Where you're at home in nature

Located along the waterfront this 7.3 acre park is the perfect place to take in views of the Lake and enjoy a popular sandy beach. Home to Ron Baird's famous Sea Serpent sculpture, you'll also find lush floral gardens, duck ponds, and plenty of large grassy areas for playing and picnicking. There are paths for walkers, bikers, and in-line skaters along the popular Waterfront Trail, plus the kids will love one of the most unique water splash parks in Ontario.

This lakeside 4.8 acre park boasts a beautiful sandy swimming beach that stretches 400 metres on the shores of Lake Simcoe. It's very kid-friendly with grassy space to play, lots of recreational equipment and an all-inclusive playground and jungle gym. Stroll along the boardwalk, hit the trails, launch your boat or SUP and be sure to sneak a peek at The Spirit Catcher waving in the wind.

A hotspot for windsurfers, this 3-acre waterside park is a short walk from the Waterfront trail, making it a less crowded choice. The park is nicely treed with lots of shade and also offers plenty of open grassy areas with picnic tables and a kid's playground. The sandy beach is small but great for swimming and watching surfers catch a wave.

Once a golf course, now Barrie's largest urban park, this 48.6-acre scenic wonderland is filled with flowers, trees, and themed gardens. Home to Barrie's Arboretum - a 15.5-acre collection of native and exotic trees, shrubs, and flowers; it is a haven for nature lovers, photographers and curious explorers alike. Follow the pathways to find interpretative signs detailing each discovery. The park also features pergolas, and all-inclusive children's playground, and a community garden.

Yell fore- in fact, fourteen with over 14 golf courses located within a short drive of Barrie. The diverse landscape delivers a unique challenge to each course. With far too many to highlight, the local face remains the Allandale Golf Course. Designed by renowned golf course architect Stanley Thompson, this 3,250 yard, 9 hole, par 36 championship layout is set among massive maples and pines and was chosen #1-9 hole course in Canada by Canadian Business Magazine.

Barrie has three main recreational centers - Allandale East, East Bayfield, and Holly Community Centre that offer a range of facilities and programs from the whole family. With rinks and pools for local tournaments, as well as leisure; plus, gymnasiums, fitness studios, basketball courts, and youth-focused activities there's something for everyone and every level.