+13 Amazing Day Trips from Barrie Within 2 Hours
If you’re a local or just passing through, you’re in for a treat because I’ve got the inside scoop on the best day trips from Barrie. Living in this vibrant city for over 30 years, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the surrounding gems, and trust me, there’s no shortage of hidden treasures.
Day trippers will find something to suit everyone’s interest around Barrie. Whether you’re looking to get active outdoors or explore charming small towns, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do near Barrie!
I’m sharing my favourite places to visit near Barrie that make for the perfect day trip. These include popular destinations like Muskoka and Wasaga Beach. Both great locations for outdoor enthusiasts.
You’ll also discover small towns with charming downtowns. Some have an artsy vibe like Orillia, while others will make you feel like you’ve found Europe in Ontario!
Plus, I’m dishing out all the essential details to help you plan your trip. With each destination I’m sharing some of the top things to, driving time, where to eat, and more!
Get ready for unforgettable Barrie day trip ideas that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
7 Best Day Trips from Barrie within One Hour
Muskoka
Nestled just north of Barrie, Muskoka is a popular place to visit near Barrie, throughout the year. As a Barrie resident, I can attest that Muskoka is not just a destination; it’s an experience.
Known for its pristine lakes and lush forests, Muskoka is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The region boasts countless hiking trails across its captivating landscapes. Plus, if you’re looking for waterfalls near Barrie, Muskoka is full of them!
Take a stroll through the charming town of Bracebridge, which is best known for its waterfalls and Santa’s Village. Wandering downtown, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants and shops.
For those seeking to learn more about the area’s history, Gravenhurst is the place to go. Home to the famous Muskoka Steamships, you can cruise the crystal-clear waters of Lake Muskoka. This scenic voyage is a highlight for any day tripper.
As a Barrie local, I can confidently say that Muskoka is more than just a day trip. It’s a journey into a world of the great outdoors as well as a serene escape.
So, pack your bags, hit the road, and discover why Muskoka continues to be one of the most sought-after day trips from Barrie.
Distance from Barrie – 90km
Time to reach destination – 56 minutes
Recommended time spent – Full day
Where to eat – Old Station Restaurant in Bracebridge & Dock of the Bay in Gravenhurst
Blue Mountain
One of the biggest attractions near Barrie is Blue Mountain Village! This versatile gem attracts adventure seekers throughout the year.
As one of the top winter getaways in Ontario, Blue Mountain is renowned for skiing and snowboarding. However, this gem is not just for skiers!
The quaint village, full of colourful shops, offers the perfect apres-ski atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of shops to browse, restaurants to dine at and a spa.
Winter is a great time to plan a day trip to Blue! Beyond hitting the slopes and wandering the village, there’ plenty of festive fun to be found.
Winding through the village is one of Ontario’s free light displays. Plus, for all your gift giving ideas, head to their holiday market.
Fall is another popular time to plan a day trip to Blue Mountain! Take a ride through the trees on the mountain coaster and walk across the suspension bridge for epic fall views. Visitors will also find scenic trails and a zip-line.
With a variety of fun things to do for the whole family, the short drive to Blue Mountain is worth the trip throughout the year.
Distance from Barrie – 64km
Time to reach destination – 56 minutes
Recommended time spent – Full day
Where to eat – Magnone’s Italian Kitchen
Wasaga Beach
Home to the longest freshwater beach in the world, Wasaga Beach is one of the best summer day trips from Barrie!
Sitting along the southern shores of Georgian Bay, the area attracts outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. But Wasaga Beach is great for families too!
The biggest draw is the beach! With various beach options, you can enjoy basking in the sun, taking a refreshing dip in the waters, and building sand castles.
Beyond the beach, there’s plenty of fun family-friendly things to do in Wasaga Beach. There’s mini-golf and go karting.
If you’re looking for adventure, Wasaga is the destination! The area is home to skydiving and an adventure park. You’ll find tons of activities at the Adventure Park, everything from axe throwing to paintball.
