Waterfront Features
At the heart of the city, Barrie’s waterfront is a major attraction for residents and tourists. Spanning more than 5km, the waterfront is yours to experience!
The features outlined below are situated within the public space from Johnson’s Beach to Tyndale Park, between Kempenfelt Bay and the roadway.
Heritage
The Discovering the Waterfront Self-Guided Tour is one of seven Heritage Barrie walking tours. It follows Lakeshore Drive between Memorial Square and the Southshore Community Centre (approx walking time: 83 minutes). Historic locations along the waterfront are indicated by six interpretive plaques that share insight into Barrie's history, and the Waterfront Heritage Trail includes 11 interpretive stations, each with a different historical theme, that tell the story of Barrie’s past with a journey from the last ice age to the present.
Art
The Spirit Catcher is part of the MacLaren Art Centre’s permanent collection and has been a focal point at the waterfront since 1987. The Sea Serpent serves as the companion piece to the Spirit Catcher, and is the first large donation accepted into the City’s collection by the Public Art Committee.
Facilities
City facilities along the waterfront include the Bayfield Basin Transient Marina and Marina facilities, the Southshore Community Centre, and washrooms in some beaches and parks (outlined below).
Beaches
Five beaches are located around the bay: Centennial, Johnson’s, Minet’s Point, Tyndale, and Wilkins. Each summer, lifeguards are on duty and a PFD Loan Service is available on Centennial & Johnson’s beaches.
Parks
| Allandale Station Park |
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Along Lakeshore Dr. between the Allandale GO StationSouthshore Community Centre
Allandale Station Park is a picturesque waterfront setting featuring biking & walking paths, and nearby parking.
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| Centennial Park & Beach |
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Lakeshore Dr. between Bayfield & Tiffin Streets
Centennial Park and Beach is the most popular destination along Barrie's waterfront and features the Rotary Club's fountain landmark, accessible playground equipment, biking & walking paths, picnic tables, washrooms, concession stand, flower gardens, beach volleyball courts, boat launch, and parking.
Washroom hours: daily 7am–11pm May 1–Oct. 31.
From Nov 1–May 1 the family washrooms on the west side of the building will remain open 7 days a week from 8am–5pm.
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| Heritage Park |
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Lakeshore Dr. between Bayfield & Mulcaster Streets
Heritage Park features a gazebo, water feature, walkway/paths, changerooms & washrooms, duck pond, gardens, transient boat docking, and parking.
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| Gables Park |
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Northeast of Bay Lane on Tollendal Mill Rd
Gables Park features wooden trails and picnic shelter.
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| Johnson’s Beach & Park |
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2 Johnson St.
Johnson’s Beach and Park is close to the North Shore Trail and features washrooms, change rooms and parking.
Washroom hours: daily 7am–11pm May through Thanksgiving weekend only.
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| Kempenfelt Park |
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South side of Kempenfelt Dr. between Duckworth St. & St. Vincent Square
Kempenfelt Park has a picturesque waterfront setting close to the North Shore Trail, and features playground equipment.
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| Military Heritage Park |
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South shore of Kempenfelt Bay beside the Southshore Community Centre
Honouring our military, the Military Heritage Park symbolically references Canada and the City of Barrie’s military history, and relationship with CFB Borden, by including landforms distinct to each era of overseas and national military commitment.
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| Minet’s Point Park & Beach |
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6 Brennan Ave.
Minet’s Point Park and Beach is a short walk from biking and walking paths and features playground equipment, picnic shelter, parking and washrooms.
Washroom hours: daily 7am–11pm May through Thanksgiving weekend only.
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| Pioneer Park |
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West side at the end of Cox Mill Rd.
One of Barrie’s smallest parks, Pioneer Park features picturesque views of Kempenfelt Bay.
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| Sam Cancilla Park |
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South side of Dunlop St. E between Mulcaster St. & Poyntz St.
Sam Cancilla Park has picturesque waterfront views, is close to the North Shore Trail, and features playground equipment and a picnic shelter.
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| South Shore Park |
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North of Lakeshore Dr. between Tiffin St. & the Southshore Community Centre
South Shore Park is along the biking and walking paths and features Rotary Fish Habitat Islands, picnic shelter, washrooms and nearby parking.
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| Tollendale Woods Park |
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40 Royal Oak Dr
With roadside parking beside the park, Tollendale Woods Park features playground equipment, picnic area and bench seating.
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| Tyndale Park & Beach |
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On the lake side of Tyndale Rd, east of Cox Mill Rd & north of Tollendal Mill Rd
Tyndale Park and Beach features playground equipment, washrooms and change rooms, picnic shelter, beach volleyball courts and parking.
Washroom hours: daily 7am–11pm May through Thanksgiving weekend only.
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| Features listed are seasonal. Please review the Park Regulations. |
Food & Beverage
Kenzington Burger Bar and Scoops & Cones offer seasonal service at waterfront locations: in Centennial Park and near the marina, respectively. The City periodically offers bidding opportunities for vendors to offer goods or services along the waterfront, and is committed to securing products and services that provide significant value to stakeholders.
Recreation Amenities
For Onshore Activities
| Beach Volleyball |
Courts located at Centennial Park & Tyndale Beach |
| Skating & Hockey |
The Centennial Park Community Ice Rink is seasonally open for pleasure skating and hockey. |
| Basketball |
The Centennial Park rink doubles as a twin basketball court in the warmer months. |
| Fitness |
Outdoor fitness equipment is located at 6 areas around the bay (between Heritage Park and the Southshore Community Centre), offering visitors of all ages and abilities the opportunity to get active while enjoying the views. Fitness areas generously sponsored by CSR, Napoleon, Downtown Barrie, NetGain, Barrie Press, DriveWise, Skipwith, DV Systems, PyroPhobic Systems Ltd., TNR Doors, Busch Systems, and BDO. |
| Walking / Cycling |
The Waterfront Trail spans approximately 6.7km around the lake, offering beautiful views and opportunities to walk, run, rollerblade, cycle, and more! |
For Offshore Activities
| Boating & Sailing |
The Marina and Tiffin Boat Launch are available for boat owners. Chances ‘R’ Sailing Excursions operating out of the Bayfield Basin, offers tours of beautiful Kempenfelt Bay. |
| Canoeing & Kayaking |
Happy Paddling Canoe & Kayak Rentals operates out of Centennial Beach. |
| Inflatable Water Park |
SPLASH ON, a 13,000 square foot inflatable waterpark off Centennial Beach. |
| Paddleboarding |
Northern SUP operating out of Centennial Beach and Heritage Park, offers standup paddleboard lessons and rentals. |
| The City offers bidding opportunities for vendors to offer their goods or services along the waterfront. Barrie is committed to securing the best products and services that provide significant value. The successful vendors listed above will help you explore offshore. |
Trails & Pathways
Trails and pathways surround Barrie waterfront, connecting all of the amazing features on this page. These trails offer beautiful views and opportunities to walk, run, rollerblade, cycle and more. The Waterfront Trail is Barrie's most popular pathway, running approximately 6.7km around the lake. It connects to the North Shore Trail and also becomes part of the Trans Canada Trail.
