Visit Orillia

05/22/2026

Tomorrow is the day! ✨ Join Arts Orillia at Rama Community Hall for the Public Gathering, a full day of stories, language, and community with some incredible First Nations authors and artists.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m. with an Opening Prayer and Community Breakfast, followed by an inspiring lineup including Nancy Cooper, Tristan Douglas, Angeline Boulley, Jessica Shonias on language revitalization, Monique Gray Smith, and closing words from Sherry Lawson. Plus a makers market and food trucks at lunch!

All events are free. Come as you are. Miigwech 🌿

📍 Rama Community Hall, 5950 Rama Rd
🗓 Saturday, May 23 | 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Full schedule: artsorillia.ca/gathering-2026

05/16/2026

Long weekend plans: find your new favourite café. The Sunshine City has no shortage of cozy, eclectic spots to settle into this weekend, and with sun on the way, you'll want to stay for all of it. ☀️

05/13/2026

Gathering 2026 kicks off in just one week with a screening of Walking Through the Fire - a film about music, resilience, and Indigenous story. 🎬
Elder Jeff Monague opens the evening, followed by the film and a conversation with Chris McKhool, filmmaker and Sultans of String producer, and Elder Shannon Thunderbird.

🎟️ Tickets: $15 cash at the door
📍 Creative Nomad Studios, 23 Mississaga St W, Orillia
🕡 6:30pm, Wednesday May 20th
👉 artsorillia.ca/gathering-2026 | Arts Orillia

The festival continues through four days with Indigenous authors, storytellers, language educators, and a free Public Gathering at Rama Community Hall. All events are free and open to everyone!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWSZUduo5Kk

43 likes, 6 comments. "Walking Through the Fire - Visual Album TRAILER - Sultans of String"

05/08/2026

Sun on your face, a meal worth savouring, and the whole family together... that's a Mother's Day done right. 🍽️ Discover Orillia's amazing patios and restaurants this weekend!

05/07/2026

Stories carry culture, community, and belonging; and this May, there's a gathering for all of them. 🌿

Gathering: Festival of First Nations Stories runs May 20–23, 2026, with an extraordinary lineup of Indigenous voices:
📚 Angeline Boulley — NYT-bestselling author of Firekeeper's Daughter
📚 Monique Gray Smith — award-winning author and national bestseller
📚 Nancy Cooper — children's author & First Nation library advocate
📚 Sherry Lawson — storyteller and community voice from Rama First Nation
🗣️ Elder Jeff Monague — knowledge keeper, musician & Ojibwe language teacher
🗣️ Jessica Shonias — Nishnaabe language educator, Chippewas of Rama First Nation

Events run Wednesday through Saturday, including a free Public Gathering open to all at Rama Community Hall on May 23rd.
👉 View the full schedule at artsorillia.ca/gathering-2026 | Arts Orillia

05/06/2026

Did you know downtown Orillia is home to a stunning mural of celebrated Ojibway artist Arthur Shilling? 🎨

Tucked away in the Orillia Museum of Art & History's laneway, this striking piece is a beautiful tribute to one of Canada's most gifted painters, known for his deeply expressive portraits.

Whether you're a longtime local or visiting for the first time, Orillia's public art scene is absolutely worth exploring on foot. Grab a friend (or the whole family!) and see how many gems you can discover around downtown. 🧡

📍 Orillia Arts District, Downtown Orillia

04/22/2026

Spring has officially arrived in Orillia! 🌿☀️

If you've been waiting for the perfect excuse to get outside and explore, this is it. The waterfront trails are open, the twin lakes are shimmering, and fresh air is calling.

From a peaceful walk along the Lightfoot Trail to a bike ride through the city, there's no better time to discover why Orillia is known as the Sunshine City.

Tag someone you'd love to bring along this spring! 👇
🔗 visitorillia.ca

04/22/2026

Tomorrow (April 22) everyone rides for FREE on Orillia Transit to celebrate Earth Day! 🌎 Hop on board and show some extra love for the place we call home - our planet. 💛👉🌎

Did you know that riding the bus helps reduce carbon emissions and promotes a green future? 👏 Enjoy an eco-friendlier way to get around with free rides all day, and a great chance to try transit if you haven’t before!

04/04/2026

Hop into long weekend family fun! 🐰🌷

Downtown Orillia BIA is bringing the streets to life today with their annual Easter Egg Hunt, filled with colourful surprises, sweet treats, and plenty of smiles.

Start at the library courtyard, explore the downtown's boutique businesses, and collect all six colours of eggs to earn your bunny bag of goodies! 🐣🍬

📸📍 Photo taken at Jack & Maddy - A Kids' Store in