Things to Do at Friday Harbour Resort: The Complete Guide to a Lake Simcoe Getaway
Looking for things to do at Friday Harbour Resort in Innisfil, Ontario?
Whether you're planning a romantic couples getaway, a relaxing weekend near Toronto, a golf trip with friends or simply a few days by the water, Friday Harbour offers something in every season.
Located on the shores of Lake Simcoe in Innisfil, Ontario, Friday Harbour Resort combines waterfront dining, a marina, golf, nature trails, shopping, seasonal events and outdoor activities in one walkable resort community.
And one of the best parts?
You don't need to fill every minute of your stay. Some of the best moments at Friday Harbour are the simple ones: walking along the marina, stopping for lunch on the Promenade, exploring the trails or watching the evening settle over Lake Simcoe.
Here are some of our favourite ways to experience Friday Harbour.
1. Walk the Friday Harbour Marina and Promenade
One of the first things we recommend doing is simply exploring the waterfront.
Take a walk along the Friday Harbour Promenade and marina, enjoy the views of Lake Simcoe, browse the shops, stop for a coffee or find a patio for lunch or dinner.
The Promenade is really the heart of Friday Harbour and makes it easy to enjoy an afternoon without ever needing to get back in your car.
For couples, an evening walk along the waterfront is one of our favourite ways to finish the day.
2. Explore the Nature Preserve
Want to trade the marina for something a little quieter?
Friday Harbour has dedicated approximately one-third of its 600-acre property to its Nature Preserve, with trails, forest areas and bridged streams that can be explored by foot or bike throughout the seasons.
It's an excellent option for a morning walk, an afternoon hike or simply getting outside and enjoying the Lake Simcoe area.
For couples staying with us at StunningStayz, one of our favourite combinations is simple:
Morning coffee, a walk through the Nature Preserve, lunch on the Promenade and an afternoon by the water.
You don't need an elaborate itinerary to have a great weekend here.
3. Play a Round at The Nest Golf Club
If you golf, make room in your itinerary for The Nest Golf Club.
Designed by Canadian golf-course architect Doug Carrick, The Nest is an 18-hole course at Friday Harbour and is open for public play. The facility also includes a driving range, putting green and short-game practice area.
The course winds through the natural landscape surrounding Lake Simcoe, making it as much about the setting as the golf itself.
Golf is also one of the reasons we love Friday Harbour in the fall. Cooler temperatures, changing leaves and a round at The Nest followed by dinner and drinks can make for an incredible couples or friends getaway.
During the off-season, The Nest also offers indoor golf through TrackMan simulator technology.
4. Get Out on Lake Simcoe
Summer at Friday Harbour is all about the water.
Depending on seasonal availability, visitors can enjoy activities including kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and pedal boats, with rentals offered through Friday Harbour. Bike rentals, beach activities and other recreation are also available during the warmer months.
Or you can slow things right down.
Grab a coffee, find a spot overlooking the marina and simply enjoy being beside Lake Simcoe.
That's part of the appeal of staying here. You can make your getaway as active or as relaxing as you want.
5. Have Dinner or Drinks by the Water
Food is a big part of the Friday Harbour experience.
The resort has a collection of restaurants, cafés and seasonal dining options around the property, including waterfront choices along the Promenade and marina. Current dining options include Lake Club, Avenue Cibi e Vini, Dirty Oar Public House, Ember, Parisienne, Cantina by ZAZA and others.
Our suggestion?
Don't rush dinner.
Have a drink, enjoy the waterfront atmosphere and turn dinner into part of the evening rather than simply somewhere to eat.
Friday Harbour also regularly features entertainment and seasonal events, including live music at Lake Club.
6. Spend an Afternoon Shopping and Exploring the Promenade
You don't have to leave the resort when you feel like wandering around.
The Promenade brings together shops, restaurants, cafés and seasonal experiences along the waterfront. Friday Harbour also hosts markets and other special events throughout the year.
