Barrie

The city of Barrie is located on the left side of Lake Simcoe and is renowned for its ski resorts and beaches, including Centennial Park, Johnson’s Beach, and Minet’s Point. It is in the traditional territory of the Haudensaunee (Iroquois), Ojibway/Chippewa and Anishnabek. The city is steeped in the history of Canada’s early development. The now-downtown area was originally the start of a nine-mile portage and heritage trail, bringing First Nations peoples from Lake Ontario to Lake Huron. It was later used as a major military route during the War of 1812, allowing British troops to safely pass American forces. In the late 19th century, there was a strong railroad presence within the city. Today, many buildings remain from this era and can be seen hosting specialty boutiques and shops, while maintaining their historic significance. Barrie was also historically known as the “Ice Capital of Canada,” supplying fuel and ice to the booming metropolis of Toronto. The city’s ice-delivering past is commemorated each year during Barrie’s Winterfest, where children play in ice blocks and build ice houses. Keeping with the “ice” theme, Barrie was home to the first-ever women’s hockey game! It is now a popular tourist destination with its year-round attractions, such as ice fishing, segway tours, paddling routes, a zipline and aerial adventure park, ardagh bluffs, and many more popular activities!