- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Barrie
Barrie's beginnings as a War of 1812 supply depot shaped its historic downtown. Stroll along Dunlop Street to admire Victorian architecture and echoes of early settlers. The Grand Trunk Railway's influence on local design adds depth to any Barrie tourist guide.
Situated on Kempenfelt Bay, Barrie offers 6.7 km of waterfront trails and beaches. Enjoy diverse outdoor activities, from skiing at Horseshoe Resort to kayaking. After dark, catch a show at the Five Points Theatre, a highlight for visiting Barrie.
Barrie's local flavor shines at the Farmers' Market with seasonal produce and artisan goods. Explore the craft brewery scene for unique Ontario ciders and beers, a distinct experience showcasing what is Barrie famous for beyond its natural beauty.
- BarrieCanada
- BarrieCanada
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer tourists
- Jul-Augwarm, busy season
- Wintercold, potential snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightJacket
- #Sunscreen
- #WaterBottle
- #Camera
- #Swimwear
- 3-5 for highlights
- 6-7 with beaches & day trips
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- English & French
- Both are official languages
- #KempenfeltBay
- #BarrieWaterfront
- #SunnidalePark
- #MacLarenArtCentre
- #SpiritCatchers
- #BarrieFarmers'Market
- Explore waterfront trails
- Visit local breweries
- Enjoy festivals at Centennial Park
- Try poutine at a local diner
- Take a boat tour on the bay
Things to do in Barrie
Discover
Uncover things to do in Barrie, including stunning sights like the Barrie Waterfront, Ardagh Bluffs, and the MacLaren Art Centre. Discover exciting Barrie attractions that showcase the beauty and culture of this vibrant city.
Experience
Engage in things to experience in Barrie such as cycling along scenic trails, attending lively concerts, or participating in seasonal festivals. These activities reflect the city's rich cultural scene and community spirit.
Barrie Waterfront
Scenic lakeside area perfect for walks and picnics.
MacLaren Art Centre
Contemporary art gallery showcasing local talent.
Ardagh Bluffs
Natural reserve with trails and diverse wildlife.
Barrie Farmers' Market
Local market with fresh produce and crafts.
Five Points Theatre
Community theatre hosting local performances.
Georgian College
Campus with vibrant arts programs and events.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Barrie, consider Highway 400 for driving access. From Toronto Pearson (YYZ), various shuttle services operate. GO Transit offers a reliable train to Barrie from Toronto's Union Station, a convenient option for visitors.
Getting Around
For getting around the city, public transport in Barrie is primarily Barrie Transit, a bus system with routes throughout. Day passes are available. Taxis and ride-sharing apps offer alternative transport, as do local car rental services.
Local Essentials
When driving in Barrie, be mindful of traffic congestion on major arteries during rush hours. Purchase bus tickets with exact cash. For a local tip: many downtown parking meters offer free parking after 5 PM and on weekends, saving you money.
Where to Stay in Barrie
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Barrie's local cuisine includes poutine, fish and chips, and butter tarts, plus Georgian Bay whitefish and craft beers. A growing café scene and late-night dining spots attract locals and visitors. Explore it at the best restaurants in Barrie.
Enjoy
For where to eat in Barrie, try Il Buco Ristorante for exquisite Italian dishes, The Keg Steakhouse for classic steak & seafood dishes, and Donaleigh's Irish Public House, a lively spot. Book ahead for weekends as popular places get busy.
Il Buco Ristorante
Authentic Italian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere.
The Farmhouse Restaurant
Farm-to-table meals, great for brunch and dinner.
Danny's Fish and Chips
Classic fish and chips, popular local seafood spot.
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar Barrie
Well-known steakhouse, ideal for special occasions.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Discover Barrie's heritage through annual events like Barrie Winterfest, celebrating winter traditions, and Kempenfest, a must-see summer festival featuring local artisans. These Barrie cultural activities connect you to the city's past.
Enjoy
Explore modern Barrie attractions with events like the Barrie Film Festival and the annual Barrie Airshow. These contemporary things to do offer diverse entertainment, from international cinema to live music performances across various genres.
Barrie Winterfest
Winter celebration with ice sculptures, snow slides, and family fun.
Kempenfest
Large summer arts and crafts festival with live music and food vendors.
Barrie Film Festival
October festival presenting diverse international and Canadian films.
Barrie Airshow
Annual summer event featuring aerial performances over Kempenfelt Bay.
Barrie Jazz & Blues Festival
Annual spring music event featuring diverse jazz and blues artists.
Kempenfelt Bay in winter is something else
The waterfront along Kempenfelt Bay is gorgeous even in the cold. Snow on the docks, crisp air - it's a proper Canadian winter scene. People here are super friendly and the city feels very laid-back.
Ski day at Horseshoe Resort was a blast
Drove up from Toronto and the slopes were in great shape. Horseshoe Resort is easy to get to and not overly crowded. Good runs for all levels, rental gear was reasonable, and the lodge was warm and cozy after a long day on the hill.
Great little city for a weekend escape
Barrie punches above its weight for a city its size. Dunlop Street has solid spots to eat and grab a drink. Everything is walkable and locals are genuinely helpful. A solid break from the big city without flying anywhere.
Centennial Beach in summer is unreal
Centennial Beach on a hot day is exactly what you want - clean water, sandy shore, and plenty of space. It gets busy on weekends but never feels too packed. One of the nicest free beaches I've visited in Ontario by far.
Perfect summer lakeside trip
The lake views along the waterfront trail are stunning in July. Lots of outdoor seating at restaurants, kayak rentals nearby, and the sunsets over Georgian Bay are absolutely worth staying out late for. Really relaxed pace to the whole city.
Loved the Christmas market feel downtown
Downtown Barrie in December has a really festive energy. The lights along Dunlop Street look great and local shops had some unique gifts. BeaverTails at the outdoor stalls were a highlight - crispy, warm, perfect in the cold.