With students back in the classroom and summer getaways wrapping up, another busy tourism season is coming to a close. Shoulder season is here, but fall tourism hasn’t quite hit its stride, leaving guests, residents and visitors wondering how to spend the in-between days. Briana Leblanc, business and community relations coordinator with Tourism Barrie, said despite shoulder season beginning this weekend, the city is still busy with events. “There’s a lot of different workshops, like calligraphy and dance, and different things going on art-wise, and we also have our local theater companies putting on a variety of different productions throughout the city,” said Leblanc. “If you’re looking for more sport-based things to do, the Barre Colts kick off their season.” If you’re looking for more of an outdoor experience, the city has plenty of trails to explore, making it the perfect time to get outside and see what Barrie has to offer. “While the seasons are changing, the leaves are changing, colours are looking nice and bright,” said Leblanc. “I feel like people are like looking forward to the fall, schools back in, and the routine is kind of getting back into things, but people are looking for that evening and weekends more.” Meanwhile, tourists are anticipating the arrival of fall colours in Muskoka. Val Hamilton, executive director of Muskoka Tourism, said while the changing colours are a fall favourite, there’s still plenty to see and do. “We’re heavily promoting the Sandhill Nursery Fall festival that has just launched; it’s on now until late October and free midweek, which is a great activity for people to get out and explore,” said Hamilton. “And then we also take advantage of having the cranberry harvest.” The scenic views are an added bonus. “This is our best time of year to visit Muskoka; I personally cannot wait for this weekend. I think the lake is beautiful,” said Hamilton. “You get to jump in; it’s not too cold, but even the fall leaves and the quieter crowds.” Hamilton added that during the summer, accommodations can be 90 per cent booked where as in the fall, it plummets to 70 per cent. “September is a very busy month for Muskoka because of weddings; that certainly takes over a lot of the accommodations, and then our conference business throughout our accommodations midweek certainly carries us as well,” said Hamilton. If you’re looking for something to do on Sept. 19 and 20, the Oro Fair is back for their 172nd year. “This is the best weekend of the year; the kids are back in school, but we welcome them to the fairgrounds for our school fair parade,” said Ed Campbell, marketing and entertainment director. “Plus our school fair exhibits—we have stuff going on all weekend here.” It’s a place to come see and meet new friends. “It’s a great time to connect with the community; it’s all your friends and neighbors you might not have seen since last Oro Fair,” said Campbell. “So it’s kind of like a homecoming; everyone gets to catch up.”
