Guide to Barrie, Ontario
Nature
The Sunnidale Park Arboretum is a nature photographer’s dream – with an immense variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers, this rainbow of flora makes for a serene environment to get away from the city. 227 Sunnidale Rd, Barrie.
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Sunnidale Park Arboretum
265 Sunnidale RdThe Sunnidale Park Arboretum is a nature photographer’s dream – with an immense variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers, this rainbow of flora makes for a serene environment to get away from the city. 227 Sunnidale Rd, Barrie.
Summer time calls for picnic baskets, parks, and beaches to really bask in the sun’s rays, and there is no better place in Barrie than the Centennial Park and Beach – a family-friendly site that looks over beautiful Lake Simcoe.
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Centennial Park
3376 Quetton StSummer time calls for picnic baskets, parks, and beaches to really bask in the sun’s rays, and there is no better place in Barrie than the Centennial Park and Beach – a family-friendly site that looks over beautiful Lake Simcoe.
Located a bit of a drive north from Barrie up Highway 400, you’ll find a larger ski resort with loads to offer in any season: Horseshoe Valley Resort. This large operation has a much larger trail system than Snow Valley and comes with golfing in the summer, other seasonal activities like snow tubing and zip-lining, and even accommodations + spa facilities.
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Horseshoe Resort
1101 Horseshoe Valley Rd WLocated a bit of a drive north from Barrie up Highway 400, you’ll find a larger ski resort with loads to offer in any season: Horseshoe Valley Resort. This large operation has a much larger trail system than Snow Valley and comes with golfing in the summer, other seasonal activities like snow tubing and zip-lining, and even accommodations + spa facilities.
17 km of trails over 524 acres, most of which are zoned Environmentally Protected (EP). The trail system is used for walking and hiking; use of motorized vehicles within the Bluffs is not permitted. Trails run through the wooded area of County Rd. 27 and Ardagh Road in the south-west end of Barrie.
Directions: Exit Hwy 400 at Essa Road, travel southwest to Mapleton Avenue, right o
Ardagh Bluffs
174 Mapleton Avenue17 km of trails over 524 acres, most of which are zoned Environmentally Protected (EP). The trail system is used for walking and hiking; use of motorized vehicles within the Bluffs is not permitted. Trails run through the wooded area of County Rd. 27 and Ardagh Road in the south-west end of Barrie.
Directions: Exit Hwy 400 at Essa Road, travel southwest to Mapleton Avenue, right o
A multi-use recreational trail running between Memorial Square, on Barrie's downtown waterfront, to the Fort Willow Heritage Site (see description below) in Springwater Township. The trail follows as closely as possible, the original historic portage route (much of which is now on private land and closed to the public). The trail is approximately 5 km long within the City of Barrie and 10 km in the Township of Springwater and follows a variety of terrain types, including sidewalks, road allowances and earthen footpaths through natural areas. Some portions include steep inclines.
Nine Mile Portage Heritage Trail
Nine Mile Portage Heritage TrailA multi-use recreational trail running between Memorial Square, on Barrie's downtown waterfront, to the Fort Willow Heritage Site (see description below) in Springwater Township. The trail follows as closely as possible, the original historic portage route (much of which is now on private land and closed to the public). The trail is approximately 5 km long within the City of Barrie and 10 km in the Township of Springwater and follows a variety of terrain types, including sidewalks, road allowances and earthen footpaths through natural areas. Some portions include steep inclines.
Strategically located as a supply depot during the War of 1812, the Fort Willow area was also actively used for centuries by First Nations, the fur trade and French explorers as part of a major transportation route known as the Nine Mile Portage.
Restorations and archaeological investigations have located and outlined the former buildings used by the soldiers. Information kiosks provide a thorough history of the area's past use and how its location helped ensure the geographical boundaries of Canada today.
Owing to their importance in the development of our nation, Fort Willow and the Nine Mile Portage are recognized as both provincial and national historic sites.
