Your year-round lake experience destination close to the city
The Town of Georgina, on the southern shores of Lake Simcoe and less than an hour from Toronto, is one of the closest lakeside destinations to get away from the city to enjoy the beauty and recreation the warmer months offer. With every type of water activity, historic downtowns, agricultural experiences, and numerous events and festivals, it is a mini-getaway you should consider adding to your summer itinerary if you haven’t already.
Attend a local festival or event
Weekends in Georgina are filled with a variety of events and activities. Signature events such as Canada Day at the ROC and the 166th Sutton Fair and Horse Show are back and full of family fun. Culture enthusiasts can enjoy local art and music with Music in the Streets, Free Spirit Summer Fest, and Georgina Yoga and Music Festival, among others. Whatever you or your family are into, there is an event happening in Georgina that will tweak your interest. Check the events calendar often, as new events are added regularly.
Get out on the water
In the heat of the summer, Lake Simcoe’s shores in Georgina are busy with watersport activities. Many rental options, lakeside resorts and 11 marinas along 52 kilometres of shoreline make Georgina a water playground. Go for a cruise, splash some waves, anchor between the islands and mainland for a shallow, sandy swim, or cast your line out to catch some big fish.
Georgina is also an emerging hotspot for paddling, where you can canoe, kayak or paddleboard along the southern Lake Simcoe shoreline or three navigable rivers. Aside from its short drive from the city, many access points, places to stop, scenic views and lots of wildlife add to its appeal. Whether your adventure includes fishing, swimming or enjoying scenic views and wildlife, Georgina has a route for all skill levels. Don’t own a canoe, kayak or paddleboard? A stay at the Briars Resort and Spa in Jackson’s Point gives you access. Learn more about paddling in the Town’s tourism guide.
Experience fresh, locally grown produce
With more than 100 farms covering 21,220 acres of farmland, Georgina is abundant with fresh, locally grown produce, with many farms that sell directly to consumers. Saturdays at ClearWater Farm and the Sunday Farmers’ Market are great places to pick up local produce, baked treats and artisan-made goods.
Each year in August, the Field-to-Table event draws large crowds to the farms as they offer farm tours, samples and a glimpse into farming life. Field to Table will take place this year on Saturday, Aug. 19. To learn about which month certain produce is available, where farm stands are located, weekly food programs and special recipes directly from the farmers, check out the Local Food Newsletter.
Step back in time with a historical adventure
Georgina Pioneer Village and Archives, open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Aug. 27, 2023, takes you on a way-back experience where you can view original 19th-century structures of the area like the general store, school house, train station and personal residences. Visitors can go on a self-guided virtual tour using their mobile devices to learn about the exhibits depicting what Georgina's early life was like. Part of a larger recreational complex, enjoy walking trails, splash pads, lawn bowling and accessible play equipment once you’ve completed your village tour.
You can also explore the Georgina Military Museum located at 26061 Woodbine Ave. in Keswick Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum offers a rich and multi-dimensional presentation of the involvement of members of our society in Canadian wartime conflicts past and present. If you are in town on June 17, we encourage you to attend the Military Day event between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can browse displays, World War 2 trucks, equipment and military units. You can also experience re-enactments from 1812 to WW2.
Shop for one-of-a-kind treasures
What's a getaway without a little shopping? Add to your experience by shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts in our downtowns or the many unique shops throughout town. You'll find a wide range of stores that sell unique products, from the latest fashions to local artisan creations. If antiques are your thing, you must stop at Antiques on 48 in Baldwin, open seven days a week in the summer. Antiquers are drawn to the store for its size (two storeys), organization and variety of merchandise spanning from the 1800s to 20 years ago. The Sutton General Store at 128 High Street in Sutton also has an eclectic mix of old and new items, including antiques.
Golf on our lakeside courses
With seven golf courses throughout Georgina, there is a course for every skill level. Tee off while enjoying beautiful lake views then follow the lush greens through the serene tree cover and natural forests. Georgina golf courses have been featured in many tourism articles over the years, gaining international attention in the golfing industry. After your round of golf, cool off at one of the many public beaches or with a drink at a local restaurant.
If you happen to be golfing at Orchard Beach Golf course, you’ll want to stop for an Instagram-worthy moment at the sixth hole, where you’ll see a plaque commemorating the handshake that started Hockey Night in Canada.
Immerse yourself in culture
If you love art and culture, you do not want to miss this opportunity to experience the Purple Turtle Arts Festival at the Briars in early July or the Georgina Studio Tour in September. Both of these events spotlight the talents of the community with pieces made from many different mediums. The Georgina Centre for Arts and Culture is also a great stop paired with shopping in dining in downtown Sutton, and the Stephen Leacock Theatre of Performing Arts has many great shows playing all season long.
You’ll find it all in Georgina. It’s the perfect day trip or overnight destination close to the city with accommodation options for all needs and budgets. Pull out your sandals and swimsuits, and start planning your summer getaway close to the city today. For more things to see and do in Georgina and to view the Town’s tourism information guide, visit georgina.ca/tourism.