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The Barrie Guide to a COVID friendly Valentines Day

Celebrating Valentine's Day will be a little different this year. At Tourism Barrie, we want to help you and your loved ones make the most of this special day. Whether you're planning a romantic take-out diner, a movie night or a fun virtual zoom activity, our local Barrie businesses have got you covered!

Things for you to do in Barrie over this winter lockdown period

Not sure what to fill your winter lockdown time with over the next couple of weeks? We've come up with some fun things that you and your family can do in Barrie. Fill some of your free time, support local, have fun and most importantly stay safe & healthy!

Discover local musicians with our new playlist 'This is Barrie.'!

The City of Barrie is home to artists of all kinds! In the spirit of supporting local, take the time to discover more of what our great city has to offer and find some new local music to add to your music library! We’ve curated a playlist featuring local talents from Barrie, covering so many genres and music styles. You can find it here!

10 more local Barrie business holiday gift ideas!

With so many great small businesses located in Barrie & area, we couldn't just stick to only the 10 gift suggestions from one of our last blog posts. Here are another 10 great gift suggestions to look into from our local Barrie businesses this holiday season.

Winter activities for non-skiers & snowboarders in the Barrie Area!

Although Barrie & its surrounding area is the place to be for your winter ski & snowboard adventures, not everyone is a fan of those activities. For those who fit into that category, you might be wondering what else there is to do in Barrie? Here are some of our best recommendations for alternative winter activities for non-skiers.

Your Barrie local business holiday gift guide

While searching for the perfect gifts for your loved ones this holiday season, it's essential to support our local businesses as much as you can. We thought we would help you in your search and put together a list of unique local items! Here is our holiday gift guide crafted entirely with local Barrie businesses.

Planning a Fun Date Night in Barrie!

With these challenging times, it might feel hard planning a date night for you and your significant other. Not to worry, a fun date is always possible! Whether you want to go out or stay home, we've put together 10 date night ideas with some help from your local Barrie businesses, that you are sure to enjoy!

Bucket List Worthy Winter Adventures

Don’t hibernate this winter! Get out and enjoy all the amazing and fun adventures Barrie and the surrounding area has to offer...

Supporting Local this Holiday Season!

The holiday season is quickly approaching! This year more than ever before, buying local is extra important to do. Make sure you support the Barrie economy through our local small businesses. With a great selection of stores to choose from, supporting local is easy, and we're sure you'll get some unique gifts your loved ones are sure to appreciate!

Indoor Activities for Colder Weather

Cold winter weather is quickly approaching! You might be wondering what safe indoor activities are still available for you to do this winter? Not to worry, we’ve put together some fun indoor activities for both the kids and adults.

Immerse yourself in nature with these fall activities

Autumn, it comes and goes so quickly! Before we know it, the beautiful colours and mild weather will be gone and it’ll be winter once again. Take advantage of it while you can and immerse yourself with these outdoor activities located in the Barrie area!

Irresistible Local Halloween Must-Haves

Halloween is a great time of year for the young and young at heart. Get in the Halloween spirit with our collection of must-have local spooky treats and gifts!

An Instagram-worthy Summer Sunflower Experience at Rounds Ranch!

Looking for a fun outing with the family and the opportunity to get some cute summer pictures for your Instagram page? The Sunflower Experience at Rounds Ranch is your place to go! Surround yourself in acres of blooming beauty and capture some great memories while you're at it!

Play, Dine, & Relax at the Friday Harbour Resort!

Whether you head over to take in the beautiful views of the lake, spend a couple of hours in the Nature Preserve, wander along the boardwalk & marina, or mingle with friends over a gourmet meal, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy a day at Friday Harbour.

Enjoy the pick-your-own experience at one of Barrie’s local farms

From Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Apples, Pumpkins & much more Barrie's very own Barrie Hill Farms is your place to go for a great local pick your own experience!

An international animal experience right at home with the Elmvale Jungle Zoo!

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Elmvale Jungle Zoo has successfully implemented a number of safety precautions to ensure that your visit to the park is safe while still just as enjoyable as always. Learn more here!

Celebrating Canada Day 2020 in Barrie!

Celebrating Canada Day this year will be a little different than usual but great nonetheless! Although city-hosted events have been cancelled and large-scale gatherings are prohibited, there are still many safe and local ways to celebrate in Barrie! Here are some we've put together for you!

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Fun ways to celebrate Fathers Day this year in Barrie

With Fathers Day just around the corner, we've put together some activities you can plan to do in Barrie and the surrounding areas to make the most of your dads’ special day!

10 Reasons You Need to Be at Winterfest This Year!

Appreciate the beauty of winter on Barrie's waterfront as you marvel at the incredible ice sculptures, soak in the live entertainment or brave the chilly waters at the Polar Bear dip. Barrie's Winterfest is a great way to celebrate winter with adventures the whole family will enjoy!

How To Dress For Your Outdoor Winter Adventures in Barrie

All of the outdoor activities in Barrie will be more enjoyable if you’re properly dressed for them! Temperatures differ across Canada and the winters in Ontario can be extremely cold, especially with blowing wind (wind chill).

