Simcoe County Attractions

Simcoe County Attractions

Barrie, Ontario is conveniently located at the hub of Simcoe County, allowing you to enrich your stay with a number of daytrip options. Visit beautiful, clear Wasaga Beach, the longest freshwater beach in the world! Take a trip back in time at Ste. Marie Among the Hurons in Midland or Discovery Harbour in Penetanguishene. Take on the challenge of skiing Blue Mountain or Scenic Caves in Collingwood, and return to your comfortable Barrie accommodation, all in time for dinner. Don't forget, Barrie is also on route to the world-renowned Algonquin Park!

Follow the links below to find daytrip suggestions to neighbouring areas such as Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Midland and Tottenham.

Midland Area

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons
Hwy 12 East, Midland
Phone: (705) 526-7838, Web: www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca
Description: Explore Canada's national treasure and Ontario's first European community. Experience the re-enactment & dramatic story of the 17th century French Jesuit mission to the Huron nation. Features an introductory audio-visual show, award winning interpretive museum, on-site restaurant and museum gift shop. Special summer presentations include 17th century fire starting, locked waterway demonstrations, and native storytelling with costumed guides. Open April 30th to May 18th, Monday to Friday, from May 19th to Thanksgiving Sunday October 7th 7 days a week, and Monday to Friday from Oct. 8 to November 2nd.

Martyr's Shrine
Hwy 12, Midland (across from Wye Marsh)
Phone: (705) 526-3788, Email: shrine@jesuits.ca, Web: www.martyrs-shrine.com
Description: A place of pilgrimage and a ministry of prayer open from mid May to Thanksgiving weekend in October. Features include Shrine Church, St. Ignatius Prayer Room, Papal Visit Monument, Little Flower Island, Irish Peace Garden, First Nations Park, picnic area and much more.

Discovery Harbour
Located in Penetanguishene on Georgian Bay.
Phone: (705) 549-8064/ (705) 526-7838, Web: www.discoveryharbour.on.ca
Description: Experience a 19th century site featuring the early days of the British Navy and military on beautiful Penetanguishene Bay. Home of the King's Wharf Theatre and historic ships H.M.S. Tecumseth and Bee. Visitors can see 15 historic buildings including the original Officer's Quarters Circa 1845. Open Monday to Friday from May 22nd to June 29th. Open 7 days a week from June 30th to Sunday September 2nd.

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
Hwy 12, P.O. Box 100, Midland
Phone: (705) 526-7809
Email: info@wyemarsh.com, Web: www.wyemarsh.com
Description: A non-profit environmental awareness facility that is home to some of the largest remaining breeding populations of rare bird species including Trumpeter Swans. One of the best places to observe the lifestyles of mink beaver, ermine, porcupine and river otter. Enjoy the fresh air as you canoe through the marsh or just take a leisurely walk in the woods. Offers various activities and special events throughout the year, guided hikes, exhibit hall, video theatre, snack bar, gift shop, lunchroom, and cabin for group overnight accommodations.

Midland 30,000 Island Boat Cruise
Midland/Barrie Boat Cruises, Penetanguishene
Phone: (705) 549-3388,
Email: tours@midlandtours.com, Web: www.midlandtours.com
Description: Departs from Midland Town Dock (King Street). Cruises available May to October for morning, afternoon, and mid-afternoon sightseeing cruises. Sunset dinner cruises with entertainment also available. Coast guard approved for 300 passengers. Lower level completely heated and fully wheelchair accessible. Licensed with LCBO and snack bar on board. Experience the sparkling waters, windswept pines and rocky grandeur of Muskoka/Georgian Bay's 30,000 islands.

Gratrix Garden Lilies
Near Coldwater.
Phone: (705) 835-6794, Web: www.gratrixgardenlilies.com
Description: If a picture is worth a thousand words, imagine the experience of seeing, touching, and smelling thousands of living flowers. Over 500 different varieties of lilies and daylilies on display. Peak blooming season is July 1 to August 15.

