What happens when you slow down, step out of the car and take the long way through Downtown Barrie?
You discover a side of the city that is easy to miss from behind the wheel. Colour spills across brick walls, larger-than-life murals transform unexpected corners, and public art tells stories of creativity, community and culture. Each piece adds another layer to Downtown Barrie’s character, inviting you to look a little closer and connect with the place and its people.
The Infinite and Louise Show hit the streets for an urban adventure through Downtown Barrie, beginning at the waterfront and winding their way through a colourful collection of murals and public art. Along the way, they pause to take it all in, reflecting on what each piece means to them, how it makes them feel and the stories it brings to life.
And, of course, no downtown adventure is complete without something delicious along the way. Infinite and Louise share their picks for culinary experiences unique to Barrie, stopping to savour the flavours and meet the people behind making the food. Between colourful murals and memorable bites, they immerse you in the energy of downtown before making their way back toward the water.
Ready to make the adventure your own? We have mapped out 12 unique murals, statues and photo-worthy stops made by Infinite and Louise, so you can follow the same route or create your own. Leave room for a little spontaneity, a closer look at a mural, a conversation over coffee or a waterfront pause to take in the view. Sometimes, the best part of exploring is discovering something you weren’t looking for.
Come for the art. Stay for the experience. Discover how an ordinary wall becomes a canvas.
Watch the full Urban Art Walk video to follow Infinite and Louise on their journey, hear the stories behind the art and get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the local places they visit along the way.
Tour Overview & Tips
Total Stops: 12 unique murals, statues and photo ops
Starting Point: The Spirit Catcher, Barrie Waterfront
Finish Line: The Heart Barrie Sign, Heritage Park
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, your camera, and an appetite!
Time to Explore: Allow a couple of hours to enjoy the art, take photos and explore local businesses along the way.
Parking: Parking is available near the starting point. Be sure to check parking signage and pay for parking where required.
Tip: Take your time! Part of the fun of an urban art walk is looking around as you go. Some of Downtown Barrie’s creative touches are tucked into corners, side walls, patios and unexpected places.
The Alley Cats Jam
Stop 1: Spirit Catcher
Start your adventure at one of Barrie’s most recognizable landmarks. Standing along the waterfront, the Spirit Catcher is a 20-tonne Corten steel sculpture by Ron Baird, inspired by the iconography of Indigenous oral traditions of the Pacific Northwest and originally created for Expo 86 in Vancouver. Today, it’s an iconic part of the Barrie waterfront and the perfect place to begin your walk.This area is also a convenient place to park your car. For parking info and rate, click here. Take a moment to enjoy the lake views before making your way into the downtown core and discovering the colourful art ahead.
Location: 15 Simcoe Street, Barrie, ON
Distance from last location: This is the starting point
The Artist: Created by local artist Ron Baird
Stop 2: "Finding Light" Mural (Louise’s Favourite! ⭐)
Just a 6-minute walk from the Spirit Catcher, you'll discover "Finding Light," a vibrant mural celebrating community, unity and hope. Created by renowned street-art duo Clandestinos Art (Shalak Attack and Bruno Smoky), the mural brings together local youth from the Barrie Native Friendship Centre and Youth Haven, Indigenous heritage and world-class artistry.Full of colour, creativity and movement, this mural is a beautiful reminder that art can be found in unexpected places. No wonder it's Louise’s favourite! ⭐ Take a moment to admire the details, snap a photo, and then continue along to your next downtown art stop.
Location: Corner of Dunlop Street West and Mary Street (wall provided by Town and Country Steakhouse)
Distance from last location: 6-minute walk 👣
The Artists: Clandestinos Art (Shalak Attack / Bruno Smoky)
Collaborators: Youth from the Barrie Native Friendship Centre and Youth Haven
For more on this mural, click here.
Stop 3: Off The Menu (Local Shop)
Ready for a little treat along the way? Just a 1-minute walk from the Finding Light mural, stop by Off The Menu, a locally owned shop packed with more than 1,500 rare candies and snacks from around the world.From Strawberry Coca-Cola from China to Chupa Chups Sour Belts from the UK and Mamee Monster pepper chips from Malaysia, there's something fun and unexpected around every corner. Pick up a treat to enjoy as you continue your urban art adventure through Downtown Barrie!
