Top Most Recommended Places in Barrie

Top Most Recommended Places in Barrie

Barrie, Ontario has been an ever growing, constantly progressing city that sits on the shores of Kempenfelt Bay. It is regarded as a politically independent municipality with a population in excess of 140,000 inhabitants. Located within a reasonable distance of both the Toronto Pearson International Airport and Downtown Toronto itself, the city is notable for its geographically convenient location making it highly accessible. As a result of this it has experienced increased traffic and tourism with an emphasis on healthcare, education and technology. Henceforth, we are able to really look at what sets Barrie apart from elsewhere. Much like with anywhere else, it is of the utmost importance to find out just where the best places to be are and exactly what you can get from visiting them.

Barrie’s Top Places

Days at the Beach

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Like any good waterfront based location, one of Barrie’s greatest offerings is that of its seafront! Sitting on Kempenfelt Bay, it is the perfect place for the family to spend a day filled with the usual joy one associates with days at the beach. With three separate beaches, there is plenty of room for inhabitants and tourists alike to really get the most out of summer days. Whether you’re a hiker looking for to take the illustrious 6.7km walk across or a group of young friends wanting to find the perfect spot for a game of football on the beach, Barrie is certainly not short of opportunities for you.

Winter in Barrie

In stark contrast to long summer days on the beach, the seasonal nature of Barrie means that winter activities are just as exciting. It is not unusual for Barrie to turn into a winter wonderland and resultantly there is plenty for those who enjoy the snow to immerse themselves in. From cross-country skiing to ice fishing, there is something for everyone of all ages to enjoy. Snow Valley Ski Resort, Horseshoe Resort and Mount St. Louis Moonstone are just a few of the many winter resorts that have proven track records for offering great activities in a winter environment, for all of the family.

Downtown Barrie

If city living is more your forte then you will not be disappointed with a trip downtown. With attractions galore to keep you busy no matter the weather, it would be a travesty to not spend some time really getting to know the centre of Barrie. From an evening at the Five Points Theatre to a tour of Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery & Tap Room, you certainly will not find yourself short of things to do, with plenty of exploring to be had. For the shoppers amongst us, exploring downtown Barrie offers a second to none experience where you can find everything from the vintage to the indie. With stores such as Le Petit Chapeau to appease the artists amongst us to Bliss Boutique @ Ann Green Yoga for the clothing fanatics, you will not struggle to find something here to take home with you.

Park Life

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For those that seek solace in nature, do not worry, there is something for you, also. Barrie is blessed with a number of beautiful natural parks and greenery, including Barrie Centennial Park, Heritage Park and Utopia Conservation Area. Just because you’re in a city, it does not mean you are completely away from the relative calm and tranquility of nature and parks such as the aforementioned are great places to find yourself at one with nature. Bear Creek Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary is a safe haven for many animals and a place of great interest to the tourist, with tours available at certain points throughout the year. The love and care that the staff have for the animals is evident here and it differs from many other zoos/wildlife exhibits due to its ability to show this through its tours.

A little bit of Culture

If culture, history and knowledge is more your thing, then take a look around the MacLaren Art Centre where you can immerse yourself in a world of art. At the Simcoe County Museum, you can have a lesson in local history, really beginning to understand the humble beginnings of a now bustling city. The G & Sf Regimental Museum provides a proud background on military history within Barrie for those that are enamoured by such matters. The Edge Gallery is just another example of the accessibility of Barrie culture.

Eating Out

What would a visit to a great city be without an outline of the very best of Barrie Restaurants. Food is, of course, a necessity and a visit to a great restaurant is the pinnacle of many a person’s successful day. If the finer things in life are something that you are more invested in then you’ll not be disappointed by a visit to restaurants such as Painters Hall Bistro and Town & Country Steakhouse. For an education in local cuisine, The Local Gastropub and Lazy Tulip Cafe come highly recommended. If cheap eats is the life for you then do not hesitate to drop into the Grilled Cheese Social Eatery or the Stacked Pancake & Breakfast House. Barrie, quite simply, has a restaurant to please every taste!

Landmarks

It would of course not be a complete visit without a look at some of Barrie’s most notable landmarks. After all, the landmarks are the very thing that you refer to when you try to remember a place. The Spirit Catcher by Ron Baird does just that. Standing 21 metres tall, the sculpture is inspired by indigenous mythology and can be seen for miles. Another great landmark is that of Chappell Farms, a source of great local produce and a reflection of a thriving farming industry.

Festival Season

Barrie is notable for their abundance of festivals and events, held throughout the year. With a calendar in hand, you will find that you’re not short of choices. With summer evenings spent at the Lawn Chair Luminata, Ghost Tours, the infamous Barrielicious Festival (a showcase in culinary experiences) and the annual Winterfest, there is something to celebrate throughout the year in Barrie. It is, undoubtedly a hub for exciting festival-goers, attracting from afar.