A Cozy Close to Fall: October & November in Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Severn, and Rama First Nation (Orillia & Lake Country)
As October’s fiery colours mellow into November’s quiet beauty, Orillia & Lake Country becomes a place to slow down and savour the season. Crisp hikes, harvest tables, cultural experiences, and fireside evenings invite visitors to enjoy the last months of fall. Whether you’re planning a couple’s escape, a family adventure, or a multi-generational getaway, these regions offer the perfect blend of activity, comfort, and seasonal charm.
Arts & Culture
October brings the Orillia Museum of Art & History’s fall exhibits, blending regional art with local history. In Oro-Medonte, the Images Thanksgiving Studio Tour (October 11–13) turns a scenic autumn drive into an artistic adventure. Visitors can explore artists’ studios in Moonstone, Horseshoe Valley, and along Lake Simcoe’s shores, meeting painters, potters, photographers, and jewelers in sunlit, creative spaces. Severn’s Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum continues to celebrate local traditions.
Festivals & Events
October is full of harvest-themed fun. The Orillia Fall Fair at ODAS Park (Oct 3–5) features agricultural exhibits, demolition derbies, tractor pulls, and midway rides for the whole family. Oro-Medonte’s Fall Festival at Chappell Farms offers wagon rides, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes until October 31st. Severn hosts the Coldwater Witches Walk October 17 for spirited, adult-friendly fun. For entertainment in Rama First Nation, catch a live concert, comedy show, or performance at Casino Rama Resort, which hosts a variety of events throughout October and November
The Great Outdoors
October is prime for hiking and cycling. Stroll Scout Valley in Orillia or follow the Uhthoff Trail, surrounded by golden leaves. Oro-Medonte’s Copeland Forest offers quiet, tree-lined trails that stretch into the winter months. In Severn, paddle the Severn River or enjoy a late-season boat tour. In Rama First Nation, visitors can enjoy Ojibway Bay Marina, where boating, lakeside walks, autumn photography, and wildlife watching offer a tranquil retreat along Lake Couchiching.
Accommodations
Begin your stay at the Champlain Waterfront Hotel in Orillia, a boutique-style retreat steps from the waterfront, restaurants, and local shopping. Couples will love Rawley Resort in Severn, with lakeside dining, virtual golf and spa services for a romantic getaway. In Oro-Medonte, Horseshoe Resort offers golf, and cozy lodging, while Glen Oro Eco Retreat combines luxury and glamping in a serene forest setting. For visitors to Rama First Nation, Casino Rama Resort provides plush accommodations, multiple dining and retail options, a full-service spa, and entertainment all under one roof — perfect for a convenient and vibrant stay.
Take a Little Bit Home
Autumn in Lake Country is perfect for picking up local treasures. Orillia’s Saturday Farmers’ Market features seasonal produce, preserves, and baked goods. Oro-Medonte offers quaint shopping in Craighurst, with unique artisan items, chocolate treats and home décor. Severn’s roadside stands carry maple syrup, apples, and fall flowers, while Rama has several retail outlets both inside and outside Casino Rama, offering everything from clothing and accessories to Indigenous art and crafts.
This October–November season in Orillia & Lake Country balances vivid colour, cozy activities, and local discovery. From studio tours and harvest fairs to scenic hikes and boutique shopping, it’s a time to slow down, explore, and make the most of autumn’s final weeks.