My favourite thing to do in Wasaga is hike! Wasaga Beach Provincial Park is so much more than the beach!
The park features unique ecosystems that include dune systems and pine-oak savannah forest. Some of the trails offer sweeping views over the winding river running through the park. Plus, the park is also popular for mountain biking and cross-country skiing.
Another fun activity to add to your day trip to Wasaga Beach is to enjoy a paddle! You can canoe, kayak or SUP along the Nottawasaga River. And don’t worry if you don’t have a device, they’re available for rent from Free Spirit Tours.
Distance from Barrie – 38km
Time to reach destination – 39 minutes
Recommended time spent – Half day
Where to eat – Georgian Circle Family Restaurant
Orillia
A fantastic place near Barrie to travel to for foodies and art lovers is Orillia! This short drive north is a popular arts town in Ontario.
Throughout downtown you’ll find a variety of art installations. My favourite is the colourful one spelling out Orillia! There are also murals and art galleries.
Theatre goers will love taking in a performance at the stunning Orillia Opera House. They host a variety of shows that include concerts, plays and more.
Orillia is also home to one of the best festivals in Simcoe County, the Mariposa Festival. This renowned Canadian music festival features incredible performances, food trucks and a vendor’s market.
Another fun event is Tap into Maple. This sweet event showcases various stops in the area to visit for Orillia maple syrup season. Stops include maple syrup farms, downtown shops and restaurants.
One of the most beloved things to do in Orillia is visit Mariposa Market! Best known for their road trip worth donuts, it’s also a great spot to grab lunch or other baked goods.
However, I highly recommend checking out the other great bakeries and cafes too! Beyond donuts, Orillia is home to some incredible restaurants. Catering to every dietary need and craving, you’ll find everything from Italian to vegan.
The city is also home to some fabulous parks to stroll along the water. Plus, nearby are some great parks full of hiking trails.
Distance from Barrie – 36km
Time to reach destination – 27 minutes
Recommended time spent – Half day
Where to eat – Rustica Pizza Vino
Creemore
One of my favourite small towns in Ontario to day trip to is Creemore! Located west of Barrie, this small town is packed with charm.
Creemore is one of the best day trips from Barrie for couples. This romantic town has plenty of places to enjoy a lovely lunch or dinner with your partner. Plus, you’ll want to pop into the chocolate shop for sweets for your sweet!
There’s something for every small-town lover here! Creemore’s downtown is lined with cute shops and bakeries dishing out tasty treats. Creemore Springs offers a great spot to enjoy a refreshing beer.
The town is also rich in history. You can take a self-guided historic walking tour to learn more about the town. Plus, it’s home to one of the smallest jails in North America that was built in 1892.
If you’re looking for a fun day trip with your friends, Creemore is the perfect girl’s getaway. During the summer the lavender farm is open and offers a picturesque view of the area. Plus, you’ll find plenty of Instagrammable moments!
Distance from Barrie – 39km
Time to reach destination – 37 minutes
Recommended time spent – Half day
Where to eat – The Old Mill House Pub
Midland
Set along the southern end of Georgian Bay is another great day trip destination from Barrie, Midland. It’s best known for hosting one of the best festivals in Ontario, the famous Butter Tart Festival.
Foodies will love eating their way through all the different flavours of tarts in June. But there’s another event that is a must to get you ready for the holiday season, First Light!
First Light is held at one of the top attractions in the area, Saint Marie Among the Hurons. The historic site and living museum is transformed with over 5000 lights.
Next door is another popular place to visit in Midland, the Wye Marsh. This conservation area is home to hiking trails, a bounty of wildlife, including swans, and educational birds of prey shows!
Another great place for nature lovers is Awenda Provincial Park! Its one of the most popular parks in the area for camping. But its also home to beautiful beaches and awesome hiking trails.
Downtown, at the town dock, you can take a cruise spiriting you around the 30,000 islands of Georgian Bay. From the dock you’ll also spot one of the many murals in Midland.
