Saturday:
Scenic drive around Barrie......
Farm.............corn maze.....haunt.......
Fishing???
Centinnial park or some beach
Sunday:
Scenic drive to Wasaga...........
Fall Color routes from Barrie
http://www.tourismbarrie.com/docs/pdf-files/Fall_Scenic_Drive.pdf?sfvrsn=0
Coming north to Barrie? Treat yourself to one of several side trips to explore the delights of the Township of Innisfil.
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Innisfil & West Gwillimbury Driving Tour
New Tecumseth Driving Tour
Wasaga Beach Wasaga Beach, ON
Tel: 1-866-2WASAGA, Web: www.wasagabeach.com
Visit the world's longest freshwater beach! With eight different beaches and recreation areas spread out along 14km of soft white sand, Wasaga Beach attracts visitors of all ages looking for fun in the sun. If sun-tanning or a more lively activity is your thing, then the recreational areas of Beaches 1 & 2 are the place to be. Families and those looking for a quieter place to relax or play in the shallow, sandy waters will enjoy the beaches to the east or the west of the two main beaches. These beaches feature the same soft white sand in a quieter setting, with more family amenities and playgrounds. For those who prefer to stay out on the water, hop on a watercraft, and sail, wind-surf, jet-ski, or motor out onto Nottawasaga Bay. Don't forget to visit the Nancy Island Historic Site, near Beaches 1 & 2, where a preserved schooner from the War of 1812 is on display.
Directions from Barrie: Bayfield St. to County Rd. 92 at Elmvale, W on County Rd. 92 to Wasaga Beach.
Tel: 1-866-2WASAGA, Web: www.wasagabeach.com
Visit the world's longest freshwater beach! With eight different beaches and recreation areas spread out along 14km of soft white sand, Wasaga Beach attracts visitors of all ages looking for fun in the sun. If sun-tanning or a more lively activity is your thing, then the recreational areas of Beaches 1 & 2 are the place to be. Families and those looking for a quieter place to relax or play in the shallow, sandy waters will enjoy the beaches to the east or the west of the two main beaches. These beaches feature the same soft white sand in a quieter setting, with more family amenities and playgrounds. For those who prefer to stay out on the water, hop on a watercraft, and sail, wind-surf, jet-ski, or motor out onto Nottawasaga Bay. Don't forget to visit the Nancy Island Historic Site, near Beaches 1 & 2, where a preserved schooner from the War of 1812 is on display.
Directions from Barrie: Bayfield St. to County Rd. 92 at Elmvale, W on County Rd. 92 to Wasaga Beach.
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A tour of Innisfil is going to start with shopping, and what better place to start than Tanger Outlets Cookstown located at the Cookstown exit at Highway 89 on Highway 400. The Outlet mall hosts over 50 great brand name stores including designer names in fashion, accessories, footwear, home decor, fine china, and unique gifts. Finding clearance prices on top of already reduced prices makes for a very satisfying trip.
Another style of shopping lies just 3 km west of Highway 400 on Highway 89 in the charming Village of Cookstown. Take a peak to the left at the magnificent view as you climb up the hill to Cookstown. In town you will find an antique hunter’s heaven nestled in among beautifully maintained Victorian churches, homes, gardens and shops. Don’t miss the lovely china and Aladdin lamps at Will Silks General Store, The Occasional Piece specializing in antique chandeliers. In addition to antiques, there is the Gallery on Queen offering exquisite original art and a wonderful collection of gift shops. The Wagon Wheel has a great breakfast and traditional grill menu for lunch while the New Penny Restaurant offers family dining for both lunch and dinner. The South Simcoe Theatre stages great plays and musicals throughout the year with matinees often on Sundays. Check their web site for their calendar.
For adventurous, active families, a stroll 3 km north on the Trans Canada Trail (that passes through town just east of Tim Hortons) will take you along an easy trail through idyllic cow pastures and over bridges crossing streams teeming with fish (keep your eye out for the resident otter at the second bridge) to a site surrounding the third bridge where beavers have constructed their own “all inclusive resort”. Everyday you can spot fresh activity, with beaver footprints in the numerous dams and teeth marks on tree stumps, but the beavers themselves are very shy and hard to spot. Keep your eyes peeled and look hard into the forest on both sides of the trail and you will see a vast network of dams, lodges and ponds. For the less physically ambitious, you can park your car on Concession 5 of Essa, just west of Highway 27 (3 km north of the centre of town) where the trail crosses the road, and walk south less than ½ km to the dams.
Leaving Cookstown, travel north on Highway 27 to Thornton and stop for an ice cream cone at the quaint Hoppies Ice Cream Co. You will find antiques in Thornton too; as you will anywhere that you see a sign in the area. Drop in and have a chat with the owner and discover all of the neat stuff you remember from Grandma’s house.
