Take a Hike!
Seriously, we're not telling you were to go. Take in Barrie's beautiful waterfront on the Kempenfelt Bay Waterfront Trail! While you're at it, try to catch a glimpse of Kempenfelt Kelly, Barrie's own sea monster! Better yet, get a video! The Ardaugh Bluffs is another option with 17 kms of trails waiting to be explored! No sea monster here though :(
Catch an Outdoor Movie
Join the Lawnchair Luminata and experience a movie by the waterfront on the big screen! Family friendly (and free) movies play throughout the summer, check the website for the schedule. Just don't forget the popcorn. Or the ju-jubes. Or the chocolate covered raisins. Or the soda. Or the Mike & Ikes. Or the nachos. Just bring it all, mmmk!?
Check out a Festival
Chances are, if you're in Barrie and looking for things to do, there's a festival happening! Barrie is home to a number of summer festivals including: The Barrie Waterfront Festival, Barrie Jazz & Blues Festival, Promenade Days, Craft Beer & BBQ Festival, Kempenfest & more! Nearby Burl's Creek hosts summer festivals and concerts too!
Hit the park or take a dip!
With over 300 hectares of park space, Barrie offers a lot of nature to explore! Parks near the bay / downtown include Heritage Park, Centennial and the Allandale Station park, while the Barrie Arboretum (lot's of trees) in Sunnidale Park is a short drive. Here's the complete list! Kempenfelt bay is home to a couple pretty nice beaches too! If you feel like getting your tan on, Johnson's Beach & Centennial are waiting!
Check Out Some Classic Cars
Every Wednesday evening, members of the Barrie Thunder Classic car club meet at Heritage Park, downtown Barrie to show their collection. Admission is completely free, and they encourage people to take in the sights and ask them about their old school rides! Not interested in classic cars? They have FOOD VENDORS too!!!!!
Enjoy a Free Self-Guided Walking Tour!
Ok, shameless plug here, but Tripvia Tours offers a free walking tour of downtown Barrie! Just download the app, load the tour and go! Each point of interest is fully narrated and includes a fun trivia question. Learn all about Kempenfelt Kelly, the 9 mile portage, historical people & buildings, steamboating on Lake Simcoe and lot's more!