GO Transit has service to Barrie all year long!
Get Cozy in Barrie This Winter!
Published: Nov 17, 2025
Winter is the perfect time to explore Barrie, a charming city that transforms into a winter wonderland with activities and attractions for everyone. From sparkling holiday lights to thrilling outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun family outing, Barrie is the place to be. Let's guide you through a delightful winter day in Barrie, no matter what you, your friends, or family might be into!
Why It's Great to Visit Barrie in Winter
Barrie is a winter haven, offering numerous attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re captivated by the magic of holiday lights or inspired by the fresh December air by the bay, Barrie's charm is undeniable. Experience the city's festive side with events like the Friday Harbour Holiday Market or get involved with the many other activities to make it a trip to remember.
With convenient fare options such as the $10 One Day Weekend Pass, Weekday Group Passes which start at $30 for two people and kids 12 and under riding free, Barrie is the perfect destination for your next adventure. Hop on a GO Train to Barrie South GO or Allandale Waterfront GO Station and experience all the cozy, wintery charm this beautiful city offers!
Two ways to explore Barrie
We’ve listed two itineraries crafted to get the best out of Barrie. You can either take it slow and easy, or you can choose a dynamic adventure. Either way, you are going to have a great time! Choose one (or more!) of the itineraries below, and let’s explore!
Waterfront Heritage Trail
Morning
Begin your day with a stroll along the Barrie Waterfront Heritage Trail, which spans about six kilometres from White Oaks Road to Penetanguishene Road. Inspired by Barrie's first mayor, Willard Kinzie, this scenic trail offers a historical experience as you enjoy stunning waterfront views. It’s the perfect way to unwind, whether with a loved one or soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. You can also visit the Barrie Farmers’ Market, open every Saturday, from 9 am to 1 pm. Here, you’ll find seasonal offerings from the garden and various meats and fresh fish.
Lunch
After you've worked up an appetite, head over to La Isla Manila for authentic Filipino dishes served with warmth and family-inspired hospitality, or visit Homestead Artisan Bakery for freshly baked breads, pastries, and café classics in a cozy setting. Once refuelled, immerse yourself in Barrie’s vibrant arts scene with exhibits at MacLaren Art Centre.
MacLaren Art Centre
Evening
End your day with a sumptuous dinner at Il Buco Ristorante, where upscale Italian dining meets cozy comfort overlooking the waterfront. Alternatively, you can try to get a spot at the famous Italian Eatery, where traditional Italian comfort food is served with a modern flair in South End Barrie. After dinner, soak in the holiday spirit with a visit to Circle at the Centre, where dazzling festive lights will fill you with cheer and wonder.
Check out Friday Harbour near Barrie South GO
Holiday Market at Friday Harbour
Experience the magic of the season at Friday Harbour’s Holiday Market, which opens on November 21 and runs select days and hours until December 28. Inspired by traditional European markets, this festive event sparkles with lights, cozy chalet-style cabins, and holiday cheer for the whole family. Enjoy roaming elves and carolers, photo ops with Santa, and festive-inspired eats and treats at Rudolph’s Lounge and Frosty’s Food Cabin.
On November 22nd, kick off the Holiday Season with Friday Harbour’s Tree Lighting Event featuring live musical performances, special guests, and more.
Friday Harbour is the perfect place for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities, unwind, and appreciate the comforts of the winter season. The picturesque surroundings create an enchanting backdrop for any outdoor activity, inviting you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the season.
Travel to Barrie South GO station and then take Innisfil Transit to Friday Harbour. Innisfil Transit has partnered with Uber to provide transit connections within the Barrie area and to GO Transit. Download the app and choose “Barrie South GO Station" as your pickup point and “Friday Harbour Resort” as your destination. Depending on when you arrive, here are our picks to help plan your day.
Snowshoeing in Friday Harbour
Morning
Bundle up and breathe in the crisp air as you explore the Friday Harbour Nature Preserve. This serene area offers an escape into nature's beauty and a chance to enjoy quiet reflection—a welcome break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch at Dirty Oar Public House. Try one of their famous Fish and Chips, featuring beer-battered Halibut and freshly made slaw, before embarking on an exciting (and cold!) afternoon. Rent fat bikes, cross-country skis, skates, or snowshoes from Friday Harbour Resort and hit the trails or piazza for high-octane winter fun. Once you’ve had your fill of the great outdoors, treat yourself to a warm drink at Zaza Espresso Bar, known for its Italian coffee and gelato.
Evening
Celebrate the day’s adventures with a relaxing dinner at Lake Club Restaurant. Nestled by the water, the restaurant offers a serene ambiance with panoramic views of Friday Harbour that perfectly complement the day's explorations. As you settle into the cozy, elegantly decorated dining area, prepare to savour a menu that showcases the finest local ingredients.
Your one stop for special events
Want to add some flare to your trip to Barrie? Why not get into the holiday spirit by attending a variety of local events, delivered by GO Transit!
Friday Harbour's Holiday Market
Celebrate the magic of the season at Friday Harbour's Holiday Market, with twinkling lights and décor, festive treats, market vendors, and Santa's workshop. It’s located at The Promenade at Friday Harbour. Visit us on weekends from November 21 to December 28, 2025. Travel to Barrie South GO station and then take Innisfil Transit (provided by Uber) to Friday Harbour.
Hot Cocoa Trail
Come to enjoy the Hot Cocoa Trail every Saturday and Sunday in February! Treat yourself to delicious hot chocolate while shopping and supporting our wonderful local businesses. It’s a cozy, fun adventure!
Winterfest
Winter is in full swing, so embrace the frosty season by diving into Barrie's Winterfest. From enchanting snow sculptures to adrenaline-pumping tube slides, mouth-watering treats, and mesmerizing kite displays, Winterfest is a celebration that captures the essence of winter in all its glory.
Winterfest
Skate Escape at Friday Harbour
In the New Year, Friday Harbour will host its annual Skate Escape with a variety of exciting activities. Glide across our outdoor skating rink, surrounded by twinkling lights and stunning winter landscapes. As the sun sets, enjoy live entertainment and cozy bonfire gatherings, perfect for warming up with a cup of hot cocoa. Stay tuned for more details.
Skate Escape
Getting to and Around Barrie with GO Transit
Travelling to Barrie is a breeze with GO Transit, offering service seven days a week. Enjoy affordable fares with the $10 One-Day Weekend Pass, offering unlimited travel, or the Weekday Group Pass, starting at $30 for two people. Plus, kids 12 and under ride free!
Spirit Catcher
Once you arrive at Allandale Waterfront GO Station or Barrie South GO Station, you can explore nearby attractions on foot or with local transit, and if you’re heading to Friday Harbour, head to Barrie South GO Station and connect with Innisfil Transit for unique activities and a great escape. Don’t forget to reflect on your experiences in Barrie before taking the cozy ride back home on the Barrie Line. With numerous opportunities, your trip to Barrie and Friday Harbour promises to be a memorable family adventure!
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Discover Friday Harbour in Barrie and get there with GO Transit!
GO Transit has service to Barrie South GO Station all year long!
Land Acknowledgement
Metrolinx acknowledges that we connect communities by building and operating transit within the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat peoples, for whom these lands continue to have great importance.
Treaties between First Nations and governments cover these lands, and the promises contained in these Treaties remain relevant to this day.
Metrolinx and its employees are committed to understanding the history of these lands and the continued impacts of colonization and take responsibility for actions to advance reconciliation.
Metrolinx will continue to seek the knowledge, expertise and experience of Indigenous partners and commits to doing business in a manner that is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and collaboration.