Blog Articles


Downtown Barrie is Winter’s Wonderland

Thursday, February 7, 2019

Some might call this time of year “the dead of winter,” but it always amazes me how well we embrace the season, as tough as it may sometimes be. A quick glance outside, and you can see that the temperatures aren’t enough to stop us.

Whether we’re walking with friends, cross-country skiing on the North Shore Waterfront Trail, ice fishing or kiteboarding on Kempenfelt Bay, or skating at the Centennial Beach hockey rink or Heritage Park skating pond, we’re still active — we’re just bundled up. It’s as if this time of year is more like “the life of winter.”

I particularly love seeing the Running Room Run Club members don their winter-clothing layers and head out with their flashing lights as the darkness sets in early. These runners are definitely enjoying the life of winter, but if you’re longing for the warmer temperatures, there are always groups of people heading to work up a sweat indoors at one of the downtown fitness or yoga studios.

For the foodies, Barrielicous is the lifeblood of winter. More than 50 restaurants provide delicious dining options that get us out and bring us together.

Every weekend in February, nearly 20 downtown cafés, coffee shops and bistros will offer one-of-a-kind hot chocolate creations for the entire family, as part of Downtown Barrie’s Hot Cocoa Trail. Also part of the event, and just for adults, is Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery Ginger Belle beer, in support of the Camphill Foundation.

Music and film are celebrated in the annual February Blues Music Festival and the Barrie Film Festival’s Reel Stories.

And if you haven’t seen them yet, check out the incredible ice sculptures from last weekend’s Winterfest.

Downtown Barrie is winter’s wonderland. Whether you’re bundling up to enjoy the outdoors or heading out just to get back inside and meet up with friends, this is your chance to live the best life of winter.