It's perfect for one of those afternoons where you don't really have a plan.
Walk.
Shop.
Grab a coffee.
Have lunch.
Sit by the marina.
Then decide what you feel like doing next.
Sometimes that's exactly what a getaway should feel like.
7. Experience Friday Harbour in the Fall
Summer gets plenty of attention, but fall at Friday Harbour is one of our favourite times of year.
The air gets crisp, the crowds change, the leaves begin turning and walking through the Nature Preserve or along the marina takes on an entirely different feel.
It's a great time for couples looking for a quiet Ontario getaway without travelling several hours into cottage country.
Spend the day golfing, hiking or exploring the waterfront, then come back and relax.
At StunningStayz, our private balcony has a fire feature, which makes those cool fall evenings especially enjoyable.
8. Visit Friday Harbour in Winter
Friday Harbour isn't just a summer destination.
The resort offers a variety of winter activities, which can include skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, nature trails and other seasonal recreation, depending on conditions and availability.
That makes Friday Harbour a completely different experience in winter.
Instead of boats and summer patios, think snow-covered trails, skating, winter walks and returning to a warm condo after spending the afternoon outside.
It's one of the reasons Friday Harbour works so well as an all-season Ontario getaway.
9. Check What's Happening at Friday Harbour During Your Stay
Friday Harbour's calendar changes throughout the year.
Depending on when you visit, you may find markets, live music, dining experiences, holiday celebrations, family activities and other seasonal events taking place around the resort.
Before arriving, it's worth checking the resort's current event calendar so you can see what's happening during your specific dates.
And if you're staying with us at StunningStayz, we're always happy to help you plan your visit.
Is Friday Harbour Good for a Couples Getaway?
Yes. Friday Harbour is particularly well suited to couples looking for a waterfront getaway close to the Greater Toronto Area.
You can have breakfast or coffee together, walk the Nature Preserve, play a round of golf, spend the afternoon around the marina, enjoy dinner and drinks, then finish the evening with a waterfront walk.
And because so much is available within the resort, you don't need to spend your weekend driving from place to place.
It's an easy escape that can still feel like you've gone much farther away.
Is Friday Harbour Worth Visiting for a Weekend?
If you enjoy waterfront scenery, restaurants, golf, walking trails, outdoor recreation and having plenty to do without constantly getting into your car, Friday Harbour can make an excellent weekend destination.
Friday Harbour is located in Innisfil, Ontario, on Lake Simcoe, approximately one hour north of Toronto according to the resort.
That makes it particularly convenient for people looking for a weekend getaway from Toronto and the GTA without committing to a long drive into cottage country.
Where to Stay at Friday Harbour Resort
If you're turning your visit into an overnight getaway, we'd love to welcome you to StunningStayz at Friday Harbour Resort.
Our two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo sleeps up to four registered guests and features two king beds, a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living area, workstation, Wi-Fi and a large private balcony with a seasonal fire feature and BBQ.
You'll also have underground parking and a location that makes it easy to walk to the marina, Promenade, restaurants, shops and many of Friday Harbour's attractions.
Whether you're planning a romantic couples escape, golf getaway, friends weekend or relaxing Lake Simcoe vacation, our goal is simple:
Give you a beautiful, comfortable home base so you can spend less time worrying about your accommodation and more time enjoying Friday Harbour.
Ready for Your Friday Harbour Getaway?
Friday Harbour is one of those destinations that changes with the seasons.
Summer brings Lake Simcoe, boating and outdoor recreation. Fall brings crisp walks, golf and changing colours. Winter transforms the resort into a completely different experience. And spring brings everything back to life again.
That's why one visit often isn't enough.
Planning a stay at Friday Harbour?
Book your stay directly with StunningStayz at Friday Harbour Resort or DM us the word STAY to receive our free Friday Harbour guidebook and a direct-booking discount code.
We'd love to host your next Lake Simcoe escape.