As you continue north out of Thornton, turn east (right) on Innisfil Beach Road to return to Highway 400. If the excitement of harness racing is more your idea of a good time, turn left (north) on the 5th Sideroad just before you get to Highway 400 and take a detour to Georgian Downs and Slots. The ponies’ race Tuesday and Saturday evenings and the slots are always available.
On the north side of Innisfil Beach Road on the east side of Highway 400 is the 400 Market with over 400 vendors in the farmers’ and flea markets and a wonderful selection of fresh produce, pastries and smoked meat as well as fantastic Jamaican food and samosas. On the same site you find yet another fabulous antique mall, Roadshow Antiques. This is the granddaddy of antique malls in the area boasting 32,000 square feet of showroom space. Whereas the 400 Market is only open Saturdays and Sundays, Roadshow Antiques is open every day. The road to the 400 Market is almost 1 km east of the 400. Also on this road are several interesting factory outlets and distributors for candles and gifts.
After picking up sandwiches, snacks and drinks at the market, continue east on Innisfil Beach Road to the end of the road to spend some time relaxing at Innisfil Beach Park with your picnic lunch on the shores of beautiful Lake Simcoe. The park has beaches, picnic areas, a children’s playground, a nature trail, forest and wide open spaces.
For an alternate route back to Barrie from Cookstown, go east on Highway 89 out of town to County Road 4 (previously Highway 11). Along the way, note the turn off at Reive Boulevard just past the bridge over Highway 400 to KOA North Toronto / Cookstown Campground. This site has all the amenities, trailer and RV camping that KOA is famous for. Turn left (north) at County Road 4 and you will be driving parallel to and east of Highway 400. This will take you to Barkley Square located on the right just north of Highway 89, for a gracious evening of fine dining. If it is too early for dinner, continue to travel north to the Hamlet of Churchill and just before you get to the top of the hill, turn left for a visit Steeples for wonderful and clever gifts and home decorating ideas. North of Churchill, you can turn right (east) at Innisfil Beach Road to explore the village of Alcona and still pick up a picnic lunch to enjoy at Innisfil Beach Park. Alternatively you could continue north on County Road 11 and take advantage of the trail riding through the picturesque rural countryside at Innisfree Valley Farm (available by appointment). If you have run out of time, turn left (west) at Innisfil Beach Road to return to Highway 400.
As you travel through this beautiful part of the province, keep an eye out for the lush tidy farms, gently rolling countryside, gorgeous rural vistas, abundant wildlife and behind it all, the lovely shores of Lake Simcoe.
Innisfil and West Gwillimbury are truly blessed with a long Lake Simcoe shoreline, pristine rolling farmland and tiny rural communities. Take a drive and see why so many people love to live, work and play here.
From the east end of Barrie, it is a 15 minute drive to the municipal dock at Big Bay Point. Take Big Bay Point Drive east out of the city. Note the Bee Happy Family Campground on the south side of the road. This is a great place for trailer and RV camping while you are in the area. Make a left turn (north) at Sideroad 25 to stay on Big Bay Point Drive and continue around the big bend to the right until you get to the 30th Sideroad on the edge of the Big Bay Point community. Turn left and take this down to the municipal dock. The view of the lake is gorgeous and there is sunbathing, swimming, scuba diving and fishing off of the dock. Davidson’s is a nice little restaurant with a patio for lunch and dinner on Big Bay Point Drive, just east of the 30th Sideroad.
Continue your tour by returning to Big Bay Point and continuing down Sideroad 25 through the Sandy Cove community to the 10th Line. There is a free municipal beach with parking off to the left at the end of the 10th Line. There is a children’s playground and a little diner with a patio and view of the beach.
There is plenty more, so continue back to the 25th Sideroad and take this south to Innisfil Beach Sideroad, less than 8 minutes away. Take Innisfil Beach Sideroad east through the community of Alcona right down to the water. On the left is the lovely Innisfil Beach Park, complete with fantastic picnic facilities to accommodate everything from quiet lakeside dining to family reunions. Pick up a takeout lunch from one of the plentiful family restaurants in Alcona to enjoy here. You can swim from one of two sandy beaches or from little private inlets, just perfect for family groups. There is a lovely view of the lake from every point in the park except from the nature trail that winds through the shady woods in the back. There is a children’s playground and indoor washroom facilities. If this were not enough, there is also a well maintained municipal boat launch with all day parking facilities available for a $15 fee.
From here you have two options to continue on your way. One option is to take Innisfil Beach Road back west out to Yonge Street, also known as County Road 4 (previously Highway 11), for the excitement of stock car races at Sunset Speedway on Saturdays, or take in a leisurely afternoon of trail riding available by appointment at Innisfree Valley Farm. Both locations are on the west side of County Road 11 south of Innisfil Beach Road.