The laid-back, peaceful environment that is enjoyed by visitors today is a definite change from years gone by. The many Monarch butterflies that call this area home during the summer make for a magical visit as they prepare for their journey south.
Hike the surrounding trail network - including the Ganaraska, North Simcoe Rail and Trans Canada trails, and plan to have lunch at the Fort. Amenities include picnic tables, dry washrooms (including wheelchair-accessible) and sheltered rest areas are available for family and group use.
Historic Fort Willow
2714 Grenfel RdStrategically located as a supply depot during the War of 1812, the Fort Willow area was also actively used for centuries by First Nations, the fur trade and French explorers as part of a major transportation route known as the Nine Mile Portage.
Restorations and archaeological investigations have located and outlined the former buildings used by the soldiers. Information kiosks provide a thorough history of the area's past use and how its location helped ensure the geographical boundaries of Canada today.
Owing to their importance in the development of our nation, Fort Willow and the Nine Mile Portage are recognized as both provincial and national historic sites.
The laid-back, peaceful environment that is enjoyed by visitors today is a definite change from years gone by. The many Monarch butterflies that call this area home during the summer make for a magical visit as they prepare for their journey south.
Hike the surrounding trail network - including the Ganaraska, North Simcoe Rail and Trans Canada trails, and plan to have lunch at the Fort. Amenities include picnic tables, dry washrooms (including wheelchair-accessible) and sheltered rest areas are available for family and group use.
Open year-round but subject to seasonal conditions, this unique 6,000 hectare wilderness is located north-west of Barrie and can be partially accessed via foot or canoe. The undisturbed nature and habitat diversity are of prime importance to birds for spring migration, nesting, staging for fall migration and feeding grounds. This wetland plays host to great numbers of waterfowl including, Buffleheads, Scaups, Gadwalls, Black and Ring Neck Ducks. Flocks of Canada Geese and pairs of Whistling Swans are common. On the outer edges where the forest meets farmland, you may be rewarded by observing Sand Hill Cranes stopping over on their migration to Western Canada. A diverse selection of plants and animals within a range of habitats, including Boreal and Carolinian forests make this wetland of extreme interest to many. The 1 km Meadow Mouse Trail begins at the info kiosk on George Johnston Road, located 8 km north of Hwy. 90, and offers views of the old Lake Algonquin shoreline that towers above and forms the south-eastern boundary of the wetland. The short, well-groomed route also traverses a large expanse of marsh habitat. Mayers Marsh is part of the Minesing Wetlands. The wetland area is responsible for the important job of filtering and cleaning our water. Bird watching is a good activity here. To reach this area specifically, follow the North Simcoe Rail Trail from Hwy 26 (parking available) or from Vespra Valley Road, which runs south from Hwy 26 to Snow Valley Road, ending at Snow Valley Ski Resort.
Directions: For hiking and skiing, there are several access points, including George Johnston Rd, 8 km north or Hwy. 90. Access for the popular Nottawasaga River Route is located at the former NVCA office on Hwy. 90, just east of Angus. Another less travelled but scenic route for paddling is the Mad River, with access at Simcoe Road 10, just west of Angus.
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Minesing Wetlands
363 Mill StOpen year-round but subject to seasonal conditions, this unique 6,000 hectare wilderness is located north-west of Barrie and can be partially accessed via foot or canoe. The undisturbed nature and habitat diversity are of prime importance to birds for spring migration, nesting, staging for fall migration and feeding grounds. This wetland plays host to great numbers of waterfowl including, Buffleheads, Scaups, Gadwalls, Black and Ring Neck Ducks. Flocks of Canada Geese and pairs of Whistling Swans are common. On the outer edges where the forest meets farmland, you may be rewarded by observing Sand Hill Cranes stopping over on their migration to Western Canada. A diverse selection of plants and animals within a range of habitats, including Boreal and Carolinian forests make this wetland of extreme interest to many. The 1 km Meadow Mouse Trail begins at the info kiosk on George Johnston Road, located 8 km north of Hwy. 90, and offers views of the old Lake Algonquin shoreline that towers above and forms the south-eastern boundary of the wetland. The short, well-groomed route also traverses a large expanse of marsh habitat. Mayers Marsh is part of the Minesing Wetlands. The wetland area is responsible for the important job of filtering and cleaning our water. Bird watching is a good activity here. To reach this area specifically, follow the North Simcoe Rail Trail from Hwy 26 (parking available) or from Vespra Valley Road, which runs south from Hwy 26 to Snow Valley Road, ending at Snow Valley Ski Resort.
