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. 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. Get inspired by the cool winter air by the bay and experience why Barrie’s charm is undeniable. Experience Downtown Barrie’s events like Winterama on February 7 & 8 or visit Friday Harbour’s Skate Escape Thursdays through Sundays between January 16 through March 22, as it transforms the Resort into a vibrant winter playground for all ages.
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, lace up a pair of skates and enjoy the fresh air at the Circle at the Centre outdoor rink.
Visit Friday Harbour near Barrie South GO
Skate Escape at Friday Harbour
Glide into winter at Friday Harbour’s Skate Escape from January 16 – March 22, 2026. Enjoy skating in a full-sized outdoor rink glowing beneath a twinkling canopy of lights and when it’s time to warm up, take-in the apres-skate vibes along the Piazza. From cozy cabins and themed warm-up lounges, shopping, and comforting dining offerings, Skate Escape delivers the ultimate all-in-one winter experience.
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 Gelato Shop by Zaza, 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 embrace the winter season by attending a variety of local events, delivered by GO Transit!
Hot Cocoa Trail
Warm up and enjoy the Hot Cocoa Trail every day 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 on February 7-8. Happening at Centennial Park and Will Dwyer Park, the event features favourite winter activities all day including spectacular ice sculptures, lumberjack shows, family entertainment, drop-in activities, skating, and much more!
Winterfest
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.