The other option is to continue with your marine drive out of Innisfil Beach Park by going straight out of the park exit onto Lakeland Avenue to get a glimpse of lakeside living in the many fine cottages and homes that line the shore. Keep your eye out for municipally maintained swimming and scenic viewing spots at the end of many municipal roads that end at the beach. Thread your way along the shore on Lakeland Avenue to the end. Turn right at St. John’s Road (just before you go into the water at the end of the road). St. John’s will turn into Maple Street and then turn right at Ewart Street to go through the community of Bel Ewart. A left down Isabella Street in Bel Ewart will take you down to the Lake Simcoe Marina where they have both fishing boats and pontoon boats for rent. The municipality has a free soft bed boat launch here and a government dock with good fishing off the end. Parking, however, is limited unless you are renting from the marina. Return to Ewart Street and continue to Killarney Beach Road in Lefroy and make a left turn here and follow the signs if you want to review the facilities of the marinas, boat launches and restaurants of Lefroy. Otherwise follow the bend to the right (west) onto Killarney Beach Road to commence the Countryside Review portion of our excursion.
Take Killarney Beach Road west to Yonge Street / County Road 4 (previously Highway 11) and turn left (south) at the lights. Stop in Churchill at the Steeples store at the top of the hill to discover the delights of original gifts and interior decorating accessories. Just before Highway 89 on the left is Barkley’s Square for very fine dining. Take a look inside to get a glimpse of just what a great dining experience is available here and keep it in mind for a special evening.
At the corner of Highway 89 and Yonge Street, there is a fresh local Farmer’s Market in the summer. One short block south on Yonge/County Road 11, is the turn for the hamlet of Gilford. Innisfil Indy Karting has a zippy go Kart track just a stone’s throw away and just a bit further east into Gilford is the Cook’s Bay Marina with facilities and launching for both motor and sailboats.
For family swimming, camping and a beautiful network of trails, continue south about 20km on Yonge/County Road 11 past vistas sweeping down through hilltop farms to the lake on the left until you get to Concession Road 9 of West Gwillimbury Township. Turn left (east) down this road to get to the entrance to Scanlon Creek Conservation Area.
Whether you are returning north after your visit to Scanlon Creek, or just want a stunning drive back after the marine portion, turn west off County Road 11, south of Highway 89 at Coulson’s Hill. Portions of this route are on gravel but well maintained roads, so if you have a particularly tender paint job to protect, you might want to take a pass on this leg of the trip. Take a leisurely drive west on the Coulson’s Hill Road(Concession 11 of West Gwillimbury) past beautifully kept farms and lush hillsides. Just before you go over the Highway 400 bridge (no access to Highway 400) there is the Hodgson and Sinclair County Forest which has surrendered itself to the wild joys and abandons of mountain biking. Local clubs maintain the trails and host races every Wednesday. There is plenty of parking across the road at the Bradford-West Gwillimbury municipal building lot. Help yourself to a fantastic mountain bike experience. Continue west on the Coulson’s Hill Road over Highway 400 to the 5th Line north. Turn right and continue for one concession block to the 12th Concession. Turn left (west) up and down this spectacular narrow country road for amazing views from the ancient shoreline of the prehistoric Algonquin Lake across the lake bed valley now hosting lush vegetable farms. Portions of the road are under a lovely leafy canopy where trees completely arch right over the road. The road ends at Highway 27 and there is an incredibly peaceful and loving maintained pioneer cemetery, perched high on top of the hill at the south east corner. Wilson's Hill Pioneer Cemetery is everything you want a tribute to courageous ancestors to be. The beautifully restored old stones rest serenely under the dappled shade of weeping willows and native hardwood trees line the hill leading up to the site. Several benches provide places for rest and reflection.
After restoring yourself at the cemetery, head north on Highway 27 into Cookstown with all of its charming cafes, galleries, antique, decorating and gift shops. Turn east on Highway 89 to head for Highway 400 North for a quick return to the Barrie area – unless you get distracted by the fantastic shopping at Tanger Outlets Cookstown. Note the KOA North Toronto/Cookstown Campground located just east of Highway 400 and north of Highway 89 that has all of the trailer and RV camping facilities that KOA is famous for. The exit off Highway 400 at Innisfil Beach Road provides access to Georgian Downs for exciting standard bred racing, entertainment, dining and slot machines. You can also visit the farmers’ and flea markets 400 Market on weekends, the 32,000 square foot Roadshow Antiques and the home location of Munroe’s Furniture with its wide reputation for fine craftsmanship and unique country decorating ideas.
