Orillia, ON

Living in Orillia means stepping into what locals call the "Sunshine City," where quiet mornings are greeted by the gentle waves of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe meeting just north of downtown. Life here moves at a comfortable pace, where you can stroll through a charming Arts District on Peter Street South and explore galleries, boutiques, or pop into the Orillia Museum of Art & History to soak up local stories and creativity.

Green space is right outside your door, whether it’s peaceful lakeside trails at Couchiching Beach Park or the fragrant gardens of Tudhope Park’s Perennial Garden at your feet. Everything unfolds on Mississaga Street; restaurants and local shops are scattered within walking distance to parks and recreation centres.

When it comes to rentals, Orillia offers a mix of options, from loft-like suites in renovated downtown buildings to boutique mid-rises and family-friendly garden-style low rises. Most are part of thoughtfully managed apartment communities rather than sprawling, anonymous complexes where there’s a sense of character and care in each building.

On the cultural side, creativity and celebration are woven into city life. Orillia hosts big-name events like the Mariposa Folk Festival right in town, showcasing folk music, storytelling, and dance each summer. You’ll also find the historic Orillia Opera House, a stunning building dating back to 1895, continuing to present national and international performance acts from music to theatre. Every year in late September, Culture Days transforms the community with free, hands-on arts programming in public spaces, encouraging folks of all ages to explore creativity side-by-side.

Orillia’s local university, Georgian College, also contributes to the local economy and liveliness of the city especially during cultural events and community-driven festivals. The city’s respectful urban design guidelines help preserve its warm, small-town charm even as it grows.