We may be biased... but we think Barrie is one heck of a great place to spend a summer. With great entertainment, delicious food and beautiful scenery, having a good time can feel almost effortless. Here's a few things to add to your bucket list to make the most of your summer!
1. See A Movie Under The Stars
There's something special about snuggling up in the summer breeze to enjoy a movie under a starry sky. This summer there's a couple ways you can do this!
Option 1: Catch a flick or two at The Sunset Triple Drive-In any night of the week! Tuesday is cheap night and Thursday is just $20 for the carload.
Option 2: Pull up a chair at Lawn Chair Luminata every Wednesday from July 3rd-September 4th at Meridian Place. A different movie will be screened every week and the event is absolutely free to attend.
View this post on Instagram
2. Have a Drink On The Hooligan's Rooftop
Drinks and yummy eats with a view! Hooligan's is well known for their unique rooftop patio with one of the best views overlooking downtown Barrie. Get up there and treat yourself to something delicious.
View this post on Instagram
3. Visit A Waterfront Festival
The best way to see our city come alive is to visit one of many festivals that take place along our waterfront. Make sure to mark these two on your calendars:
Craft Beer and BBQ Festival: July 5th-7th
Kempenfest: August 2nd-5th
View this post on Instagram
4. Watch The Sunrise Over Lake Simcoe
Everyone gets the chance to catch some beautiful sunsets throughout the summer but most of us sleep through some incredible sunrises. Set your alarm early one day and head to the lake for a beautiful start to your day!
View this post on Instagram
5. Take A Trip To The Elmvale Zoo
The Elmvale Zoo is just over 20 minutes outside of Barrie and an absolute must on your summer bucket list. The zoo has all kinds of fun animals to visit, as well as daily animal presentations so you can get up close and personal.
Some of the animals you can expect to see include: giraffes, monkeys, zebras, lions, cougars, camels, flamingos, goats and more. Plus, this year the Zoo has two adorable new lion cubs!
View this post on Instagram
6. Go On A Ghost Tour At Discovery Harbour
Get your spook on! Take a lantern-lit walk through historic buildings at Discovery Harbour while your guide tells "stories of misfortune and eerie tales of things unexplained".
Ghost Tours will take place every Wednesday and Sunday from July 3rd-August 28th. Admission is $10 per person.
7. Go For a Spin In A Go-Kart
Got a need for speed? Choose from 1 of 3 nearby tracks to make your Mario Kart dreams a reality:
Shanty Bay Go-Karts-1436 ON-11, Shanty Bay
Innisfil Indy Karting-2006 Gilford Rd, Gilford
Wasaga 500 Go-Karts-152 River Rd W, Wasaga Beach
View this post on Instagram
8. Rent A Paddle Board
Get out on Kempenfelt Bay this year! Happy Paddling offers daily rentals of paddle boards, kayaks and canoes right at the waterfront. Book online ahead of time to guarantee your rental.
View this post on Instagram
9. Shop In The Sun At The Farmer's Market
Any reason to be outside in the summer is a win in our books and that includes The Barrie Farmer's Market! Why waste your time indoors when you can get your shopping done in the sunshine?
The Barrie Farmer's Market takes place at City Hall every Saturday from 8 am to noon and it is full of all sorts of local goodies.
View this post on Instagram
10. Go Berry Picking
Pick-your-own berries at Barrie Hill Farms all summer long! It's a great way to spend a summer afternoon and can be enjoyed by the whole family. The best part is coming home with buckets full of fresh, sweet fruit.
Strawberry Season: July & Mid August-September
Raspberry Season: July-Mid August & Mid September-Mid October
Blueberry Season: Mid July-Mid September
