So, you’re at a Toronto restaurant, sipping a glass of wine that costs more than your car’s last oil change. Someone asks where you’re from. You say “Barrie.” After a polite pause… “Oh, so, like…is Barrie in the GTA?”
Short answer? Nope. Barrie is not officially part of the Greater Toronto Area. But give us a GO Train upgrade and an extra two lanes on the 400 highway, and we might just get honorary membership.
Geographically speaking, Barrie is its own city, located about 90 km north of Toronto, on Kempenfelt Bay, hugging the western shore of Lake Simcoe. It’s the gateway to cottage country and home to one of the most enviable waterfronts in Ontario due to its many unique nuances.
The Barrie municipality sits in Simcoe County, not York, not Peel, not Durham. Translation: We play in our own league and are proud of our community.
Thinking about buying your next home in Barrie or Simcoe County? Start by booking a complimentary consultation with our local experts.
So… Where is Barrie Located in Ontario?
Right between the Toronto city buzz and Muskoka zen. Drive an hour south and you’re dodging Toronto traffic. Head an hour north and you’re in pine-scented, loon-calling paradise.
Barrie is big enough to have a population of over 160,000 residents (and growing very fast), yet small enough that your barista or local bartender will still remember your name.
Intrigued? Learn more about the incredible Barrie community in the posts below:
- Is Barrie a Good Place to Live With a Young Family?
- Discover Fun Things To Do in Barrie, Ontario
- Why Are People Moving From Toronto to Barrie?
What Is Barrie Known For?
Aside from being the city people drive through on their way to cottage country? Plenty! Here are a few:
- Lake Simcoe Waterfront- Picture-perfect in summer, a frozen playground in winter.
- Kempenfest- One of the largest outdoor arts and crafts festivals in Canada.
- Skiing & Snowboarding- Horseshoe Resort and Snow Valley are just a snowball’s throw away.
- Downtown Charm- Boutique shops, locally owned restaurants, and a waterfront promenade that belongs in a Hallmark movie.
Fun fact: Barrie was officially incorporated as a city in 1954, but its roots date back to the War of 1812, when it served as a supply depot. So, you could say we’ve been well-stocked for centuries and still remains a major hub to the entire county.
Understanding the buying process is the first step to finding the perfect home! The posts below will help you be an informed buyer:
- How to Buy a House in Ontario
- Must-Have Conditions for an Offer on a House Purchase–Part 1
- Must-Have Conditions for an Offer on a House Purchase–Part 2
Fun Things to Do in Barrie (a.k.a. Why You’ll Never Be Bored Here)
Whether you’re a visitor, a soon-to-be resident, or a lifelong local, there’s no shortage of activities in Barrie. Here’s the insider shortlist:
Hit the Waterfront Trail
Walk, bike, or rollerblade along Kempenfelt Bay. Stop for ice cream at the beaches in summer or pull up and lock your bike for a glass of wine and a beer or lunch at one of our many fantastic restaurants right off the Trail.
Catch a live Show at Five Points Theatre
Because small-city theatre like Five Points often packs bigger surprises than Broadway. We saw Beatlemania there and the venue really made it a blast.
Explore Sunnidale Park Arboretum
Perfect for nature lovers, wedding photographers, or anyone who likes pretending they’re in an episode of Anne of Green Gables. Sunnidale Park Arboretum used to be the Barrie Country Club many years ago, so it is still so manicured and an easy walk.
Grab a Pint
Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery offers craft beer with a personality as big as the murals on its walls.
Enjoy 4-Season Fun
Winter? Ski It. Summer? Boat It.
From Horseshoe Resort and Snow Valley in January to kayaking on Lake Simcoe in July, Barrie nails the four-season lifestyle.
Barrie Attractions Worth Bragging About
- Heritage Park & Centennial Beach
- Barrie Farmers’ Market (Saturdays at City Hall)
- Spirit Catcher sculpture (our unofficial mascot)
- MacLaren Art Centre
- Jet ski and boat rentals at the waterfront (yes, you’ll look touristy; yes, it’s worth it)
Free Things to Do in Barrie
- Lounge on the beach at Centennial Park
- Take in the sunset from Minet’s Point
- Skate the outdoor rinks in winter
- Hike the Ardagh Bluffs trails
- Browse art at the MacLaren (admission is free, donations are always welcome)
Are you convinced that you should put down roots in Barrie? You can start by checking out our featured properties.
How Big Is Barrie?
At about 99 square kilometres, Barrie is compact enough to drive across in 20 minutes- unless it’s cottage traffic Friday, in which case you’ll have time to finish an audiobook or you know the city well enough to take the resident known side routes.
Bottom Line?
Barrie might not technically be in the GTA, but it’s close enough to commute (under an hour), far enough to breathe, and filled with enough places to see in Barrie that you could spend a week here and still not check everything off your list.
And if you’re thinking of making Barrie your home? The Weeks Group has been helping families, investors, and dreamers find their perfect spot here for decades. We know every neighbourhood, every hidden-gem coffee shop, and every “this will sell in a day” street.
So come for the fun things to do in Barrie and stay for the lifestyle.
Do you want to learn more about buying or selling a home in Simcoe County? Our Barrie real estate agents are happy to help. Reach out to us today at 705.305.4174 or email hello@weeksgroup.ca.
We’re In Your Corner
Get advice about buying or selling, relocating, or building your dream home from our local market experts.
