Explore the best things to do in Barrie, Ontario
Barrie Waterfront Walk
My friends, Sarah, Michael, and I, recently enjoyed a delightful afternoon strolling along the Barrie waterfront. It’s a perfect place to unwind and take in the sights, no matter the time of day.
The entire waterfront boardwalk loop takes about an hour to complete and offers something for everyone. Here are some highlights from our walk:
Places to Explore:
Barrie Marina: We spotted all sorts of boats docked at the marina, from sailboats to yachts. The water was crystal clear, and we could even see fish swimming around!
Heritage Park: This park is a lovely spot to relax. In the summer, it provides shade with beautiful trees and a gazebo. We enjoyed sitting on benches and chatting while taking in the scenery. In the winter, they even have snow sculptures!
Heart Barrie Sign (New in 2022!): We couldn’t miss taking a photo in front of this recently installed landmark. It’s a great way to capture a memory of your visit to Barrie.
The Spirit Catcher: This impressive bird sculpture, created in 1986, has been a fixture on the Barrie waterfront since 1987. It’s definitely worth a closer look!
Must-Try Activity:
The main attraction of the waterfront is, of course, the walk itself! It’s a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon with friends or family.
Suitable for:
This walk is perfect for all ages, from young children to adults. The flat path is easy to navigate, and there’s plenty of space for everyone.
Parking:
There are several parking options near the waterfront. Paid parking is available along Lakeshore Drive and Centennial Park during weekdays, but it’s free on weekends and evenings. Another option is to park in the downtown area (along Dunlop Street) and take a short walk to the waterfront. Keep in mind that there’s paid parking downtown as well.
MacLaren Art Centre
My friends, Sarah and Michael, and I decided to spend an afternoon exploring art at the MacLaren Art Centre. Located right in downtown Barrie at 37 Mulcaster Street, this art gallery is a great place to discover Canadian art.
The MacLaren Art Centre has been a fixture in Barrie since the late 1980s. Over the years, it’s grown and even moved locations! The interesting fact is that the very first piece in their collection is the famous Spirit Catcher sculpture you might have seen on the waterfront.
Must-Try Activity:
The best part of the MacLaren Art Centre is exploring the art itself! They have a fantastic collection of contemporary Canadian art, which means you’ll see paintings, sculptures, and other creations by Canadian artists. There are also lots of activities and workshops specifically designed for kids, so it’s a great place to take the whole family.
Suitable for:
This art gallery is perfect for both adults and kids. The art exhibits are interesting for everyone, and the kids’ activities make it a fun and educational outing for families.
How to Reach:
The MacLaren Art Centre is easy to find. It’s located at 37 Mulcaster Street, Barrie, Ontario L4M 3M2.
Bear Creek Eco Park
We all friends were looking for a break from the city noise but didn’t want to travel far. Bear Creek Eco Park, located right in Barrie, saved the day!
This park is a surprising oasis in the middle of the city. It has a network of walking paths and trails that work well for all ages and fitness levels. We were impressed by the park’s size, even though it’s still in Barrie! A highlight is the wooden boardwalk that goes over a wetland. Walking on it makes you feel like you’re surrounded by nature, even though you’re still in the city.
Must-Try Activity:
The best way to experience Bear Creek Eco Park is with a leisurely stroll on the trails. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. We stopped often to admire the scenery and listen to the birds singing.
Suitable For:
This park is perfect for anyone who wants to connect with nature. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a casual walk, Bear Creek Eco Park has something to offer. Kids will enjoy it too!
How to Reach:
The park is conveniently located in the heart of Barrie, making it easy to get to from anywhere downtown.
Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery
My friends, Chris and Lisa, and I are big fans of craft beer, so a trip to Barrie wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery. Established in 2004, this brewery is a leader in Ontario’s craft beer scene.
Their motto, “weird is normal,” gives you a hint of what to expect. From the funny monkey logo on the labels to the fun atmosphere in the tap room, everything is unique.
Must-Try Activity:
The best part of Flying Monkeys is trying their beers! They have a wide selection of unique brews, so there’s something for everyone. We enjoyed sampling a flight of beers, which allowed us to try a few different ones. The staff was friendly and helped us choose beers we might like based on our tastes.
Suitable For:
This brewery is for adults who enjoy craft beer and a fun atmosphere. If you’re looking for something different than the usual beer experience, Flying Monkeys is the place to go.
