• Things to Do
• Where to Stay
• Where to Eat

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is there to do?    

Whether you're looking for family fun, outdoor adventure, or a romantic getaway for two, the Barrie area has a wide range of attractions that appeal to anyone at any time of year. Kempenfelt Bay, on which Barrie is situated, is home base for much of the action including year round festivals and events. Enjoy swimming and water sports from our three beaches, or venture out on boat or windsurfer. Fishing fun extends all year round as in the winter, Kempenfelt Bay becomes home to numerous ice fishing huts. Throughout the City and beyond are fantastic indoor and outdoor activities to fill your days with fun and excitement in all four seasons.

2. What events are going on?

Tourism Barrie provides monthly Calendars of Events both in print and on our website www.tourismbarrie.com for tourism-oriented events in Barrie. For more community-oriented events, you can also check the Events Calendar produced by the Barrie Public Library, accessed online at www.library.barrie.on.ca.

3. Where can I fish / go icefishing?

Shoreline fishing along Barrie's waterfront is permitted except in the following areas:
- At the docks at the foot of Bayfield St., and at the Southshore Community Centre
- Near all public beaches
- At the Rotary Duck Pond (along the south shore of Kempenfelt Bay at Allandale Station Park)
Please note: A fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 18 in the Ontario. For information on Ontario fishing licenses and regulations, click here: www.mnr.gov.on.ca

Ice fishing in Barrie has the same regulations. Fish hut operators are available on our website www.tourismbarrie.com by clicking Things to Do and then Fishing - Ice.

4. Where can I rent a boat/jet ski?

You can rent a small boats including pontoons, motorboats, rowboats and canoes at Lawrence Park Campground or Cedar Park Campground, which can be  taken out on Little Lake (in Barrie's north end at Hwy 400 and Duckworth Street).  Contact information is available on our website www.tourismbarrie.com or in print.

Unfortunately, Barrie does not have any businesses that rent jet skis, or larger boats than mentioned above.

5. Can you tell me about the Serendipity Princess?

The Serendipity Princess is at 265-passenger paddle-wheeler boat with triple decks featuring patio on the upper level.  Cruises are offered several times a day, with brunch cruises on Sunday and two dinner cruises daily.  You must make a reservation for the brunch or dinner cruises, but can just line up for the boat for any of the daily cruises.  The boat leaves from its port at the foot of Bayfield Street.  More information is available on our website www.tourismbarrie.com by clicking on Boat Cruises or in print at Tourism Barrie.

6. Can you tell me about Ontario information?

Since Tourism Barrie is the official tourism organization for the City of Barrie, we offer only limited information on the rest of Ontario.  Some information is available at our office, or you may wish to contact the Ontario Ministry of Tourism at 1-800-668-2746, visit their www.ontariotravel.net, or their Barrie location at 21 Molson Park Dr. E.

7. Can you help me find accommodations?

Barrie has many choices for overnight guests. This information is available on our website www.tourismbarrie.com by clicking Places to Stay, or in print in Barrie's Visitor Guide.

8. Can you help me find a campground?

Barrie offers six campgrounds in and around the Barrie area.  Many are RV-friendly and offer many amenities.  More information is available on our website www.tourismbarrie.com by clicking Places to Stay, or is available in print in Barrie's Visitor Guide.

9.  How do I get to Toronto from Barrie without taking Hwy 400?

There are two ways to get to Barrie without taking Hwy 400.You could take Hwy 11 North, all the way to Barrie (which is Yonge Street in Toronto).  You can also take Hwy 27 North to Barrie. It becomes  Essa Rd. in Barrie.

10.   How do I get to Hwy 11?

To get to Hwy 11 North from our office: turn right out of the Tourism Barrie parking lot, turn left onto Tiffin Street at the first set of lights, turn left onto Essa Road.  Get on Hwy 400 North at the Essa road interchange.  Follow Hwy 400 North just out of the City of Barrie, where Hwy 11 North splits off.

To get to Hwy 11 South from our office: turn left out of the Tourism Barrie parking lot, turn right onto Minets Point Road at the first set of lights, turn left onto Yonge Street.  Yonge Street is Hwy 11 South (also called County Road 4).