Directions: For hiking and skiing, there are several access points, including George Johnston Rd, 8 km north or Hwy. 90. Access for the popular Nottawasaga River Route is located at the former NVCA office on Hwy. 90, just east of Angus. Another less travelled but scenic route for paddling is the Mad River, with access at Simcoe Road 10, just west of Angus.
This trail follows the route of the North Simcoe Railway, which was built in 1878 and primarily served the lumber business on Georgian Bay. The trail offers stunning views over the Minesing Swamp and Mayer’s Marsh. The North Simcoe Railtrail is part of the Trans Canada Trail and the city council of Barrie is working to connect it together, as the Railtrail ends two streets from the beginning of the Trail.
Directions: West on County Road 90 to Pinegrove Road. Follow north about 3 km to the trail. Park along the road.
North Simcoe Rail Trail
North Simcoe Rail TrailThis trail follows the route of the North Simcoe Railway, which was built in 1878 and primarily served the lumber business on Georgian Bay. The trail offers stunning views over the Minesing Swamp and Mayer’s Marsh. The North Simcoe Railtrail is part of the Trans Canada Trail and the city council of Barrie is working to connect it together, as the Railtrail ends two streets from the beginning of the Trail.
Directions: West on County Road 90 to Pinegrove Road. Follow north about 3 km to the trail. Park along the road.
Follow 17 km of looped, return trails as they meander through almost 500 acres of wetlands, forests, open meadows, ancient lake beds and glacial shorelines. Permitted activities include hiking, cycling, skiing and snowshoeing. Learn about various trees and plants from interpretative signage installed along trail routes. The Tiffin Centre is home to the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority administration offices, an environmental education program and the annual Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival.
Directions: Exit Hwy 400 at Dunlop St. West, West on Hwy 90, S on 8th Line for 4 km.
8195 8th Line, Utopia, 4km south of Hwy 90
(705) 424-1479
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Tiffin Centre for Conservation
8195 8th LineFollow 17 km of looped, return trails as they meander through almost 500 acres of wetlands, forests, open meadows, ancient lake beds and glacial shorelines. Permitted activities include hiking, cycling, skiing and snowshoeing. Learn about various trees and plants from interpretative signage installed along trail routes. The Tiffin Centre is home to the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority administration offices, an environmental education program and the annual Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival.
Directions: Exit Hwy 400 at Dunlop St. West, West on Hwy 90, S on 8th Line for 4 km.
8195 8th Line, Utopia, 4km south of Hwy 90
(705) 424-1479
Golfing
The Bear Creek Golf Club goes by the motto “Of the people, by the people, for the people,” offering a half-links, half-traditional course for no nonsense rounds of golf. After a couple of rounds, stop by the clubhouse for a tasty meal and a glass of wine.
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Bear Creek Golf Club
8545 Simcoe County Road 56The Bear Creek Golf Club goes by the motto “Of the people, by the people, for the people,” offering a half-links, half-traditional course for no nonsense rounds of golf. After a couple of rounds, stop by the clubhouse for a tasty meal and a glass of wine.
Food Scene
If you are in Barrie and you’re a lover of craft beer, then you absolutely have to stop by Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery. If you didn’t already know, Ontario has a MASSIVE craft beer scene which has been exploding over the past decade and a half. Flying Monkeys was basically at the start of that movement!
