Top Tourist attractions in Barrie, Canada

When events are going parking is the hardest not very tourism friendly, downtown is run down and keep an eye on your belongings near dt and alley ways even parking lots water front trail beautiful during the day wouldn't recommend at night

We attended the Winter fest on Saturday and tried to pay for parking at the Centennial lot. Despite our efforts the machine did not work. When we returned the parking official was there so we explained the problem. She was pleasant and hopefully people won't be getting tickets. Come on Barrie...if you want people to come downtown make sure the machines work!!

Such a beautiful sculpture by the water. I went on a weekday night and found it very pleasant to the eye in the night. Nice place to capture wonderful memories as pictured.

Really glad to see Barrie built a very expensive place for people to use and buy drugs.

Little and beautiful downtown!

Few pubs and great restaurants

Lovely waterfront park and the sorrounding area- real treat for those seeking a peaceful escape. Sure, it's not Toronto's skyline, but it's a gem in its own right. We had a blast watching the sunset – no city noise, less crowd, and crisp autumn air. ♥️🍁👌🏻
There's something for everyone – sip coffee on cute benches, admire quirky sculptures, and make new feathered friends (duck families love this place). And don't forget the awesome nearby restaurants.

The only bummer is paid parking, but it's a small price to pay for big fun. If you're after serene sunsets and duck adventures, this is your spot!

Lovely waterfront park and the sorrounding area- real treat for those seeking a peaceful escape. Sure, it's not Toronto's skyline, but it's a gem in its own right. We had a blast watching the sunset – no city noise, less crowd, and crisp autumn air. ♥️🍁👌🏻
There's something for everyone – sip coffee on cute benches, admire quirky sculptures, and make new feathered friends (duck families love this place). And don't forget the awesome nearby restaurants.

The only bummer is paid parking, but it's a small price to pay for big fun. If you're after serene sunsets and duck adventures, this is your spot!

Downtown Barrie is a really nice place where you can sit and enjoy the nature. It’s a very peaceful area and you can also enjoy watching sunrise and sunset

Performed a small ceremony here for a bride and groom before they went on a destination wedding and even during a somewhat rainy day it was a beautiful spot for us to celebrate their joyous occasion!

SPIRIT CATCHER - AN AMAZING SCULPTURE IN THE DOWNTOWN OF BARRIE, ON AND ON THE EDGE OF LAKE SIMCOE.

This was created in 1986 by RON BAIRD

The Courtyard at the MacLaren is such a beautiful place to host your wedding ceremony! The natural lighting coming in paired with the way you can set it up is great! The staff at the Mac is also amazing and provided perfect service at the wedding I officiated for Joyful Receptions this summer!

Great place for a walk and a lot of parking. It’ll be even prettier once the leaves start changing colours!

Great place to enjoy a BJ's as the sun sets or even lit up at night just be wary of random outdoor enthusiasts, wondering crackhead's ,or the pesky popo's who like to camp on the lots while they tug their nightstands to passing joggers!

An absolutely blissful place to be when you want to get away from everyone and everything noise. Here you can be with your thoughts and feel the energy and vibrations from all the exceptional artists.
Then you can enjoy lovely refreshements and healthy food in the Laxy Tulip Cafe located in the same building. I LOVE it there.

Nice place to enjoy evenings. Can be a bit crowded at times. Amazing views of the city and there is a lot of space to run around and play for children. The beach also has public washrooms. Dogs are welcomed.

It was amazing experience. The place and weather was just perfect to enjoy. It is very well managed and safety precautions are great alongwith life guards around. Would surely recommend anyone 6 year and above to not miss this opportunity.

Except pricey parking, $10 per hour, everything is good! Washroom facilities, picnic tables, playground, basketball courts, clean beach!

This was a great activity!! We booked for a birthday celebration, ages ranging from 15-32. They had a blast, as did the rest of the family watching from the beach!! The staff was amazing and very helpful and personable! Looking forward to next season!!

