Enjoy a True Canadian Summer in the Barrie Region

Looking for a summer getaway that allows you to embrace the beauty of the Canadian north without driving? Barrie, Ontario, is the perfect destination, and with GO Transit, getting there is as easy as putting maple syrup on your pancakes.

With reliable train schedules and convenient bus connections to surrounding regions, you can sit back, relax, and let the scenery unfold as you travel north of the city. Barrie offers an authentic taste of Canadian culture, from its picturesque waterfront to its vibrant festival scene. This summer, discover the charm of Barrie and explore its hidden gems, all while enjoying the convenience of public transit.

Take GO Transit to Barrie

Skip the stress with a relaxing ride into downtown Barrie with GO Transit. Instead, your day can begin with free music, eBooks, videos, and more on the GO Wi-Fi Plus entertainment portal as you glide through Aurora and King City before arriving at Barrie South GO or Allandale Waterfront GO. Kids 12 and under always ride free on GO Transit. You can also sign up for Kids on the GO to get news and insider ideas to make each trip an exciting family adventure, and you'll never miss out on the latest PRESTO Perks discounts for the whole family.

Relax your wallet while you ride with a One-Day Weekend Pass for just $10 on a Saturday or Sunday (or statutory holiday) journey or Weekday Group Passes starting at just $30 if you plan a midweek day trip with friends or family. 

Things to do all Summer in Barrie

Fun on Barrie's Beautiful Waterfront

Experience summer in Barrie by exploring the beautiful Waterfront Trail. This scenic pathway stretches 6.7 km around Kempenfelt Bay and then heads north into Orillia along the Oro Rail Trail,  and offers stunning views of Lake Simcoe. It is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride and can be tailored to fit your schedule.

The best part? The trail is conveniently located just across the Street from Allandale Waterfront GO Station, making it a breeze to hop off the train and start your adventure. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit! After your stroll, head to the Splash ON Waterpark, where kids can enjoy a fun day in the sun.

Travelling without kids? Centennial Park & Beach, a short walk from downtown on the Waterfront Trail, is the perfect escape for people of all ages looking to unwind and soak up the sun. With its soft sandy shores, volleyball, and gentle waves, you can relax with a good book or enjoy a refreshing swim in Lake Simcoe. The beach features picnic areas where you can savour a meal with friends or family, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views. Pack your sunscreen and beach towel for a relaxing day by the water!

With both attractions so close, you can easily create a memorable day of exploration and excitement by the waterfront.

Barrie Farmers' Market

Visiting the Barrie Farmers' Market is essential for anyone looking to experience the region's local flavour. Held every Saturday, year-round from 9am – 1pm; outdoors from May – October, this bustling market showcases the freshest produce, artisanal goods, and homemade treats from local farmers and vendors. You'll find an abundance of vibrant, seasonal vegetables sourced directly from farms north of the city, ensuring that every bite is an authentic taste of the Canadian countryside.

Getting to the Farmers Market is a breeze from Allandale Waterfront GO Station. After disembarking from your train, it's just a short walk to the market, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful waterfront views as you go to this community hotspot. Stroll through the market stalls, chat with passionate vendors, and pick up some delicious ingredients for a picnic or to take home. The lively atmosphere and the delightful aromas of fresh produce and baked goods make for a flavourful Saturday in Barrie.

MacLaren Art Centre  

When Barrie's summer weather makes it challenging to decide what to do, the MacLaren Art Centre is the ideal refuge. This vibrant cultural hub showcases a rich collection of artworks by Canadian and Indigenous artists, making it a profoundly patriotic experience.

As you explore the galleries, you'll encounter a captivating blend of traditional and contemporary pieces that reflect the diverse stories of our nation. The MacLaren also hosts exciting exhibitions and events that spotlight local talent, offering a chance to engage with the community's artistic scene.

On those days when the weather isn't cooperating, visit the MacLaren to immerse yourself in art and culture. Afterwards, unwind at the on-site café to discuss your favourite pieces, creating a memorable rainy-day outing while supporting Canadian creativity.

Downtown Barrie

Downtown Barrie is a lively destination with shops, restaurants, and bars showcasing Canadian hospitality. After a day of exploring, it's the perfect place to relax. Dunlop Street is a vibrant hub within downtown Barrie, renowned for its eclectic mix of shopping and dining options. This bustling Street has unique boutiques where you can find everything from artisan crafts to trendy clothing. Local shops display a variety of handmade goods, making it a perfect spot for finding one-of-a-kind gifts.

Regarding dining, Dunlop Street boasts a diverse assortment of eateries. Explore a variety of eateries, from cozy cafés with fresh pastries to family-owned restaurants offering comfort food and international dishes. Don't miss the local bistros featuring seasonal ingredients.

As night falls, downtown comes alive with options for everyone. Enjoy cocktails in upscale lounges or dance at lively venues with local DJs and live music. As you stroll down Dunlop Street, you'll also find inviting patios where you can enjoy your drink al fresco during warmer months, soaking in the lively atmosphere and sense of community.

Special Activities for the Summer

Open Air Dunlop

Dates: June – September (Various dates)

Location: Dunlop Street, Downtown Barrie

Open Air Dunlop is Barrie's bustling outdoor space that transforms downtown into a lively festival ground throughout the summer. Key events include the Canada Day celebration with fireworks, the Barrie Classic Car Show featuring the latest vehicles, and Eats on the Street showcasing local culinary delights.