Holiday Family Events, Holiday Markets, Concerts, Movies & More

Let the holiday season begin! Take a break from decking the halls and making gingerbread cookies to celebrate the beauty and excitement of Christmas. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite family holiday events you won’t want to miss:

Neighbourhood Guide: Allandale Historic Walking Tour

The first train pulled into Allandale in October 1853 and sparked the founding of the Grand Trunk Rail yards and passenger station that welcomed travellers looking to escape the heat in the big city of York. The community that grew up there is Allandale, a name honouring Toronto politician and railway advocate William Allan.

Eat Like a Local

Few things give you the flavour of a community – and unforgettable tastes – than the hidden eateries and unpretentious but long-standing restaurants that locals enjoy. Barrie’s downtown features an incredible choice of restaurants, locally owned and incredibly creative and tasty.

Pack Your Socks & Get Moving! Indoor Playgrounds for All Ages

The kids have almost finished their first week of school and a little fun is in order. So pack your socks and get moving! Check out these 8 awesome indoor playgrounds that are perfect for all ages:

Weekends were made for exploring - The Perfect Adventure Getaway:

Sometimes we just need to get away and unplug for a little. Leave work behind for a couple days and explore the beauty of nature. Here’s our guide for the perfect Outdoor Adventure getaway for you and your friends.

Planning A Mini Family Getaway:

Barrie’s waterfront is the place to be if you’re looking to beat the heat and relax for a couple of days with the kids. Make memories before summer break is over! Here’s our guide for the perfect mini getaway for families this summer.

Get ready for another exciting year at Boots and Hearts!

We are headed up to Burl’s Creek for another year of the Boots and Hearts music festival! Last year we had an absolute blast all weekend long and extended our trip an extra week in the city of Barrie!

Need a Little Retail Therapy?

Downtown Barrie is steps away from Kempenfelt Bay and home to patios – some on the sidewalk and even one on a roof top. The real street-level adventure can be found as you explore the boutiques and specialty shops that offer everything from clothing and accessories to home décor to gourmet products such as infused olive oil and specialty chocolates.

Barrie Time Warp

Wanting to escape the pressures of your day? A journey back in time might just be the cure – and Barrie has a few options to help you leave today’s worries behind. No, there’s no DeLorean DMC-12 time machine or standing stones to walk though, Barrie has a few spots that can help you explore the adventures of times past.

Summer Music Concerts

Imagine Alabama and Travis Tritt one weekend, followed with Nickel Back and Cheap Trick the next. You can make it happen if you make Barrie your base for a music-filled holiday this summer.

Paddle through History and see nature spring to life in the Minesing Wetlands

Spanning an area of more than 6,000 hectares, the Minesing Wetlands is recognized internationally significant wetland not just because of its size, but because it’s home to a diverse area of rare and endangered flora and fauna.

Bucket List Worthy Winter Adventures

Don’t hibernate this winter! Get out and enjoy all the amazing and fun adventures Barrie and the surrounding area has to offer.

Welcome to the Barrie Farmers' Market

Whether you’re into buying and eating local or looking for a tasty breakfast on a summer Saturday morning, the Barrie Farmers Market serves up a lot of tasty choices from 8 a.m. to noon.

Get Ready for Barrie's Winterfest

The outdoor fun is endless at Winterfest. Get Out & Play in the snow at Heritage Park and Meridian Place and take part in a variety of exciting activities. With horse-drawn wagon rides, ice sculptures, dog cart rides, mini tube slide, lumberjack shows and so much more.

Get Out & Play before Boots & Hearts 2018

Barrie has country all week long! Visit Barrie & Area before attending Boots & Hearts 2018. With plenty to do, places to stay, food to eat, and fun to be had, this is the perfect time to take your summer vacation (and of course end it with a blast at Boots & Hearts).

Tourism Barrie's Adventure Team takes on Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)

Tourism Barrie's Adventure Team's experience of Stand-Up Paddling Boarding on Kempenfelt Bay, Lake Simcoe with Happypaddling.com.

Things To Do in Barrie on Valentine's Day

Head to Barrie this Valentine’s Day if you’re looking for a fun adventure to have with your significant other. Barrie has plenty of accommodation options to suit every want and need so put your comfort in our hands to make sure you enjoy your special weekend.

The Best Ski Resorts in Ontario

If you’re looking for the perfect place to fit in your last minute ski-cation, look no further than Barrie, Ontario!

10 Non-Skiing Winter Adventures

Not a skier or a snowboarder? If you don’t love to ski but are looking for a winter adventure, Barrie & Area is a great destination for the non-skier to get their rush of excitement! We’ve prepared a list of 10 alternative winter travel activities (that don’t require any experience or your own equipment) for you to try this season.

Get Ready for Barrie's Winterfest

Barrie’s most loved winter event and one of Ontario’s Top 100, Winterfest is almost here to offer fun for every family. Join the City of Barrie downtown at Heritage Park and Meridian Place on Saturday February 2nd from 10am to 5pm and Sunday February 3rd from 10am to 4pm to take part in all of the fun family activities. Here’s a sneak peek of just a few of the adventures you can enjoy this Winterfest!