Location: 56 Dunlop Street West, Barrie, ON
Distance from last location: 1 minute 👣Stop 4: The Strawberry Mural – "Little by Little, A Little Becomes a Lot"
Just a 3-minute walk from Off The Menu, you'll arrive at this bright and colourful mural featuring four large strawberries made up of hundreds of tiny hearts. Its message is simple but meaningful: one heart may be small, but together, many hearts can create something extraordinary.Celebrating the power of love, kindness and community, this mural is a cheerful addition to your urban art adventure.
Location: 62 Maple Avenue, Barrie, ON
Distance from last location: 3 minutes 👣
The Artists: Created & Painted by Bareket Kezwer with Monica Loney
For more on this mural, click here.
Stop 5: Growing Diversity "Home" (Infinite’s Favourite! ⭐)
Just across the road from the Strawberry Mural, you’ll discover Growing Diversity "Home", a vibrant piece celebrating community, culture and connection. Facing Kempenfelt Bay, the mural was shaped through conversations with local youth and the Barrie Native Friendship Centre.At its heart, a large maple tree, a historical symbol for First Nations in the area, reaches toward the sun, illuminating the strength and diversity of the community. Look closely, and you’ll discover colourful nature elements, a girl blowing flower seeds, an eagle, a condor and a sports player representing the youth centre.
Explore the details and see how the artwork brings together people, nature and a shared sense of belonging.
Location: 59 Maple Avenue, Barrie, ON
Distance from last location: 1 minute 👣
The Artists: Clandestinos Art (Bruno Smoky / Shalak Attack).
For more on this mural, click here.Stop 6: "The Alley Cats Jam" Mural
You won’t have to go far for your next art stop! Located at Barrie’s iconic Five Points intersection, The Alley Cats Jam Mural brings funky animal paintings, intricate designs and plenty of creative energy to Downtown Barrie.Created by world-class mural duo Clandestinos Art (Shalak Attack and Bruno Smoky), the mural was brought to life in the summer of 2025, with more than 20 local and area artists coming together for an unforgettable day of live painting, DJ sets and dance competitions. The Alley Cat Mural Jam celebrates the power of creativity, collaboration and community.
Location: Five Points (Intersection of Bayfield Street, Dunlop Street and Clapperton Street)
Distance from last location: <1 minute 👣
The Artists: Clandestinos Art (Bruno Smoky / Shalak Attack)
Liars Kitchen + SocialFood Break: Refuel Along the Way
All that exploring is bound to work up an appetite! Take a break from the art and enjoy some of Downtown Barrie’s local food scene. Along their journey, Infinite and Louise stop to discover local favourites, savour delicious bites and get a taste of the people and places that make the downtown experience special.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty pub meal, a casual lunch or something with a little Caribbean flavour, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few stops to consider along the way.
Donaleigh’s Irish Public House
28 Dunlop Street East, Barrie, ON
A downtown favourite for hearty pub fare, local brews, and a lively patio atmosphere. Since you’re already here for the Hot Air Balloon Ride mural, why not stay awhile?LIARS Kitchen + Social
34 Dunlop Street East, Barrie, ON
A stylish downtown stop for elevated eats, handcrafted cocktails, and a social atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping for lunch or planning to come back later for a night out, LIARS is a great addition to your downtown adventure.Caribbean Express
39 Dunlop Street East Unit No.102, Barrie, ON
Add a little spice to your tour with authentic Caribbean flavours and delicious, satisfying dishes. It’s a great option when you’re looking for something a little different along your route.Visit tourismbarrie.com/downtown-barrie to discover even more local restaurants, cafés, bars, and delicious places to eat.
Now that you’ve fuelled up, it’s time to keep exploring! Continue your adventure through the city and uncover even more murals and creative spaces that showcase Barrie’s artistic side.
A Postcard From Barrie
Stop 7: “Elevate” Hot Air Balloon Mural
Continue your walk through Downtown Barrie to discover “Elevate,” a whimsical hot air balloon mural located in the alleyway beside Donaleigh’s Irish Public House. Inspired by Barrie’s historic Hot Air Balloon Festival, the mural brings a beloved local tradition back to life through art.