How to Reach:
The Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery is located conveniently in downtown Barrie. It’s an easy walk from the waterfront area.
Downtown Barrie
We started our exploration of Barrie in the downtown area, the perfect starting point for any adventure! Downtown Barrie is right on the waterfront and full of life. There are many restaurants, bars, and shops to discover, all within walking distance. My friends, Ben and Sarah, and I decided to spend an afternoon checking it all out.
The area is easy to navigate and starts roughly around the Five Points intersection at the west end.
Must-Try Activity:
The best part of downtown Barrie is spending time browsing the shops, trying the restaurants, and relaxing at the cafes or bars. We enjoyed walking around and popping into stores that caught our eye. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for clothes, souvenirs, or local art. Later, we grabbed a delicious lunch at a restaurant with a nice patio.
Suitable For:
Downtown Barrie is a great place to visit for everyone. Couples can enjoy a romantic night out, while families will find plenty of shops and restaurants to keep everyone entertained.
How to Reach:
The downtown area is easy to get to. You can walk from the waterfront, or there’s lots of parking available if you come by car.
Centennial Park, Barrie
My friends, Jessica and Michael, and I decided to spend a day enjoying the outdoors at Centennial Park. This park, located between Barrie’s downtown area and the Allendale GO station, is the biggest park in the city.
Centennial Park has everything you need for a fun day out. There are changing rooms, bathrooms, playgrounds for the kids, walking paths for exploring, and even food stalls if you get hungry. The park is also home to the popular Centennial Beach, a perfect spot to relax on the sand.
Must-Try Activity:
We had a great time at Centennial Park! We relaxed on the beach, soaking up the sun. We also packed a picnic lunch and enjoyed eating under the trees. Afterward, we walked along the park’s paths and enjoyed the scenery.
Suitable For:
This park is a great choice for families and anyone who loves spending time outdoors. The beach is perfect for kids to play in the sand, and the walking paths are great for a relaxing stroll.
How to Reach:
Getting to Centennial Park is easy. It’s close to downtown Barrie and can be reached on foot. The park is also accessible from the Allendale GO station if you’re coming from further away.
I couldn’t miss seeing the famous Spirit Catcher sculpture in Barrie. This giant metal bird has become a symbol of the city!
The Spirit Catcher was originally created for an event called Expo 86 in Vancouver. After the event, it was lucky enough to find a new home in Barrie, where it’s become a beloved landmark.
Must-Try Activity:
The best thing to do at the Spirit Catcher is to take a photo with it! The sculpture is very impressive, and it’s fun to get a close look at its size and cool design. We all took turns snapping pictures with the Spirit Catcher in the background.
Suitable For:
This is a great place to visit for everyone. Whether you’re a couple on a romantic date or a family with young kids, everyone will enjoy seeing the Spirit Catcher.
How to Reach:
The Spirit Catcher is conveniently located in downtown Barrie, near the waterfront area. It’s easy to get to on foot from other parts of downtown.
Barrie City Hall
Barrie City Hall is a place that changes with the seasons! My friends, Daniel and Emily, and I went to check it out.
This building is right in the center of downtown Barrie. Depending on the time of year, there’s something fun going on.
Must-Try Activity:
In the summer, the Barrie Farmers Market sets up right in front of City Hall. It’s a great place to find fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious food. We enjoyed browsing the stalls and chatting with the vendors.
In the winter, the same space transforms into the Circle at the Centre rink. This is a public skating rink, perfect for a fun and festive activity with friends. We bundled up warm clothes and laced up our skates for a few laps around the rink.
Suitable For:
Barrie City Hall is a great place to visit for everyone. Whether you’re a couple looking for a summer date spot or a family wanting to enjoy some winter fun, there’s something for everyone.
How to Reach:
The City Hall is located in the heart of downtown Barrie, so it’s easy to get to on foot. There’s also parking available nearby if you come by car.
Five Points Theatre
We couldn’t miss checking out the Five Points Theatre in Barrie. Located right at the well-known Five Points intersection, this theatre is perfect for a night of entertainment.
The Five Points Theatre shows a variety of plays, musicals, and comedies. There’s something for everyone! It’s also very convenient because there are restaurants and bars nearby, so you can grab a bite to eat or a drink before or after the show.