From the east end of Barrie, it is a 15 minute drive to the municipal dock at Big Bay Point. Take Big Bay Point Drive east out of the city. Note the Bee Happy Family Campground on the south side of the road. This is a great place for trailer and RV camping while you are in the area. Make a left turn (north) at Sideroad 25 to stay on Big Bay Point Drive and continue around the big bend to the right until you get to the 30th Sideroad on the edge of the Big Bay Point community. Turn left and take this down to the municipal dock. The view of the lake is gorgeous and there is sunbathing, swimming, scuba diving and fishing off of the dock. Davidson’s is a nice little restaurant with a patio for lunch and dinner on Big Bay Point Drive, just east of the 30th Sideroad.
Continue your tour by returning to Big Bay Point and continuing down Sideroad 25 through the Sandy Cove community to the 10th Line. There is a free municipal beach with parking off to the left at the end of the 10th Line. There is a children’s playground and a little diner with a patio and view of the beach.
There is plenty more, so continue back to the 25th Sideroad and take this south to Innisfil Beach Sideroad, less than 8 minutes away. Take Innisfil Beach Sideroad east through the community of Alcona right down to the water. On the left is the lovely Innisfil Beach Park, complete with fantastic picnic facilities to accommodate everything from quiet lakeside dining to family reunions. Pick up a takeout lunch from one of the plentiful family restaurants in Alcona to enjoy here. You can swim from one of two sandy beaches or from little private inlets, just perfect for family groups. There is a lovely view of the lake from every point in the park except from the nature trail that winds through the shady woods in the back. There is a children’s playground and indoor washroom facilities. If this were not enough, there is also a well maintained municipal boat launch with all day parking facilities available for a $15 fee.
From here you have two options to continue on your way. One option is to take Innisfil Beach Road back west out to Yonge Street, also known as County Road 4 (previously Highway 11), for the excitement of stock car races at Sunset Speedway on Saturdays, or take in a leisurely afternoon of trail riding available by appointment at Innisfree Valley Farm. Both locations are on the west side of County Road 11 south of Innisfil Beach Road.
The other option is to continue with your marine drive out of Innisfil Beach Park by going straight out of the park exit onto Lakeland Avenue to get a glimpse of lakeside living in the many fine cottages and homes that line the shore. Keep your eye out for municipally maintained swimming and scenic viewing spots at the end of many municipal roads that end at the beach. Thread your way along the shore on Lakeland Avenue to the end. Turn right at St. John’s Road (just before you go into the water at the end of the road). St. John’s will turn into Maple Street and then turn right at Ewart Street to go through the community of Bel Ewart. A left down Isabella Street in Bel Ewart will take you down to the Lake Simcoe Marina where they have both fishing boats and pontoon boats for rent. The municipality has a free soft bed boat launch here and a government dock with good fishing off the end. Parking, however, is limited unless you are renting from the marina. Return to Ewart Street and continue to Killarney Beach Road in Lefroy and make a left turn here and follow the signs if you want to review the facilities of the marinas, boat launches and restaurants of Lefroy. Otherwise follow the bend to the right (west) onto Killarney Beach Road to commence the Countryside Review portion of our excursion.
Take Killarney Beach Road west to Yonge Street / County Road 4 (previously Highway 11) and turn left (south) at the lights. Stop in Churchill at the Steeples store at the top of the hill to discover the delights of original gifts and interior decorating accessories. Just before Highway 89 on the left is Barkley’s Square for very fine dining. Take a look inside to get a glimpse of just what a great dining experience is available here and keep it in mind for a special evening.
At the corner of Highway 89 and Yonge Street, there is a fresh local Farmer’s Market in the summer. One short block south on Yonge/County Road 11, is the turn for the hamlet of Gilford. Innisfil Indy Karting has a zippy go Kart track just a stone’s throw away and just a bit further east into Gilford is the Cook’s Bay Marina with facilities and launching for both motor and sailboats.
For family swimming, camping and a beautiful network of trails, continue south about 20km on Yonge/County Road 11 past vistas sweeping down through hilltop farms to the lake on the left until you get to Concession Road 9 of West Gwillimbury Township. Turn left (east) down this road to get to the entrance to Scanlon Creek Conservation Area.
Whether you are returning north after your visit to Scanlon Creek, or just want a stunning drive back after the marine portion, turn west off County Road 11, south of Highway 89 at Coulson’s Hill. Portions of this route are on gravel but well maintained roads, so if you have a particularly tender paint job to protect, you might want to take a pass on this leg of the trip. Take a leisurely drive west on the Coulson’s Hill Road(Concession 11 of West Gwillimbury) past beautifully kept farms and lush hillsides. Just before you go over the Highway 400 bridge (no access to Highway 400) there is the Hodgson and Sinclair County Forest which has surrendered itself to the wild joys and abandons of mountain biking. Local clubs maintain the trails and host races every Wednesday. There is plenty of parking across the road at the Bradford-West Gwillimbury municipal building lot. Help yourself to a fantastic mountain bike experience. Continue west on the Coulson’s Hill Road over Highway 400 to the 5th Line north. Turn right and continue for one concession block to the 12th Concession. Turn left (west) up and down this spectacular narrow country road for amazing views from the ancient shoreline of the prehistoric Algonquin Lake across the lake bed valley now hosting lush vegetable farms. Portions of the road are under a lovely leafy canopy where trees completely arch right over the road. The road ends at Highway 27 and there is an incredibly peaceful and loving maintained pioneer cemetery, perched high on top of the hill at the south east corner. Wilson's Hill Pioneer Cemetery is everything you want a tribute to courageous ancestors to be. The beautifully restored old stones rest serenely under the dappled shade of weeping willows and native hardwood trees line the hill leading up to the site. Several benches provide places for rest and reflection.
