Barrie among top 10 cities to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, according to new research

According to a study by Betway, Barrie ranks as number six, with the study looking at factors like online interest, dining costs and safety.

Whether it’s dressing up in green, drinking green beer or celebrating Irish culture, Barrie is the place to be.

According to a new study by Betway, a betting website, Barrie has made it as one of the top Canadian cities to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Betway analyzed major Canadian cities using factors like online search interest, dining costs, safety, which cities have parades and how many residents are of Irish heritage.

While Barrie doesn’t have a parade, it was able to do well in the other categories.

The results show a mix of sizes of cities with Barrie coming in at number six, with an overall score of 67.99 per cent.

“Canada’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are a testament to the country’s rich history of Irish immigration,” said a Betway spokesperson. “Whether in a major metropolis or a smaller city with strong Irish roots, 2026 is shaping up to be a vibrant, nationwide celebration.”

This year, plenty of celebrations are on tap across the city including at several pubs downtown like Donaleigh’s Irish Public House and McFinn’s.

B’Spoke Kitchen + Market is hosting a Sip ‘n Sap that involves a guided forest bathing walk through Sunnidale Park followed by a feast of homemade cocktails and dishes. It starts at 1:45 p.m. on Tues., March 17 at Sunnidale Park.

Liars in downtown Barrie is hosting a free St. Patrick’s Day concert featuring the Shawn Steinhart Band starting at 7 p.m.

Peterborough took the number one spot in the research with Toronto at number two and Charlottetown, PEI at number three.