11.   How do I get to Hwy 27?

To get to Hwy 27 North from our office: Hwy 27 North is called Bayfield Street within the City of Barrie.  Turn right out of the Tourism Barrie parking lot, and follow Lakeshore Drive to its end, where it will turn into Mulcaster Street.  Turn left from Mulcaster Street onto Collier Street; turn right onto Bayfield Street.  Follow Bayfield Street out of the City (this is Hwy 27 North).

To get to Hwy 27 South from our office: Hwy 27 South is called Essa Road within the City of Barrie.  Turn right out of the Tourism Barrie parking lot, turn left onto Tiffin Street at the first set of lights, and turn left onto Essa Road (this is Hwy 27 South).

12.   How do I get to Wasaga Beach?

Follow Hwy 400 North from Toronto to the Bayfield Street exit in Barrie and turn left (north) onto Bayfield Street.  Follow Bayfield Street out of the City, where you will see signs directing you to turn left onto Hwy 26.  Follow Hwy 26 to Wasaga Beach. For directions from our office,

13.   Can you tell me about walking/biking trails?

Barrie offers many walking and biking trails for all skill levels.  The paved waterfront trail is 6.7 km long, and accommodates both walking and biking.  There are many other trails in and around Barrie, which are also good locations for bird-watching and, in the winter, cross-country skiing.  Please see the "Hiking and Biking Guide for Barrie and Area" for a listing of trails, complete with descriptions and directions.

14.   Where can I pick berries?

There are many farms in Barrie that offer pick-your-own fruit. Locations are available on our website www.tourismbarrie.com by clicking Things to Do and then Farms, or in print at our office.

15.   Where can I go horseback riding?

Horseback riding is available in the Barrie area and locations are available on our website www.tourismbarrie.com by clicking Things to Do and then Horseback Riding, or in print at our office.

16.   Where can I go skiing / snowboarding?

You can ski downhill or snowboard at Horseshoe Resort, Mount St. Louis Moonstone, and Snow Valley, which are all located within 25 minutes of Barrie. Information is available on our website www.tourismbarrie.com by clicking Things to Do and then Skiing and Tubing, or in print at our office.

You can ski cross-country at the Copeland Forest, Hardwood Hills, Horseshoe Resort, the North Simcoe Rail Trail and Springwater Park. Rentals are available only at Hardwood Hills and Horseshoe Resort. More information in available on our website www.tourismbarrie.com by clicking Things to Do and then Skiing-Nordic, or in print in our office.

17.   Where are the skating arenas?

Ice skating is available in the winter at Allandale Arena, East Bayfield Community Centre, Dunlop Arena, Eastview Arena and the Circle in the Centre at City Hall. More information on ice skating is available on our website www.tourismbarrie.com by clicking Things to Do and then Skating, or in print in our office.

  18.      Where are there snowmobile trails?

Barrie has many trails, clubs, and businesses that cater to snowmobiling enthusiasts. Trail information and tour providers are available on our website at www.tourismbarrie.com by clicking Things to Do and then Snowmobiling, or in print at our office.

  19.     What is there for kids to do?

Barrie has many kid-friendly attractions, including: outdoor mini putt, glow in the dark mini putt, go-karts, bowling, indoor rock climbing, many local farm or the Elmvale Jungle Zoo, many public beaches, a large playground at Centennial Beach, children's theatre at Gryphon Theatre or Theatre by the Bay, or skateboarding at the Queen's Park Skate Park. For more details, visit our website www.tourismbarrie.com or contact our office.

  20.     Where can I shop?

Barrie has many shopping areas with all that you're looking for. All locations are easily accessible from Hwy 400, offering everything from antiques to big box stores.

These areas include Bayfield Street (exit# 98), Dunlop Street (exit# 96), Molson Park Drive (exit# 90), Innisfil Beach Road (exit# 85), and Hwy 89 (exit# 75).

  21.    Where is there to eat?

Try one of our mouth-watering dining options throughout the city. For large groups, intimate dinners for two and everything in between, we have a terrific selection of casual and fine dining establishments. For dining ideas visit our website www.tourismbarrie.com and click Where to Eat or contact our office for more information.