Things To Do
in Severn
Severn, Ontario is a largely rural township in central Ontario's cottage-country belt, straddling the southern reaches of Georgian Bay and several inland lakes and rivers. The area is best known for sections of the historic Trent–Severn Waterway, small harbour communities such as Port Severn, Coldwater and Washago, and a landscape of forests, farmland and shoreline. Visitors come for boating, fishing, quiet nature experiences and a slow-paced small-town atmosphere with seasonal cottages and outdoor recreation.
Services are concentrated in a few village centres, with larger medical and shopping facilities a short drive away in nearby towns.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Severn and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café while savoring the tranquil surroundings. Take a stroll along the shores of the nearby lakes to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Explore the charming town of Orillia, just a short drive away, known for its unique shops and vibrant arts scene. Visit the Orillia Museum of Art and History to learn about the region's cultural heritage. Enjoy lunch at a lakeside bistro, taking in the scenic views.
Indulge in dinner at a renowned local restaurant, featuring delicious regional cuisine. As the sun sets, consider taking a sunset cruise on Lake Couchiching for a breathtaking view of the landscape. Wind down your day by relaxing at your accommodation or exploring the nightlife in Orillia.
Start your day with an invigorating hike in the nearby Mara Provincial Park. The diverse trails offer stunning views of Lake Simcoe and the surrounding forests. After your hike, enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local diner, fueling up for the day's adventures.
Spend the afternoon kayaking or paddleboarding on one of Severn’s pristine lakes. With opportunities to spot wildlife and admire the natural beauty, it’s an unforgettable outdoor experience. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the water, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature.
Wrap up your outdoor adventure by attending a community event or festival if one is taking place. Enjoy an al fresco dinner at a restaurant that highlights local ingredients. As night falls, gaze at the stars, perhaps by a campfire or at a viewpoint overlooking the lakes.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2.50-4.00 |
| 🪪Local bus/taxi short ride | $5-25 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per litre) | $1.30-1.60 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel / inn (per night) | $110-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful lakeshore scenery and abundant outdoor recreation year-round
- Less crowded and more relaxed than major tourist centres; authentic small-town charm
- Close access to the Trent–Severn Waterway and boating opportunities
- Good base for exploring Georgian Bay, provincial parks and nearby towns
- Limited dining, nightlife and shopping options in the township itself
- Public transportation is sparse — a car is highly recommended
- Many services and businesses are seasonal and may close in off-season
- Mobile coverage and some infrastructure can be spotty in remote areas
Places to Visit in Severn
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic locks, narrow channels and moored boats provide classic waterfront and boating shots; early morning and late afternoon light are best for reflections and activity.
Marina scenes, colourful boats and Georgian Bay vistas offer great sunset and golden-hour photography opportunities.
Georgian Bay shoreline with shallow rock ledges and windswept pines is ideal for wide landscapes, long exposures and dramatic skies.
Quiet country roads, barns and fields provide classic pastoral scenes, especially in autumn when foliage turns orange and gold.
Frozen bays, snow-covered docks and clear winter light create crisp monochrome landscapes for photographers who visit in winter months.
Food in Severn
Severn Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshwater walleye (often called pickerel locally) is a staple — pan-fried or battered and served with potatoes. Available at many lakeside restaurants and fish fry takeout counters in summer months.
Must-Try!
Classic Canadian fish-and-chips featuring local white fish, often sold at community events, pubs and lakeside eateries during cottage season.
Local maple syrup and seasonal berries feature in pies, tarts and preserves sold at markets and farm stands around Severn.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A regional market offering local produce, baked goods, maple products and prepared foods — great for picnic supplies and locally made specialties.
Seasonal markets in nearby towns where vendors sell fresh fish, honey, preserves and artisanal foods; ideal for sampling local flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents tend to be friendly and reserved — polite greetings, patience and small talk go a long way. Respect quieter lifestyles, especially outside peak tourist hubs.
Many lakeshores and waterfronts are privately owned or cottage properties — stick to public parks, boat launches and designated access points. Ask permission before crossing private driveways or docks.
Take out what you bring in, follow Leave No Trace principles, and be cautious with fires — observe local fire bans and rules in provincial parks.
The area is on lands traditionally used by Indigenous peoples; be respectful of local Indigenous communities and cultural sites, and seek permission before photographing ceremonial spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Severn
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in Canada: around 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and a few dollars for taxi drivers or hotel porters. For guided tours and fishing guides, tip 10–20% depending on service and group size.
Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Interac) are widely accepted, but some small rural businesses prefer cash or debit; mobile payments are increasingly available. ATMs are less common in tiny villages — withdraw cash in larger nearby towns if needed.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Melting ice and rising water levels can make trails muddy; migratory birds return and wildflowers emerge. Some services and seasonal businesses begin reopening later in spring, so check hours.
Peak season for boating, fishing and cottages — expect higher traffic on weekends and busy marinas. Warm weather, long days and abundant outdoor events make this the most popular time to visit.
Crisp air, fewer crowds and spectacular fall foliage; many businesses transition to off-season hours. Ideal for hiking, scenic drives and photography.
Cold with snow and ice; opportunities for skating, snowmobiling and ice fishing. Many tourist services reduce hours, but winter recreation attracts outdoor enthusiasts.
Severn at Night
Hiking in Severn
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Multiple small conservation areas near Severn offer easy-to-moderate loop trails for hiking, birdwatching and seasonal wildflower viewing; useful for half-day hikes and family outings.
Nearby provincial parks and protected shorelines, a short drive away, provide longer trails, rugged shoreline hikes and opportunities to spot wildlife and unique rock formations.
Shoreline trails and short cliff/rock loops near Georgian Bay provide scenic vistas and photography opportunities — ideal for sunrise and sunset walks.
Airports
How to reach Severn by plane.
Major international airport with the widest range of flights; approximately 1.5–2 hours' drive depending on traffic — the main gateway for international travelers.
Smaller downtown Toronto airport with regional flights; about a 1.5–2 hour drive plus potential city transfer time — convenient for select flights and shorter domestic connections.
Regional airport serving seasonal and charter flights near the Muskoka area; roughly 45–75 minutes' drive depending on the part of Severn you are visiting — useful for private charters and seasonal services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Families and older residents who live and work locally in agriculture, small businesses and public services — they form the backbone of the community.
Significant numbers of seasonal property owners who come for the summer and holidays, boosting the local economy during peak months.
Indigenous peoples with historical and ongoing ties to the region — local First Nations communities nearby contribute cultural presence and heritage.
Visitors drawn by boating, fishing, hiking and winter sports, ranging from day-trippers to extended-stay vacationers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Given the easy access to Georgian Bay and inland lakes, recreational boating and sailing are widely popular among residents and visitors.
Angling for walleye, bass and pike is both a hobby and a tourism draw; many organize guided trips in season.
In winter, ice fishing, pond hockey and snowmobiling across groomed trails are common community pastimes.
Traditional Canadian ice sports like hockey and curling remain popular at local rinks and community centres.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Severn.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in smaller villages; cafés and bistros usually offer salads, grilled vegetable dishes and sandwiches. Bring snacks or plan to eat in larger nearby towns for more variety.
Specialty vegan and gluten-free options are less common — check menus in advance, call restaurants, or shop at farmers' markets and grocery stores in Orillia or Barrie for supplies.
Freshwater fish is common on menus; always alert staff to allergies as cross-contamination can occur in small kitchens.