Love this place. I take my kids to feed the squirrels and chipmunks. I enjoy the layout of the place , the walking paths and open spaces as well as all the different plants and trees to see. Very relaxing place and never seems crowded when I’ve been there. There’s a nice big park attached too for the kiddos

We loved it. Kids enjoyed it a lot. Team there are so nice, so professional and really care about safety of every kid. Nice to see a kid bring life jacket but full of sand so the nice girl life guard just take it herself to clean. Price is good for two hours spots. They are working 7 days a week. Monday Tuesday are the most quiet as we tried all days!

Barrie was hosting movie night under the stars! Weather was perfect for it, not too cold and barely any wind.

It was a bit cold and windy the day we went but otherwise the park and washrooms are kept quite clean. They have grill stations available and the playground is huge. Water is also not bad but the parking is just super expensive. Try your best to carpool.
Also note that they do not allow tents anywhere on the beach or park grounds.

Great experience for both adults and kids! The process to buy tickets online and checking in at the location was easy. All the staff were incredibly kind and helpful. In order to get to the actual structure, you have to walk/swim from shore. So, you need to know at least a basic level of swimming to manage playing here. Only downfall is that it was a bit crowded. Larger groups tended to hog the more popular obstacles and lifeguards couldn’t do crowd control effectively. This caused some longer wait times. Also, for families with smaller children, I wouldn’t recommend it as people tended to slip and fall on others. On busier days/times, parking fills up quickly, so it’s good to get there extra early. Also, there is no designated washroom; if you need to change, you need to use the general beach washrooms. Overall, it was a good experience for the summer!

Located in Kempenfelt Bay just North of Dyment's Creek. Originally a 'floating' water fountain about 50 meters off the shore in in the late 1960s, the City of Barrie extended the shoreline and relocated the fountain at the end of a spit. Although fenced in, one may enjoy the spray / mist on a hot day.

Beautiful area and nice shops and food, but a lot of sketchy people and I would not feel safe alone even during the day.

Most stores are closed on Sundays which is unfortunate because that’s usually when I go.

I tried to apply for a job posted on their website, sent an email with resume and cover letter, went in person also and left a resume. I also called their hiring department and left a message and after 3 months no one even returned my phone call. Their employee at the front desk told me the job posting has been there for more than a year. Maybe they should remove it so people don't waste their time applying or showing up in person. If a manager had at least responded to my messages that would've been respectful considering this isn't a regular grocery store or coffee shop.

SO. MUCH. FUN.

I highly recommend this place to ANYONE that wants to have summer fun!! The 2 hour time slot was the perfect amount of time to completely the entire course at least twice.

Be careful when you jump around as the platforms are slippery! Dont bring any valuables as there’s no place to put your belongings other than car keys. Life jackets were provided and lifeguards were at every corner so you can be sure you’ll be safe. Have fun!

Really nice place to visit. Water and beach were clean. Really fun - can easily spend whole day here and at beach!

A must Visit Place in Berrie.

This park has outdoor washrooms which is so great. You can spend an entire day here. There is a beautiful hiking trail in the woods. Large fields to play sports. And my kids absolutely love this play ground.
There are two structures, one of them being great for little ones.

There are even picnic tables which is perfect for hosting parties.

One of my family's favourite parks.

We enjoyed a great day out on the water with the family. Kids aged 6 and 8 had a blast. There were fairly long lines between obstacles, but with the 2 hour time frame for the ticket, that was plenty of time for our group even with the long waits between sections of the course. Ticket purchase and check-in process was easy. Staff were very attentive and friendly. You must use the life jackets they provide. They had the right sizes for our group with lots of jackets available. One recommendation for the business is a locker system for valuables. They will only hold onto car keys, nothing else. Leave your towels and flip flops in a public area on shore. Paid parking was available, but most of Barrie has a paid parking zone throughout the downtown, which made this activity tricky to do on a budget. Free public washrooms were available on the beach with a fairly long line up. I would definitely recommend this activity to anyone with kids, families, or fun date ideas. We can't wait for our next trip!

