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 windsurf. Fishing fun extends all year round as in the winter, Kempenfelt Bay becomes home to numerous ice fishing huts. Throughout the City and beyond there 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 under the Festival & Events section. 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 under Fishing - Ice in the Things To Do section.

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

Unfortunately, Kempenfelt Bay does not have any businesses that rent jet skis, or larger boats.

You can rent a wave runner or boat from Diverse Rental Company in Penentaguishene, on Georgian Bay. Contact information is available on our website under Watercraft Rentals.

5. Can you tell me about the Serendipity Princess?

The Serendipity Princess is at 265-passenger paddle-wheeler boat with triple decks featuring a 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 on the Things To Do page under 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 Mapleview Drive East, just off Hwy 400.

7. Can you help me find accommodations?

Barrie has many choices for overnight guests. This information is available on our website by clicking on Where To Sleep on the homepage, or in print in Barrie's Vacation & Leisure Guide.

8. Can you help me find a campground? 

There are seven campgrounds in and around the Barrie area. Many are RV-friendly and offer many amenities. More information is available on our website in the Camping section of our Where To Stay page, or is available in print in Barrie's Vacation & Leisure Guide.

9. How from Toronto to 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, at the second 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, at the first light turn right and follow Lakeshore Drive to Simcoe Street, turn right, follow around the bend 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, and turn left at the second set of lights 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.

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. Also, don't forget to check out the Cycling section of our Things To Do page.

14. Where can I pick berries?

There are many farms in Barrie that offer pick-your-own fruit. Locations are available on our website 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 by clicking here, 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 by clicking Things to Do and then Skiing and Snowboarding, 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 is available on our website under Nordic Skiing on our Skiing and Snowboarding page, or in print in our office.

17. Where are the skating arenas?

Ice skating is available in the winter at Allandale Recreation Centre, East Bayfield Community Centre, Dunlop Arena, Eastview Arena, Holly Recreation Centre and the Circle in the Centre at City Hall. More information on ice skating is available on our website on the Skating section of our Things To Do page, 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 by clicking here, 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 the Family Activities page 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), Mapleview Drive (exit# 90), Innisfil Beach Road (exit# 85), and Hwy 89 (exit# 75).

Check out the Where to Shop section of our website.

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 click Where To Eat on our website, or contact our office for more information.