Barrie

Travel Guide
Barrie Arboretum at Sunnidale Park which includes a park
Ski in winter, explore Lake Simcoe in summer and see works by Ontario artists at any time of year in this large lakeside town.

Barrie is one of the largest cities in southwestern Ontario. Located on the shore of Lake Simcoe and surrounded by woods, this is a great point of departure for exploring the lush wilderness north of Toronto. Before heading into the forest, check out Barrie’s lively art scene.

In summer, explore the waterfront along Lake Simcoe. Take the 4.2-mile (6.7-kilometer) trail through Barrie’s lakeside area to reach several beaches. Swim at Centennial Beach in the refreshing lake water after enjoying beach volleyball on the sand or a game of miniature golf nearby. Rent a motorboat or a Jet Ski to explore Lake Simcoe’s vast 279-square-mile (722-square-kilometer) area.

Walk up to the Spirit Catcher, the 22-ton (20-tonne) steel sculpture on the Lake Simcoe waterfront. Originally designed for the 1986 World’s Fair in Vancouver by Ontario sculptor Ron Baird, the towering statue is influenced by the art of Ontario’s indigenous groups.

See more works by regional artists at the MacLaren Art Center. Temporary exhibitions of Canadian artists supplement a 26,600-piece permanent collection, with an especially large selection of Soviet press photographs.

Get out into the Ontario forest in the Ardagh Bluffs Natural Area. This 518-acre (210-hectare) plot of forest is in the southwest part of town. To visit a more remote stretch of wilderness, drive 40 minutes west of Barrie to reach the Minesing Wetlands Conservation Area. Here, creeks and rivers snake through 15,000 acres (6,070 hectares) of protected wetlands inhabited by deer and hundreds of bird species. Traverse the wooded landscape by canoe.

Barrie is also known for winter attractions. Rent a snowmobile in Barrie to explore the snowy woods outside of town. Several different ski resorts are a short drive from town as well. The closest resort, Snow Valley, is a perfect destination for families and beginner skiers.

From Toronto, make the 1-hour drive or the 3-hour bus ride to Barrie. Once there, get around this region of wetlands, rivers and lakes by boat.

Travelodge by Wyndham Barrie
Travelodge by Wyndham Barrie
2 out of 5
300 Bayfield St, Barrie, ON
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$369 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
HK$369
per night
30 Jun - 1 Jul
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Barrie. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Very quiet and well organized easy access"

Reviewed on 7 Jun 2024

Travelodge by Wyndham Barrie
Super 8 by Wyndham Barrie South
Super 8 by Wyndham Barrie South
441 Bryne Drive, Barrie, ON
The price is HK$396 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
HK$396
per night
23 Jun - 24 Jun
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Barrie. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,093 reviews)
"Very quiet and comfortable beds"

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2024

Super 8 by Wyndham Barrie South
Monte Carlo Inn Barrie Suites
Monte Carlo Inn Barrie Suites
3 out of 5
81 Hart Dr, Barrie, ON
The price is HK$625 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
HK$625
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Barrie. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,541 reviews)
"Highlight for me was staff. Professional but real is how I’d describe them."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2024

Monte Carlo Inn Barrie Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residence & Conference Centre - Barrie
Residence & Conference Centre - Barrie
2 out of 5
One Georgian Drive, Barrie, ON
Stay at this aparthotel in Barrie. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7/10 Good! (520 reviews)
"It was a bit noisy in the hallway."

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2024

Residence & Conference Centre - Barrie
Parkside House
Parkside House
3.5 out of 5
15 Parkside Dr, Barrie, ON
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Barrie. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Mady Centre for the Performing Arts and Splashon ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (225 reviews)
"Lovely property and beautiful suite. Very welcoming!"

Reviewed on 7 Jun 2024

Parkside House
Exclusive Lakefront House on Private Lake
Exclusive Lakefront House on Private Lake
Barrie
Stay at this cottage in Barrie. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Georgian College Gryphon Theatre and Eastview Arena are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Come on in
"The property is in a perfect location. Our family found it easily. The plaza to pick up groceries and spirits was so convenient. Access to the highway was easy. The cottage itself was wonderful. As soon as you opened the door, it felt welcoming. The lakefront view was visible. The place was spotless ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2024

Exclusive Lakefront House on Private Lake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Barrie

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
0
" "5 - Excellent 0%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 100%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%