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! Check out the Waterfront Features map to help plan your trip.
The features outlined below are situated within the public space from Johnson’s Beach to Tyndale Park, between Kempenfelt Bay and the roadway.
The City works to improve beach water quality and waterfront parks. You can help by not feeding waterfowl.
Connection to Downtown
Connecting the downtown corridor with Barrie's beautiful waterfront, Meridian Place and Memorial Square provide the perfect place to enjoy some of the best vistas Barrie has to offer. Check out upcoming events at Meridian Place.
Wi-Fi Along the Waterfront
The City offers free public Wi-Fi from General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre to Heritage Park, including Meridian Place. No personal information is required to access. Select BarrieOpenWIFI from available Wi-Fi networks.
Parking
A digital waterfront parking permit is required to park for free at specific waterfront areas. You can park without a permit for $10/hour with a daily max of $50 in waterfront parking areas, enforced 24/7/365.
Food & Beverage
The Centennial Beach Concession and Scoops & Cones ice cream hut offer seasonal service at waterfront locations: in Centennial Park and near the marina, respectively.
New in 2024: The City is adding approved vendors to provide high-quality on-site mobile food services in Barrie parks!
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.
Beaches
Four main beaches are regularly maintained by the City and located around the bay: Centennial Beach, Johnson’s Beach, Minet’s Point Beach, and Tyndale Beach. Each summer, lifeguards are on duty and a PFD Loan Service is available on Centennial & Johnson’s beaches.
Recreation Amenities
For Onshore Activities
| Activity | Amenities |
|---|---|
| Beach Volleyball | Courts are located at Will Dwyer Park & Tyndale Beach. |
| Skating & Hockey | The Will Dwyer Park Community Ice Rink is seasonally open for pleasure skating and hockey. |
| Basketball | The Will Dwyer Basketball Court is open during the warmer months. |
| Fitness | Outdoor fitness equipment is located at 6 areas around the bay (between Heritage Park and the General John Hayter 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, DV Systems, Skipwith, 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! |
| E-Bike Rentals | Experience Barrie's beautiful waterfront by renting a Scooty e-Bike. Download the SCOOTY - Let's Go! app from the App Store or Google Play to rent an e-bike and bring your own helmet for safety. Pick up and drop off the e-bikes at Centennial Park. Riders may only ride in the central waterfront area parks & trails, from the start of the Waterfront Heritage Trail at White Oaks Road to the North Shore Trail. Riders must follow Scooty regulations and the regulations outlined in the City's Parks Use By-law, including no riding on the boardwalk. |
For Offshore Activities
| Activity | Amenities |
|---|---|
| Boating & Sailing | The Marina and Tiffin Boat Launch are available for boat owners. |
| Water Play Park | SPLASH ON, a 13,000 square foot inflatable waterpark off Centennial Beach. |
| Wakeboarding | Surf, Wake, Ski offers wakeboarding & wakesurfing rentals, lessons and summer camps. |
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.
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 General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre (approx walking time: 83 minutes). 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 General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre, and washrooms in some beaches and parks.
Trails & Parks
Barrie's 2024 Emerging Artists are performing around downtown Barrie and in waterfront parks this summer. Learn about the Emerging Artist Program and more at barrie.ca/ArtsPrograms.
The Waterfront Trail is Barrie's most popular pathway, running approximately 6.7km around the lake. It is part of the Trans Canada Trail, and connects to the North Shore Trail.
The following parks are situated along Barrie's beautiful waterfront. Please review the Park Regulations.
