Goldenbackpacker.com

ORILLIA - STAY FOR LESS "$C"

ORILLIA is a delightful Canadian Lakes Town in Northern Ontario Province, located on the Narrows between Lake Couchiching & Lake Simcoe. It was an important centre of Native life before the arrival of early explorers around 1615. It's now a popular boating & recreation centre with a busy harbour & great walking & cycling trails. The biggest industry around today is East of the Lake– Casino Rama - owned by the Native Peoples it's open 24/7 with 2300slots, top gambling & big names entertainment but you'll need the special transport if you fancy a flutter!

ACCOMMODATION

NO1 – HI ORILLIA HOME HOSTEL at 198 Borland Street East (from Bus Station best route is along waterfront Trail North & turn left just beyond the Beach Park) tele 705 325 0970 – www.hostellingint-gl.on.ca - $C16 in several bedded rooms, sheets $C1extra with sep shower/wc. Small friendly self-catering kitchen, lounge/ dining area. This is a simple Hostel, some would call it basic, but the Hostel & grounds have charm & character which is unique & the houseparents, Geunther & Rita, are helpful & attentive – GB had a memorable stay.

Reserve – No other “real” Hostels are found in the area but the Bus Station Visitor Centre can help with local Bed & Breakfast addresses

FOOD is readily available from the 24hr - A&P Supermarket - located behind the waterfront Park area, with fresh fruit & veg, & all general provisions - you will need to turn in your daypack at customer services before shopping however. Another limited alternative is in the Towns $ Dollar Store with biscuits, tinned goods & pasta for only a $C1.

TRAVELLING AROUND is best on foot but as the trails are so well laid out & paved walking is a little plain so borrow a bike from the Hostel, it's an ideal alternative. It will get you further afield more quickly, down to the actual Narrows, the link between the 2 Lakes & then further North to the highway & Lake shores. There is a limited but good local Bus service run by Orillia Transit. With only 4 routes – Laclie, West, South & North you will need a route map from a driver, then to travel you put $2, exact fare only, into the fare shute on entry –simple!

FREE SIGHTS TO SEE

1. COUCHICHING BEACH PARK – splash around or relaxing with a book under a shady tree
2. PORT & BOARDWALK – boats & people watching, from powerful craft to slower but fit retirees
3. GORDON LIGHTFOOT TRAIL – waterfront paved Trails named after the local singer song writer
4. STEPHEN LEACOCK SEAT – look over tranquil Brewery Bay & Boat House to the Lake beyond
5. NARROWS GAP – end of the South path, see how tight the channel between these 2 big Lakes is
6. PUBLIC LIBRARY – real hub of the Town with free Internet & local history pictures on the walls
7. CHAMPLAIN MONUMENT – superb sculpture recognising the first settlers with the Native Peoples
8. WEEKLY FARMERS MARKET – Saturdays, with local crafts & produce, also Maple Syrup stall
9. COUCHICHING GOLF CLUB 19 – have a “Blue” on the Clubhouse deck looking over the 9 holes
10. MUSEUM OF ART & HISTORY – spectacular local exhibitions & great gift shop for souvenirs

CHARGE SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

1. STEPHEN LEACOCK MUSEUM – home of the Humorist who wrote “Sunshine Sketches LT”
2. ISLAND PRINCESS CRUISE – around the Lakes as far as Strawberry Isle, the Popes Island
3. OPERA HOUSE – hosts regular performances – “No Sex please, we're British” on GB's visit!

*Geunther & Rita – Christina, Nancy, Jed & Victor.