Founded in 2004 under a different name, Flying Monkeys has been brewing under the moniker “weird is normal”. It’ll all make sense when you see their logo, labels, and inside the tap room located downtown Barrie!
You can go to Flying Monkeys for a pint, a sampler flight, and even do a brewery tour on weekdays and weekends. They have 16 tap lines open with their delicious brews – many of which you can find in Ontario restaurants and beyond. A classic is their Hoptical Illusion (shown above – a personal favourite) but they have MANY other classic and seasonal brews to try.
Address: 107 Dunlop St E, Barrie, ON L4M 1A6
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Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery
107 Dunlop St EIf you are in Barrie and you’re a lover of craft beer, then you absolutely have to stop by Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery. If you didn’t already know, Ontario has a MASSIVE craft beer scene which has been exploding over the past decade and a half. Flying Monkeys was basically at the start of that movement!
Founded in 2004 under a different name, Flying Monkeys has been brewing under the moniker “weird is normal”. It’ll all make sense when you see their logo, labels, and inside the tap room located downtown Barrie!
You can go to Flying Monkeys for a pint, a sampler flight, and even do a brewery tour on weekdays and weekends. They have 16 tap lines open with their delicious brews – many of which you can find in Ontario restaurants and beyond. A classic is their Hoptical Illusion (shown above – a personal favourite) but they have MANY other classic and seasonal brews to try.
Address: 107 Dunlop St E, Barrie, ON L4M 1A6
Waterfront Fun
When the temperature rises, Barrie's waterfront offers the ideal escape. Catch the breeze at one of the beaches or take a refreshing dip into the pristine waters of Kempenfelt Bay. Try stand-up paddle boarding or wakesurfing, take a canoe or kayak lesson, or rent a bike and enjoy the 6.7 km waterfront path.
Created on the beautiful beaches in the Okanagan Region of British Columbia, Splash BC/ON (formerly Okanagan Wibit) has been successfully operating since 2014. The family-operated business has quickly become a very popular summer attraction, proving to be an innovative way for locals and tourists to enjoy water activity. Their unique water parks add an additional way all ages can enjoy water recreation in an original, exciting way that is healthy, affordable and fun!
Website: https://okanaganwibit.com/
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Splash ON Water Parks
55 Lakeshore DrCreated on the beautiful beaches in the Okanagan Region of British Columbia, Splash BC/ON (formerly Okanagan Wibit) has been successfully operating since 2014. The family-operated business has quickly become a very popular summer attraction, proving to be an innovative way for locals and tourists to enjoy water activity. Their unique water parks add an additional way all ages can enjoy water recreation in an original, exciting way that is healthy, affordable and fun!
Website: https://okanaganwibit.com/
Stand up paddle board, kayaks, canoe adventures, lessons, rentals. HAPPYPADDLING is led by the husband and wife team of Mike & Ann Valin.
Website: https://www.happypaddling.com/
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Happy Paddling
81 Lakeshore DrStand up paddle board, kayaks, canoe adventures, lessons, rentals. HAPPYPADDLING is led by the husband and wife team of Mike & Ann Valin.
Website: https://www.happypaddling.com/
Flawless Wakes is Barrie Ontario's Premier Towed Watersports, Flyboarding & Sea-Doo Tours Service.
