Here’s what’s happening at Barrie’s waterfront this summer

Crowds turned out to Centennial Beach on the first day of summer, Barrie, Ont. on Sat. June 20, 2020 (Don Wright/CTV News)

Barrie’s waterfront is the heart of summer activity for locals and visitors alike. With lengthy shorelines, scenic parks, and recreational amenities, there’s something for everyone along Kempenfelt Bay.

If you are planning a trip to the Barrie Waterfront this summer season, here are a few things you may get up to:

Beaches and swimming

The city maintains four public beaches throughout the summer, Centennial Beach, Johnson’s Beach, Minet’s Point Beach, and Tyndale Beach.

Lifeguards remain on duty during peak hours at Centennial and Johnson’s. You can often find them sanctioned at the lifeguarding stations that reign the main beach areas. The family washrooms at the Centennial Park building remain open year-round from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all beachgoers.

Snacks and vendors

The hot weather is never complete without a sweet waterfront treat. Scoops and Cones, located near the marina, along with the Centennial Beach Concession are open during the summer season, there you can find; ice cream, cold drinks, and light snacks.

For a wider variety, the mobile Food Vendor Program brings a lineup of food trucks and carts to parks throughout Barrie starting in June.

Cocina Mexicana, Kara Dogs, Taj Grace of India, Amaya real Indian Food and Donkey Kone are a few of the mobile vendors you will find during daylight hours.

Recreational activities

The Barrie waterfront is packed with recreational activities. Beach volleyball courts are available at Tyndale Beach and Will Dwyer Park.

Outdoor fitness stations flood the shoreline between Heritage Park and the Southshore Community Centre. They provide a range of free equipment for everyone to use.

For those looking to enjoy the waterfront scenery, a long trail stretches roughly 6.7 kilometres and is ideal for walking, running or cycling.

Boating and water sports

The Marinia and the Tiffin Boat launch are available to all boaters along with a variety of water activities including a 13,000 square foot inflatable waterpark, one of the largest in Canada. If your child is looking for some water fun, the vibrant Water Play Park is not hard to miss along Centennial Beach.

E-Bike the bay

A new biking service has rolled into the Barrie shoreline. For an eco-friendly way to explore the heart of the city, visitors can now rent a Scooty e-bike using the SCOOTY Let’s Go App.

E-bikes are found stationed along Centennial Park, and remain within designated waterfront trail zones.

Barrie’s deep-rooted history

History geeks can follow the Waterfront Heritage Tour, a self-guided walking experience featuring 11 interpretive stations.

It follows Lakeshore Drive between Memorial Square and the General John Hayter Southshore Community Centre making it roughly an 83 minute walk around.

The Spirit Catcher, a large steel sculpture that’s become a focal point at the waterfront since 1987, remains a favourite 705 stop. Nearby, stands a whimsical sea serpent that’s adds charm to the shoreline. These unique pieces are both part of MacLaren Art Centre’s permanent collection.

This is all great but where do I park?

Waterfront parking is available, but a digital parking permit is required for free parking at designated lots.

You can also park without a permit for $10 an hour with a daily max of $50 in waterfront parking areas.

Free public Wi-Fi is available along the waterfront between the Southshore Community Centre and Heritage Park, including Meridian Place.