As you take in the colourful design, let your imagination soar and picture the balloons that once filled Barrie’s skies.
Location: 28 Dunlop Street East, Barrie, ON
Distance from last location: 2 minutes 👣
The Artists: Clandestinos Art & Monica Loney, Tiffany Szymanski and Shailie Dubois.
For more on this mural, click here.
Stop 8: Queen's Hotel Patio Art
Continue along Dunlop Street to the Queen’s Hotel Patio Art, where local nightlife history meets outdoor patio art. It’s another unexpected place to find creativity right in the heart of downtown.
Location: 94 Dunlop Street East, Barrie, ON
Distance from last location: 3 minutes 👣
The Artists: Clandestinos Art (Bruno Smoky / Shalak Attack)
Stop 9: “Swift” Mural
Head into the alleyway and discover this dynamic piece of street art as you make your way back toward the water. Tucked just off the main street, you will find the Swift Mural. At its centre, a colourful woman stands in harmony with her surroundings, honouring the creative energy of women-owned businesses in the neighbourhood. She’s joined by chimney swifts, migratory birds that travel incredible distances from places like Chile and Brazil to return to Barrie.
This threatened species shelters in chimneys, enjoying the safety and protection high off the ground. They remind us of our interconnectedness with nature, even in urban settings, and inspire us with their strength and spirit. Take a closer look at the details before continuing toward your next stop!
Location: 93 Dunlop Street East, Barrie, ON
Distance from last location: 1 minute 👣
The Artists: Clandestinos Art (Bruno Smoky / Shalak Attack)
For more on this mural, click here.
Stop 10: "A Postcard From Downtown Barrie" Mural
Continue your journey toward the waterfront and discover "A Postcard From Downtown Barrie," a colourful mural created in 2023. Located at the entrance to Lakeshore Mews, this piece celebrates Barrie’s history, culture and community spirit.
Admire the artwork and reflect on the people, places and stories that make Barrie special. It’s a lovely reminder that every corner of the city has a story to share before you continue to your next stop.
Location: Lakeshore Mew, 119 Dunlop Street East, Barrie, ON
Distance from last location: <1 minute 👣
The Artist: BLAZEWORKS
Stop 11: The Sea Serpent
You’re almost at the finish line! Make your way toward the waterfront and Heritage Park to discover The Sea Serpent, a whimsical lakeside sculpture and the first large donation accepted into the City of Barrie’s public art collection.
Created by local artist Ron Baird for the 1986 World’s Exposition in Vancouver, The Sea Serpent is a companion piece to Barrie’s iconic Spirit Catcher. After travelling from Vancouver to Oro-Medonte and later Kingston, the sculpture was generously donated to the City and unveiled at Heritage Park on June 28, 2016.
Enjoy this unique piece of public art, breathe in the fresh air and take in the waterfront views before heading to your final stop!
Location: 1 Simcoe Street, Barrie, ON
Distance from last location: 4 minutes 👣
The Artist: Created by local artist Ron Baird
Stop 12: Heart Barrie Sign
You’ve made it to the final stop of your urban art adventure! Wrap up your Downtown Barrie walking tour at the Heart Barrie Sign, located in Heritage Park along the waterfront.
Installed on June 30, 2022, the landmark celebrates civic pride and invites residents and visitors to capture and share their Barrie memories. Take your final photo, enjoy the waterfront views and celebrate completing all 12 stops!
Location: 5 Simcoe Street, Barrie, ON
Distance from last location: 2 minutes 👣
Finding Light
Keep Exploring Downtown Barrie
Whether you have a couple of hours or a full day to explore, Downtown Barrie makes it easy to take your time, follow your curiosity and discover something new around every corner.
From colourful murals and public art to local shops, restaurants, patios and waterfront views, there’s plenty to see, taste and experience along the way.
Ready to take the long way? Follow Infinite and Louise’s urban art adventure, create your own route, and discover a side of Downtown Barrie that’s best explored on foot.
Explore more things to see, do and experience in Barrie.
