Welcome to Barrie
Barrie continues to be one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, and one incredible place to live & work!
Just 90 Km from Downtown Toronto, Barrie’s proximity to the GTA lends itself to easy commuting while offering an active and recreational based lifestyle. Beautiful parkland, a stunning waterfront with a heritage downtown, it achieves a small town feeling but with all the conveniences and amenities of living in a big city.
With a population of over 147,829 (2021), Barrie offers affordable housing, low crime rates, excellent education and health care and a vibrant lifestyle. Barrie’s beautiful beaches, hiking trails, cycling paths, combined with unparalleled all season activities such as boating, skiing, snowmobiling make this an ideal place to visit, but also a desirable place to call home.
Fun Fact: The area was first settled during the War of 1812 as a supply depot for British forces. Barrie was named after Sir Robert Barrie, a British officer of the Royal Navy noted for his service in the War of 1812.
The Details
Boundaries
Barrie is located about 90 km north of Toronto, and in the central portion of southern Ontario.
Accessible via Highway 400, Highway 26 & 11.
Bounded by Springwater to the North-West, Oro-Medonte to the North-East, Innisfil to the South and Essa to the South-West. The downtown area is situated around the western edge of Kempenfelt Bay, a 14.5 km long bay connected to the larger Lake Simcoe.
Located just 23 km to Wasaga beach, 50 km to Collingwood and 133 km to Huntsville, Barrie continues to be an ideal proximity to some of Ontario’s most popular vacation destinations.
Top Reasons You'll LOVE it Around Here
- TRANSIT. Barrie is very accessible with commuter service between Barrie & Toronto. Buses depart hourly Monday to Friday, and every 2 hours on Saturdays & Sundays. GO Trains operate Monday to Friday, AND weekend train service between Barrie and Union Station.
- SETTING. Barrie is located on Kempenfelt Bay, providing space for a number of parks and waterfront amenities. Enjoy an extensive trail overlooking the Bay, as well as the vibrant downtown district with over 600 shops, one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants and businesses.
- THE OUTDOORS & RECREATION. Enjoy everything from hiking, running, cycling, boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, golfing, skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing. There’s access to just about every type of adventure you can think of!
- ENTERTAINMENT AND NIGHTLIFE. An abundance of cultural festivals and events, particularly along the beautiful waterfront. Enjoy the incredible restaurants of Downtown barrie, or venture to various neighbourhoods and discover some fantastic gems.
- BEAUTIFUL BEACHES. Barrie is home to 4 main beaches that are regularly maintained by the City and located around Kempenfelt Bay: Centennial Beach, Johnson’s Beach, Minet’s Point Beach & Tyndale Beach. Looking for more? Explore Friday Harbour or Wasaga Beach close by.
- GROWTH. The City of Barrie and surrounding areas continue to be one of Canada’s fastest growing regions. With that comes a beautiful city that continues to prosper and offer modern conveniences, business and development. Attracting many residential developments happening over the next decade.
Top Things to Know BEFORE Moving Here
- SNOW. The Barrie area gets approximately 100 inches of snow per year. You’ll need to own winter tires, and resolve on staying home when the weather is particularly bad. You’ll also want to make the most of the winter season by participating in multiple outdoor activities. If this does’t sound appealing, Barrie may not be the place for you!
- SMALL TOWN VIBE. Even though Barrie is a growing city, it still retains somewhat of a relaxed, small town vibe. You’ll be leaving a lot of the hustle behind and enjoying a slower pace.
- SHOPPING. Barrie has some great shopping districts, from 3 shopping malls, big box stores and some one-of-a-kind retailers. You can find almost everything, but you won’t have the same size and scope of malls you are used to in the city. Be prepared to venture to Toronto or the GTA for various items.
- DRIVING. You’ll need to get used to Highway driving if you live up here. There is definitely public transit, but some spots are less accessible than others.
- TOURISTS. Like most big cities, summer is prime tourist season. You’ll find many people flocking to Centennial Beach, or passing through on their way to the cottage. The Highway and traffic may be particularly busy during the high seasons.
Places of Interest
From an impressive healthcare facility to a leading community college, regular train service and an abundance of recreational activities, you’ll find everything you need to make Barrie an ideal place to live and work.
Experience
Downtown Barrie
Shop. Dine. Play.
Wrapping around the edge of Kempenfelt Bay, this area is a popular shopping and dining destination with a 6km waterfront trail. Check out the incredible food, drinks and patios along Dunlop Street. The Waterfront is a main attraction for residents and tourists alike. The City even offers free public Wi-Fri from Southshore Centre to Heritage Park. No personal information required.. just select BarrieOpenWIFI from available networks! Centennial Beach offers concessions, a stunning beach and various recreation amenities.
This area features older historic homes, and is also the government hub to places like City Hall, the courthouse and the main branch of the Barrie Public Library.
Popular Neighbourhoods
Allandale
One of Barrie’s oldest neighbourhoods, Allendale was annexed by Barrie in 1896. Historic buildings, and it’s proximity to shopping and nightlife make this area appealing.
A mix of commercial and residential with historic and newer homes. Allandale borders the south shore of Kempenfelt Bay and has park lands, beautiful walking and bike paths.
Mapleview
A high growth area attracting many residential developments planned over the next 10 years. Enjoy natural features with links to schools, neighbourhoods and community. Here you’ll focus on community and natural living as Barrie continues to grow.
