10 Best Things to Do in Barrie, Ontario This Summer

Summer in Barrie brings warm weather, long days, and a waterfront that transforms into the region's playground. This guide covers ten standout experiences — from sandy beaches and craft breweries to farmers' markets and conservation areas — that make the most of the season. Whether you're a local looking to rediscover your city or planning a weekend escape from Toronto, here's what belongs on your itinerary.

What's the Best Beach in Barrie for Families?

Centennial Beach is the go-to spot for families seeking a classic summer beach day. Located along Lakeshore Drive, this sandy stretch faces Kempenfelt Bay and offers shallow entry points that work well for young swimmers. The beach is supervised by lifeguards from late June through Labour Day, typically from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

Facilities include washrooms, changerooms, and a concession stand serving ice cream and cold drinks. Parking can fill quickly on hot weekends — arriving before 10 a.m. saves the headache. That said, the beach connects to the wider Waterfront Trail, so you can walk east toward the Rotary Splash Pad and beach volleyball courts if the main area gets crowded.

Here's the thing about Centennial: it's not just sand and water. The adjacent Barrie Waterfront area features paved paths for strollers and bikes, plus plenty of shaded benches. Pack a picnic or grab fish and chips from one of the nearby restaurants on Dunlop Street East — it's a five-minute walk.

Where Can You Rent Kayaks and Paddleboards in Barrie?

Barrie Paddleboarding operates a rental dock at the south shore of Kempenfelt Bay, near Heritage Park. Single kayaks rent for approximately $30-40 per hour, while stand-up paddleboards run $25-35 per hour. They also offer guided sunset tours — worth booking a week ahead during peak season.

The bay itself is surprisingly paddler-friendly. Morning conditions are usually calm, with winds picking up after 2 p.m. most days. The shoreline stretches roughly 6 kilometres from Minet's Point to the south end, giving plenty of room to explore without venturing into open water. You'll pass sailboats from the Barrie Yacht Club, historic boathouses, and the occasional great blue heron fishing near the reeds.

Worth noting: no paddling experience is required for rentals. Staff provide a quick on-dock tutorial, and life jackets are mandatory (and included). Bring a waterproof phone case — the views of the city skyline from the water make for solid photos.

What Farmers' Markets Should You Visit Near Barrie?

The Allandale Station Farmers' Market runs Saturday mornings from May through October at the historic train station on Barrie's south end. It's the largest market in the region, hosting 50+ vendors selling everything from Niagara peaches to locally raised lamb. The market opens at 8 a.m.; serious shoppers arrive early for the best produce selection.

Vendors rotate, but regulars include K&T Farms (honey and preserves), Marvellous Edibles (organic vegetables), and Barrie's Bakery (sourdough loaves). There's usually live music near the picnic tables — grab a breakfast sandwich from one of the food trucks and make a morning of it.

The catch? Parking is limited to street spots and a small lot. The market is also entirely outdoors, so check the forecast. A secondary option is the Friday Harbour Farmers' Market on Innisfil's Friday Harbour Resort — smaller, but with lake views and a more upscale vibe.

Market Comparison: Where to Shop

Which Craft Breweries Are Worth a Visit in Barrie?

Barrie's craft beer scene punches above its weight. Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery is the most recognizable name — their Smashbomb Atomic IPA is distributed province-wide, but the original brewery on Dunlop Street East remains worth visiting. The taproom serves experimental small batches you won't find at the LCBO, and the rooftop patio fills fast on summer evenings.

Just south of the downtown core, Redline Brewhouse operates out of a converted industrial space on Tory Boulevard. Their Core Blonde Ale and Hill 172 IPA are reliable standbys, and the food menu (smoked wings, brisket sandwiches) pairs well with the beer garden atmosphere. Redline also runs a bottle shop with growler fills — handy for taking something home.

That said, don't overlook the smaller players. Figshare Brewing Company (limited hours, check Instagram before visiting) and Hooligan Brewing near the waterfront both offer distinct vibes. Figshare focuses on Belgian-style and farmhouse ales, while Hooligan leans into hazy IPAs and fruited sours. Most breweries run food trucks on weekends or allow outside food.

Is the Barrie Waterfront Festival Worth Attending?

Yes — the Barrie Waterfront Festival (formerly Kempenfelt Arts & Crafts Show) typically runs over the Canada Day long weekend and draws thousands to Centennial Park. The 2025 dates are June 28-30, though you should verify closer to the date. Admission is free.

The festival combines three main elements: an artisan marketplace with 100+ vendors, live music on multiple stages, and a waterfront carnival with rides and games. The craft section leans toward handmade jewelry, woodworking, and textiles — quality varies, but there's usually something worth browsing. Food options range from BeaverTails to wood-fired pizza and barbecue.

Practical advice: arrive by 11 a.m. to beat the crowds, or visit Sunday evening when families start heading home. Parking at the Barrie City Hall lot (70 Collier Street) is your best bet — it's a 10-minute walk but typically has space even during peak hours.

