+15 Fantastic Things to do in Orangeville
If you’re searching for a charming day trip in southern Ontario, Orangeville should be at the top of your list. As someone who has visited countless times, I can confidently say this small town is full of gems both downtown and within a short drive. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, an avid hiker, or a dedicated foodie, there’s no shortage of things to do in Orangeville.
In this guide, I’ll share the best of what this delightful destination has to offer. From exploring the vibrant downtown art scene to hiking the scenic trails at Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville is overflowing with opportunities for adventure and inspiration. You’ll also discover everything you need to know before you go, including where to eat and stay as well as nearby attractions that are the perfect addition on your way there or back.
So, whether you’re planning a fun day trip or a weekend away, keep reading to uncover all the top spots, must-try eats, and hidden gems that make Orangeville the perfect destination.
Best Things to do in Orangeville
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Discover the Historic Downtown
Orangeville was incorporated in 1863 and its main street, Broadway has been a staple of this thriving community for over 150 years. A stroll down Broadway, Orangeville’s main downtown thoroughfare, will take you by some of the city’s old buildings. One of which is the Old Town Hall, now Opera House. Built in 1876, the Old Town Hall is home to the Orangeville Theatre as well as the farmers market during the winter.
If you want to learn more, there are a three historic self-guided walking tours that you can take. There’s the Booming Broadway Tour, Founders Tour, and the Prosperous Years Tour. Each is roughly 2.5 km long. You can find out more about all of their walking tours and how to download them here.
This may sound odd but one of the top Orangeville places to visit is the downtown because of its medians! Yes, you read that right! Along Broadway, in the central downtown core, are the best medians you will ever see in any small town in Ontario!
These picturesque dividers literally stand center stage and share the history and heritage of Orangeville. On the eastern edge of downtown stands Orange Lawrence, the founder of Orangeville. Other key features to see include the clock tower that was on the old post office and there’s even a waterfall! The water flowing over the waterwheel pays homage to the mills that help build the town into what it is today!
Go to the Theatre
If you love the theatre then you’ve got to take in a show in Orangeville. Performances take place in the historic Orangeville Town Hall that is now an Opera House. With only 273 seats, this venue offers an intimate setting while still maintaining the grand feel of a theatre.
The theatre company is dedicated to showcasing works done by Canadian playwrights, much like the Blyth Festival. However, you’ll also find a host of classics on the playbill each year as well. My favourite time to take in a show is during the holiday season!
The coolest part about enjoying theatre in Orangeville is that you can take in a show in the Opera House or in Island Lake Conservation Area. Within the conservation area, there is an outdoor amphitheater that makes for a truly magical experience.
Before you plan to visit, check out the latest shows playing. It’s an ideal indoor activity in Orangeville for a rainy day.
Explore Public Art
Across Orangeville, you’ll find a wealth of public art! Throughout the downtown, in parks, and off the beaten path are various pieces of art. This scattering of art is the perfect excuse to explore Orangeville. There’s a variety of art forms, from tree sculptures to murals and more! You’ll find murals and street art on hydro boxes, on the sides of buildings, and crafted out of trees.
The arts are a big draw to Orangeville! One of the best things to do in Orangeville is checking out the Art Walk of Tree Sculptures. You’ll find over 50 different pieces throughout the downtown and surrounding areas. These tree sculptures showcase the history, people, and stories of Orangeville. A few of my favourites include The Musicians tree sculpture which can be found behind the Opera House and the Coyotes one which can be found in front of the post office.
Beyond the tree sculptures, there are a handful of large murals in downtown Orangeville. These murals depict the story and history of Orangeville. One of my favourites is the large train mural that can be found on the northeast corner of Broadway and First Street.
Orangeville is home to over 70 pieces of art created by local artists. So, where do you start? Much like the historic tours, the town has created three unique art tours to help you find and learn more about each piece.
Hike Island Lake Conservation Area
One of my favourites things do to in Orangeville is to hike Island Lake Conservation Area. Located 5 minutes from downtown, Island Lake is one of the top places to hike in Orangeville. Set over 300 hectares, this conservation area has everything from a massive lake to enchanted wooded trails to enjoy.
Island Lake Conservation Area is perfect for solo hikers, families and is open year-round. There are plenty of things to do in the park. Along with hiking the numerous trails, including the popular Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail, you can also get out on the lake by canoe or kayak, and the park also hosts a number of awesome events, like fishing derbies in the winter.
In the summer, many hit the water but in the winter it’s also a popular spot for ice fishing. And don’t fret if you don’t have a canoe! The Conservation Area rents canoes, kayaks, and other items to ensure you have a fun time!
Eat & Drink at Orangeville Restaurants & Cafes
Foodies will love downtown Orangeville! There are so many diverse cafes and restaurants in Orangeville. For classic pub grub my go-to is the Thistle & Rose. If you’re looking for a more elevated dining experience reserve a table at Rustik Local Bistro. Or for fabulous Italian dishes and a dynamite pizza, try Bluebird Cafe.