- Wakeboarding
- Wakesurfing
- Wakeskating
- Waterskiing
- Kneeboarding
- Tubing
- Flyboarding
- Boat Cruises
- Sea Doo Tours
- Kids Camp
- Dock Side Service
- Corporate & Private Events
Website: https://www.flawlesswakes.com/
FLAWLESS WAKES
55 Lakeshore DriveFlawless Wakes is Barrie Ontario's Premier Towed Watersports, Flyboarding & Sea-Doo Tours Service.
- Wakeboarding
- Wakesurfing
- Wakeskating
- Waterskiing
- Kneeboarding
- Tubing
- Flyboarding
- Boat Cruises
- Sea Doo Tours
- Kids Camp
- Dock Side Service
- Corporate & Private Events
Website: https://www.flawlesswakes.com/
You can rent premium boats, waverunner and snowmobiles. It is a minimum 2 day rental on these. If you are only up for a day we do offer private boat tours (max 9 people and captain )
Website: https://www.diverserentals.ca/
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Diverse Rentals & Vacations
319 Champlain RoadYou can rent premium boats, waverunner and snowmobiles. It is a minimum 2 day rental on these. If you are only up for a day we do offer private boat tours (max 9 people and captain )
Website: https://www.diverserentals.ca/
Friday Harbour wasn’t designed to be a place. It was designed to be a destination. A destination you look forward to visiting all year round, where you can unwind and truly feel relaxed. Whether you arrive to take in the peaceful serenity of the lake, spend hours in the Nature Preserve or mingle with friends over a gourmet meal, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your days.
Website: https://www.fridayharbour.com/
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Friday Harbour Resort
3999 Friday DrFriday Harbour wasn’t designed to be a place. It was designed to be a destination. A destination you look forward to visiting all year round, where you can unwind and truly feel relaxed. Whether you arrive to take in the peaceful serenity of the lake, spend hours in the Nature Preserve or mingle with friends over a gourmet meal, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your days.
Website: https://www.fridayharbour.com/
Indoor Games
Climbing, sliding, bouncing, and creating will keep your child busy for hours. Select the business below to start your exciting indoor adventure.
Looking for a new exciting activity in Barrie? Alt. Rock is it. As Barrie and surrounding area’s first bouldering hub, it's a great location to bring friends and family for hours of fun!
Whether you are looking for an introduction to climbing or to take your indoor climbing to the next level, this is the place for you.
Their facility offers 6,000 square feet of climbing surface focused on bouldering and a dedicated fitness section, including monkey rig, hang boards, free weights and lots of floor space for yoga and more .
They also have two party rooms and a dedicated kids area that features an auto-belay wall for those climbers interested in roped climbing.
445 Dunlop Street West, Unit A
Barrie, Ontario L4N 1C3
Tel: (705) 733-3663
Website: https://www.altrock.co/
Alt. Rock
445 Dunlop St WLooking for a new exciting activity in Barrie? Alt. Rock is it. As Barrie and surrounding area’s first bouldering hub, it's a great location to bring friends and family for hours of fun!
Whether you are looking for an introduction to climbing or to take your indoor climbing to the next level, this is the place for you.
Their facility offers 6,000 square feet of climbing surface focused on bouldering and a dedicated fitness section, including monkey rig, hang boards, free weights and lots of floor space for yoga and more .
They also have two party rooms and a dedicated kids area that features an auto-belay wall for those climbers interested in roped climbing.
445 Dunlop Street West, Unit A
Barrie, Ontario L4N 1C3
Tel: (705) 733-3663
Website: https://www.altrock.co/
Bowling and glow-in-the-dark bowling facility offering ten 5-pin lanes and twenty two 10-pin lanes. Open year round. Free on-site parking.
Features:
• Bowling ~ 32 state of the art computerized scoring lanes
• Full Service snack bar and licensed lounge
• Billiards & arcade games
• Birthday packages for children
• Adult catered parties, company functions & meetings
• Bowling programs for ages 3 to 80 during the fall, winter or summer
Directions: Exit Hwy 400 at Bayfield Street, in Bayfield Mall.
320 Bayfield Street
Barrie, Ontario L4M 3C1
Tel: (705) 739-2269
www.bowlerama.com
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Bowlerama Barrie
320 Bayfield StBowling and glow-in-the-dark bowling facility offering ten 5-pin lanes and twenty two 10-pin lanes. Open year round. Free on-site parking.
