Barrie, Ontario

Right on the shore of Kempenfelt Bay lies Barrie, a busy city surrounded by beautiful natural parks.

See a new side to Ontario by visiting Barrie on your next trip. And, make sure you find your perfect property on FlipKey to enjoy a vacation you'll never forget.

About Barrie, Ontario

Barrie is a truly historic city - it played a key role in the War of 1812 as a supply depot for the British.

Go to the local museums and find out more about this exciting time in the area's history. And, if you're really up for a historic adventure, follow the path from Memorial Square to Fort Willow – the supply line used during the war.

A typical southern Ontario city, Barrie has a humid continental climate. This means warm, humid summers and cold winters. During the spring and summer months, Barrie does occasionally get a few thunderstorms, so remember to pack a raincoat!

If you're a theater fan, this is the place for you. Barrie has an exciting performing arts scene, so there's always something on. In the summer months, the local groups put on events outside, so try to catch one of those.

What to do in Barrie, Ontario

There are great activities in Barrie all year round. You might have to come twice a year to get the most out of this city!

Out on the water you can try fishing for perch and smallmouth bass, paddle boarding, kayaking or just sailing around the bay. But remember, this is only in the summer – otherwise it could get chilly.

If you fancy something with more of a view, take an aerial tour of Ontario in one of the small planes or even a hot air balloon!

In the winter, you can try skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing. And, don't forget your skates – there are plenty of places for a spot of ice skating.

While you're in Barrie, sample the local produce. The Barrie Olive Oil company offers tours around their land, and the Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery & Tap Room is a great place to end your day.

If you're looking for something a little more artsy, try going to the Canvas and Cabernet bar. Here, you can taste delicious wines and try your hand at painting, too.

Top travel tips for Barrie, Ontario

Barrie hosts festivals all year round: the Barrie Waterfront Festival, Celebrate Barrie, Ecofest, Kempenfest and the Barrie Film Festival, to name just a few. Make sure you check the calendar before you go - you don't want to miss out!

There are plenty of places to eat in Barrie, but remember, tips aren't included. 10 to 15% is plenty—just make sure you have some change to pay it with.

If you're looking for that perfect souvenir, head to Downtown Barrie or South End—that's where you’ll find the best shops. See what you can find among the many specialist boutiques.

Barrie is a great place for a family vacation. It's a city with a small-town vibe—which makes it all the more welcoming. Feel like a local by renting a house in the center of town on FlipKey. Then the rest of your adventure can really start.