After restoring yourself at the cemetery, head north on Highway 27 into Cookstown with all of its charming cafes, galleries, antique, decorating and gift shops. Turn east on Highway 89 to head for Highway 400 North for a quick return to the Barrie area – unless you get distracted by the fantastic shopping at Tanger Outlets Cookstown. Note the KOA North Toronto/Cookstown Campground located just east of Highway 400 and north of Highway 89 that has all of the trailer and RV camping facilities that KOA is famous for. The exit off Highway 400 at Innisfil Beach Road provides access to Georgian Downs for exciting standard bred racing, entertainment, dining and slot machines. You can also visit the farmers’ and flea markets 400 Market on weekends, the 32,000 square foot Roadshow Antiques and the home location of Munroe’s Furniture with its wide reputation for fine craftsmanship and unique country decorating ideas.
You can zip back to the Barrie area now via Highway 400 north as you must be completed exhausted by now with your choice of a full day of water activities, hiking, biking, horseback riding, scenic viewing, shopping or any one of numerous racing activities. You have had a full day, enjoy your memories
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Whether your destination is one of the historic communities nestled in the rolling hills of New Tecumseth, or if you are passing through the area to somewhere else, be sure to take some time to enjoy some of the abundant natural wonders, great food and entertaining attractions available here.
Exit Highway 400 at Highway 9 and travel west 16 km to the Tottenham Road / County Road 10. A 3 km drive north on County Road 10, a left turn at the 2nd Concession Road and a 2 km drive down the road, will take you to The Falconry Centre. This facility was designed and built for the breeding and research of rare and endangered raptors. Daily Shows allow you to get up close and personal with some of these magnificent birds of prey.
A few kilometres further north on County Road 10 takes you into Tottenham, where you can climb aboard the South Simcoe Railway for a trip through the gently rolling hills of the Beeton Creek Valley. You will travel in authentic 1920’s coaches pulled by a lovingly restored vintage locomotive. The train station is on Mill Street, one block west of the main intersection. Downtown Tottenham has numerous little eateries within a block, including the classy Freedom’s Junction for lunches and dinners and the cozy Cedar Kitchen for family lunches and a great all day breakfast. The Happy Hog Roadhouse on Mill Street East, is open for lunch and dinner and hosts live blues performances. Another great option for lunch however, is to grab the kids, some sandwiches and a few drinks and head off into the Tottenham Conservation Area for a picnic. This fabulous little park overlooks a magnificent pond with canoes and pedal boats for rent on the south side of Mill Street and has well marked trails along the babbling Beeton Creek on the north side of Mill Street.
Resuming your drive north on County Road 10 through some of the most productive potato fields in Canada, you will come upon the enormous Honda Plant at the south end of Alliston. Turn left here and take the Industrial Parkway a few km to King St. Turn right and head north a few 100m toward the downtown.
A turn to the left (west) at Highway 89 will take you past a box store shopping centre (with numerous family style chain restaurants) toward Earle Rowe Provincial Park. The park is located 1 km north of Highway 89 abutting the west side of Alliston and is clearly marked. This is another jewel of a park and is nestled in the scenic Boyne River Valley, bustling with birds and wildlife. Enjoy a picnic, sunbathing by the large manmade lake or swimming in the huge 1 acre pool. You can hike or rent a canoe and paddle down the meandering river. There is comfortable camping for tents, trailers and RVs.
If, instead of turning onto Highway 89 west, you continue on King Street north through the lights at Victoria ½ km to Fletcher Street, you will come across Riverdale Park, Alliston’s other treasured park. This lovely shaded park flanks both sides of the Boyne River and boasts the South Simcoe Pioneer museum, a fantastic children’s playground as well as another enormous circular pool. It is also a great place for a picnic.
Backtracking back down King Street, downtown Alliston stretches east along Victoria and is home to numerous charming restaurants and cafes as well as boutiques and gift shops. A great deal of work has been done to refurbish the downtown core and it is quite a delight to poke around the many shops. Check out Barb’s Clothes Closet for ladies designer clothing, the Curiosity Shop for antiques, De′ tails for gifts and interior decorating and the famous Herbert’s Boots & Western Wear.