Must-Try Activity:
The best thing to do at the Five Points Theatre is, of course, to see a show! We looked at what was playing during our visit and chose something that interested all of us. The performance was fantastic, and we had a great time.
Suitable For:
This theatre is a great choice for adults and families who enjoy live performances. Whether you prefer funny comedies or musical productions, there’s likely a show you’ll enjoy at the Five Points Theatre.
How to Reach:
The Five Points Theatre is located conveniently in downtown Barrie. It’s easy to get to on foot from other parts of downtown. If you’re coming by car, there’s parking available nearby.
Grey and Simcoe Foresters Museum
We decided to visit the Grey and Simcoe Foresters Museum in Barrie.
This museum is located conveniently in downtown Barrie. It’s a great place to learn all about Barrie’s role in Canada’s military past. The museum focuses on the Grey and Simcoe Foresters regiment, a group that’s been involved in many conflicts, both in Canada and overseas.
Must-Try Activity:
The best way to experience the museum is to explore the exhibits. They have lots of interesting things to see, like old uniforms, medals, weapons, and documents. We spent a while reading the information and looking at all the cool artifacts. The staff at the museum were also very knowledgeable and answered any questions we had.
Suitable For:
This museum is perfect for anyone who likes history, especially Canadian military history. It’s a great place to learn about the brave people who served in the Grey and Simcoe Foresters regiment.
How to Reach:
The Grey and Simcoe Foresters Museum is easy to get to. It’s located downtown Barrie and can be reached on foot from other parts of downtown. There’s also parking nearby if you come by car.
Barrie Festivals and Events
Barrie is a city that knows how to celebrate! Throughout the year, the city comes alive with a variety of festivals and events. Here are a few of the most popular ones:
- Barrie Waterfront Festival: This summer festival takes place along Barrie’s beautiful waterfront. It features live music, food vendors, artisan crafts, and a children’s area.
- Barrie Jazz and Blues Festival: This festival celebrates the best of jazz and blues music. It features both local and international performers.
- Kempenfest: Kempenfest is one of the largest outdoor arts and crafts shows in North America. It takes place over three days in August and features over 700 artisans from across Canada.
- Boots and Hearts Music Festival: This country music festival takes place in nearby Oro-Medonte. It features some of the biggest names in country music.
Barrie’s festivals and events are suitable for everyone, from couples to families. Most events offer a variety of activities and entertainment options, so there’s sure to be something to keep everyone entertained.
J.C. Morrison Wreck (Not for Me, But Maybe for You!)
My friends are all certified scuba divers, and they were excited to explore the J.C. Morrison wreck while we were in Barrie. While I’m not a diver myself, I enjoyed hearing about their adventure!
The J.C. Morrison wreck is a dream come true for scuba enthusiasts. This old steam-powered ship sank way back in 1857 and now rests underwater just off the shores of Centennial Beach.
Must Try Activity (For Certified Divers):
If you’re a certified scuba diver, exploring the J.C. Morrison wreck is a must-do activity. Divers can discover a whole new world underwater, with parts of the ship still visible.
Suitable For:
This underwater adventure is only for certified scuba divers. If you’re not certified, there are other ways to enjoy Centennial Beach!
How to Reach:
The J.C. Morrison wreck is located off the coast of Centennial Beach. You can only reach it by boat. If you’re a certified diver, there are dive shops in the area that offer trips to the wreck.
OHL Hockey Game
Catching a hockey game is a must-do in Canada, and my friends and I did just that in Barrie! The Barrie Colts play at the Sadlon Arena, and it was an awesome way to experience the excitement of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
The Sadlon Arena is where the Barrie Colts play. It’s a great place to see some of the best young hockey players in Canada compete.
Must-Try Activity:
The best thing to do at the Sadlon Arena is to cheer on the Barrie Colts! We grabbed some snacks and drinks and settled into our seats, ready to get loud. The fast-paced action and energy of the game were incredible. The crowd was really into it, cheering and chanting for the Colts throughout the game.
Suitable For:
This activity is perfect for everyone, from couples on a date night to families with kids. Hockey is a big part of Canadian culture, and attending a game is a fun way to experience it.
How to Reach:
The Sadlon Arena is located in Barrie and is easy to get to by car or public transportation. There’s also parking available nearby if you come by car.
Barrie is a city that knows how to have fun! So why not start planning your trip to Barrie today?