticket.
 
REGISTRATION LINK IS NOT YET ACTIVE, PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON TO SIGN UP. 

Winter Fest

Event Date: 
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 - 11:30am to 2:00pm EST
Event Location: 
Rotary Place Arena (100 University Ave, Orillia) & Simcoe Hall (500 University Ave, Orillia)
Event Contact Name: 
Madison Larochelle
Event Contact Phone: 
705-330-4010 ext. 2118
Event Contact E-mail: 

During Thrive Week, you’re invited to enjoy a free skate at Rotary Place! Hot cocoa will be provided, and skates are available to borrow while sizes last. If skating isn’t your thing, stop by Simcoe Hall for more winter-themed treats and games! This is a great way to beat the winter blues, get active, connect with others, and embrace the fun side of winter, supporting your overall well-being and helping you thrive through the colder months.

Winter Student Baker & Maker Market

Event Date: 
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 - 11:00am to 2:00pm EST
Event Location: 
Simcoe Hall (500 University Ave, Orillia)
Event Contact Name: 
Madison Larochelle
Event Contact Phone: 
705-330-4010 ext. 2118
Event Contact E-mail: 

Are you a student creator? Join the Student Maker Market as a vendor and showcase your unique handmade goods!

Not selling? Come support your fellow students, discover one-of-a-kind items, and connect with the creative community on campus.

All students who attend and explore the market will be entered into a prize draw for a bundle featuring a special item from each vendor!

Downtown Hot Cocoa Trail

Event Date: 
Saturday, January 17, 2026 - 10:00am to 2:00pm EST
Event Location: 
Downtown Orillia (Meeting at Simcoe Hall - 500 University Ave, Orillia)
Event Contact Name: 
Madison Larochelle
Event Contact Phone: 
705-330-4010 ext. 2118
Event Contact E-mail: 

Explore Orillia’s charming downtown core while sampling a variety of rich hot beverages and decadent treats from local cafés and bakeries. Each stop offers a unique take on a cozy winter favorite!

Gather with us as a group and board the city bus — a great way to learn about the transit system, discover our close proximity to downtown, and make use of the student bus pass.

All students who attend can enter into our prize draw for two Toronto Maple Leafs tickets! 

Winter Community Fair

Event Date: 
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - 11:00am to 2:00pm EST
Event Location: 
Simcoe Hall (500 University Ave, Orillia)
Event Contact Name: 
Madison Larochelle
Event Contact Phone: 
705-330-4010 ext. 2118
Event Contact E-mail: 

We will have a variety of community organizations on campus for you to explore—many of which you might encounter and utilize during your time as a student but may not yet know are available to you. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the services they offer, ask questions, and discover how the broader community beyond Lakehead can support you throughout your time in school. 

All students who attend can enter into our prize draw for an amazing community-themed bundle featuring items like a vinyl record from Alleycats, a Mariposa Market gift basket, Cards & Coasters ramen bowl, DWN Craft Chocolatier “Chillin Mix,” divided lunch containers and tea infuser from The Kitchen Shop, and a Poppies Bagel Co. T-shirt!

Door Wars

Event Date: 
Monday, January 5, 2026 - 9:00am EST to Friday, January 23, 2026 - 4:00pm EST
Event Location: 
Simcoe Hall & Residence (500 University Ave, Orillia)
Event Contact Name: 
Madison Larochelle
Event Contact Phone: 
705-330-4010 ext. 2118
Event Contact E-mail: 

Assemble a team of 2–6 students and you’ll be assigned a Student Affairs office door to decorate by a set deadline. After the decorating period ends, all students will have the chance to vote for their favourite door, and the team with the most votes will win a prize!

This initiative gives you a fun, interactive way to get involved beyond our usual grab-and-go events. It will also help students become more familiar with our office spaces and clearly shows that any decorated door represents a space where support is available.

Timeline:

• Team sign-ups: First week of classes
• Decorating: Second week of classes
• Voting: Third week of classes

Puzzle Hangout

Event Date: 
Monday, January 5, 2026 - 9:00am EST to Friday, February 13, 2026 - 4:00am EST
Event Location: 
Simcoe Hall (500 University Ave, Orillia)
Event Contact Name: 
Madison Larochelle
Event Contact Phone: 
705-330-4010 ext. 2118
Event Contact E-mail: 

During the first few weeks of classes, you can stop by one of our ongoing puzzle tables in the Learning Commons. Spend just 5 minutes adding a piece or take your time working on the puzzle — it’s totally up to you. It’s a relaxing break between classes and a fun way to meet new people and connect with fellow students. A great icebreaker to kick off the term!

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