Enjoy Park Place and the surrounding shopping, and numerous amenities and recreation.
Bayfield
Quick access to the 400 makes this area convenient. Many homes, parks and recreation make this perfect for families looking for a mix of development, shopping, dining and recreation.
Easy access to neighbouring Simcoe townships with trails, farms and outdoor recreation abound. Here you’ll find malls, sandalone stores and restaurants.
Letitia Heights
Located in northwest Barrie, this is a mixed neighbourhood built in the 1980s. Features a mix of century homes and new housing developments, many shops, parks, community recreation facilities and the woodlands to the west featuring trails.
Holly
Located in Barrie’s southwest region, it was annexed in the 1980s. A well established community with many homes, schools, parks and commercial areas. Also known for it’s notable community centre. This area is perfect for established and growing families.
Ardagh
Perfect for families, surrounded by nature, trails and newer homes. Named for the Ardagh Bluffs, an area of woods with over 17 km of trails spanning over 518 acres. Much of the Bluffs are environmentally protected. Enjoy public parks & great schools.
South Shore
Along the southeast shoreline of Kempenfelt Bay. Home to Tollendale Village, a large seniors community. Waterfront homes, low density subdivisions, and forested areas.
This area features many beaches including Minet’s Point. Shops, restaurants, services and amenities contributing to easy daily life, and has easy access to transit.
Painswick North & South
This area contains both commercial and business districts. Housing includes a mix of detached homes, townhomes and condos. Lovers Creek runs through this area, part of the Lake Simcoe watershed.
Lots of shopping and dining, particularly at Yonge St. & Big Bay Point Rd.
Barrie East
Home to Georgian College’s main campus and Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. Newer residential homes with a mix of detached, semi-detached and multi-unit buildings. Waterfront recreational trails, and family friendly beaches. A vibrant pocket for work, student life, multicultural retail and various cuisines. Neighbourhood parks and recreational fields.
Schools
Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is one of Ontario’s largest public education systems with schools and learning centres throughout Simcoe County, including Barrie.
Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) provides distinctive educational programming that focuses on the academic, spiritual and physical well-being of children. Student learning is a priority, combined with a commitment to faith development and self-discovery.
Allandale
- Innisdale SS
- Allandale Heights PS
- E Elem La Source
- ES Romeo Dallaire
- St John Vianney CS
- St. Peter’s CSS
- EEC Frere-Andre
- ESC Nouvelle-Alliance
- Unity Christian High School
- Assikinack Public School
Mapleview
- Kempenfelt Bay Private School
- Timothy Christian Elementary School
- Romeo Dallaire French Secondary School, South Simcoe Montessori School
- Trillium Woods Elementary School
Bayfield
- Forest Hill PS
- E Elem La Source
- Cundles Heights PS
- West Bayfield ES
- Terry Fox ES
- Barrie North CI
- Eastview SS
- ES Romeo Dallaire
- St Marguerite D-Youville ES
- Monsignor Clair CS
- EEC Frere-Andre
- Sister Catherine Donnely CS
- ESC Nouvelle-Alliance
- St. Joseph’s Catholic High School
Holly
- E Elem La Source
- Holly Meadows ES
- W.C. Little ES
- Ardagh Bluffs PS
- Bear Creek SS
- ES Romeo Dallaire
- Trillium Woods PS
- Near North Adventist Christian School
- Timothy Christian School
- St. Catherine of Siena School
- St. Joan of Arc HS
- St. Bernardette CS
- St. Nicholas CS
- EEC Frere-Andre
- ESC Nouvelle-Alliance
Ardagh
- E Elem La Source
- Ferndale Woods ES
- Holly Meadows ES
- Ardagh Bluffs PS
- Bear Creek SS
- ES Romeo Dallaire
- Trillium Woods PS
- Heritage Christian Academy
- St. Catherine of Siena School
- St. Joan of Arc High School
- St. Bernardette CS
- EEC Frere-Andre
- ESC Nouvelle-Alliance
South Shore
- E Elem La Source
- Algonquin Ridge ES
- Assikinack PS
- Innisdale SS
- ES Romeo Dallaire
- Warnica PS
- St. John Paul II CS
- St. Peter’s CS
- St. Michael the Archangel Catholic ES
- EEC Frere-Andre
- ESC Nouvelle-Alliance
Painswick North & South
- Sunnybrae PS
- Nantyr Shores SS
- E Elem La Source
- Hewitt’s Creek PS
- Mapleview Heights ES
- Algonquin Ridge ES
- Assikinack PS
- Innisdale SS
- ES Romeo Dallaire
- Warnica PS
- Willow Landing PS
- St. John Paul II CS
- St. Peter’s CS
- St. John Vianney Catholic School
- St. Michael the Archangel Catholic ES
- EEC Frere-Andre
- ESC Nouvelle-Alliance
Lakeshore/Downtown
- E Elem La Source
- Oakley Park PS
- Hillcrest PS
- Allandale Hights PS
- Barrie North CI
- Codrington Street PS
- Innisdale SS
- ES Romeo Dallaire
- St. Peter’s CS
- St. John Vianney CS
- St. Monica’s CS
- EEC Frere-Andre
- ESC Nouvelle-Alliance
- St. Joseph’s Catholic High School
Barrie East
- E Elem La Source
- Maple Grove PS
- Eastview SS
- ES Romeo Dallaire
- St. Monica’s CS
- EEC Frere Andre
- ESC Nouvelle-Alliance
- St. Joseph’s Catholic High School