Affordable Airport Transportation in Orangeville
Things to Do in Orangeville, Ontario
Planning a trip to Orangeville? Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, exploring Dufferin County, or picking up a rental car to see more of the area, Orangeville has plenty to offer.
Located about an hour northwest of Toronto, Orangeville has a nice mix of small-town charm, local restaurants, shopping, outdoor activities, and easy access to some of the best scenery in the area. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore downtown Orangeville and then head out to nearby conservation areas, hiking trails, and other attractions without having to worry about public transit schedules.
Here are some of our favourite places to check out while you’re in Orangeville.
Downtown Orangeville
If it’s your first time visiting, start in Downtown Orangeville. The downtown core is centred around Broadway and has a great mix of locally owned shops, restaurants, cafés, galleries, and historic buildings.
Broadway is also home to a collection of public art, including Orangeville’s popular tree sculptures. More than 70 pieces of public art can be found throughout the town, and you can follow self-guided walking routes if you want to see some of them for yourself.
Downtown is also a good place to grab lunch or coffee before heading out to explore the rest of the area.
Theatre Orangeville
Located in the historic Orangeville Town Hall Opera House, Theatre Orangeville puts on live theatre and other performances throughout the year. If you’re staying overnight, it’s worth checking the schedule to see what’s playing during your visit.
Orangeville Farmers’ Market
If you’re visiting on a Saturday, stop by the Orangeville Farmers’ Market in the downtown area. You’ll find local produce, baked goods, prepared foods, handmade products, and other items from local vendors.
It’s an easy addition to a Saturday morning downtown walk.
Downtown Shopping and Dining
One of the best things about Downtown Orangeville is that you don’t need a specific attraction to enjoy it. Park the car, walk along Broadway and the surrounding streets, and check out the independent shops, restaurants, cafés, and galleries.
For anyone who prefers local businesses over big shopping centres, this is one of the nicest parts of visiting Orangeville.
Island Lake Conservation Area
If you only have time for one outdoor attraction in Orangeville, Island Lake Conservation Area is a great choice.
Located just outside the northeast edge of Orangeville, Island Lake covers hundreds of hectares of lake, wetlands, forest, and meadow. It’s open throughout the year, so there’s something to do whether you’re visiting in the middle of summer or during the winter.
The Vicki Barron Lakeside Trail is the park’s signature trail and makes an approximately 8-kilometre loop around the lake. You’ll cross boardwalks, walk through wooded areas, and get plenty of views of the water along the way.
During warmer months, you can also go canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing. In winter, activities can include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skating, and ice fishing, depending on conditions.
There are also picnic areas and a nature-inspired playground, making Island Lake a good option if you’re travelling with kids.
Tip for renters: Island Lake is much easier to visit when you have a car. It’s only a short drive from Downtown Orangeville, and having your own vehicle means you can easily combine a morning at the lake with lunch and an afternoon exploring downtown.
Hockley Valley and the Bruce Trail
If you enjoy hiking, take a drive toward Hockley Valley. The area is known for its forests, rolling hills, and sections of the Bruce Trail, Canada’s longest marked footpath.
There are several trail access points around the Orangeville and Mono area, ranging from shorter walks to more challenging hikes.
The scenery is especially nice in the fall when the leaves start changing, but Hockley Valley is worth visiting in any season. Just remember that trail conditions can change throughout the year, so check conditions before heading out.
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
For another great day outdoors, head to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, just a short drive from Orangeville.
The park is part of the Niagara Escarpment and features forests, cliffs, lookouts, and several hiking trails. It’s a good option if you want to get out of town and spend a few hours exploring nature.
The trails range from relatively easy walks to longer hikes, so there are options for different fitness levels.
The biggest advantage of having a rental car is that you aren’t limited to attractions within Orangeville itself. You can explore Downtown Orangeville in the morning and be hiking around Mono Cliffs later the same day.
Museum of Dufferin
History buffs should make the drive to the Museum of Dufferin, located just outside Orangeville in Mulmur Township.
The museum explores the history and culture of Dufferin County through exhibits, artifacts, archives, and historic buildings. It’s a good rainy-day option or an easy stop if you’re already exploring the surrounding countryside.
Orangeville’s Parks and Trails
You don’t necessarily have to leave town to enjoy the outdoors. Orangeville has more than 20 kilometres of multi-use trails running throughout the community, along with more than 35 parks.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stretch your legs, have a picnic, or take a break from driving, there are plenty of smaller parks and trails around town.
Kay Cee Gardens, for example, is close to the downtown area and provides a quieter place to take a short walk.
Art Walk and Orangeville’s Tree Sculptures
One of the things that makes Orangeville a little different from other small towns in Ontario is its public art.
The Art Walk of Tree Sculptures takes you around downtown and nearby neighbourhoods to see carved tree sculptures and other pieces of public art. Many of the sculptures tell stories connected to Orangeville’s history and community.
It’s completely free to explore and is an easy activity to combine with a walk through downtown.
Every Kid’s Park
Travelling with younger children? Every Kid’s Park at Harvey Curry Park is worth checking out.
The park features an accessible playground and splash pad, making it a popular place for families during the warmer months.
It’s an easy stop if you need to let the kids burn off some energy between sightseeing and lunch.
Orangeville Fall Fair
If you’re visiting around Labour Day weekend, check to see if the Orangeville Fall Fair is taking place.
The fair is held at the Orangeville Fairgrounds and brings together agricultural exhibits, entertainment, food, competitions, and activities for the whole family.
Because the fairgrounds are outside the downtown core, having a car makes getting there much easier, particularly if you’re travelling with a group or bringing along children.
Explore More of Dufferin County
One of the best reasons to rent a car in Orangeville is that the town makes a great starting point for exploring the surrounding area.
Once you’ve seen downtown, you can easily continue into the countryside toward places such as Hockley Valley, Mono Cliffs, the Bruce Trail, and other conservation areas throughout Dufferin County.
The roads around Orangeville also make for some enjoyable scenic drives, especially during the fall when the surrounding forests and farmland change colour.
Instead of spending your entire trip in one area, you can use Orangeville as a base and explore several nearby destinations in a single day.
Why Rent a Car in Orangeville?
Orangeville itself is easy enough to explore on foot once you’re downtown, but many of the area’s best attractions are outside the town centre.
A rental car gives you the flexibility to:
- Visit Island Lake Conservation Area
- Explore the Bruce Trail and Hockley Valley
- Take a day trip to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
- Visit attractions throughout Dufferin County
- Explore local restaurants and shops
- Travel comfortably with family and luggage
- Avoid relying on limited public transportation outside the downtown area
If you’re planning to explore more than just Downtown Orangeville, having your own vehicle can make a big difference.
Planning a Trip to Orangeville?
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, heading to Orangeville for business, or using the town as a base to explore the surrounding area, having a reliable rental car gives you the freedom to make your own schedule.
Pick up your rental car and start exploring Orangeville, Island Lake, Hockley Valley, and everything else the area has to offer.