Have an Autumn Adventure in Barrie

As summer ends, the days start to cool and we return to routine – let’s not forget to take some time out to explore our lovely region. Fall is a great time to spend time outdoors, it's not too hot and sticky, and there’s still enough daylight. So, schedule some time to visit Barrie and go where you can take in all the sights the city has to offer this fall.

Take GO Transit to Barrie

Start off your journey with a relaxing ride on GO Transit to Allandale Waterfront GO Station or Barrie South GO Station ! Avoid the highway delays as you unwind with free shows and audiobooks courtesy of the GO Wi-Fi Plus entertainment portal. There’s no idling here except to catch up on sleep and your socials and reflect on the good decision to take GO Transit – the easy and affordable way to travel!

For weekend travel to Barrie, use a GO One-Day Weekend Pass — it’s just $10 for your roundtrip! If you’re heading to Barrie on a weekday, bring your friends and family. You can all travel together with a GO Weekday Group Pass, starting at just $30. And remember, kids 12 and under ride free on GO Transit  - making day trips to Barrie a breeze so you have more money to spend on attractions when you get there!

Discover the charm of Barrie’s heritage and explore the stunning waterfront on a bicycle! Bring your helmets and prepare for an energetic day of cycling – the perfect way to enjoy the vibrant fall foliage and scenic trails that make Barrie the perfect autumn getaway. Ride along the Waterfront Heritage Trail, a six-kilometre-long pathway that winds along the shores of Kempenfelt Bay. You’ll see remnants of old railway tracks near the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre, and sites of early ice harvesting and breweries.

If you continue on the trail, you’ll head towards the North Shore Trail. As you cycle along the bay’s northern edge, you’ll have unobstructed views of Kempenfelt Bay’s sparkling waters and the expanse of the autumn landscape. As the sun begins its descent, you can make your way to Barrie’s downtown for an early dinner and some lively entertainment before you head home on the GO train.

Discover Art Exhibits and Seasonal Events

There’s a vibrant arts scene worth checking out in Barrie. You can experience theatrical productions that offer captivating performances as well as unique independent films featuring stories from Canada and around the world. There’s also live music, art exhibits, plus an immersive pirate theatre that will thrill the whole family.

Don’t miss the exciting theatrical offerings this fall from Talk Is Free Theatre! The company is launching its 2025–26 season with innovative events, such as Actor Cafés, and will officially open with Twelve Dinners (November 20–22), a site-specific production by Steve Ross exploring uneasy family dynamics. Explore what’s playing now, you’re in for something fresh, bold, and boundary-pushing!

Not far from the Allandale Waterfront GO Station is the marina and where the Pirate Life Theatre awaits at 9 Simcoe Street. Ahoy, mateys! Prepare for an immersive pirate experience like no other. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted with pirate names and adorned with temporary tattoos to get you in the swashbuckling spirit. The crew will enthrall you with humorous tales full of action and adventure as you sail around on Kempenfelt Bay. Plus, thanks to PRESTO Perks, use code PRESTO at checkout and receive one free commemorative Pirate Bandana.

For art lovers, you can’t miss the MacLaren Art Centre, nestled in downtown Barrie. It’s the region’s premier public art gallery, proudly serving the people of Barrie and Simcoe County. Housed in a beautiful blend of a restored 1917 Carnegie library and a modern addition, the building is both architecturally significant and welcoming. Inside, visitors can explore multiple galleries showcasing contemporary Canadian art, enjoy the sculpture courtyard, café, education centre, and gallery shop. All designed to educate, inspire, and bring the community together.

Check out the Spirit Catcher, a monumental 20-tonne Corten-steel Thunderbird by Ron Baird, originally created for Expo 86 in Vancouver, at Barrie’s waterfront. It’s the MacLaren Art Centre’s first and largest permanent acquisition. Soon after arriving, some quills and an antenna were redesigned to withstand the windy conditions of Kempenfelt Bay, ensuring its durability as an iconic public artwork.

For fans of the supernatural, Scary Company’s Ghost & Heritage Tours offer immersive, guided experiences where skilled narrators blur the line between legend and reality—revealing dark tales, paranormal encounters, and tragic events hidden in the city’s history. The tour options are a historically rich Downtown Barrie Heritage Tour, an eerie Haunted Downtown Ghost Tour through dim alleys and storied sites, and a chilling Barrie Haunted Harbour Tour that uncovers waterfront mysteries and lingering spirits.

Explore Dining and Shopping in Barrie

There are many wonderful shopping options and unique dining spots to discover in Barrie. You’ll encounter one-of-a-kind markets offering farm fresh options and other storefronts where you can buy souvenirs of Barrie to take home with you.

The Barrie Farmers’ Market is a year-round true Farmer’s Market offering local produce from Barrie and surrounding area. You will also find live music, kid’s activities, and lots of fresh food and snack options, so come hungry!

Friday Harbour Resort - With seasonal programming, destination dining, and family-friendly activities, Friday Harbour Resort invites you to fall into a new season of fun. This September, experience the flavours and sounds of Bavaria at CIBC Pier's Harbourfest, with a specially curated themed menu and lively traditional ‘volksmusic’. In October,  the thrills and chills of Halloween come to life at the Hallowalk haunted trail. Then, visit the resort on October 25th for a community tradition, Trick or Treat the Promenade. To get there, take GO Train to Barrie South GO Station, then use the Uber app to select the "Innisfil Transit" option to Friday Harbour.

Dunlop Street Diner is housed in a charming 150-year-old building that serves farm fresh dishes including brunch options like eggs benedict, and skillets and other classic recipes using locally sourced ingredients.

Check out B’Spoke Kitchen & Market in downtown Barrie, which offers a stylish yet approachable dining experience and a virtual restaurant marketplace with multiple food concepts for pickup or delivery. Inspired by bespoke tailoring, it lets guests mix and match dishes to suit their tastes. The space features the B'Side Bar, serving handcrafted cocktails with fresh ingredients, house-made syrups, and expert techniques, alongside a curated wine and beer list and an inspired, accessible food menu.

Common Good Café & Social House serves fresh coffee and farm to table delights, the perfect stop during a day long outing.

It’s been beautiful, Barrie!

Getting to Barrie on GO Transit is easy and relaxing so you can unleash your energy on exploring the city. From outdoor activities, arts & film, to terrific dining spots- Barrie has something fun for everyone! As you head home after a fun-filled day, unwind on GO Transit and take advantage of the free GO Wi-Fi Plus to chat with friends and family and tell them about your exciting adventure.