Features:
• Bowling ~ 32 state of the art computerized scoring lanes
• Full Service snack bar and licensed lounge
• Billiards & arcade games
• Birthday packages for children
• Adult catered parties, company functions & meetings
• Bowling programs for ages 3 to 80 during the fall, winter or summer
Directions: Exit Hwy 400 at Bayfield Street, in Bayfield Mall.
320 Bayfield Street
Barrie, Ontario L4M 3C1
Tel: (705) 739-2269
www.bowlerama.com
We are Barrie's trampoline gymnastics club!
Trampoline is one of the most exhilarating sports and enjoyable forms of exercise there is. Jumping on the trampoline is a full body workout: excellent for your cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, lymphatic system and bone density. Other benefits include improved spacial awareness, coordination, balance, body control and core strength.
We have 8 inground Olympic grade trampolines, foam pit and air bag. Vertical Zone takes safety very seriously and is NOT a trampoline park. Our NCCP trained coaches teach athletes the sport of trampoline gymnastics with creative and fun lesson plans. For those who want to try the sport before committing to a session or prefer self-directed skill development, we have Pay-As-You-Go classes available.
We are a proud member of Gymnastics Ontario and meet their standards for safety.
We offer recreational & competitive classes, pay-as-you-go classes, day camps and, coming again soon: birthday parties, group bookings and field trips.
361 King Street, Unit 7
Barrie, Ontario L4N 6B5
Tel: (705) 794-5867
verticalzone.ca
Vertical Zone Trampoline Centre
361 King StWe are Barrie's trampoline gymnastics club!
Trampoline is one of the most exhilarating sports and enjoyable forms of exercise there is. Jumping on the trampoline is a full body workout: excellent for your cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, lymphatic system and bone density. Other benefits include improved spacial awareness, coordination, balance, body control and core strength.
We have 8 inground Olympic grade trampolines, foam pit and air bag. Vertical Zone takes safety very seriously and is NOT a trampoline park. Our NCCP trained coaches teach athletes the sport of trampoline gymnastics with creative and fun lesson plans. For those who want to try the sport before committing to a session or prefer self-directed skill development, we have Pay-As-You-Go classes available.
We are a proud member of Gymnastics Ontario and meet their standards for safety.
We offer recreational & competitive classes, pay-as-you-go classes, day camps and, coming again soon: birthday parties, group bookings and field trips.
361 King Street, Unit 7
Barrie, Ontario L4N 6B5
Tel: (705) 794-5867
verticalzone.ca
Bored with doing the same thing every night? Need somewhere fun to go on a first date? Looking for something to do between dinner and a movie? Come check us out at Putt. We are just a 5-minute walk from the movie theatre.
Putt is great for groups of adults and kids. We offer fun-filled and affordable party packages for all ages including golf, entertaining party hosts, pizza, cake and loot bags. Show up with the kids and make this year’s party the easiest one yet!
Holiday parties, group events, summer camps, fundraisers and corporate team building are so much more fun when they glow-in-the-dark. Call for more information about your next event.
34 Commerce Park Drive
Barrie, Ontario L4N 8W8
Tel: (705) 503-4499
www.puttminigolf.com
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Putt Mini Golf
34 Commerce Park DrBored with doing the same thing every night? Need somewhere fun to go on a first date? Looking for something to do between dinner and a movie? Come check us out at Putt. We are just a 5-minute walk from the movie theatre.
Putt is great for groups of adults and kids. We offer fun-filled and affordable party packages for all ages including golf, entertaining party hosts, pizza, cake and loot bags. Show up with the kids and make this year’s party the easiest one yet!
Holiday parties, group events, summer camps, fundraisers and corporate team building are so much more fun when they glow-in-the-dark. Call for more information about your next event.
34 Commerce Park Drive
Barrie, Ontario L4N 8W8
Tel: (705) 503-4499
www.puttminigolf.com