NEWS RELEASE
OMAH HISTORY COMMITTEE
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Strawberry Island is a haven of beauty and tranquility, located in our own backyard at the northern end of Lake Simcoe.
It is within the boundaries of Ramara Township, about 10 kilometres from the shore in Orillia. Anatari, Pa-Push-Quan, Gwillam’s Island, Lundy’s Island, Creighton Island, Anderson Island, Starvation Island: These are all previous names for the small island in Lake Simcoe we now know as Strawberry Island.
The island was once a popular resort tourist destination with a hotel, dance hall, cottages, everything needed to entertain visitors.
In 2002, Pope John Paul II visited our area for a bit of rest and relaxation during his trip to Canada. He stayed for a few days at a Lake Simcoe retreat and vacation house owned by the Basilian Fathers. As a result, his visit raised the profile of the small 25-acre Strawberry Island.
OMAH History Committee member Fred Kallin has anchored his boat off Strawberry for many years. He researched the storied history of Strawberry Island, from its Indigenous roots to present day.
To learn more about this gem in Lake Simcoe, click on this link.
— Submitted by Fred Kallin
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