Today, Barrie is Canada's 34th largest city with a population that sits around 140,000 residents with its metropolitan area rising to 187,000. As part of the Greater Golden Horseshoe that stretches from the western end of Lake Ontario to Lake Erie, Barrie sits on the western shore of Lake Simcoe. With the opportunity to enjoy the lake in the summer and local ski resorts in the winter, Barrie, Ontario, truly is the perfect destination no matter the time of year.
Best Time of Year to Visit Barrie, ON
When you visit Barrie depends on what type of vacation you're looking for. Do you want to enjoy splashing in the water or skiing down the slopes? Hiking in the forests and hills or ice fishing? The answer you give will tell you what time of year is best to visit Barrie. Winter temperatures in Barrie are chilly with highs sitting around 30 degrees from December to February, which is perfect if you plan on sledding, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing.
There are many places in the area to enjoy your favorite winter activities. Interested in cross-country skiing? Head to Scenic Caves Nordic Centre where you can enjoy professionally groomed trails and the wonder of the outdoors. Snow tubing, at either Horseshoe Resort or Snow Valley Ski Resort, is fun for the family, while dog sledding with Windrift Adventures is something you'll never forget.
If you want to enjoy the water and outdoors, summer temperatures are warm without getting too hot. Highs in July and August average around 80, though it is possible for temperatures to hit in the 90s or higher. May and September are perfect for hiking and enjoying nature. You'll miss the crowds that head to the city during school breaks so you can enjoy the beauty of nature, whether you head to Nine Mile Portage Heritage Trail or Copeland Forest Trails.
There are also events throughout the year around which you can plan your trip. Learn more about these events below.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Barrie, ON:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average nightly cost trends by star rating class in Barrie, ON. Analyze these illustrations to determine the most cost effective dates to stay in Barrie for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Barrie, ON
When searching for luxury in Barrie, one of the top options is Four Points by Sheraton Barrie, which is a three-star hotel with many amenities. Enjoy breakfast or dinner right on site at the Simcoe Bistro. It features locally sourced seasonal Canadian food that is fresh and delicious. The indoor saltwater pool and whirlpool are perfect for relaxing, or you can head to the 24-hour fitness center to get your heart racing. The spacious 300 sq. ft. rooms include either a king or two queen beds, and they include complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, free bottled water and coffee, and a 37-inch LED TV. If you're looking for more space, book one of the suites that includes a full kitchenette and separate living room.
Another great option is the Holiday Inn Barrie Hotel & Conference Centre. Here, kids 12 and under eat free at Spynn Restaurant, which is on the main level. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or you can order food and have it sent to your room. When you have some free time, consider heading to the naturally lit indoor pool and whirlpool to relax or play. During warmer weather, there's also an outdoor pool that is perfect for cooling off. Don't forget to check out the sauna and fitness area. All guest rooms include a 32-inch TV with cable channels, coffee maker, refrigerator, high-speed Internet, and a desk.
For the utmost in Barrie luxury, choose one of the well-appointed suites at Monte Carlo Inn. Here you'll find a fitness center, business center, and salt water pool. The on-site Scarpaccio Ristorante is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There's a complimentary healthy start breakfast for guests to enjoy and all rooms include an ergonomic shower head, LCD flat panel TV, coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, and daily newspaper.
Affordable Accommodations in Barrie, ON
3 Star Average Prices: $127.70
If you're looking to save money on your trip to Barrie, there are choices in accommodations that are clean, comfortable, and affordable. Here are a few choices that you should consider when planning your trip.
The Super 8 Barrie is proud of its smoke-free status, providing an out-of-town escape whether you're on business or looking to relax. Not only are rates affordable, but children 17 and under stay free with a parent or guardian. Each morning, guests can enjoy the continental breakfast that includes hot options such as sausage and eggs. Don't forget to slip into the hot tub or splash around in the indoor pool before you leave. All rooms include a microwave, fridge, coffee maker, and hairdryer. This is a pet-friendly hotel, but you can also ask for a pet-free floor. Other on-site amenities include a fitness room, business center, laundry facilities, and meeting rooms.
Conveniently located near shops and restaurants, the Holiday Inn Express Barrie provides little touches that make your stay a good one. Enjoy fresh cookies and hot coffee at check-in before heading to your room. Your room has a microwave, fridge, 37-inch flat screen TV, and triple-sheeted bedding. Breakfast is available in the lobby's breakfast room each morning with options such as bacon, eggs, muffins, cereal, fruit, juice, and yogurt. Save money by choosing a standard guest room or upgrade to a junior suite with sofa beds, a kitchenette suite, or a king spa suite with in-room whirlpool tub.
The Comfort Inn & Suites in Barrie on Essa Road is an affordable option with clean and comfortable rooms. Note that there are no elevators in this hotel, but the establishment does offer handicap accessible rooms on the main floor. All guest rooms include coffee makers, refrigerators, hair dryers, and irons. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast every morning that includes hot and cold options including waffles.