For those wanting to indulge in an authentic Canadian experience, the Barrie Butter Tart Festival is a highlight. It features a variety of butter tarts from bakers near and far. Visitors can taste classic and creative versions of this iconic dessert while enjoying the fun atmosphere of Open Air Dunlop. Embrace the spirit of community and celebration this summer in Barrie!

Barrie Air Show Weekend Presented by Pratt Homes

Dates: June 6 - 8, 2025

Location: Multiple

A highlight of summer in Barrie is the thrilling Barrie Air Show, happening June 6-8, easily accessible from Allandale Waterfront GO Station—just across the Street! This event features CF-18 Tactical Demonstration, Canadian Armed Forces SkyHawks Parachute Team and Northern Stars Aeroteam, dazzling spectators with incredible formations and synchronized manoeuvres.

Local Canadian acts add to the excitement, celebrating Canada's aviation heritage. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful green space as you watch the sky come alive with spectacular performances. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or looking for a fun family outing, the Barrie Air Show is an event you won't miss!

Pirate Life Theatre

Dates: Multiple

Location: 9 Simcoe St, Barrie, ON L4M 2N2

Embark on an exciting adventure with the Pirate Life Adventure & Boat Cruises, a must-visit attraction in Barrie this summer. This immersive theatrical experience brings thrilling pirate tales to life against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Simcoe, making it perfect for families and theatre lovers alike.

Getting there is easy with GO Transit—just hop on a train to Allandale Waterfront GO Station, and you'll be just a short walk from the ship.

With performances throughout the warm summer months, the Pirate Life Adventure & Boat cruise offers a fantastic way to spend time with loved ones. After the show, stroll along the waterfront or relax at a nearby café, soaking in Barrie's vibrant atmosphere in one perfect day filled with magical memories. 

Kempenfest

Dates: August 1-4, 2025

Location: Barrie Waterfront

Take GO Transit to Barrie for the much-anticipated Kempenfest from August 1-4, 2025! This vibrant festival showcases the region's rich culture and artistry and offers fun activities for all ages. As one of Ontario's Top 100 Festivals and Events, you'll want to beat the crowds for this one with GO Transit.

During the day, you can explore artisan booths featuring unique crafts and delicious local foods along the scenic waterfront. Don't miss the kids' zone for face painting and interactive games.

As evening falls, Kempenfest lights up with live music. Enjoy performances from local bands and a special headliners all weekend long. Grab food from nearby trucks and immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere.

2025 promises unforgettable experiences and an authentic taste of Barrie's community spirit. Gather your loved ones for a celebratory summer weekend that is sure to make memories.

Barrie Dragon Boat Festival

Dates: August 16, 2025

Location: Heritage Park

A highlight of Barrie's summer is the annual Barrie Dragon Boat Festival on August 16, which celebrates the community's diverse cultures. The waterfront comes alive with colourful dragon boats racing across Kempenfelt Bay, creating an exciting atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy cultural performances and live music. The festival offers a unique chance to experience Barrie's unity and community spirit. Don't miss this vibrant celebration of Canada's diversity; be proud!

Carnival Barrie

Dates: August 30-31, 2025

Location: Will Dwyer Park

Join the energetic celebration on August 30-31, where the Latin spirit shines in Ontario! Enter the festival with GO Transit and dive into lively rhythmic music, colourful performances, and delicious Latin food.

Perfect for families, the event features fun activities and entertainment for all ages. Gather your friends, don your summer best, and dance with the joy and diversity of a Latin Fiesta at Carnival Barrie!

Experience Friday Harbour 

Just a short ride from downtown Barrie, Friday Harbour Resort is the ideal spot for a memorable day trip or weekend getaway. Travel to Barrie South GO station and then take Innisfil Transit (provided by Uber) to Friday Harbour.

Stroll along the retail Promenade and enjoy the vibrant village atmosphere, and a variety of shops and dining options overlooking picturesque Lake Simcoe. Every moment at Friday Harbour is filled with adventure and relaxation, making it a perfect summer getaway.

Enjoy canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals on Lake Simcoe, allowing you to explore its serene waters and picturesque shoreline.

For land enthusiasts, bike rentals let you navigate the scenic pathways throughout the resort community. Plenty of trails cater to all skill levels, making it accessible for everyone. Additionally, the Nature Preserve invites exploration with its lush landscapes and diverse wildlife. Embark on the walking trails to experience the local flora and fauna up close.

Friday Harbour is excited to welcome golf enthusiasts back to the Nest Golf Club for the official start of the 2025 season on Saturday, May 3. For details on spring rates, you can find them here. The Nest is open daily for visitor play.

After a day of exploration, it’s time to unwind at the perfect lakeside getaway at Lake Simcoe Stays at Friday Harbour. With exclusive spring package offerings on accommodation, dining, bike rentals and more, relax in a suite designed for ultimate comfort.

Lake Simcoe Stays has everything you need to create lasting memories and is a great option close to home. Plan your spring ‘staycation’ at Friday Harbour today!

Extending your stay to include Friday Harbour provides a fantastic opportunity to experience more of what the Barrie region offers. Enjoy a seamless blend of adventure and relaxation, making your summer trip unforgettable! You can find more details on how to plan your visit here.

Get onboard!   

There's so much to discover in Barrie! With reliable service on the Barrie line and bus connections throughout Southern Ontario, exploring Ontario's vibrant and rugged part has never been easier. This summer, you can experience all that Barrie has to offer while supporting Canadian tourism, ‘cause its better up north. So, do you think you can do it all in the summer? GO Transit is here to make it happen!