Summary
One of Canada’s fastest growing cities, Barrie sits along the western shore of Lake Simcoe on Kempenfelt Bay. The city is approximately 90 kilometers north of Toronto, making it easily accessible from the larger metropolis.
Barrie is a vibrant city brimming with charm, attributed not only to its beach-lined waterfront but also to its rich history. Tourism has consistently played a vital role in Barrie, offering an abundance of activities and sights.
Let’s delve into the top activities in Barrie:
1. Have fun on the waterfront
Barrie’s waterfront is one of its main attractions, featuring three beaches, multiple parks, and scenic waterfront trails, contributing to its popularity.
Visitors can relax on the beach, engage in volleyball, enjoy a picnic in the parks, or take a refreshing swim. A large playground for children, along with a splash pad and various excellent dining options, enhances the experience.
For those looking to explore, the 6.7-kilometer paved trail around Kempenfelt Bay offers a predominantly flat surface suitable for walks, complemented by numerous benches to relax and enjoy the summer breeze.
2. Enjoy a festival
Barrie is particularly well-regarded for its festivals, especially during the summer months, although various events also occur at other times of the year. Most take place in downtown Barrie at well-known venues.
One of the most prominent annual events is Kempenfest, held on the first weekend of August. This arts and crafts festival showcases live entertainment, children’s activities, food demonstrations, and features over 300 artisans.
Other notable festivals include the Barrie Waterfront Festival, Winterfest, Celebrate Barrie, Ecofest, Jazz & Blues Festival, and Promenade Days. Culinary enthusiasts will want to experience Barrielicious or the Ribfest and Craft Beer Show.
3. Go skiing
In addition to skiing, visitors can also enjoy snowboarding, snowmobiling, and tubing. Barrie transforms into a winter wonderland, appealing to thrill-seekers.
Several renowned ski resorts are located in the area, including Horseshoe Resort, Mount St. Louis Moonstone, Snow Valley, and Blue Mountain, all of which offer snow-shoeing opportunities.
Among these, Horseshoe Resort is often considered the premier option, featuring two award-winning golf courses. Meanwhile, Blue Mountain is the largest, featuring 42 runs and 13 lifts.
4. Visit a gallery
The MacLaren Art Centre is a distinguished gallery located in downtown Barrie, renowned for its bronze cast of Auguste Rodin’s sculpture, ‘The Thinker,’ which is prominently displayed in the front garden.
This gallery houses three exhibit spaces showcasing artworks from both Canadian and international artists, boasting over 27,000 pieces in its permanent collection.
The MacLaren Art Centre regularly hosts special shows and exhibitions throughout the year and features a shop and a café on-site.
5. See a massive spirit catcher
Positioned along the shore of Kempenfelt Bay stands a 21-meter high, 25-meter wide spirit catcher, a sculpture created by artist Ron Baird for Vancouver’s Expo 86.
This twenty-ton sculpture was purchased and donated as part of the ‘Barrie Gallery Project’ to inspire artists and establish an art gallery, situated adjacent to the MacLaren Art Centre.
It has become a city landmark and focal point of Barrie’s waterfront, making it an essential stop for visitors.
6. Head to a game
Ice hockey is the dominant sport in Barrie, with games hosted at the Barrie Molson Centre. This multi-purpose arena, with a capacity of 4,195, serves as the home for the Barrie Colts hockey team.
The venue also hosts various events, including wrestling shows, the Ontario Hockey League Championship Series, and lacrosse matches. Historically, it was the training camp for the Toronto Raptors.
Hockey enthusiasts should aim to attend a Barrie Colts game or, at the very least, enjoy the experience from the on-site restaurant and bar.
7. Shop to exhaustion
Barrie provides a wide range of shopping options, from quaint local boutiques to large international retailers. Malls, flea markets, and standalone shops abound, allowing visitors to indulge in extensive shopping experiences.
Downtown Barrie is ideal for those seeking unique fashion boutiques and gift stores, while the 400 market offers various unique items under one roof.
For shoppers seeking name brands, Georgian Mall is the largest shopping center in the city, housing brands such as Guess, The Gap, H&M, Michael Hill, The Body Shop, and Pandora among others.
8. Tour a brewery
Experience the craft beer-making process by touring one of the local breweries. Barrie is home to three breweries that offer tours.
Each brewery tour includes a tasting session, allowing visitors to not only learn about the brewing process but also sample a variety of brews available on tap.
Each of the breweries features a restaurant, providing guests the option to enjoy a meal along with their favorite brew after the tour.
9. Get grounded
Achieve inner peace by participating in a yoga class. Practicing yoga while traveling provides an excellent way to relax and unwind.
Classes are available for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Options include Hatha, Vinyasa, Aerial, Yin, or Ashtanga styles.
Meditation classes are also available, providing a wonderful opportunity to reach a state of zen. For a more vigorous experience, consider trying TRX, Barre, or spinning classes.
10. Learn about Barrie’s heritage
A self-guided walking tour is an excellent way to delve into the heritage of Barrie. These tours lead visitors through various parts of the city, showcasing their unique allure.
Throughout Barrie, you can explore beautiful homes, significant buildings, and landmarks. Highlights of downtown include the Wellington Hotel, Trinity Church, and various architectural styles along Mulcaster Street and Dunlop Street West.
Other notable homes to view include properties on Theresa Street, Peel Street, Clapperton Street, and Sunnidale Road, emphasizing the diverse architectural styles found throughout the city.
11. Please your taste buds
Barrie boasts a diverse culinary scene, with hundreds of restaurants offering everything from casual dining to upscale experiences.
Downtown Barrie presents a rich mix of restaurants, many featuring authentic international cuisine, trendy establishments, burger joints, and quaint tea shops.
The Golden Mile area is known for its stylish new restaurants, often featuring up-and-coming chefs, while the South End offers a variety of dining options ranging from casual to fine dining.
12. Get pampered
Several excellent spas in Barrie provide opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa at Blue Mountain is particularly acclaimed for its stunning natural surroundings and award-winning therapies.
Visitors can experience a range of treatments, including distinctive Scandinavian baths and various massage therapies. The spa at Horseshoe Resort is also highly regarded and operates year-round.
Additionally, a few other spas are situated within the city, offering various pampering options.
13. Look at flowers
The 26,500-square-meter Bradford Greenhouses Gardens is an outstanding place to spend time for flower enthusiasts. A vast array of floral varieties is available for viewing—and purchasing.
Annuals, perennials, tropical plants, and shrubs can be found throughout the greenhouse. Visitors are encouraged to wander the grounds and admire the extensive flower collection.
The Bradford Greenhouses Gardens also host events, including workshops on balcony gardening, herb gardening, and vegetable gardening.
14. Fly over the city
Embark on a hot air balloon ride for breathtaking views of Barrie, the surrounding countryside, and Lake Simcoe from above.
This exhilarating experience offers a unique perspective of the city, though it may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights.
Each ride accommodates no more than five passengers, providing an intimate experience. Enjoy a sunrise flight for a peaceful morning view or opt for a scenic journey during a sunny afternoon.
15. Experience history
Gain insight into the region’s past by visiting the Simcoe County Museum. This venue offers a fascinating overview of Barrie and the surrounding Simcoe region’s history.
Featuring five galleries and 16 heritage and display buildings from the 19th century, the Simcoe County Museum spans 132 hectares of land, inclusive of a forested area.
Examine artifacts and heritage tools that illustrate the area’s history. Visitors can opt for a self-guided exploration or delve deeper by joining a guided tour.
