Top reasons to visit Barrie
- Thrilling Outdoor Activities: Barrie is perfect for sports enthusiasts, offering skiing, hiking trails, and various outdoor adventures.
- Scenic Waterfront: The Barrie waterfront provides stunning views and a lovely atmosphere for leisurely strolls and vibrant entertainment.
- Diverse Culinary Scene: Explore an array of restaurants showcasing local flavours and international cuisine for a delightful dining experience.
- Family-Friendly Attractions: Enjoy numerous activities suitable for families, ensuring fun for all ages in a welcoming environment.
- Rich Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in Barrie's vibrant culture, history, and charming downtown area.
Find great hotels in Barrie
In Barrie, Ontario, you'll discover a diverse selection of accommodations to cater to every type of traveller. From family-friendly hotels to luxurious resorts, the area offers excellent amenities for those seeking adventure, business facilities, or a relaxing getaway. Whether you prefer a suite with picturesque views or a convenient location near the city centre, Barrie's hotels, including the renowned Quality Inn, are designed to provide a memorable experience for all visitors.
- Monte Carlo Inn Barrie Suites: Embracing a vibrant theme of adventure and family-friendly experiences, the Monte Carlo Inn Barrie Suites is a 3-star hotel that caters to both leisure and business travellers. With a commendable guest rating of 8.0 out of 10, this property offers a variety of onsite and nearby recreational activities, including skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing. Families will appreciate the dedicated amenities for children, such as cribs and nearby sledding options. The hotel's convenient location provides easy access to thrilling adventure sports, ensuring an exciting stay for those seeking outdoor activities.
- Super 8 by Wyndham Barrie South: A budget-friendly accommodation, Super 8 by Wyndham Barrie South is well-suited for those looking to balance adventure with affordability. This hotel facilitates a range of outdoor activities, such as downhill skiing, mountain biking, and rafting, making it an appealing choice for thrill-seekers. Its strategic location ensures that guests are never far from the action, while the comfortable rooms provide a welcoming retreat after a day of exploration. Ideal for business and adventure travellers alike, this hotel embodies the spirit of Barrie’s outdoor lifestyle.
- Travelodge by Wyndham Barrie: The Travelodge by Wyndham Barrie offers a budget-friendly option for visitors keen on outdoor pursuits. This hotel features a variety of nearby activities like kayaking, snowboarding, and waterskiing, catering to those eager to make the most of Barrie's stunning natural landscapes. With its practical amenities and comfortable lodging, it serves as a convenient base for adventurers and business travellers alike. Guests will find themselves well-positioned to explore the area's recreational offerings while enjoying a comfortable stay.
Where to stay near Barrie
Experience the charm of Barrie, Ontario, where outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in sports and adventure amidst stunning landscapes. Stroll through downtown Barrie to savour its friendly atmosphere, or explore South Barrie for family-friendly activities. The surrounding areas offer a blend of relaxation and recreation, perfect for a memorable vacation. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history that the Barrie region has to offer.
- Thornton: Nestled 13km from Barrie, Thornton is a charming village that offers a delightful escape for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. The village experiences seasonal fluctuations in visitor numbers, peaking from March to May, making it an ideal spring destination. Visitors can indulge in activities such as golfing at local courses and enjoying the serene surroundings of urban parks. Notable attractions include a modern college university and various recreational facilities, ensuring a well-rounded experience for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.
- Essa: Located 19km from Barrie, Essa is a vibrant city that caters to sports and adventure lovers. Unlike its neighbouring towns, Essa enjoys a more consistent flow of visitors throughout the year, with peaks in July to August and November. The city boasts a range of activities, from skiing in the winter to golfing and resort experiences in warmer months. Visitors can explore local highlights such as a military museum and beautiful lakes and bays, making Essa a versatile destination for both thrill-seekers and history buffs.
- Angus: Just 18km away from Barrie, Angus is a quaint village that captivates visitors year-round with its outdoor sports and recreational activities. Similar to Essa, Angus sees its highest visitor numbers during the summer and winter months, particularly in July to August and December. Popular activities include skiing and golfing, along with access to a local library and military museum. The scenic beauty of the surrounding area, combined with its welcoming community atmosphere, makes Angus a perfect spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and local culture.
Things to do in Barrie
Shopping
The nearest shopping spot is Georgian Mall, featuring a variety of stores for clothing and gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit the vibrant downtown area, where you'll find unique boutiques and artisan shops showcasing local crafts and souvenirs.
Recreation
At the Serenity Spa, indulge in rejuvenating treatments designed to enhance your well-being. Enjoy a tranquil atmosphere complemented by skilled therapists, offering massages and skincare tailored to your needs. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Kempenfelt Bay offers scenic walking paths and opportunities for cycling along the waterfront.
Adventure
In Barrie, explore the thrilling adventures at Horseshoe Resort, where you can experience zip-lining and mountain biking. Nearby, take a scenic hike in the beautiful Ardagh Bluffs, offering trails and stunning views of the surrounding nature, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking excitement.
Nightlife
Explore the vibrant nightlife at The 360 Lounge on Bayfield Street, where you can enjoy cocktails with stunning views. For a lively atmosphere, visit The Queen's Hotel on Dunlop Street, which often features live music and a friendly crowd to mingle with.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Barrie
To save money on your visit to Barrie, consider travelling during the off-peak months of March to April or December, when accommodation prices are lower. Use public transport, such as buses, or enjoy the city's attractions like Barrie Centennial Park and the Barrie Arboretum at Sunnidale Park, which are free to enter. For the best hotel deals, search on Expedia to compare prices and filter for eco-friendly options. Booking a package that combines flights, hotels, and activities can also lead to significant savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Barrie are March to April and December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Barrie is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Barrie is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search feature enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservations in Barrie with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in and around Barrie
Barrie is an ideal destination for sports and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of attractions such as urban parks, a military museum, and a library. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities and cultural experiences, with the Barrie waterfront being a notable highlight for leisurely strolls and scenic views. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Barrie has something to cater to every traveller's interests.
- Barrie Centennial Park: This urban park offers a vibrant atmosphere for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning lush green spaces, it features picnic areas, walking trails, and stunning views of the waterfront, making it a delightful spot for relaxation and recreation.
- CFB Borden Military Museum: Located 19km from Barrie, this military museum showcases the rich cultural history of the Canadian Armed Forces. Visitors can explore fascinating exhibits, including aircraft and military vehicles, providing insight into Canada's military heritage.
- Barrie Arboretum at Sunnidale Park: Nestled within Barrie, this arboretum is a serene haven for nature lovers. With diverse plant species and tranquil walking paths, it's an excellent destination for families looking to connect with nature and enjoy leisurely strolls.
Best time to go to Barrie
The best time to visit Barrie is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Barrie
Getting to Barrie, Ontario, is convenient through its major airports. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is situated 79km away, with excellent hotels nearby, such as the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites and the Sheraton Gateway Hotel, both only 966m from the airport. Another option is Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), located 87km away, with luxurious accommodations like the Shangri-La Toronto just 2km from the airport. For those considering Hamilton International Airport (YHM), it is 138km from Barrie, with nearby hotels including The Barracks Inn, 8km away. Each airport offers accessible transport services to these hotels, ensuring a smooth arrival.