Home to early Huron Indians, the site was first visited by Europeans in 1615. At the end of the 19th century, Orillia was the first city in Canada to have electric lights because of two hydroelectric plants built on the Severn River. The 100-year-old Orillia Opera House still hosts theater groups, concerts, orchestras, and town meetings. The Sunshine Festival presents classic plays and musicals May through October. The Port of Orillia offers a beach, children's play area, hiking trail, and boardwalk. Visitors can enjoy fishing, golfing, hiking, bicycling, and boating in the area. In the winter, skiing and snowmobiling are available.