The beautifully restored Gibson Cultural Centre at 63 Tupper Street West has opened with a roster of concerts and shows for adults and children as well as local artists performing afternoons on the café patio. The Centre will also be hosting juried art shows in the main floor gallery.
What would entertainment and shopping be without great food and drinks? You are in luck here as well. Pick up a very nice lunch at the Millpond Café and then browse through the Loft of Books next door. Further east along Victoria, the Groundswell Café offers fabulous wraps, salads and coffee as well as entertainment on Friday nights. E-Dragon has wonderful Chinese lunches and dinners or you can enjoy fine Italian and German dining at Europa. The delicious and elegant Bistro 77 at 77 Victoria Street East is an incredible dining experience.
Head east on Victoria Street out of town to return to Highway 400 via Highway 89. Nicholston Dam makes a nice stop a few minutes out of town. Pitch your tent or park your trailer and stay overnight. This scenic campground hugs the Nottawasaga River and you can rent a canoe or kayak and explore the river. The route to the south is gentle and suitable for beginners. The route to the north is another story. It winds all the way down the Nottawasaga River to ultimately enter Georgian Bay at Wasaga Beach. This trip takes several days and you can arrange with the campground for pick up at the end of your day’s paddle so you can return to the comfort of camp each night. There is also a nice gift shop, tour of the operating grist mill and a picnic area.
If you continue east on Highway 89, it is about 20 minutes to Highway 400 - if you don’t get distracted in Cookstown that is, and Cookstown, well that’s another story…
Exit Highway 400 at Highway 9 and travel west 16 km to the Tottenham Road / County Road 10. A 3 km drive north on County Road 10, a left turn at the 2nd Concession Road and a 2 km drive down the road, will take you to The Falconry Centre. This facility was designed and built for the breeding and research of rare and endangered raptors. Daily Shows allow you to get up close and personal with some of these magnificent birds of prey.
A few kilometres further north on County Road 10 takes you into Tottenham, where you can climb aboard the South Simcoe Railway for a trip through the gently rolling hills of the Beeton Creek Valley. You will travel in authentic 1920’s coaches pulled by a lovingly restored vintage locomotive. The train station is on Mill Street, one block west of the main intersection. Downtown Tottenham has numerous little eateries within a block, including the classy Freedom’s Junction for lunches and dinners and the cozy Cedar Kitchen for family lunches and a great all day breakfast. The Happy Hog Roadhouse on Mill Street East, is open for lunch and dinner and hosts live blues performances. Another great option for lunch however, is to grab the kids, some sandwiches and a few drinks and head off into the Tottenham Conservation Area for a picnic. This fabulous little park overlooks a magnificent pond with canoes and pedal boats for rent on the south side of Mill Street and has well marked trails along the babbling Beeton Creek on the north side of Mill Street.
Resuming your drive north on County Road 10 through some of the most productive potato fields in Canada, you will come upon the enormous Honda Plant at the south end of Alliston. Turn left here and take the Industrial Parkway a few km to King St. Turn right and head north a few 100m toward the downtown.
A turn to the left (west) at Highway 89 will take you past a box store shopping centre (with numerous family style chain restaurants) toward Earle Rowe Provincial Park. The park is located 1 km north of Highway 89 abutting the west side of Alliston and is clearly marked. This is another jewel of a park and is nestled in the scenic Boyne River Valley, bustling with birds and wildlife. Enjoy a picnic, sunbathing by the large manmade lake or swimming in the huge 1 acre pool. You can hike or rent a canoe and paddle down the meandering river. There is comfortable camping for tents, trailers and RVs.
If, instead of turning onto Highway 89 west, you continue on King Street north through the lights at Victoria ½ km to Fletcher Street, you will come across Riverdale Park, Alliston’s other treasured park. This lovely shaded park flanks both sides of the Boyne River and boasts the South Simcoe Pioneer museum, a fantastic children’s playground as well as another enormous circular pool. It is also a great place for a picnic.
Backtracking back down King Street, downtown Alliston stretches east along Victoria and is home to numerous charming restaurants and cafes as well as boutiques and gift shops. A great deal of work has been done to refurbish the downtown core and it is quite a delight to poke around the many shops. Check out Barb’s Clothes Closet for ladies designer clothing, the Curiosity Shop for antiques, De′ tails for gifts and interior decorating and the famous Herbert’s Boots & Western Wear.
The beautifully restored Gibson Cultural Centre at 63 Tupper Street West has opened with a roster of concerts and shows for adults and children as well as local artists performing afternoons on the café patio. The Centre will also be hosting juried art shows in the main floor gallery.
What would entertainment and shopping be without great food and drinks? You are in luck here as well. Pick up a very nice lunch at the Millpond Café and then browse through the Loft of Books next door. Further east along Victoria, the Groundswell Café offers fabulous wraps, salads and coffee as well as entertainment on Friday nights. E-Dragon has wonderful Chinese lunches and dinners or you can enjoy fine Italian and German dining at Europa. The delicious and elegant Bistro 77 at 77 Victoria Street East is an incredible dining experience.
