If you’ve ever wandered through downtown Barrie and wondered, “What’s inside that building?” — this is your chance to find out. On Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Doors Open Barrie invites you to step inside some of the city’s most iconic heritage buildings, cultural landmarks, and community spaces. Even better? Admission is completely free.

Here’s why this event is one you won’t want to miss:

1. Explore Barrie’s Best-Kept Secrets
Doors Open Barrie unlocks spaces you don’t normally get to explore. From the elegant Collier Street United Church, with its soaring stained-glass windows, to the bustling Barrie Mosque where faith and community come together, each location offers a unique perspective on the city’s heritage. Add in creative hubs like The Arts House, and you’ll quickly discover a side of Barrie you may never have seen before.

2. Join a Heritage Walking Tour
Nothing brings history to life quite like a guided walk. Starting at the Barrie Visitor Information Centre, local guides lead small groups (just 15 people per tour) on an hour-long stroll past important landmarks. You’ll learn how ice was once harvested from Kempenfelt Bay, uncover the story of a sunken ship, and hear the enduring legend of Kempenfelt Kelly, the lake’s mythical creature. Stops include the Southshore Centre and the Allandale GO Station, places where past and present intersect beautifully.

3. Step Inside Historic Gems
Barrie is full of beautiful old buildings, each with its own story to tell. At the MacLaren Art Centre, you’ll walk through a 1917 Carnegie library that now houses striking contemporary art. At J’adore Fine Cheese, Chocolate & Wine, you’ll not only taste rich chocolates and explore over 150 types of cheese, but also step into a building rebuilt in 1876 after a devastating fire. Meanwhile, McFinn’s Traditional Irish Pub sits in the historic Five Points building, a landmark that’s been part of downtown since the mid-1800s.

4. Get Hands-On with the Arts
This year, Doors Open Barrie overlaps with Culture Days, which means you can roll up your sleeves and get creative. At the MacLaren Art Centre, join a printmaking workshop in their PIE Education Centre. Over at the Barrie Public Library, you can try the popular Repair Café or add your touch to a large-scale community mural called “A Street in Barrie.” And at Spare Room, an inclusive art gallery, you can experiment with their quirky Risograph printer or simply watch local artists in action.

5. Discover Military & Civic History
History isn’t just preserved in museums — sometimes it’s alive in our parks and public buildings. At Military Heritage Park, you’ll find monuments like the Victoria Cross cenotaph and Vimy Oaks, offering a reflective space to honour those who served. For a more modern look at community service, the Barrie Simcoe Emergency Services Campus will open its doors to showcase how police, fire, and paramedics work together to keep the community safe.

6. Celebrate Local Stories
Each stop is more than just a building — it’s a story. At the Barrie Sports Hall of Fame, you’ll be inspired by athletes who put our city on the map. The Barrie-South Simcoe Métis Council shares the deep cultural traditions of the Métis people. Even seemingly ordinary places like downtown shops reveal fascinating past lives, with some buildings dating back to the 1870s. Whether your interests lean toward sports, faith, or heritage, every location will deepen your appreciation for Barrie’s community spirit.

7. It’s a Perfect Day Out
Doors Open Barrie is the kind of event where you set your own pace. Take a morning walking tour, pop into a gallery or two, pause for lunch at McFinn’s, and indulge in dessert at J’adore. Spend the afternoon wandering through museums, churches, or the waterfront park. Along the way, enjoy Barrie’s downtown charm, friendly hosts, and plenty of opportunities to sit, chat, and soak in the history around you.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free