The Toddler Tourist: Exploring Hidden Gems in our Own Backyard
Summer is a great time to get outdoors and walk around. There are many different trails and paths to trek upon in our North Simcoe region. I will probably highlight them in future issues, but one thing that we accidentally stumbled upon was the Walking Tour of Heritage Orillia. This is presented by the Orillia Municipal Heritage Committee. It highlights some of the history of Orillia through its local architecture. I’ve always admired the older homes and buildings in our region, but never really explored or looked into the history behind them. History may be a little advanced for toddlers, but even as young as they are, they do seem to have an appreciation for the aesthetic!
You see, my little guy is obsessed with “Beauty and the Beast”, and the Beast’s castle. One day we were going to the Orillia Public Library and he pointed to the Opera House saying, “Oh look! A castle!”, to which his older sister replied, “Yes, I see what you mean. Those are turrets!” (Um…how does she even know that?) Anyway, it started a whole journey of trying to find more ‘castles’ in our region. Turns out, there are quite a few historic buildings that can pass for a castle in the eyes and imagination of a little one. So, we began our journey across land and sea…well, down sidewalks, anyway.
We were drawn to the Clock Tower in the Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building, which houses the Orillia Museum of Art and History. So, we went in for a visit. It was there that we were able to learn about this former jail (and even were locked up in the ‘dungeon’) and grabbed a copy of the Walking Tour pamphlet. You can also grab a copy at the Orillia City Centre and the Orillia Chamber of Commerce. You can learn more at www.orillia.ca/heritage and there is a downloadable digital version as well. This is a map that has the addresses of designated heritage homes and buildings and a brief history about each location. An avid walker could cover much ground and earn their steps trying to find them all.
For us, we toured a bit here and there over the course of a few months, but it has been so great to explore our community on foot. And, to be honest, you can also do drives when the weather is less than ideal. This of course is a FREE activity to do, which promotes exercise and getting outdoors…a win for the Toddler Tourist. If you’re a super history buff, you can download the Tripvia Tours app and listen to a free audio walking tour on your mobile device.
For the historic homes featured, I tried not to be too lurky with my camera in tow, as they are occupied by Orillians. But the architecture is so beautiful and interesting to look at. However, I couldn’t convince my kid they were castles. So onward we went.
We checked out another ‘castle’ when my niece had her first communion, at Guardian Angels Church. It was first built in 1872 from Longford limestone that was trekked across frozen Lake Couchiching from Longford Mills. This beautiful church can seat 1000 people. Its organ has 902 pipes.
Continuing on the ‘castle’ quest, did you know that the Orillia Presbyterian Church/ St. Andrew’s has a pipe organ which is considered one of the most outstanding in Canada and was installed in 1920 as a memorial to those who died in World War 1? It’s pretty interesting when you stop to take it all in.
Perhaps this level of history is above a four-year-old’s scope of understanding, but the hunt for cool buildings is a modern-day treasure hunt I think they can get behind. I would definitely recommend this outing for all levels of stroller, walker or toddler, especially as the warmer weather approaches. Let us know where you explore in our region. Tag us in your photos and adventures. We would love to see!