The Barley Vine Rail Company which is in the historic train station and offers mouth-watering Canadian food. And one of my favourites for a light lunch is Pia’s On Broadway. Their sandwiches are incredible!
If you’re looking for a sweet treat, there are a number of great shops in Orangeville to check out. A few top shops include The Chocolate Shop, Son of a Chef Bakery, and Wicked Shortbread. Coffee shop fans, like myself will love Mochaberry Coffee or pop into Suzanne Gardner Flowers for a hidden gem of a cafe!
Browse the Shops in Orangeville
Shopping in Orangeville is a must, even if you just browse! For incredible stain glass treasures visit Glasscraft, even the exterior is stunning. For book lovers, pop into Reader’s Choice for a huge selection of second-hand books, cool book-related items, and more.
Two great shops for home décor and fun gift ideas are Pear Home and Sproule’s Emporium. They have everything from toys to chocolate and a range of fair trade items.
Along with being one of top shops Dragonfly Arts On Broadway is one of the top things to see in Orangeville! This incredible shop is a mix of working art gallery and unique boutique. It’s an Orangeville attraction in itself!
The shop is filled with local artists selling things like pottery, jewellery, paintings, and more. The best part is that many of the artists are busy working away on their next creation while you wander by. Don’t forget to stop and chat to learn more about their art!
Check out the Orangeville Farmers Market
The Orangeville Farmers Market runs all year long. The Market is home to local farmers and artisans selling everything from fresh produce to crafts. During spring through fall the market is held in the parking lot across from the Old Town Hall.
In the winter the farmers market moves inside the Old Town Hall. The winter market runs every Saturday from November to the end of April from 9am to 1pm. Vendors are on a rotating schedule so there’s something different every weekend.
Attend Orangeville Events
I’ve visited Orangeville in every season and love that there’s always something going on. Before you go, I highly recommend checking the latest listing of events.
While most of the popular events in Orangeville take place during the summer, there’s a number of fun ones in the winter too. Starting in the spring, you’ll find one of the sweetest maple syrup festivals taking place in Island Lake Conservation Area. It’s an ideal event for those looking for fun things to do in Orangeville with kids. Along with maple taffy tastings and Indigenous storytelling, there’s plenty of exciting activities.
In the summer the largest annual event takes over downtown, the Blues and Jazz Festival. The festival is great for music lovers as it features over 70 performers. Another sweet event is Taste of Orangeville that takes place in August. The event highlights some of the best food in town with over a dozen tasting options and live music.
My favourite time to visit is during Joy and Lights in November! This 3-day event is the perfect way to get in the festive spirit. You’ll find one of the best European-like holiday markets in Ontario that’s full of great gift ideas. The event also includes the Santa Claus parade and the tree lighting ceremony.
More Things to do in Orangeville
Kay Cee Gardens – One of the best places to visit in Orangeville is Kay Cee Gardens. With the tranquil Mill Creek running through it, Kay Cee Gardens has a long history but is now a lovely place to soak in a slice of nature. You’ll also find two of the tree sculptures here. It’s a beautiful spot to visit any time of year but especially in December! Throughout December it’s home to Christmas in the Park. This is when the park transforms into a winter wonderland of holiday lights and Christmas cheer! It’s one of the top places to see free Christmas light displays in Ontario!
Dragonfly Park – Another great park in Orangeville close to downtown to check out is Dragonfly Park. Located just off Townline, Dragonfly Park is home to a lovely boardwalk trail taking you around the marsh. The area is known for its dragonflies but keep an eye out for a wealth of birdlife. There’s also a massive Canadian Flag at the entrance that you can’t miss!
Things to do Near Orangeville
Visit the Museum of Dufferin
One of the best things to do near Orangeville is visit the Museum of Dufferin. Located 25 minutes north of downtown Orangeville, on the corner of Highway 89 and Airport Road, you’ll find a big green barn. This is the Museum! They chose the barn to echo the region’s roots in rural and agricultural heritage.
The Museum of Dufferin is home to four galleries that showcase the history and stories of the region. One of the coolest parts about the museum is that within its walls are a number of historic buildings, including the Dufferin House and Hotel Alexandra. These buildings hold a slice of the area’s history and are decorated in period pieces. Be prepared to be transported back in time!
The second floor is home to their permanent Corn Flower Glass Gallery. This gallery showcases the incredible work, history, and man behind this iconic Canadian tableware pattern. I don’t know about you, but many of these pieces are in my family’s cabinet! Fun fact: William John Hughes, the man who developed the Corn Flower Glass pattern was born in Dufferin!
On the top floor in the Silo Gallery, you’ll be rewarded with incredible art and awesome views of Dufferin County! The gallery features a rotating exhibit of different Canadian artist’s works.