What Hiking Trails Are Near Downtown Barrie?

The Sunnidale Park and Arboretum offers 80 acres of trails, gardens, and open space just minutes from the city centre. The main loop runs roughly 3 kilometres through mixed forest and past the Sunnidale Park Conservation Area. It's flat, well-marked, and suitable for strollers or casual walkers.

The arboretum portion contains over 300 labelled tree species — not exactly thrilling for kids, but interesting for anyone who likes identifying birch from beech. The off-leash dog area is enormous and well-fenced, making it a social hub for Barrie's canine population. Bring mosquito repellent in July; the shaded areas can get buggy after rain.

For something more rugged, head to the Tiffin Centre for Conservation in nearby Utopia (about 15 minutes north on Highway 400, then County Road 90). The property covers 300+ acres with 17 kilometres of trails through wetlands, forests, and open meadows. The Pine Plantation Trail (2.5 km loop) offers the best workout with some gentle elevation changes. Admission is $5 per vehicle or free with a Simcoe County annual pass.

Does Barrie Have Good Art Galleries?

The MacLaren Art Centre on Mulcaster Street is the city's flagship visual arts venue. The permanent collection focuses on contemporary Canadian work, with particular strength in paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated.

The MacLaren runs rotating exhibitions throughout summer 2025 — check their website for current shows. The building itself is worth seeing: a modern glass-and-stone addition grafted onto a 1917 Carnegie library. The courtyard sculpture garden provides a quiet spot to sit, and the gift shop stocks prints and pottery by Ontario artists.

Here's the thing: the MacLaren isn't huge. You can see the main galleries in 45 minutes, which makes it ideal for a rainy afternoon or a break from the heat. They also run art classes for kids and adults if you're staying in town for a week or more.

Where Should You Eat After a Day on the Water?

Barrie's dining scene has improved significantly over the past decade. For post-beach casual meals, The Farmhouse on Dunlop Street East serves burgers and sandwiches made with local ingredients — the "Farmer's Daughter" grilled cheese (aged cheddar, caramelized onions, grainy mustard) hits the spot after swimming. They've got a small patio and a solid rotating tap list.

Seafood options include Shoreline Seafood near the waterfront, which does fish and chips that won't change your life but satisfy the craving. For something more upscale, Michel's Restaurant on Bell Farm Road has been a Barrie institution since 1983 — expect French-influenced Ontario cuisine, white tablecloths, and prices to match. Reservations recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings.

Ice cream is non-negotiable after a hot day. The Screamery on Dunlop Street makes small-batch flavours on site — the salted caramel and cotton candy rotate through the summer menu. Kawartha Dairy (multiple locations, including a scoop shop on Bayfield Street) offers classic Ontario ice cream with reliably creamy texture. A single scoop runs $4-5; waffle cones cost extra.

Are There Any Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss?

The Simcoe County Museum sits on Highway 26 near Minesing, about 15 minutes west of Barrie. It's not hidden exactly, but it gets overlooked in favour of waterfront activities. The museum grounds include a 1920s schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, and a massive collection of agricultural equipment. Inside, exhibits cover Indigenous history, pioneer settlement, and military artifacts from the local area.

More genuinely under-the-radar: the Minet's Point Park at the north end of Kempenfelt Bay. Smaller than Centennial Beach, with fewer facilities, but also fewer crowds. The water is deeper here — better for serious swimming, worse for small children. There's a small parking lot off Minet's Point Road; when it's full, street parking is available on nearby residential roads.

The catch with Minet's Point? No lifeguards and limited shade. Bring an umbrella and keep an eye on swimming conditions — the bay can develop sudden drop-offs and the odd strong current after storms.

What's the Best Way to Get Around Barrie Without a Car?

Barrie Transit runs bus routes throughout the city, with most converging at the downtown terminal on Maple Avenue. A single ride costs $3.25 (exact change required if paying cash), or $2.90 with a PRESTO card. Day passes are $8 and cover unlimited rides — worth it if you're making more than two trips.

The waterfront area itself is walkable. From the GO Station at Allandale to Centennial Beach is roughly 3 kilometres along the paved Waterfront Trail — flat, scenic, and stroller-friendly. Bike Share Barrie operates docking stations near the library, City Hall, and the waterfront. Rentals cost $5 for 30 minutes, or $15 for a 24-hour pass. The bikes are heavy but functional; they're best for short hops rather than serious cycling.

Uber and Lyft both operate in Barrie, though wait times can stretch to 15-20 minutes during peak summer weekends. Traditional taxis (Barrie Taxi, 705-726-4242) are sometimes faster for airport runs or late-night pickups.

Whatever your transportation method, summer in Barrie rewards those who get outside early. The mornings are calm, the light is better for photos, and you'll have the best spots — the beach, the market, the brewery patios — largely to yourself before the afternoon crowds arrive. Plan accordingly.