Top reasons to visit Barrie
- Stunning Waterfront: Barrie's picturesque waterfront along Lake Simcoe offers scenic views, recreational activities, and vibrant events.
- Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy skiing, hiking, and kayaking in the breathtaking natural surroundings, perfect for adventure seekers.
- Cultural Experiences: Explore local attractions, including a military museum and diverse dining options, showcasing Barrie's rich heritage.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Barrie boasts numerous parks and family-oriented events, ensuring fun for all ages.
- Charming Downtown: Stroll through the lively downtown area filled with shops, cafés, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Find great hotels in Barrie
Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly retreat, a business-friendly hotel, or an adventure-laden getaway, Barrie offers a diverse selection of accommodations to meet your needs. From quality inns to spacious suites, you’ll find a variety of options that cater to both relaxation and exploration. Dive into the local experiences, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while resting comfortably in one of Barrie's welcoming lodgings.
- Monte Carlo Inn Barrie Suites: The Monte Carlo Inn Barrie Suites offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure, making it an ideal choice for families and business travellers alike. This 3-star hotel, rated 8.0 out of 10, is designed to cater to those seeking an active getaway. With a range of onsite and nearby adventure sports such as waterskiing, skiing, and parasailing, guests can easily indulge in their favourite outdoor activities. The hotel is also family-friendly, providing amenities such as cribs and nearby sledding options, ensuring a pleasant stay for guests with children.
- Super 8 by Wyndham Barrie South: Known for its budget-friendly stays, Super 8 by Wyndham Barrie South combines affordability with a spirited atmosphere. Situated conveniently in Barrie, this hotel is well-suited for adventurers and business travellers. Guests can explore a variety of nearby adventure activities including snowboarding, rafting, and cross-country skiing, perfect for those looking to make the most of their trip. With a focus on value, this property offers a comfortable and simple lodging experience amidst Barrie's natural beauty.
- Travelodge by Wyndham Barrie: The Travelodge by Wyndham Barrie stands out as another economical option for those keen on exploring the great outdoors. This budget-conscious hotel is well-positioned for adventure enthusiasts, offering easy access to activities such as kayaking, sailing, and snowshoeing. The property caters to both leisure and business travellers, providing a practical base for your Barrie escapades. With its straightforward amenities and proximity to recreational opportunities, it's an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy the natural landscape of Ontario.
Where to stay near Barrie
Experience the vibrant charm of Barrie, Ontario, where outdoor adventure meets family-friendly fun. Stroll through downtown Barrie, soaking in the lively atmosphere, or head to South Barrie for recreational activities. Explore the beautiful Barrie area, offering a mix of relaxation and historical intrigue. Whether you're kayaking on Lake Simcoe or enjoying the local parks, Barrie's friendly vibe promises a memorable getaway for every traveller.
- Innisfil: Located a mere 11.3km from Barrie, Innisfil boasts a captivating blend of outdoor experiences and romantic scenery. This city is a haven for those looking to unwind amidst nature, with its picturesque lakes and expansive parks. Visitors flock here predominantly in the warmer months from June to August, indulging in activities such as skiing in winter and golfing in summer. Innisfil's charming resorts provide a perfect retreat for couples and families alike, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway.
- Oro-Medonte: Situated 20.9km from Barrie, Oro-Medonte is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and sports lovers. The city attracts a steady flow of visitors year-round, with peak times in the summer months. Here, you can experience thrilling skiing on well-maintained fields and enjoy the natural beauty of nearby lakes and national parks. Whether you’re seeking a day of adventure or a peaceful escape in an urban park, Oro-Medonte offers varied activities and a chance to immerse yourself in Ontario's stunning landscapes.
- Midhurst: Just 8.0km from Barrie, Midhurst is a quaint village perfect for those seeking a mix of sports and adventure. It draws visitors year-round, particularly from July to September, thanks to its proximity to excellent skiing facilities and its vibrant community atmosphere. The village features beautiful lakes and urban parks, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Additionally, Midhurst is home to a modern college, adding a youthful energy to the village, making it a delightful stop on your Ontario journey.
Things to do in Barrie
Shopping
Barrie offers a delightful shopping experience with local boutiques and larger shops. For unique gifts, check out the Barrie Farmers' Market. If you're up for a drive, head to Georgian Mall for a wider selection of retail stores and dining options.
Recreation
Explore the serene atmosphere at the Living Shore Wellness Centre, where you can indulge in yoga classes and soothing massages. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Ardagh Bluffs offers scenic trails for hiking and biking, perfect for connecting with nature and enjoying fresh air.
Adventure
Explore the scenic trails at the Ardagh Bluffs for hiking and biking, offering stunning views of the landscape. For water adventures, try kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Simcoe, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the water and the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Nightlife
Barrie's nightlife features a mix of lively pubs and intimate lounges. Check out the vibrant atmosphere at The 7th Inning, known for its craft beers, or enjoy live music at The Foxx Lounge. For a more relaxed vibe, The Speak Easy offers a cozy setting with creative cocktails.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Barrie
Barrie, Ontario, provides numerous ways to save during your visit. Enjoy free attractions like Barrie Centennial Park and the Barrie Arboretum at Sunnidale Park. For transport, consider using the bus, which is budget-friendly. The best time to visit is between March to April and December, with Monday being the cheapest day to book accommodation. Use Expedia to find great deals on hotels, and consider package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Look for Eco-certified options for sustainable stays that won't break the bank.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Barrie are March to April and December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Barrie is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Barrie is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and more. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll be shown sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation options that are available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Barrie hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
Find the best attractions in and around Barrie
Barrie, Ontario, is a fantastic destination for sports and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of attractions such as urban parks, a military museum, and a library. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities and cultural experiences, particularly at the scenic Barrie waterfront. Whether you're seeking adventure or a leisurely day out, Barrie has something to suit every traveller's taste.
- Barrie Centennial Park: This urban park offers a vibrant atmosphere with beautiful landscapes, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy walking trails, picnic spots, and recreational facilities while soaking in the scenic views of the waterfront.
- CFB Borden Military Museum: Located 19.3km away from Barrie, this museum showcases the rich military heritage of Canada. Explore various exhibits featuring historical artefacts, vehicles, and aircraft, providing insight into the culture and history of the Canadian Armed Forces.
- Barrie Arboretum at Sunnidale Park: Nestled within Barrie, this arboretum features diverse plant collections and lovely walking paths. It's an inviting space for families to explore nature and enjoy the tranquillity of beautifully landscaped gardens.
Best time to go to Barrie
The best time to visit Barrie can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Barrie falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Barrie falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Barrie
Flying into Barrie, Ontario, is convenient with several major airports nearby. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is located 78.9km away, with nearby hotels like the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites and Sheraton Gateway Hotel, both about 966m from the airport. Hamilton's John C. Munro Airport (YHM) is 138.4km from Barrie, with options like The Barracks Inn, 8.0km away. Kitchener's Region of Waterloo Airport (YKF) is 117.5km distant, featuring hotels such as The Walper Hotel, just 8.0km from the airport. Each airport provides accessible transportation options to ensure a seamless journey to Barrie.