Late-night earthquake rocks southern Ontario region

Residents across Simcoe County, Muskoka, Kawartha Lakes and GTA report feeling shaking from magnitude 4.1 quake centered near Orillia

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:31am

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A late-night earthquake struck the southern Ontario region on Tuesday, with the epicenter located near Orillia. The quake, which registered as a magnitude 4.1, was felt across a wide area including Simcoe County, Muskoka, Kawartha Lakes, Durham, Peterborough, and even as far as Buffalo and Rochester in New York. Many residents were initially confused, thinking the shaking and loud noises were caused by a snowplow or plane crash, before realizing it was an earthquake.

Why it matters

While the magnitude 4.1 quake did not result in any reported injuries or damages, it serves as a reminder of the seismic activity that can occur in the region and the need for preparedness. Earthquakes, even relatively minor ones, can be unsettling experiences for residents not accustomed to such events.

The details

The earthquake struck at around 11 PM on Tuesday night. The epicenter was located approximately 23 kilometers east of Orillia, near the town of Brechin, at a depth of 5 kilometers. Many residents across the affected region initially mistook the shaking and loud noises for other events like snowplows or plane crashes before realizing it was an earthquake.

  • The earthquake struck at around 11 PM on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.

The players

Natural Resources Canada

The government agency that monitors and reports on seismic activity in Canada, including providing details on the magnitude and location of the earthquake.

Robin Watson

An Orillia resident who initially thought the shaking was caused by a snowplow before realizing it was an earthquake.

Mikey Bokma-Dobbs

A resident who jumped out of bed thinking a plane had crashed after feeling the earthquake.

Sheona Kloostra

A resident who thought their roof was coming down during the earthquake.

Lisa Miller

A resident who felt the earthquake in Orillia and compared the sound to a Hercules military plane flying overhead.

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What they’re saying

“I thought it was a snowplow coming by.”

— Robin Watson, Orillia resident (Social media)

“I literally jumped out of bed. (I) took a look out my dark bedroom window as my thoughts were a plane had just crashed.”

— Mikey Bokma-Dobbs, Resident (Social media)

“We thought the roof was coming down.”

— Sheona Kloostra, Resident (Facebook)

“I felt it in Orillia. (It) sounded like a Hercules flying over and I ran to the window to check it out.”

— Lisa Miller, Resident (Facebook)

What’s next

Natural Resources Canada will continue to monitor the region for any aftershocks or additional seismic activity in the coming days.

The takeaway

While this earthquake did not result in any reported damages or injuries, it serves as a reminder for residents in southern Ontario to be prepared for the possibility of seismic events, even if they are relatively minor. Knowing what to do during an earthquake can help minimize the impact and ensure the safety of individuals and communities.