2 Star Average Prices: $100.00
Best Hotel Values in Barrie, ON
If you're looking for a hotel where you get the most bang for your buck, consider these hotels that offer the best value in Barrie. The Fairfield Inn & Suites Barrie, located right off of the highway, specializes in making you feel at home. Start each day off in the breakfast room where you can enjoy a fantastic meal that includes hot and cold options such as scrambled eggs, sausages, waffles, fruit, and cereal. All guest rooms include an ergonomic desk and chair, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and hair dryer. Upgrade to a suite if you need to spread out.
Another great value is the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Barrie. Here you'll find warm hospitality from the free breakfast each morning to the well-appointed guest rooms. The indoor salt water pool and hot tub are great for relaxing and having a splash while avoiding chemicals. Rooms include a 32-inch TV, desk and ergonomic chair, free Wi-Fi, and weekday newspaper. Don't forget the Hampton bed and fluffy towels that help to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Rooms are cozy and comfortable at the Best Western Royal Oak Inn. Here you'll find, in addition to standard rooms, jetted tub rooms, kitchenette rooms, and suites, giving you a lot of options depending on your needs. Despite which room you get, though, you'll have a microwave and refrigerator to use. The complimentary breakfast includes sausage, bacon, waffles, yogurt, cereal, juice, and coffee. Located right off of 400 Highway, the hotel is conveniently located next to shopping and restaurants.
Always Something Happening in Barrie, ON
Before heading to Barrie, consider planning your trip around one of the many events held in the area each year. The February Blues Festival is held each year in early February. If you love blues music, consider a ski vacation where you can enjoy blues music over the weekend and skiing on weekdays. Winterfest is also held around the same time and might even overlap the February Blues Festival if you want to attend both. The Barrie Waterfront Festival is held at the end of May and features family entertainment, a classic car show, and food trucks.
The Craft Beer and BBQ Festival is ideal for those who love craft beer and live entertainment. There's even a Celebrity Sauce Cook-off. Kempenfest, at the end of July, is one of the largest outdoor arts and crafts festivals. In October, you can explore the world of movies at the Barrie Film Festival. Of course, these are just some of the festivals and events that are held in Barrie throughout the year. Don't forget to check out this year's calendar to see if there's something going on that would interest you.
'My dream is for people around the world to look up and to see Canada like a little jewel sitting at the top of the continent - these words belongs to Tommy Douglas, a politician and baptists minister from Canada.
Adorable Corner of Canada
Barrie is a city in Central Ontario, Canada. It is located approximately 90 km north of Toronto and is full of beautiful landscapes as well as historical sites which attracts tourists from all the world. Downtown of Barrie is full of many attractions such as older buildings for history or architecture lovers, and pubs, restaurants and places for shopping for those who is looking for a nice way to spend their time. All the fun in downtown takes place in Dunlop street, where dancing, live performances and small coffees contribute to a thrilling nightlife. A lot of festivals and events such as The Barrie Waterfront Festival, Barrielicious, Winterfest, Celebrate Barrie, Ecofest, Jazz & Blues Festival, Promenade Days, Ribfest, Craft Beer Show and other take place in Barrie downtown throughout the year, so it is nice to visit the city in every season. The nature lovers also can find a lot of attractions all the year because of hiking and walking trails and numerous winter recreation activities and facilities in the surrounding area, including skiing, snow tubing and snowboarding resorts, snowmobile trails and ice fishing. There are a huge variety of hotels in Barrie. Among many degrees in quality and comfort everyone could find a great place to stay, as Barrie hotels can offer services for everyone's need.
Decent Options for Budget Trips
In such touristic places like Barrie, there are often a great number of cheap hotels for travelers with a lower budget, or just people who would rather spend their money on experiences and activities. It is always easy to find some cheap hotels online, or to choose one of the options we recommend: The Clydesdale House, Three Wishes, Richmond Manor, Brookview Bed & Breakfast.
The Nicest Places to Stay
If you are looking for a more sophisticated place, a large number of Barrie hotels can offer you an excellent service and accommodation. Hotels in Barrie will make a nice impression with small town hospitality and friendly service coupled with big-city sophistication. Look for a places like Quality Inn Barrie, Holiday Inn Barrie Hotel & Conference Centre, Days Inn Barri.
What to Do in the City
There are not only a huge variety of festivals and events in Barrie, but also a great number of vibrant performing and fine arts scenes. You can check two main performing arts venues in the city: the Mady Centre For The Performing Arts, and the Georgian Theatre. If you are looking something different to do, go to a Barrie's beautifully landscaped lakefront parks, where you can walk, ride a bike, or go to a free public beach. In winter Barrie is a wonderful place for skiing and snowboarding, as it is situated in a natural snow belt.
FAQs about hotels in Barrie