Beautiful place to go around and take some time for yourself and enjoy nature in front of lake Simcoe.

Lovely staff. Great art programs downtown and will offer art programs at other locations. Very accomodating. The actively support and offer creative opportunities to youth who may not be able to pay for programs. 💚🌞

Didn't see any picnic tables. Had a lawn chair in my trunk. Sat in the shade of one of the tall trees and relaxed. It was nice

This expansive green space inside the city of Barrie is one reason to visit the city (and great spot for locals). It has spaces to play, walk, picnic, and is dog friendly. Well worth a walk about here!

I'm torn on this place... As much as I love the layout and potential, it isn't a safe environment. From drug paraphernalia being left all over, to vomit in the pathways, to fights breaking out, and absolutely no security to be seen ... I only go when there's a specific event and leave asap. I give the facility more stars but I give the safety and comfort factor less.... So it averages to 3 stars.

Small and beautiful beach.
Centennial Beach is a popular recreational area located in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. Situated on the shores of Lake Simcoe, Centennial Beach offers a sandy beach, swimming areas, picnic spots, and beautiful views of the lake. It's a great place to relax, enjoy the sun, and take part in water activities during the summer months. The beach is well-maintained and has facilities such as washrooms and ample parking. Many visitors also appreciate the nearby walking trails and the overall family-friendly atmosphere of Centennial Beach.

It’s a beautiful place to spend time with your friends and family there are open swings for kids to play and public seats, there are also open public grills so you can enjoy your meal hot and crispy. Open basketball court. Public toilets. It is very close to the barrie transit terminal. There are many restaurants near the park so it is so much convenient to relax and have food with a beautiful beach. Overall, it’s one of the best place in barrie where you can spend your spare time in the open and fresh air.

A really nice open area for local events. I seen an outdoor movie there and it was really nice. Preferably there was additional places for seating.

Beach is really gorgeous and has lot of fun activities i. Kids play area. Only drawback is the parking. Good luck finding parking spot on a busy day. Also be prepared to pay $50 for the full day parking (hasn't seen outrageous parking fees on any beach i have been to in GTA)

Carry folding chairs,fruits,magazines at centennial beach.june and july is best option for enjoy.

We were married here in July 2023. The venue is absolutely gorgeous and doesn't need much in terms of decor. We had a blast! I highly recommend a wedding coordinator because the MacLaren is not a full-service wedding venue; you need to be on top of the planning and coordination yourself, and logistically there are a lot of moving parts on the wedding day. We hired Shannon Hirlehey of All Things Love Events and she was excellent. We were totally able to relax and enjoy the day since everything was under control. I highly recommend getting married at the MacLaren!

This work of art is an iconic symbol for the City of Barrie. So many opportunities for great pictures.

Tranquil Oasis with Captivating Fountain Water View

★★★★★

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Barrie, Ontario, Canada and stumbled upon a hidden gem that completely stole my heart—the fountain water view. This picturesque spot nestled in the heart of Barrie offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I couldn't resist sharing my enchanting experience.

From the moment I set my eyes on the breathtaking fountain, I was captivated by its graceful water dance. The rhythmic splashes, shimmering under the golden sunlight, created a mesmerizing symphony that instantly put me at ease. It felt as though time had slowed down, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the
The water gracefully cascades from tier to tier, creating an ethereal display that soothes the soul. Whether you choose to observe it from a nearby bench or get closer to feel the gentle mist on your skin, the fountain's presence is undeniably enchanting.

What truly sets this fountain apart is its surrounding landscape. The view is nothing short of a masterpiece—a harmonious blend of lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and serene water. Sitting there, I felt a deep sense of serenity and connectedness with nature. It was a sanctuary where I could let go of my worries and find inner peace.

