Barrie Attractions: A Guide to the Best Things to Do in This Charming Canadian City

1. Enjoy the Waterfront at Centennial Park and Beach

One of the most iconic features of Barrie is its beautiful waterfront, which stretches for over 6 kilometers along Lake Simcoe. The best place to enjoy the views and the breeze is Centennial Park and Beach, a public park that offers a sandy beach, a playground, a splash pad, a skate park, a boat launch, and picnic areas. You can also walk or bike along the waterfront trail, which connects to other parks and attractions in the city. Centennial Park and Beach is a great spot to relax, swim, play, or watch the sunset over the lake.

2. Experience the Thrills at Horseshoe Resort

If you are looking for some adrenaline-pumping fun, head to Horseshoe Resort, a four-season resort that offers a variety of activities for all ages and skill levels. In the winter, you can ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or sled on the slopes, or enjoy the indoor amenities such as the pool, the spa, and the arcade. In the summer, you can try the zip line, the adventure park, the golf course, the mountain bike trails, or the water sports on the lake. Horseshoe Resort is a perfect place to have some fun and make some memories with your friends or family.

3. Learn About the History at Simcoe County Museum

If you are interested in learning about the history and culture of Barrie and the surrounding area, you should visit the Simcoe County Museum, a museum that showcases the heritage and stories of the people who lived and worked in Simcoe County. The museum features 16 historical buildings, such as a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, a log cabin, and a train station, that recreate the life and times of the past. You can also explore the indoor exhibits, which display artifacts, photographs, and documents that illustrate the history of the county from the prehistoric times to the present day. The Simcoe County Museum is a fascinating and educational attraction that will appeal to history buffs and curious visitors alike.

4. Explore the Nature at Scanlon Creek Conservation Area

If you are looking for some peace and tranquility, you should visit the Scanlon Creek Conservation Area, a natural oasis that covers over 300 hectares of land. The conservation area features a network of trails that wind through forests, wetlands, meadows, and creeks. You can hike, bike, or cross-country ski on the trails, or enjoy the wildlife and plants that inhabit the area. You can also visit the nature center, which offers interactive exhibits, programs, and events that teach about the ecology and conservation of the area. The Scanlon Creek Conservation Area is a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature.

5. Discover the Art at MacLaren Art Centre

If you are a fan of art and culture, you should visit the MacLaren Art Centre, a public art gallery that showcases the works of local, national, and international artists. The art center features a collection of over 27,000 artworks, ranging from paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and photographs, to video, installation, and performance art. You can also enjoy the rotating exhibitions, which display the works of contemporary and historical artists, as well as the community and education programs, which offer workshops, lectures, tours, and events that foster creativity and appreciation for the arts. The MacLaren Art Centre is a vibrant and inspiring attraction that will enrich your cultural experience in Barrie.

6. Have Fun at Barrie Molson Centre

If you are looking for some entertainment and excitement, you should visit the Barrie Molson Centre, a multi-purpose arena that hosts various events and shows throughout the year. The arena is home to the Barrie Colts, a junior ice hockey team that plays in the Ontario Hockey League. You can watch the games and cheer for the team, or enjoy the other events that take place at the arena, such as concerts, comedy shows, circus acts, and more. The Barrie Molson Centre is a lively and enjoyable attraction that will keep you entertained and amused.

7. Shop at Barrie Farmers’ Market

If you are looking for some fresh and local products, you should visit the Barrie Farmers’ Market, a weekly market that takes place every Saturday morning at the City Hall. The market features over 50 vendors who sell a variety of goods, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, bread, honey, maple syrup, jams, preserves, baked goods, flowers, crafts, and more. You can also enjoy the live music, the food trucks, and the friendly atmosphere that the market offers. The Barrie Farmers’ Market is a great place to support the local farmers and artisans, and to stock up on some delicious and quality products.

