The City of Orillia

And the surrounding townships of Severn, Ramara
& Oro-Medonte

Orillia is situated 100 km north of Toronto, on the juncture of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe, with a population of 30,000. It has had importance since the French first explored the region in the 1600's and one of the province's chief cottage areas for generations. And, like all cottage areas, would like to be more, attracting industry and small business. In some ways it has succeeded. But in the summertime, there is still a noticeable increase in population as the cottage people and vacationers arrive. The trek north begins Victoria Day Weekend (the middle weekend in May), reaches its peek during July & August, and ends Thanksgiving Day Weekend (second Monday in October) when most of the cottagers close up for the winter.

Ramara township, (where the Casino is) to the east of Lakes Couchiching and Simcoe, is comparatively flat while the land to the west is made up of rolling hills. Severn township, to the northwest of Orillia, is the beginning of 'shield country', the Precambrian Shield which is said to be the oldest mountain range in the world.		I live in the township of Oro-Medonte, southwest of Orillia. An area of small villages, mostly along the lake shores and main highways, mostly rural and happy to be that way. It's topography is rolling farmland and beautiful moraines, great for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Different seasons can add much to life here. They are the real essence of it. But when I see most brochures of Orillia, they tend to concentrate on the summer months. They are correct in that summer has the greatest number of tourists but they miss the beauty of the other seasons, the budding of Spring, the Fall colours, and especially the unique atmosphere only available in Winter.

In wintertime, most of the trees lose their leaves, all is white and you can see farther, everything is revealed to you. Truly a winter wonderland. With both land and ice covered with a thick blanket of snow, you can go anywhere you want. And, with today's clothes and a little knowledge of your environment, always be at a comfortable temperature. To explore the land, there is cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and even dogsledding. All with good trails and organizations that will introduce you to them. Come and enjoy it. To make it easy for you, I have included some good links.

To show local variations in scenery, I have included photographs that I took towards the middle of April. A questionable Winter starting with very little snow and low temperatures changing half way into enough snow and milder temperatures, good for lake skiing. The roads are clear now and show no signs of Winter, however the ice is still on the lake (but barely) and still touches of snow in the bush (but not enough to ski). It looks like a good beginning to Spring.

   

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