The location itself is easily accessible, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful moment of reflection. The tranquility of the fountain water view is further enhanced by the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding area. It's the perfect escape for locals and tourists alike, offering a serene retreat right in the heart of Barrie.

Whether you're seeking a moment of solitude, a romantic rendezvous, or simply a place to admire the beauty of nature, the fountain water view in Barrie is an absolute must-visit. It's a hidden oasis that will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and grateful for the simple joys life has to offer.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing the fountain water view in Barrie, Ontario. Immerse yourself in its captivating beauty, let the tranquility wash over you, and create cherished memories in this serene haven.

This is a decent spot to enjoy the beauty of simcoe lake. Although the fountain was closed as we went in the starting of April, there is nice trail to walk and a playground for kids to enjoy. Unfortunately the sun sets in the opposite direction of the lake, or else it would be the best spot to enjoy your sunset view. I am sure if you can make it early in the morning, you can certainly get an amazing sunrise view. I am an opacarophile, so I always look for spots where I can see sky in its pretty colours.

I visited the Splash ON Water Parks in Barrie and was blown away by the incredible experience they offer. The floating playgrounds are an absolute blast and provide around an hour of entertainment for people of all ages.

The layout of the park is well thought out, with plenty of space for everyone to spread out and enjoy themselves. I also appreciated the variety of activities available, from water slides to trampolines to obstacle courses.

Overall, I highly recommend Splash ON Water Parks to anyone looking for a fun and unique experience in Barrie. It's a fantastic way to beat the summer heat and create unforgettable memories with family and friends. Five stars all around!

I visited Centennial Beach in Barrie and overall, I had a decent experience. The beach itself was a bit small and very crowded, which made it difficult to fully enjoy the water. Additionally, parking was a bit of an issue and it took me some time to find a spot. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the amazing food trucks that were present on the premises. They had a great selection of food and drinks that were both delicious and affordable. Furthermore, the washrooms were clean and well-maintained, which is always a plus. Overall, while the beach may not have been perfect, I still had a good time thanks to the food trucks and clean facilities.

We checked this small studio out on a Saturday morning. The ladies at the front desk were super friendly and helpful. If you live in the area it is well worth the visit. There was a juried art show for grade 12 students of simcoe County. The participants art work was awesome and interesting. Thank you for a fine visit and your welcoming staff.

I have been in this city for 35 years and this city is turning to garbage . Rent is way to high and the politicians are a joke 🤣

Absolutely love this place. It’s a great place to bring the family. The trails are well maintained and clean. Its so beautiful to walk and explore, they’re is also an amazing park and lots of open area for kids to play. The open areas, beautiful flowers, plants and trees make this a must go place in the summer.

Gem of a place in Downtown Barrie. Beautiful views of the lake, great meeting place, and venue for concerts in warmer weather and hosts Winterfest in February.

Very big metal statue of a thunderbird called Spirit Catcher donated in 1986. Created by Artist Ron Baird. Looks rustic. Parking is available right beside the statue but it is not free.

We came in the winter months and the path is not clear so you have to climb over snowbanks if you want to get closer to the plaques to read information about the art installation. It’s a good 5 min break or for a quick drive by as a point of interest if you happen to be in the area.

This is such a great place for a walk along the waterside. There is playground for kids (with pretty good variety). There is ice cream shop, washrooms, even grill places, and many benches. And a bonus, there is many planted pots and flowers in the summer. It is taken care of very well. Despite heavy traffic and big kids playground, this place is always clean

Downtown Barrie has many shops to buy and has quality products to for any occasion. Unlike big box stores you can get loads of help when you need it or browse without help if you choose to.

Adore this park. The kids have a play area. The trails are nice, whether you choose you have short or longer ones or explore the depths of the forest. If you choose to venture inside you'll get a beautiful view of a stream with a bridge and a different feel of the park. The open areas, flower beds and variety of plants makes this park well worth it.