Distance from Barrie – 52km
Time to reach destination – 38 minutes
Recommended time spent – Full day
Where to eat – Boathouse Eatery
Newmarket
In the heart of York Region, between Barrie and Toronto, is Newmarket. Its downtown is full of hidden gems worth a day trip.
Historic downtown Newmarket is the perfect place to start your visit. Along the main street are a number of shops, restaurants, and a brewery.
If you’re a coffee nut like me, you’ll love exploring the great coffee shops in Newmarket. One of my favourite, Metropolis Mercantile, is a cozy café that also has an eclectic shop and bakery. Another fun one is the Neon Flamingo, which is a crazy mix of vintage and café.
After a wander around downtown I love taking a stroll around Fairy Lake. This picturesque lake is conveniently located downtown.
There’s a scenic paved pathway around the lake which is ideal for walkers, cyclists and families with strollers. Plus, along the trail are a number of Indigenous totems that are a must see.
Distance from Barrie – 54km
Time to reach destination – 38 minutes
Recommended time spent – Half day
Where to eat – Hungry Brew Hops
Best Day Trips from Barrie within 1.5 Hours
Toronto
One of the most popular day trips from Barrie without a car is Toronto! The Go Train runs multiple trains during the week and on weekends to Toronto from Barrie and back.
By train, it takes roughly an hour and a half. Plus, the Go Train offers weekend passes for $10! That’s cheaper than driving and parking.
Once you arrive in the city, you’ll have so many options! I recommend choosing one neighbourhood to focus on during your day trip.
One of the best places to visit in Toronto is the Distillery District! Browse the shops and galleries. Grab a coffee at Balzac’s and dine at one of the many great restaurants.
Plus, if you’re planning your day trip for the holiday season, the Distillery District is the best place to experience Christmas in Toronto. It’s home to the iconic holiday market as well as a towering tree and more fun things to do.
For those planning a day trip to Toronto in the summer, a great destination is the Toronto Islands! Visit the beaches, pack a picnic and soak in the sights.
Or if you’ve are familiar with all the popular places, check out some of the unique things to do in Toronto. There are plenty of hidden gems like off the beaten path street are locations, museums, and more. One of my favourite is Allan Gardens!
Distance from Barrie – 112km
Time to reach destination – 1 hour & 23 minutes
Recommended time spent – Full day
Where to eat – El Catrin in the Distillery District
Flesherton
Another great day trip for waterfalls near Barrie is to Flesherton! At the junction of Highway 10 and Grey County Road 4 is where you’ll find this charming little community
The area is home to two of the best Grey County waterfalls, Hoggs Falls and Eugenia Falls. Both are easily reached and do not require a hike. So, they’re great for families with little ones.
In downtown Flesherton you’ll find a handful of cute coffee shops and bakeries. There are also some cute shops, like Local Colour.
Flesherton is also home to the Grey Highlands Museum. This small museum houses a number of local artifacts and host various events.
If you love exploring the art scene then you’ll love the two galleries in town.
Distance from Barrie – 83km
Time to reach destination –1 hour & 12 minutes
Recommended time spent – Half day
Where to eat – Bicycle Cafe
Orangeville
One of the other fun places to visit near Barrie is Orangeville! This adorable town has plenty of things to do and see for visitors on a day trip.
Downtown Orangeville is full of fabulous shops selling everything from clothing to gift ideas. A must visit is Dragonfly Arts on Broadway. This art gallery meets artisan shop has an array of unique pieces made by local artists.
There are plenty of cafés and restaurants to grab a bite to eat at. Two of my favourite little gems are Mochaberry Café and Le Finis.
Take a wander through downtown and discover all of the tree sculptures and murals. Or enjoy a performance at the theatre.
You’ll also find lots of places to hike nearby. Minutes from downtown is Island Lake Conservation Area. This is a great park to visit all year round. Along with a number of scenic trails, the park hosts a variety of fun events like a maple syrup festival and a fishing derby.