Head east on Victoria Street out of town to return to Highway 400 via Highway 89. Nicholston Dam makes a nice stop a few minutes out of town. Pitch your tent or park your trailer and stay overnight. This scenic campground hugs the Nottawasaga River and you can rent a canoe or kayak and explore the river. The route to the south is gentle and suitable for beginners. The route to the north is another story. It winds all the way down the Nottawasaga River to ultimately enter Georgian Bay at Wasaga Beach. This trip takes several days and you can arrange with the campground for pick up at the end of your day’s paddle so you can return to the comfort of camp each night. There is also a nice gift shop, tour of the operating grist mill and a picnic area.
If you continue east on Highway 89, it is about 20 minutes to Highway 400 - if you don’t get distracted in Cookstown that is, and Cookstown, well that’s another story…
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To get to Wasaga Beach
Follow Hwy 400 North from Toronto to the Bayfield Street exit in Barrie and turn left (north) onto Bayfield Street. Follow Bayfield Street out of the City, where you will see signs directing you to turn left onto Hwy 26. Follow Hwy 26 to Wasaga Beach.
Follow Hwy 400 North from Toronto to the Bayfield Street exit in Barrie and turn left (north) onto Bayfield Street. Follow Bayfield Street out of the City, where you will see signs directing you to turn left onto Hwy 26. Follow Hwy 26 to Wasaga Beach.
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8. Can you help me find a campground?
There are seven campgrounds in and around the Barrie area. Many are RV-friendly and offer many amenities. More information is available on our website in the Camping section of our Where To Stay page, or is available in print in Barrie's Vacation & Leisure Guide.
There are seven campgrounds in and around the Barrie area. Many are RV-friendly and offer many amenities. More information is available on our website in the Camping section of our Where To Stay page, or is available in print in Barrie's Vacation & Leisure Guide.
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3. Where can I fish / go icefishing?
Shoreline fishing along Barrie's waterfront is permitted except in the following areas:
- At the docks at the foot of Bayfield St., and at the Southshore Community Centre
- Near all public beaches
- At the Rotary Duck Pond (along the south shore of Kempenfelt Bay at Allandale Station Park)
Please note: A fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 18 in the Ontario. For information on Ontario fishing licenses and regulations, click here: www.mnr.gov.on.ca
Ice fishing in Barrie has the same regulations. Fish hut operators are available on our website under Fishing - Ice in the Things To Do section.
Shoreline fishing along Barrie's waterfront is permitted except in the following areas:
- At the docks at the foot of Bayfield St., and at the Southshore Community Centre
- Near all public beaches
- At the Rotary Duck Pond (along the south shore of Kempenfelt Bay at Allandale Station Park)
Please note: A fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 18 in the Ontario. For information on Ontario fishing licenses and regulations, click here: www.mnr.gov.on.ca
Ice fishing in Barrie has the same regulations. Fish hut operators are available on our website under Fishing - Ice in the Things To Do section.
fishing
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Fruit Picking:
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Beaches & Picnic Areas
Another beloved outing with family and friends is the Elmvale Jungle Zoo. This is where kids can feed and pet the kid-friendly animals and see them up close. The zoo is not too big and not too small; it is just perfect for families with kids ranged from 0 to 12 years of age (and for us older folks too). You will cherish all the photos and memories of your visit to the Elmvale Zoo for a lifetime.
Take the kids to the beach, park and playground at Barrie’s Centennial Beach. Spend a day watching your kids play in the sand, cool off in Kempenfelt Bay and play for hours on the swings and slides. You and the family can walk, cycle, in-line skate and run around the beautiful paved 3.5 kilometer path that wraps around the Bay. After all that fresh clean air, you will be ready to go for a nap too.
The best place to be on a hot summer day is at Barrie’s Splash Pad in Heritage Park. Your kids will love to cool off in the stream of water squirting out of the sprinklers.
Chappell Farms was made for family fun! Your kids will love visiting Chappell Farms during their Spring and Fall Festivals. Halloween is not the same with a visit to the kid-friendly Boo Barn, Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. Even mom and dad can get in a good scare at the Haunted Barn or finding their way out of the maze. Don’t forget the camera!
Allandale Station Park ~ 11 acres Along Lakeshore Dr. between Tiffin St. & Minet's Point Rd.
Description: Features include beautiful waterfront setting, bike/walk path, parking, Fish Habitat Islands, and the Southshore Community Centre, which is available to rent for various special events.
Bayview Park ~ 1.23 acres South side of Dunlop St. E. between Mulcaster St. and Poyntz St.
Description: Features include a picnic shelter and playground equipment.
