Innisfil, Ontario, a town nestled on the western shore of Lake Simcoe, is a captivating blend of history and modern development. Located immediately south of Barrie and 80 kilometres north of Toronto, Innisfil has experienced significant residential growth due to its strategic location between the high-growth areas of Barrie and the York Region.
The name Innisfil is derived from the Irish Inis Fáil, an ancient mythological name for Ireland. This town, which spans a history of over 170 years, was initially a virgin forest home to the Huron Indians before the first settlers arrived.
Innisfil's history dates back to 1820 when it was first surveyed. The first settlers, the Hewson and Soules families, arrived in 1820 and 1822 respectively. They settled at Point Endeavour, later renamed Hewson's Point and now known as Big Bay Point. The first sawmill in the Township was built at Tollendal by George McMullen in 1829.
The pioneer farms were mostly self-sustaining, with few products for sale finding a market in nearby Barrie. The first post office, then called Innisfil, was located at what is now called Barclay's Corners. The first school was built in 1838 and located at Myers Corners, later called Victoria (now the community of Stroud). The first church was also at Victoria, and was of Methodist denomination.
The year 1850 marked the end of the old commissioners' rule. The first municipal council was established, replacing the government of appointed commissioners. The Corporation of the Township of Innisfil was born. The settlement of Allandale became more prominent with the construction of the Ontario, Simcoe and Huron Railway (later the Northern Railway) from Toronto to Collingwood. The first train from Toronto arrived in Allandale on October 11, 1853.
Innisfil has seen significant development over the years. Cookstown, at the southwest extremity of the town, became an incorporated village in 1962. In 1991, the Township of Innisfil, a northern section of the Township of West Gwillimbury, and the Village of Cookstown, were amalgamated and incorporated as the Town of Innisfil.
In 2017, the mixed-use development Friday Harbour opened on Big Bay Point, marking another milestone in Innisfil's development.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Innisfil had a population of 43,326 living in 15,708 of its 17,528 total private dwellings, a change of 18.5% from its 2016 population of 36,566.
Innisfil consists of several communities including Alcona, Simcoe Beach, Alderslea, Barclay, Bear Point, Belle Ewart, Belle Air Beach, Bethesda, Big Bay Point, Big Cedar Point, Cedar Mount, Churchill, Cookstown, De Grassi Point, Fennell, Gilford, Glenhaven Beach, Glenwood Beach, Innisfil Heights, Killarney Beach, Lefroy, Maple Grove, Mooselanka Beach, Nantyr, Nantyr Park, Sandy Cove, Sandycove Acres and Stroud.
Innisfil is well-connected with the Barrie line of the GO Transit commuter rail system passing through the town. Highway 400 runs through the west side of the town, connecting it to Toronto. Innisfil also offers a subsidized microtransit service to residents in partnership with Uber.
Innisfil is a hub of culture and attractions. Cookstown is known for its antique specialty stores and outlet shopping, and hosts an annual garage sale called "Wing-Ding". Alcona hosts Summerfest and Winterfest each year at Innisfil Beach. The Georgian Downs Harness racetrack and casino and the Sunset Speedway are other notable attractions in Innisfil.
