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Barrie, Canada, The Doorway to Ontario’s Lake Country
Located in central Ontario and just 99 kilometres from downtown Toronto sits the city of Barrie, Ontario. This municipality acts as the entryway into Ontario’s famous Lake Country, which is home to numerous outdoor entertainment options. Barrie is situated on the shores of Lake Simcoe and is a short drive from Georgian Bay, which is found on the eastern shores of Lake Huron. Those visiting this scenic part of the province can find something to do during any season and won’t be disappointed by the myriad of outdoor activities that are on offer.
Shopping in Central Ontario
It might be a surprise to learn, since Barrie is home to so many outdoor activities, that the city has some of the province’s best shopping north of Toronto. The Georgian Mall is just outside of Barrie’s downtown core and attracts visitors from all over the area who are looking to make some buys. The Bayfield Mall and Kozlov Shopping Centre are within city limits, as well, providing guests with plenty of shopping options.
Those who are looking for something a little different only have to drive 23 kilometres south of the city to reach Tanger Outlet Cookstown. This major outlet mall is partway between Barrie and Toronto, so it attracts people from all over southern Ontario. Park Place shopping centre is also just south of the city and is a nice place to stop off when venturing down Highway 400 or attending a hockey game at the Barrie Molson Centre.
Ski the Horseshoe
Skiing is a popular pastime in Barrie and there are plenty of choices within easy driving distance. Perhaps the most popular ski area is Horseshoe Resort, which is the closest major hill to downtown Toronto. This ski area features 27 runs and over 45 kilometres of cross country trails, supplying visitors with everything that they will need for a ski holiday. Tubing, snowboarding, and a terrain park can be found on the hill, for those who aren’t into downhill skiing. There are hotels in the area, so there is no need to drive back down the hill at night.
Snow Valley Ski Resort is also a short drive from downtown Barrie. This is a family friendly resort that is just 11.7 kilometres from the city and can be reached in under 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Blue Mountain and Mount St. Louis Moonstone are within short driving distance of the city and are alternatives for those who aren’t worried about making the commute.
Beaches Galore
Any city that features as many nearby lakes as Barrie is sure to have its fair share of beaches and these lakefront parks are the reason why Barrie gets so many visitors in the summer. Centennial Beach is perhaps the most popular within the city, as it is just outside of the downtown area, surrounded by a number of restaurants, and home the city’s marina. This park also features the J. C. Morrison shipwreck and is close to the Kiwanis Pavilion and the Spirit Catcher monument, which has become an iconic sculpture for the city.
The neighbouring towns of Wasaga Beach and Collingwood feature wonderful beaches that can be reached in a matter of minutes from Barrie. When booking hotels, consider how easy it is to explore all of the lakes and outdoor areas that surround the city, while staying in a central property. Barrie acts as a hub for this entire region, since it is the largest city and has more in the way of restaurants than other communities in central Ontario.
Festivals Throughout the Year
Barrie is known for its festivals, as they provide an easy reason for those living in Toronto to escape their own city and head north of a couple of days. In the city’s downtown core alone, guests can experience the Barrie Waterfront Festival, Promenade Days, BarrieLicious, Eco Fest Barrie, the Jazz & Blues Festival, Kempenfest, and the Barrie Film Festival. Each of these events is held every year and attract guests from not only southern Ontario, but around the world.
The city also hosts Ribfest Barrie, the Craft Beer Show, Caribfest, New Music Festival, and Winterfest annually, so there is always something going on in the city’s downtown area. These events bring an influx of people to Barrie each and every year and the numerous festivals have become a calling card for the city as a whole.
An Active Nightlife
Because Barrie acts as an easy getaway for those living in the Golden Horseshoe area of Ontario, it has an active nightlife throughout the year, since there are always visitors in the city. The area around the waterfront is home to numerous pubs and nightclubs that provide an excellent night on the town. Most of these venues are within walking distance of each other, making it possible to check out a few different places every night.
The area also has a lively indie music scene. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown core that cater to different tastes in music and number of live theatre options, so guests from all walks of life will be able to find something to do once the sun goes down.