Barrie: Waterfront, Art and Nature

Barrie offers a range of experiences for a stay: the waterfront along Kempenfelt Bay, an extensive network of trails, art and glimpses into the community’s history. More than 350 hectares of landscaped parkland complement the waterfront; the four major beaches on Kempenfelt Bay are also part of its recreational offerings. If you’re considering a vacation rental in Barrie, you can start by asking whether your holiday days are more about the water and trails or cultural discoveries.

Waterfront Trails and Parks

The Waterfront Trail runs along Kempenfelt Bay through the waterfront parks. In Barrie, it is about 6.7 kilometres long and mostly flat and paved. Its length and surface provide a practical guide for planning your day, without implying a specific walking time. This is separate from Barrie’s extensive network of public trails, which totals more than 88 kilometres.

The North Shore Trail runs along the entire length of the north shore of Kempenfelt Bay. The Ardagh Bluffs offer another way to enjoy nature, with 17 kilometres of trails across 524 acres; most of the area is designated Environmentally Protected (EP). In northwest Barrie, Sunnidale Park is a 48.5-acre park with the Barrie Arboretum and trails. These landscapes range from waterfront paths to designated protected areas and a park with an arboretum.

Art and Local History

The MacLaren Art Centre is located in downtown Barrie and includes several galleries, an education centre and a sculpture courtyard. The Spirit Catcher has stood on the Barrie waterfront on city-owned land since 1987. In 1989, it was added to the MacLaren Art Centre’s permanent collection. Its name is therefore encountered both on the waterfront and in connection with the art centre’s collection.

Different places and formats offer further insights into local history. The Waterfront Heritage Trail provides a self-guided outdoor experience along the waterfront, with interpretive information. The Heritage Barrie Walking Tour is also self-guided and takes visitors to historic homes, shops and landmarks along Barrie’s streets. At the Grey & Simcoe Foresters Regimental Museum, visitors can view historical artefacts, including uniforms from different eras, medals, field equipment, official awards and historical documents.

Military Heritage Park was dedicated on June 6, 2009. It was created to recognize the significant relationship between Barrie and Canadian Forces Base Borden, as well as the community’s military involvement and history. The Rotary Club of Barrie and City Council contributed to its creation. The Holly History installation at the Peggy Hill Team Community Centre offers another perspective on history: its wall panels cover the history of the Holly neighbourhood, its settlers, Holly’s war veterans and the Indigenous history of the region.

Regional Products and Unique Experiences

Every Saturday, the Barrie Farmers’ Market brings together local farmers, food producers and craftspeople offering products from the region. This makes the market a practical place to visit if you’d like to discover regional produce and handcrafted goods during your stay.

The fire stations also offer a distinctive subject for a visit: tours can be booked. The tour of Station 1 includes a fire museum and lasts 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of visitors and their questions. Doors Open Barrie is an annual event when local landmarks are open to the public for free tours.

A longer excursion follows the Nine Mile Portage Heritage Trail from Meridian Place in downtown Barrie to Fort Willow in Springwater Township. The trail can be used for hiking and cycling. When choosing where to stay, you can weigh these different interests: the waterfront, parks and trails offer a different focus from galleries, regional products or historical topics. Other places to explore for your trip include Brechin, Victoria Harbour, Port Severn, Tiny, Angus, Wasaga Beach, Nottawa and Penetanguishene.

For the broader travel overview: Simcoe County.