• Things to Do
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Big Adventures

Barrie, Ontario perfectly located to offer the best access to Simcoe County. With big-city services and small town charm, Barrie is the perfect hub from which to explore the many sights and sounds of Simcoe County. Check into your comfortable Barrie hotel, and relax into your new home. With full -ervice restaurants, swimming pools and hot tubs, complimentary continental breakfasts, pet-friendly rooms, fireplaces, kitchenettes, and specialty children's rooms, Barrie hotels are ready to offer you any set of amenities you could desire.

Canoe or kayak down the Nottawasaga River
Spend the afternoon in the historic village of Nicolston. Located south of Barrie just off Highway 89, Nicolston Dam on the Nottawasaga River offers many activities and a truly historic past. Built by the Nicol family in the mid-nineteenth century, the dam is surrounded today by a camping and recreational facility. Visit the historic grist mill, which still works today to produce specialty bird seed. Watch the rainbow trout navigate the fish ladder to travel to their favourite spawning ground in the upper Nottawasaga River. Rent a canoe, paddleboat, or kayak and enjoy an easy paddle up the river, or tackle a more challenging trip down river. On both routes, keep an eye out for raccoons, mink, beaver, ducks, and turtles, a few of the riverbank occupants. After your paddle, grab a fishing rod and take advantage of a special fishing area. Guided tours are available.

Drive your own Hummer
Make tracks in Barrie with an unbelieveable off-road adventure with Canadian Hummer Adventures. Experience the power of the world's most powerful off-road vehicle, combined with a tour that features local history, scenic lookouts, and picture-perfect photo opportunities. Choose from 1-hour tours that explore the back country, or a 2 -hour tour that takes you deeper into the forest.

Want to make your own tracks? Drive your own Hummer! Canadian Hummer Adventures will let you drive around an awesome course during the winter or summer. Group tours are welcome; you can cheer on your travel companions while you wait your turn on one of the many Hummers making their way around the fun and rugged course.

A Night at the Races and Slots
Travel back to Barrie for a night off to the races! Enjoy a fantastic buffet at Georgian Downs Ltd. which features everything from roast beef to a chocolate fountain - sure to cater to all tastes! After dinner, take part in the fast-paced thrill of live harness racing as you watch the beautiful standard bred horses manoeuvre the track. Experienced staff will show you how to read the Race Program and help you learn to bet effectively.

Put a few dollars on a race, and test your instincts as you cheer on your horse! Children are more then welcome , and families can sit together in stadium seating to enjoy the races. Venture outside to watch the horses warm up and cool down up-close. Live racing takes place every Tuesday and Saturday night. And be sure to check out the Slots Floor before you leave, featuring over 400 machines ranging from 5 cents to 5 dollars.