Centennial Beach
Lakeshore Dr. between Bayfield St. and Tiffin St.
Description: Supervised beach, end of June to mid August (7days /week). Features include accessible playground equipment, biking & walking paths, picnic shelter, picnic tables, restrooms, concession stand, flower gardens, water fountain, mini golf, beach volleyball courts, boat launch, and parking.
Dock Road ParkAt the East end of Dock rd.
Description: a large concrete pier with a small beach. This area is popular for fishing and swimming in the summer months but the beach is not groomed and rarely maintained.
Description: a large concrete pier with a small beach. This area is popular for fishing and swimming in the summer months but the beach is not groomed and rarely maintained.
The Gables ~ 42.3 acres Northeast of Bay Lane on Tollendal Mill Rd.
Description: Features include woodland trails, beach, picnic shelter and washrooms.
Heritage Park ~ 4.4 acres
South side of Lakeshore Dr., between Bayfield St. and Mulcaster St.
Description: Features include waterfront setting, gazebo, the Splash Pad water play area, walkway/paths, change rooms, washrooms, duck pond, gardens and transient boat docking.
Johnson Beach ~ 1.97 acres
Located at the end of Johnson St. South (next to the Barrie Yacht Club)
Description: Supervised beach, end of June to mid August (7 days a week). Features include restrooms, change rooms, and parking.
Minet's Point Beach ~ 3 acres Located easst of Minet’s Point Road on White Oaks Road, north of Tollendal Mill Road
Description: Unsupervised area. Features include playground, picnic tables, restrooms, and parking.
St. Vincent Park ~ 2.47 acres
South end of St. Vincent St. between Blake Street and Kempenfelt Drive
Description: Features include playground equipment, picnic shelter and washrooms.
Tollendale Woods Park ~ 1.75 acresLocated at 40 Royal Oak Dr in Barrie’s South East
Description: This Park has roadside parking beside the park, has a large playground, and is situated on the South shore of Kempenfelt Bay. The park offers a waterfront view, but does not have direct water access or a beach. There are picnic tables, and bench seating available within the park.
Description: Features include woodland trails, beach, picnic shelter and washrooms.
Heritage Park ~ 4.4 acres
South side of Lakeshore Dr., between Bayfield St. and Mulcaster St.
Description: Features include waterfront setting, gazebo, the Splash Pad water play area, walkway/paths, change rooms, washrooms, duck pond, gardens and transient boat docking.
Johnson Beach ~ 1.97 acres
Located at the end of Johnson St. South (next to the Barrie Yacht Club)
Description: Supervised beach, end of June to mid August (7 days a week). Features include restrooms, change rooms, and parking.
Minet's Point Beach ~ 3 acres Located easst of Minet’s Point Road on White Oaks Road, north of Tollendal Mill Road
Description: Unsupervised area. Features include playground, picnic tables, restrooms, and parking.
St. Vincent Park ~ 2.47 acres
South end of St. Vincent St. between Blake Street and Kempenfelt Drive
Description: Features include playground equipment, picnic shelter and washrooms.
Tollendale Woods Park ~ 1.75 acresLocated at 40 Royal Oak Dr in Barrie’s South East
Description: This Park has roadside parking beside the park, has a large playground, and is situated on the South shore of Kempenfelt Bay. The park offers a waterfront view, but does not have direct water access or a beach. There are picnic tables, and bench seating available within the park.
Tyndale Beach Park ~ 10 acres Located east of Cox Mill Road north of Tollendal Mill Road on the lake side of Tyndale Road
Description: Unsupervised area. Features include playground, restrooms/changerooms, picnic shelter, and beach volleyball courts.
Description: Unsupervised area. Features include playground, restrooms/changerooms, picnic shelter, and beach volleyball courts.
White Oaks Beach Located at the South East End of the Barrie Waterfront Trail between the Southshore Centre and Minets Point
Description: This small beach offers a private view of Kempentfelt Bay with bench seating. Access to the water from this beach is difficult due to a steep incline, but its private location and view make it the perfect spot to read a book or stretch before or after a jog around the lake.
Description: This small beach offers a private view of Kempentfelt Bay with bench seating. Access to the water from this beach is difficult due to a steep incline, but its private location and view make it the perfect spot to read a book or stretch before or after a jog around the lake.
Wilkin’s Parkette/BeachLocated at 121 Crimson Ridge
Description: this parkette offers a large garden trellis with a view of Kempenfelt Bay. A short walk down the East side of the park leads to a private beach with trail access to Wilkins Walk. Alternate access to the beach can be found by following the trail from Valleyview Park.
Description: this parkette offers a large garden trellis with a view of Kempenfelt Bay. A short walk down the East side of the park leads to a private beach with trail access to Wilkins Walk. Alternate access to the beach can be found by following the trail from Valleyview Park.
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