GO Transit has service to Barrie all year long!
Get Cozy in Barrie This Winter!
Published: Nov 28, 2024
Winter is the perfect time to explore Barrie, a charming city that transforms into a winter wonderland with activities and attractions for everyone. From sparkling holiday lights to thrilling outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun family outing, Barrie is the place to be. Let's guide you through a delightful winter day in Barrie, no matter what you, your friends, or family might be into!
Why It's Great to Visit Barrie in Winter
Barrie is a winter haven, offering a multitude of attractions that cater to all interests. Whether you’re captivated by the magic of holiday lights or inspired by the fresh December air by the bay, Barrie's charm is undeniable. Experience the city's festive side with events like the Friday Harbour Holiday Market or join in the city's New Year’s Eve celebrations for a night to remember.
With convenient fare options such as the One-Day Weekend Pass, and kids 12 and under riding free, Barrie is the perfect destination for your next adventure. Hop on a GO Train and experience all the cozy, wintery charm this beautiful city has to offer!
We’ve listed two itineraries crafted to get the best out of Barrie. You can either take it slow and easy, or you can choose a dynamic adventure. Either way, you are going to have a great time! Choose one (or more!) of the itineraries below, and let’s explore!
Enjoy the views of the waterfront near Allandale GO Station
Barrie Waterfront
Morning
Start your day with a refreshing stroll along the Barrie Waterfront Trail, steps from Allandale Waterfront GO station. This scenic path offers stunning views of Kempenfelt Bay and is perfect for a peaceful morning walk. Hold hands with your loved one or simply enjoy the tranquility the bay provides. You can also visit the Barrie Farmer’s Market open every Saturday, from 9am to 1pm. Here, you’ll find seasonal offerings from the garden, a variety of meats and fresh fish.
Lunch
After you've worked up an appetite, head over to The Farmhouse or the Lazy Tulip Café for a delicious lunch. Both spots offer warm, inviting atmospheres and mouthwatering menus. Once refueled, immerse yourself in Barrie’s vibrant arts scene. Check out Paint Bar for a creative session or explore captivating exhibits at MacLaren Art Centre.
Evening
End your day with a sumptuous dinner at North Restaurant, where fine dining meets cozy comfort. After dinner, soak in the holiday spirit with a visit to Centennial Park or Circle at the Centre, where dazzling festive lights will fill you with cheer and wonder.
Check out Friday Harbour near Barrie South GO
Friday Harbour Holiday Market (Open until December 29)
Friday Harbour is the perfect place for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities, but also to unwind and appreciate the comforts of the winter season. The picturesque surroundings create an enchanting backdrop for any outdoor activity, inviting you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the season.
Travel to Barrie South GO station and then take Innisfil Transit to get to Friday Harbour. Innisfil Transit has partnered with Uber to provide transit connections within the Barrie area and to GO Transit. Just download the app and choose “Barrie South GO Station" as your pickup point and “Friday Harbour Resort” as the destination. Depending on when you arrive, here are our picks to help plan your day.
Morning
Bundle up and breathe in the crisp air as you explore the Nature Preserve at Friday Harbour. This serene area offers an escape into nature's beauty and a chance to enjoy some quiet reflection, a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch at Dirty Oar Public House. Make sure to try one of their famous Fish and Chips, featuring beer battered Halibut and freshly made slaw, before embarking on an exciting (and cold!) afternoon.
Rent fat bikes or snowshoes from Friday Harbour Resort and hit the trails for some high-octane winter fun. Once you’ve had your fill of the great outdoors, treat yourself to a warm drink at Zaza Espresso Bar, known for their Italian coffee and gelato.
Evening
Celebrate the day’s adventures with a relaxing dinner at Lake Club Restaurant. Nestled by the water, the restaurant offers a serene ambiance with panoramic views of Friday Harbour that perfectly complement the day's explorations. As you settle into the cozy, elegantly decorated dining area, prepare to savour a menu that showcases the finest local ingredients.
Elevated Everyday Dining at Lake Club Restaurant
Your one stop for special holiday events
Want to add some flare to your trip to Barrie? Why not get into the holiday spirit by attending a variety of local events, delivered by GO Transit!
Five Points Theatre – Features theatrical productions and live concerts.
Barrie Rotary Festival of Trees – You can’t miss the amazing light displays set up throughout Centennial Park. Starting November 18, these captivating holiday installations will be on display to the public, thanks to the efforts of the Rotary Club of Barrie.
Festival of Trees
Barrie Downtown Countdown – Ring in the New Year with the Downtown Countdown featuring family activities, skating and two fireworks shows plus live entertainment for all ages.
Friday Harbour Holiday Market – Visit with the family and enjoy themed décor, local vendors, caroling, photos with Santa and more. This European-style market will be open from Nov 22 – Dec 29, 2024, Friday to Sundays. It will also be open on December 23rd and December 24th
Maclaren Art Centre – Petrykivka – Get creative for the holidays by designing and decorating wooden bell ornaments! Children will love this workshop where they get to learn Ukrainian decorative painting technique using acrylic paint on a wooden bell to create “Petrykivka”. The workshop is one day only, on December 21, so buy your tickets early!
Hot Cocoa Trail – This exciting and tasty way to stay warm this winter will be taking place in February 2025.
Winterfest - Winter is in full swing so embrace the frosty season by diving in to Barrie's Winterfest. From enchanting snow sculptures to adrenaline-pumping tube slides and mouth-watering treats to mesmerizing kite displays, Winterfest is a celebration that captures the essence of winter in all its glory.
Meridian Place in downtown Barrie
Getting to Barrie is easy with GO Transit
Forget the drive and enjoy unparalleled ease and comfort as GO Transit runs you north of the city 7 days a week to Barrie. Travel is even more affordable with the $10 One-Day Weekend Pass for unlimited travel on a weekend day. Going as a group? Choose the Weekday Group Pass starting at $30. Families get a break too because kids 12 and under ride free!
Getting around Barrie and Area
Alright, we’re here – now what?
From Allandale Waterfront GO Station, you can access many points of interest within walking distance. Or, you can take the train to Barrie South GO Station and then transfer with Innisfil Transit to Friday Harbour, for an array of fun activities a little off the beaten path. Either way, with regular service to both destinations, it’s never been more important to plan your trip to Barrie this winter!
Most importantly, reflect on your experience in Barrie before hopping back on the Barrie Line for a cozy ride home, delivering you right in the centre of the city in 2 and a half hours.
With so many possibilities at your fingers, a trip to Barrie and Friday Harbour will feel like it was made exclusively for you and your family.
Visit the City of Barrie with GO Transit!
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Learn MoreLand Acknowledgement
Metrolinx acknowledges that we connect communities by building and operating transit within the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat peoples, for whom these lands continue to have great importance.
Treaties between First Nations and governments cover these lands, and the promises contained in these Treaties remain relevant to this day.
Metrolinx and its employees are committed to understanding the history of these lands and the continued impacts of colonization and take responsibility for actions to advance reconciliation.
Metrolinx will continue to seek the knowledge, expertise and experience of Indigenous partners and commits to doing business in a manner that is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and collaboration.