Castle Village, The Enchanted Kingdom & Dracula's Dungeon/Museum of Horror
701 Balm Beach Road, Midland
Phone: (705) 526-9683, Email: info@castlevillage.ca
Description: Castle Village Welcomes you to experience 3 attractions! The Enchanted Kingdom Park, Dracula's Dungeon/Museum of Horror, The Museum of Medieval Arms, Armour & Heraldry (please check tour times and seasonal availability) For prices, photos, description, and directions please refer to our website: www.castlevillage.ca. Ici nous parlons francais!

Wasaga Beach Area

Wasaga Beach
Wasaga Beach, ON
Phone: 1-866-2WASAGA
Web: www.wasagabeach.com
Visit the world's longest freshwater beach! With eight different beaches and recreation areas spread out along 14km of soft white sand, Wasaga Beach attracts visitors of all ages looking for fun in the sun. If sun-tanning or a more lively activity is your thing, then the recreational areas of Beaches 1 & 2 are the place to be. Families and those looking for a quieter place to relax or play in the shallow, sandy waters will enjoy the beaches to the east or the west of the two main beaches. These beaches feature the same soft white sand in a quieter setting, with more family amenities and playgrounds. For those who prefer to stay out on the water, hop on a watercraft, and sail, wind-surf, jet-ski, or motor out onto Nottawasaga Bay. Don't forget to visit the Nancy Island Historic Site, near Beaches 1 & 2, where a preserved schooner from the War of 1812 is on display.
Directions from Barrie: Bayfield St. to County Rd. 92 at Elmvale, W on County Rd. 92 to Wasaga Beach

Rounds Ranch
1922 County Road #92, 4 km west of Elmvale
Phone: (705) 322-MAZE (6293), Web: www.roundsranch.com
Description: If you are looking for a country and western experience Rounds Ranch is the place. With over 15 attractions you'll have yourself a rompin' good time. So mosey on down to the ranch and get in on the fun. It is a great spot for birthday parties, day camps, corporate events and church picnics.

Algonquin Park

Algonquin Park, a true national treasure, is 7,725 square kilometres of forests, lakes, and rivers. Within Algonquin Park, there are two magnificent facilities that will introduce you to the Human and Natural History of the Park. Algonquin Park has three overnight backpacking trails. Fourteen much shorter walking trails are available for day outings along the Highway 60 Corridor. Three more trails are located on the Park's North and East sides. Each trail is designed to explore a different aspect of Algonquin Park and each has a trail guide booklet.
E-mail info@algonquinpark.on.ca. Call the Information Line Tel. (705) 633-5572
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 7 days per week; Send a letter to: Superintendent Algonquin Provincial Park P.O. Box 219 Whitney, ON, K0J 2M0.
Algonquin Park is 164 km from Barrie. 

Collingwood Area

Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
P.O. Box 215, Collingwood
Phone: (705) 446-0256, Web: www.sceniccaves.com
Description: Venture deep inside Blue Mountain and explore a labyrinth of caves & crevices. Descend into the ice cave, a crevasse so deep and cold that snow and ice often remain there through early summer. Brave the heights for a spectacular view as you step to the edge of the limestone cliff to look down on 10,000 square kilometres of beautiful countryside and scenic Georgian Bay. Hike the trails of a unique nature reserve featuring a canopy of trees, wildflowers, and rare ferns. Journey across the suspension bridge as you are suspended over 300 meters above the ground overlooking Georgian Bay. Additional features include children's playground/mini golf, gift shop, and snack bar. Summer activities open early May to late October with Scenic Caves Nordic Centre operating in the winter months.

Tottenham Area

South Simcoe Railway
South Simcoe Railway Heritage Corp., P.O. Box 186, Tottenham
Phone: (905) 936-5815, Email: info@steamtrain.com, Web: www.southsimcoerailway.ca
Description: Enjoy an exciting journey through the scenic Beeton Creek Valley aboard a historic vintage locomotive. Travel in restored 1920's open-window coaches over the rails of a century-old branch line that once connected Hamilton with Barrie and Collingwood. The one-hour trip is highlighted by the Conductor's friendly & informative commentary. Excursions depart from the South Simcoe Railway Station in downtown Tottenham, 20 km west of Hwy 400 on Hwy 9.

 

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