Barrie

Discover Barrie’s rich history on this walking tour along the waterfront – visiting landmarks like the Southshore Centre and the Allandale GO Station. Hear about when ice was harvested from Lake Simcoe. Uncover the mystery of a sunken ship. And meet Kempenfelt Kelly — Barrie’s own lake monster. Registration required (only 15 people per tour). Hosted by Scary Company and Tourism Barrie.

Downtown Barrie is filled with secrets! What you see is not all there is. Your favourite Dunlop Street East shops are housed in 1870s-era buildings, most of which rest on foundations that are even decades older. For one day only, take this walking tour, hear some stories, and see rarely viewed historical spaces. Hosted by the Barrie Historical Archive.

The Barrie Public Library inspires lifelong learning, builds community connections, and ensures equitable access to knowledge, resources and programs. During Doors Open, come and explore the facilities and enjoy Culture Days programming — which includes the Repair Café (bring your broken household items and see if the “fixers” can repair them — registration required) and “A Street in Barrie” mural painting project.

McFinn’s Traditional Irish Pub in downtown Barrie offers a warm, upscale experience rooted in community. Opened in the historical Five Points (Simcoe Hotel) building, it serves Irish inspired dishes like smoked salmon boxty, gourmet burgers and creative pub fare. Owned by a native of Northern Ireland, McFinn’s boasts unique architecture and a welcoming atmosphere that has long since been a Barrie landmark.

Barrie is a community rich with sport history. Established in 1985, the hall of fame eventually moved into the Allandale Recreation Centre where it showcases the portraits and exhibits of great men and women from Barrie’s sporting history. By honouring the past, they hope to inspire future stars to strive for excellence in their sporting fields.

The Arts House is a centre for creative development, catering to both children and adults. They offer lessons in singing, visual arts, piano, drums, guitar, violin, dancing and drama. Their programs include live performances by professional musicians, master classes and charity concerts, helping to foster a rich and diverse artistic community. Come and explore the facilities and studios they offer.

The Mariposa School of Skating is celebrating over 50 years of excellence in figure skating. Founded in 1973 by renowned Canadian coach Douglas Leigh, the school has become internationally recognized in the sport of figure skating. Located in the heart of Barrie, it continues to welcome skaters from around the world, fostering athletic excellence and lifelong connections.

This not-for-profit creative hub in downtown Barrie offers services to support careers in the music industry. With a recording and livestream studio, they offer a wide range of programming and services to help emerging artists and professionals alike. They also run a successful food rescue program to ensure that there are no more starving artists.

Barrie is a vibrant city with picturesque waterfront views, exciting activities, many dining opportunities and a year-round lineup of events. Find out what’s happening at the visitor centre where helpful staff will provide you with information. This structure is one of the last buildings in Allandale’s old downtown and an example of a structure built to fit an irregular lot.

This church has been located in the core of Barrie since 1864, when the cornerstone of the sanctuary was laid. At the time, it was a Methodist church, but it became part of the United Church of Canada in 1925. This beautiful, historical sanctuary retains much of its original architecture and houses many stained-glass windows and a large pipe organ.

Just Some Noise opened in 2020 to give Barrie musicians a true rehearsal space free from noise complaints. What began as one room grew into a larger facility with hourly and monthly rehearsal rooms, a production space and shared gear. Today, it is a creative hub hosting podcasts, events and performances — where local artists connect, experiment and thrive.

Spare Room is a safe and inclusive studio space for artists in Barrie and Simcoe County to gather and foster artistic collaboration within the local art community. Their gallery welcomes all genders, abilities, cultures and sexualities to participate in workshops, exhibits and events. During Doors Open, explore this creative hub and try out the Risograph printer (a digital duplicator).

This designated building has been many things since its rebuild in 1876 (after it burned in 1873). For the last eight years, it has been a cheese and chocolate shop. J'adore carries over 150 varieties of cheese from around the world. And they make chocolate onsite. Come to this heritage building, learn about its history and treat yourself!

The Barrie Fire and Emergency Service Headquarters is a modern facility that serves as Barrie’s central hub for fire operations, with administrative offices, training facilities and operational units. Designed with functionality and community engagement in mind, the headquarters features contemporary architecture and a museum. It also plays a key role in co-ordinating fire prevention, public safety education and emergency response.

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) represents over 28,000 registered citizens and delivers a full suite of programs and services through 30-plus offices provincewide. Here at the Barrie-South Simcoe office, learn about the MNO and the history of the Métis people, meet members of the Barrie South Simcoe Métis Council and MNO staff from the Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program.

This former Grand Trunk Railway station is today the Southshore Community Centre. During Doors Open Barrie, visit the grounds around the restored building and tour the adjacent Military Heritage Park (including Vimy Oaks, the Victoria Cross cenotaph, and the new Royal Canadian Air Force Memorial). A member from Heritage Barrie will also be on hand to answer questions and provide information.

This gallery combines the 1917 Carnegie public library with a dynamic contemporary addition designed in 2001 by Siamak Hariri. In addition to a permanent collection of contemporary Canadian art, the gallery presents a year-round program of exhibitions. At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., view the Prints and Drawings Room, followed by a fun printmaking workshop in the PIE Education Centre. (Photo: Andre Beneteau)

This unusually shaped building — erected as a military drill hall and armoury — was the headquarters of the 35th Battalion Simcoe Foresters until 1914 when it became auxiliary to the new Queen’s Park armoury. In 1948, it became a farmers’ market. In recent years, the building was revitalized and designated for its architectural/historical significance, and is now a regimental museum.

The Barrie Mosque is the only masjid (Muslim place of worship) in Barrie. It has been the primary centre for prayer, learning and recreation for Barrie’s Muslim community since 1988. Interactive guided tours will be offered every hour. Free refreshments for everyone. Enjoy this great opportunity to meet the Imam and members of Barrie’s Muslim community.

The Barrie Simcoe Emergency Services Campus became operational in March 2020. This modern facility houses the Barrie Police Service (in existence since 1853), the Simcoe County Paramedic Services and the Barrie Fire and Emergency Service backup dispatch communications — all in one location. During Doors Open, come and meet some of your community officers and tour some of the facilities.