A Nice place to meet new friends who do Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Reggaeton which is a FREE Event by the local Latin Dance Community (Tipping the DJ would be a nice gesture nice but not mandatory) called Salsa Social-Barrie and other types of dancing outdoors - (note: concrete floor) with a roof over your head to protect you from light rain.

Cute, little downtown with many restaurants, bistros, cafes and patios. There are also some shops, branches of some banks, grocery and drug stores and Dollarama. Close to Train GO station and lake front. Meridian Place offers many cultural events.

It's always an amazing place to visit and I usually have the gallery to myself new highlights every few months. This visit they gave free tea and Art exhibition books that are perfect for a coffee table.

Pleasantly surprised - was never tempted to visit but since it was on the way, we stopped! I was pleasantly surprised with how beautiful the city was and the beach! We lucked out with a festival happening which added to the fun

The Spirit Catcher is a huge, beautiful sculpture and the centre of attraction of Barrie waterfront. The sculpture has a mystic feel to it. The waterfront has good place sit, relax and walk too.

Beautiful statue and marina by the waterfront, we are not from Barrie but try to make a stop here everytime we pass through the city. Great views and relaxing breeze

My kids had so much fun that they asked to go again the next day. The first day (July 1) was not as busy, the second day (July 2) the time slots for 1 pm and 3:30 pm were at full capacity and my kids didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the day before when there were less people. I would suggest they reduce their capacity (not sure how many they allow for one time slot) but my kids were not able to access or experience most of the obstacles they were able to the day before when it was less busy. As there are adults and groups of adult friends and teens, they overpower the younger children who may not be as aggressive to move their way in or ask if they can try the next obstacle. Overall they really enjoyed it, but I suggest to reduce the number of patrons by at least 50 per session. By reading below reviews you think management would have made changes to the capacity and listen to each reviewer so that future experiences can be enjoyed by all.

It's a place to watch rainbow. Just next to the beach.

Very special. This place is one of the best waterfront cities where I felt everything is right.. from the atmosphere, the vibe, the coziness, the love, the service and everything beyond. The people were super friendly too…felt like home.
Highly recommend!

There are quite a few different bars and restaurants set up with outdoor patios. The city has closed the street (just on weekends I think). It was nice to take a walk through. If they are going to close the street, the city should allow the restaurants to expand the patios into the street more.

Many restaurants. Very scenic. Near the water and bus station. I e cream shops. Coffee shops. Boardwalk. Barber shops. Bars. Dollarama. Sushi. Government businesses. Some road constructions though😕 Good area to bike. Amazing views of the lake from high hills 🏞

Great place to walk through..
Nice and calm and quiet place has to sit..
Beautiful scenery

Beautiful boardwalk, so in love with it: excellent for family times, biking, long walking (I did 10 km back and forth). With the autumn, you don't even notice that you do the workout : it's so beautiful out there

What a great outdoor venue that is totally accessible to everyone. There is lots of seating on built in benches or bring your own chair. The sound is not bad either. The setting with the water in the background is beautiful.

Awesome place.. quite and calm with natural beauty and decent people

Amazing work and planning has gone into this waterfront and down area...we love the ducks and water pond and stream areas, flowers are amazing.

We enjoyed our walk downtown Barrie one evening late January. The streets clear of snow, shops light up and the aroma of the restaurants invited us to stay for dinner. So we did.

Short walk to everything on Dunlop St. There are banks, local businesses and selection of restaurants readily available. Bars, patios and pubs are also available. Most establishments are wheel chair accessible but some are not.

Such an amazing place. The quality of the exhibits is usually amazing. I enjoy that the curator has a modern, somewhat-conceptual lean. It's a great place for a coffee after you check out the gallery, or just as a break from the downtown area.

The Spirit Catcher- the big sculpture is little on the hill. So view was great! And also a harbor was there. So can see many boats too.
Parking lot fee is $1 a hour.