Another reason to visit the museum is for their Holiday Treasures Arts & Craft Show. For twenty years this holiday market has been a great spot to do some holiday shopping! It features over 50 local Ontario vendors selling everything from honey and jams to jewellery.
Hike Mono Cliffs
If you’re looking for more great hiking trails near Orangeville then head north. Located 20 minutes north is Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. There’s no doubt why this is one of Ontario’s most popular places to hike. The park is home to over a half a dozen incredible trails that take you through canyons, up to lookouts and around a picturesque lake.
One of the top trails in the park is Spillway Trail. This short, 1.3 km trail, takes you through a canyon and along one of Ontario’s best boardwalk trails. You’ll need at least a couple of hours to a full day to explore the best that Mono Cliffs Provincial Park has to offer.
Visit Alton Mills Arts Centre
One of the best places to visit near Orangeville is the Alton Mills Arts Centre. Located 10 minutes south of Orangeville, the Alton Mills Arts Centre is set in a restored 1880s stone mill. The centre is filled with 25 studio artists as well as galleries, a museum, café, and shops.
Even the grounds are filled with pieces of art too, so be sure to take a wander around. The Arts Centre is one of the top attractions in Caledon and hosts a number of events throughout the year.
Explore the Town of Erin
One of my favourite small towns near Orangeville is the town of Erin! This adorable little town is 20 minutes south of Orangeville and full of things to do and see! Main Street is lined with great shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. For awesome baked goods head to Holtom’s Bakery which has been a staple for over 60 years. For fun gifts and home décor check out The Weathervane. Erin is also home to one of my favourite places for afternoon tea, Maddie Hatter Tea Shop & Cafe!
Shop Rosemont General Store
Whether you’re looking for some treats or fun gifts then take a drive over to Rosemont. Located 25 minutes north of Orangeville, this little village is home to the Rosemont General Store. This throwback to old town stores that sell everything is a little gem! They sell everything from British imports to Canadian coffee brands. But one of the best things is their food! Be sure to stock up on their tasty treats and grab one of their amazing pizzas.
Take a Scenic Fall Drive
One of the best fall activities in Ontario is to take a scenic drive! And one of my favourite roads to enjoy the autumn views from the car is Airport Road. Specifically, the portion running through Hockley Valley and Mono. If you’re visiting Orangeville in the fall then be sure to take a drive up or down Airport Road. Another beautiful scenic road to drive is Forks of the Credit Road. Running east of Highway 10 and winding its way through the village of Belfountain, it’s the perfect fall drive and only twenty minutes south of Orangeville.
Visit the Schitt’s Creek Motel
On a scenic stretch of road just 15 minutes east of Orangeville is a lonely little motel that is now a raging tourist attraction. On Hockley Road, just east of Airport Road, you’ll find the motel that was used as the motel backdrop for the television series Schitt’s Creek. Surrounded by forests and with a literal creek running behind it, this once forgotten motel is now a must-see!
Tips for Visiting Orangeville
There are a few frequently ask questions about Orangeville that come up when planning your visit. These tips will help you decide when to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and more essentials when booking your Orangeville getaway.
What is Orangeville Known for?
Orangeville is known for many things. As the hub of Dufferin County, Orangeville is most noted for its arts, like the theatre, the tree sculptures, and the local artisans that have helped make it the great destination it is today.
How to Get to Orangeville
Orangeville is located in Dufferin County at the crossroads of Highways 9 and 10. It’s an hour northwest of Toronto. Orangeville can be easily accessed via Highway 10 from the south or north as well as Wellington County Road 109 from the west. The main downtown core is along Broadway, from First Street to Townline.
Parking
You’ll find a ton of great parking in Orangeville. There is free two-hour parking along Broadway and other main streets downtown. There are also public parking lots that are just off Broadway and Armstrong that are free for 24 hours.
Best Time to Visit
There are a plethora of things to do in Orangeville throughout the year! So, the best time to visit Orangeville is all dependent on what you want to do. If you’re looking for comfortable weather for hiking and patio season then visit during the summer. For those looking for winter getaways in Ontario, Orangeville is ideal. I love visiting Orangeville during the December. There’s Christmas in the Park, a holiday play at the theatre, and downtown is decked out in holiday décor.
Where to Stay in Orangeville
If you’re looking to spend the weekend in Orangeville there are a variety of accommodation options, from vacation rentals to hotels. A popular hotel chain in the area is Best Western Plus. This is ideal if you want to be close to downtown Orangeville as it’s a 5 minutes drive.
If you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing stay in an upscale hotel then you’ll love The Millcroft Inn & Spa. The Inn is set in a historic mill and has a spa and restaurant. Plus, it’s only ten minutes away.
Whether you’re traveling in the summer and love to golf or in the winter and looking to ski, consider staying at the popular Hockley Valley Resort. It’s less than a 15 minute drive into downtown Orangeville. Hockley Valley is also home to a spa and close to Adamo Estate Winery.
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