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

Simcoe County Sights, Sounds & Spirit - Suggested Summer Itinerary - Senior

Arts, culture and history enthusiasts can experience a variety of festivals, live theatre and historical sites, all in the Barrie area.  Whether the Group would like to experience some of the 30,000 works of art on permanent display at the MacLaren Art Centre, enjoy live theatre, or get a glimpse of Ontario's first European community, Simcoe County is thriving in arts, culture and history!

The Group will start their journey aboard the South Simcoe Railway, a vintage steam train in Tottenham.  They will view beautiful scenery as they roll through the countryside while listening to the conductor's friendly and informative commentary.

The Group will travel to Barrie for a lunch cruise on the Serendipity Princess; Barrie's premier cruise ship on Kempenfelt Bay.  This triple-deck, paddle-wheel cruise ship will tour the Group along picturesque Kempenfelt Bay.  There are many opportunities for picture-perfect moments as they enjoy the many sprawling gardens along the waterfront.

The afternoon will begin with a guided tour of Burnett's and Struth Scottish Regalia Ltd.  Burnett's and Struth is the largest specialist and manufacturer of Scottish Regalia in all of Ontario.  This tour will guide the Group through the factory as they learn and view the kilt-making process.  Afterwards, they will have an opportunity to purchase souvenirs and order kilts from one of the 4,000 different tartans available at the store.

Dinner will be provided by one of Barrie's delectable downtown restaurants, where the food is guaranteed to leave the taste buds begging for more.  After dinner, it's off to the races!  An entertaining night awaits the Group at Georgian Downs Limited.  This gaming and entertainment centre offers an exciting night of live harness racing.  After an exhilarating evening at the racetrack, the Group will travel back to Barrie, where overnight accommodations will be provided by one of Barrie's motor coach friendly accommodations.

Following a hearty breakfast, 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, which features 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.

In the afternoon, the Group will travel to the charming and scenic little village of Creemore for a guided tour of Ontario's favourite microbrewery, Creemore Springs Brewery.  While in Creemore, the Group can visit North America's smallest jail that measures 4.5 metres by 6 metres.

On the way home, the Group will enjoy a unique shopping experience at The 400 Flea Market & Antique Mall, Ontario's largest indoor Flea market and Antique Mall.  Arts and culture enthusiasts should make sure to visit the Antique mall, and bargain-hunters are sure to find a treasure at the Flea Market.