Summer in Barrie, Ontario – What To Do For a Day’s Visit

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Barrie is a city in Ontario right on Lake Simcoe, about one hour and 40 minutes away from Toronto taking highway 400 N. I stopped by here from my recent road trip to Manitoulin Island and explored the city. This was one of my stops on my long weekend trip so if you want to know more about where I stopped, here are the other places.

It has been a city that’s popular to city folks when they want to escape the urban so like me who’s a city folk, I look forward to driving here to find some peace and relaxation.

Centennial Park

Right along Lake Simcoe, this park is home to many trails, water activities, Centennial Beach, and the iconic symbol of the Barrie the Spirit Catcher. Make sure you snap some photos of this landmark and Lake Simcoe!

The Spirit Catcher is a sculpture built for the Expo 86 which was held in Vancouver. Designed by artist Ron Baird, it was used as a symbol of reconciliation with the First Nations in Canada, Barrie became its home after it was purchased as a donation to the city.

Your friends and families can soak the sun on Centennial Beach and do fun activities on the lake. Note that it gets super busy in the summer as everyone soaks up the sun as much as they could because Canadian Ontario summer is or can be short. Head over here early to claim your spot and spend the rest of day if you want!

Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery

Have been walking around for too long? Or maybe exhausted and hungry from all the fun water stuff like swimming or kayaking? Head over to downtown Barrie and you’ll find this famous local brewery in the city. They have amazing ale and lager choices to quench your beer thirst! They also have extensive menu of pub food to match with your beer. I also really enjoy looking at the artistic prints of their cans and bottles which stretches to the interior of their tap room so definitely worth a visit. Seasonal drinks are available along with the popular usuals like Smashbomb. The brewery is in the heart of downtown Barrie which is on Dunlop St E.

Ardagh Bluffs

This bluffs is away from the crowds inside the housing neighbourhood of Barrie. Three main entrances to the trail and they are (1) on Ardagh Road right across from Ardagh Bluffs Public School, (2) Mapleton Ave beside St. Joan of Arc Catholic, and (3) inside Oakside Ct. It’s a good trail for walking, running, and even biking for all ages to enjoy! I definitely enjoyed walking on this trail. It’s so quiet that I only heard birds chirping, wind blowing on trees, and squirrels on bushes.

Kenzington Burger Bar

Another local restaurant in Barrie with two locations which is one in downtown and the other one is in 511 Bryne Drive. This place is sooo good it’s featured on Food’s Network’s You Gotta Eat Here so good burgers live here and great selection of poutine. You might wanna try those mouthwatering burgers cooked to tender juicy-ness and you can pair it with an amazing side like crispy fries, onion rings, and over the top poutine. Patio on the Byrne location looks nice at night! I recommend the mushroom melt burger and frachos poutine.