The guide.

The step-by-step guide to leaving the GTA for Orillia and lake country — where to live, how to commute, schools, doctors, costs, and the homes you can buy today. By local REALTOR® Jordan Rossman.

1. 01Your 12-month plan for moving to OrilliaA month-by-month plan for moving to Orillia from the GTA: visits, financing, selling, buying, school and doctor registration, utilities and your first winter.
2. 02Orillia vs Barrie: which suits your move?Orillia vs Barrie for GTA movers: size, GO access, 2026 tax rates, hospitals, housing age and lifestyle compared side by side, so you can pick the right city.
3. 03Orillia, Severn, Oro-Medonte or Ramara: which fits?Orillia vs Severn, Oro-Medonte and Ramara: who each suits, city water vs well and septic, 2026 tax rates, commute direction and how to check internet.
4. 04How to scout Orillia before you buyHow to scout Orillia before you buy: downtown, the waterfront, neighbourhoods at school and commute times, a winter visit and the questions to ask locals.
5. 05Orillia commute playbook: coach times and real patternsOntario Northland coach times from Orillia on the November 2026 timetable, GO connections in Barrie, how to test drive times and the hybrid patterns that work.
6. 06Working remotely from Orillia: internet and workspaceHow to check internet at an Orillia or township address on ISED's National Broadband Map, which providers serve the area, Starlink on rural lots and coworking.
7. 07Registering your kids for school in OrilliaHow to register kids for school when moving to Orillia: the SCDSB and Catholic board locators, French boards, documents, busing eligibility and mid-year timing.
8. 08Finding a family doctor after moving to OrilliaHealthcare after moving to Orillia: Health Care Connect via 811, keeping your GTA doctor while you wait, OSMH, Health811, pharmacists and NP clinics.
9. 09Your first 90 days in Orillia: the setup checklistYour checklist after moving to Orillia: Hydro One and water accounts, garbage day, licence and health card, property tax, voters list and library card.
10. 10Selling in the GTA and buying in Orillia: sequencingSequencing a GTA sale and an Orillia purchase: sell first or buy first, bridge financing, offers conditional on sale, closing dates and carrying costs.
11. 11Retiring to Orillia: a practical move planPractical steps for retiring to Orillia from the GTA: downsizing, bungalow or condo, the 55+ Active Living Centre, healthcare, Orillia Transit and winter.
12. 12Living in Orillia through the seasonsA year in Orillia for newcomers: winter plowing and parking rules, spring high water, summer festivals like Mariposa, and fall, with what to plan for.
13. 13The true cost of moving from Toronto to OrilliaOne-time and ongoing costs of moving from Toronto to Orillia: land transfer tax you avoid, 2026 property tax rates compared, utilities, insurance and commuting.
14. 14Moving to Orillia: frequently asked questionsDirect answers to common questions about moving to Orillia: commute and coach times, taxes, land transfer tax, doctors, schools, internet and winter.