Barrie is a favourite place for outdoor enthusiasts who live in the area and those just visiting for the exceptional amenities. From beaches to bird watching, we’ve listed 5 of our top activities to get excited about this spring.  

1. Watch The Birds

An area of diverse ecosystems, bird watching is a go-to activity for many residents of Barrie. The Kempenfelt Bay area attracts many diverse species. 

There are plenty of hiking trails and parks that serve as excellent viewing spots. Barrie’s waterfront is also a perfect place for scanning the skies, as the abundance of aquatic life attracts many types of birds. 

You can head out on your own or join a guided group. Nature Barrie is one such organization that offers guided bird watching trips. From bald eagles to loons, there are plenty of birds to spot.

Visit the Nature Barrie site to check out their events

2. Hit The Links

Warm weather means golf courses are opening again. There are around a dozen golf clubs and courses around Barrie. 

• Big Bay Point Golf & Country Club: a private club right on the shore
• National Pines Golf Club: ranked #3 in Golf Digest’s list of best new courses when it opened 
• Tangle Creek: consistently ranked among Ontario’s top golf courses, and has been awarded Barrie’s #1 golf facility for several years

View an extended list of Barrie’s golf courses

3. Hike The Trails

Barrie is known for its exceptional outdoor amenities, and the trails in the area allow you to immerse yourself in the picturesque natural surroundings. Whether you want to hike, bike, or jog, there are dozens of trails throughout Barrie and the surrounding area. 

• Kempenfelt Bay Waterfront Trail is almost 7 km of paved routes that can be accessed from almost any waterfront park in Barrie 
• Ardagh Bluffs covers over 17 km of mostly environmentally protected land and winds through a majestic wooded area
• North Simcoe Rail Trail just 10 minutes outside of Barrie and follows the train tracks while offering breathtaking views of the Minesing Swamp and Mayer’s Marsh 

Get Barrie’s guidebook for local trails here

4. Bring The Family To The Farm

Spring season means new life, and Barrie farms are the perfect setting to see animals, pick produce, and enjoy the warm weather. There are an abundance of farms and farmers’ markets throughout Barrie.

• Barrie Farmers’ Market: established in 1846, this market features some of the area’s best local produce and artisan goods, from fruits, veggies, and eggs, to honey, handmade home goods, jewelry, clothing and more
• Barrie Hill Farms: a second-generation family farm with over 200 acres of fruits and veggies, which you can pick yourself. They also host plenty of events, like Mother’s Day Brunch and Blueberry Pancake Festival
• Chappell Farms: running since 1864, this farm hosts an annual Spring Festival which features a candy hunt, animals, maze, wagon ride, and more

5. Hit The Beach

This one may have to wait until late spring, but it’s still something to get excited about! Barrie is home to several kilometres of pristine shoreline. 

• Centennial Beach has a playground, volleyball and basketball courts, and is close to nearby cafes and restaurants
• Johnson’s Beach is a quiet spot close to hiking trails
• Minet’s Point Beach has boat access for non-motorized vehicles, as well as picnic tables and a playground

Get excited about spring in Barrie! There’s so much to explore for the entire family to enjoy. Whether you live in the area or you’re vacationing here, there are endless opportunities to enjoy in the region.