It’s been called the gateway that connects northern and southern Ontario.
Welcome to the Township of Oro-Medonte.
It is a sight to see and a site to explore all year round, but in the winter it’s something special. Located in the heart of Simcoe County that includes Orillia and Lake Country, you’ll find rest, relaxation and real good eats.
The township is transformed into a winter wonderland around this time of year and heading down Horseshoe Valley Road will take you to Horseshoe Resort. There are 29 downhill ski and snowboard runs for you to explore whether you’re a novice like me or a seasoned pro.
“We are about an hour north of Toronto so it’s easily accessible for a day trip. We also have accommodations on-site. People can expect a lot of winter fun. We have lots of activities that get people outside and enjoying the snow,” says Laura Kiley, Director of Marketing at Horseshoe Resort.
Personally, I was a little nervous. I’m not the most athletically inclined person unless you put me on a stationary spin bike. Thankfully, I met coach Neil Reid who brings with him decades of passion and patience.
In under an hour, Neil was able to show me the basics of skiing until I was comfortable enough to graduate to the steeper hill. And I’m proud to say, I only fell once!
If you’re looking for something off the ski hills, there are plenty of options on-site at the Horseshoe Nordic Centre. You can cross-country ski, fatbike, or snowshoe across 30 kilometers of the Copeland Forest. Or, for more thrill but no skill, snow tubing joins the list of must-do activities especially if you need a change of pace.
Next up, my personal favourite: the après ski.
A 16-minute drive will bring you to hops and happiness at Quayle’s Brewery. The gorgeous re-creation of a 19th century barn overlooks 12 acres of hop yards and the beautiful brews that come from them.
“We grow our own hops and we use our hops in every one of our beers. We produce a wide variety of styles from lagers to pilsners to ales and stouts and dark porters,” says Graydon Lau, co-owner of Quayle’s Brewery.
Quayle’s offers more than your average brewery. There are trivia nights, live music, multi-level indoor dining, outdoor seats with fire pits, and a skating rink in the back.
Stepping inside the building, the passion of the owners and the community is palpable.
Like many small businesses, opening up a business in the last few years has been a challenge. But according to the brewery’s CEO and co-owner Catherine Pearson, it’s finally bouncing back.
“2020 was a challenge…but since then, we’ve been able to expand. We’ve had great success,” Pearson says. “The community has been phenomenal since we opened. When you come here it’s a gathering place. People get to see people they know and the staff are really knowledgeable. It’s the great energy that comes from the passion of craft beer.”
After you enjoy the brews responsibly, you can satisfy your sweet tooth at Chelsea Chocolates. Founded in 1995, the family-owned establishment is still thriving to this day. Owned and operated by Kathy and Dan Barber along with their daughter Megan and son-in-law Jason, every decadent delight is made with love.
“I have a passion for chocolate and so does my daughter. We have a desire to work with it and we’re special at Chelsea Chocolates because we do every single thing in this store by hand. Everything is made on-site,” says Kathy Barber.
Whether you want some Belgian truffles, chocolate dipped Oreos, or even dipped sour keys, your palette will find that perfect treat.
Before you wrap up your trip to Oro-Medonte, make sure to slow things down at Vettä. The Finnish-inspired Nordic spa allows guests to relax with a variety of saunas, cold plunges, heated pools and relaxation lounges.
“Welcome to a little bit of Finland in the Horseshoe Valley. You are here for a Finnish sauna tradition that is thousands of years old,” says Caroline Leppanen, the spa’s spokesperson.
The process of transitioning from hot to cold to warm helps you physically relax while also elevating your mood by boosting serotonin and adrenaline, according to Leppanen.
“I love that people feel differently about their bodies at the end of their time here. You’ve touched base with yourself. You’re calm, you’re relaxed. You just feel great about yourself.”
As I wrapped up my day at the spa, I realized this was not just a local escape. This trip was an opportunity for me to embrace something new and to reconnect with myself.
And with so much to sip, see, and savour, Oro-Medonte is really yours to discover.
If you’re looking to plan your next Ontario getaway, visit here to explore everything the Oro-Medonte region has to offer.