8. Relax at Sunnidale Park Arboretum

If you are looking for some green space and fresh air, you should visit the Sunnidale Park Arboretum, a park that features a collection of trees and plants from around the world. The park covers over 48 hectares of land, and offers a variety of amenities, such as a playground, a dog park, a disc golf course, and picnic areas. You can also walk or bike on the trails, or admire the flowers and foliage that bloom in different seasons. The Sunnidale Park Arboretum is a lovely and serene attraction that will make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

9. Taste the Wine at Heritage Estate Winery and Cidery

If you are a wine lover, you should visit the Heritage Estate Winery and Cidery, a family-owned and operated winery that produces award-winning wines and ciders. The winery is located on a 22-acre property, surrounded by apple orchards and vineyards. You can take a tour of the winery, and learn about the history and process of wine and cider making. You can also taste the products, and choose from a variety of wines and ciders, such as red, white, rosé, sparkling, fruit, and ice wines, and apple, pear, and berry ciders. The Heritage Estate Winery and Cidery is a delightful and tasty attraction that will satisfy your palate and senses.

10. Watch a Show at Georgian Theatre

If you are a theatre lover, you should visit the Georgian Theatre, a professional performing arts venue that hosts a range of shows and events. The theatre features a 427-seat auditorium, a 100-seat studio theatre, and a lobby gallery. You can watch the performances, which include musicals, plays, concerts, dance, comedy, and more, or enjoy the exhibitions, which display the works of local and regional artists. The Georgian Theatre is a cultural and artistic attraction that will entertain and impress you.

11. Visit the Animals at Chappell Farms

If you are looking for some fun and educational activities for the whole family, you should visit Chappell Farms, a farm that offers a variety of attractions and events for children and adults. The farm features a petting zoo, where you can interact with animals such as goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, and more. You can also enjoy the other attractions, such as the corn maze, the hayride, the jumping castle, the haunted tent, the pumpkin patch, and more. The farm also hosts seasonal events, such as the Spring Festival, the Fall Festival, and the Christmas Festival, which offer more activities and entertainment. Chappell Farms is a charming and enjoyable attraction that will make you feel like a kid again.

12. Play at Retro Planet

If you are looking for some indoor fun and nostalgia, you should visit Retro Planet, an arcade and entertainment center that features a variety of games and attractions. You can play the classic arcade games, such as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, and more, or try the modern games, such as racing, shooting, pinball, and more. You can also enjoy the other attractions, such as the laser tag, the mini golf, the bumper cars, the rock climbing, and more. Retro Planet is a fun and exciting attraction that will bring out your inner gamer and child.

13. Dine at The Farmhouse

If you are looking for some delicious and hearty food, you should visit The Farmhouse, a restaurant that serves comfort food with a twist. The restaurant is located in a historic building that dates back to 1864, and offers a cozy and rustic atmosphere. You can enjoy the menu, which features dishes such as burgers, sandwiches, salads, soups, steaks, ribs, pasta, seafood, and more. You can also try the desserts, such as pies, cakes, ice cream, and more. The Farmhouse uses fresh and local ingredients, and offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The Farmhouse is a cozy and delicious attraction that will make you feel at home.

14. Skate at Barrie Community Sports Complex

If you are looking for some outdoor fun and exercise, you should visit the Barrie Community Sports Complex, a sports facility that offers a variety of amenities and activities. The complex features a skating rink, where you can skate or play hockey on the ice, or roller skate or inline skate on the pavement. You can also enjoy the other amenities, such as the soccer fields, the baseball diamonds, the basketball courts, the tennis courts, and the playground. The Barrie Community Sports Complex is a fun and active attraction that will keep you fit and happy.

15. Celebrate at Barrie Winterfest

If you are visiting Barrie in the winter, you should not miss the Barrie Winterfest, an annual festival that celebrates the season and the culture of the city. The festival takes place in February, and features a variety of events and attractions, such as ice sculptures, snow slides, ice skating, snowshoeing, dog sledding, live music, food vendors, fireworks, and more. The Barrie Winterfest is a festive and enjoyable attraction that will make you love the winter.

Conclusion

Barrie is a city that offers a lot of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you are looking for nature, culture, history, adventure, or entertainment, you will find it in Barrie. Barrie is a city that will surprise and delight you, and make you want to come back again and again.