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Hike through History - Suggested Summer Itinerary  - Educational

Art, Culture and History are thriving in the Barrie area.  Educational groups and students can experience a variety of festivals, theatre and historical sites within Simcoe County.  Whether the Group is interested in exploring Ontario's first European community, or learning about the booming hemp industry, Simcoe County offers it all.

The Group will start their journey at the Tourism Barrie office inside the Southshore Community Centre, which was constructed in 1903 as the Master mechanic's Railway building.  Tour guides dressed in period costumes will greet the Group and present a brief history of the heritage building as they enjoy complimentary juice, coffee and cookies.  The walk-on guides will accompany the Group on a short historical tour of Barrie, highlighting the historic era of the fur trading industry and the beautiful historic homes.

After the informative tour of Barrie, the Group will travel to Midland to visit the internationally renowned Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.  The Group will have a guided tour of the re-created 17th Century community as they learn about the compelling story of the French missionaries who lived and worked among the Wendat people.  Lunch will be provided in the Restaurant Sainte-Marie, and will feature traditional Canadian cuisine.  For a great souvenir, the Group can visit the museum's gift shop, which features locally made native crafts, jewellery and other unique gifts.

Dinner will be provided by one of Barrie's downtown restaurants, where the food is guaranteed to leave taste buds begging for more.  Overnight accommodations will be provided by one of Barrie's student/motor coach friendly hotels.

Put on your hiking boots!  After a hearty breakfast, the Group will experience the thrill of the Scenic Caves Nature Adventures, located on the Niagara Escarpment in Collingwood.  The group will venture deep inside the Blue Mountains and immerse themselves in a great labyrinth of caves and crevices.  The Group will approach the highest point of the Niagara Escarpment and will have the opportunity to cross the longest suspension footbridge in all of Ontario.  From the bridge, the Group will be presented with a 10,000 square kilometre view of picturesque Georgian Bay.  Scenic Caves Nature Adventures offers programs tailored to a variety of educational curriculums.

After the hiking adventure, the Group can indulge their sweet tooth at the Candy Factory.  The Group will view a demonstration of the candy makers at work creating chocolate and candy, while tasting the delicious free samples.