Distance from Barrie – 85km
Time to reach destination – 1 hour & 6 minutes
Recommended time spent – Half day
Where to eat – Bluebird Café & Grill
Uxbridge
One of my ultimate favourite small towns near Barrie to visit is Uxbridge! Even after countless day trips I always discover something new.
Day trippers will find so many fun things to do in Uxbridge! Downtown is home to a variety of great shops, like Blue Heron Books and the Lemonade Stand.
Foodies will love Uxbridge for its range of restaurants and cafes. There’s everything from farm to table dining to classic pubs.
One of Ontario’s scenic trains runs through Uxbridge. The York-Durham Heritage Railway runs a variety of tours. If you’re looking for unique things to do in fall in Ontario then book their fall colours train ride.
Uxbridge is known as the Trail Capital of Canada! It’s a hub for a large number of hiking trails, like the Oak Ridges Trail. Plus, there’s a few great short ones right in town. One of my favourites takes you around Elgin Park.
Distance from Barrie – 85km
Time to reach destination – 1 hour & 18 minutes
Recommended time spent – Half day
Where to eat – Urban Pantry
More Fun Day Trips from Barrie within 2 hours
Algonquin Provincial Park
One of the best day trips from Barrie for hikers is Algonquin Park! Along with a fun day trip option, Algonquin is one of the top provincial parks in Ontario.
Two hours from Barrie, Algonquin Park is great to visit throughout the year. Watch the wild flowers bloom in the spring. Enjoy refreshing dips in the lakes in the summer. And experience a magical snow globe-like wonderland in the winter.
Many of the best trails in Algonquin Park are along the Highway 60 corridor. There’s a trail to suit everyone’s ability, from short to long and challenging.
One of my favourite hikes in the park is Mizzy Lake for the varying landscapes and wildlife. But if you’re looking for a short hike with a view, I recommend Hardwood Lookout Trail.
In addition to trails, Algonquin features an art gallery, museum, and ice skating trail.
Distance from Barrie – 169km
Time to reach destination –1 hour& 49 minutes
Recommended time spent – Full day
Where to eat – Lake of Two Rivers Café (open seasonally)
Elora
Be swept away by the romantic European-like town of Elora. This picturesque town is one of the best day trips from Barrie for couples.
You’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Elora! Wander the main streets and browse the unique shops. A few great ones I always visit are Mermaid in Elora and Karger Gallery.
Elora is also filled with incredible restaurants, coffee shops to fuel your exploration. One of my favourite cafes is Lost & Found! Plus, there’s also a distillery and brewery in town.
One of the biggest draws to town is the Elora Gorge! Hiking the Elora Gorge you’ll find epic views, a waterfall and other hidden gems.
Elora is also a great place to day trip with your girlfriends! The town is filled with Instagrammable locations. There’s everything from colourful doors to quirky shops that are begging to be photographed.
Plus, if you’re looking for fun things to do with your friends or mom or anyone, reserve an afternoon tea at Wild Tart! It’s one of the sweetest tea rooms in Ontario, serving some of the best desserts.
Distance from Barrie – 129km
Time to reach destination – 1 hour & 44 minutes
Recommended time spent – Half day
Where to eat – The Friendly Society
Haliburton
The Haliburton Highlands offers one of the best road trips in Ontario! The region is full of small towns and awesome adventures.
But Haliburton also makes for one of the best day trips from Barrie too! It’s great for day trippers looking for outdoor activities or small town charm.
In the village of Haliburton, you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and a few art galleries too! Plus, there’s a lake right in town that offers a scenic stroll along its shores.
Close to downtown is one of Ontario’s hidden gems, Sculpture Forest! This sprawling park is home to a museum and college campus in the woods.
The big attraction is the incredible sculptures found along the trails throughout the park. It’s like an open-air art gallery. Plus, it’s one of the best places to see fall colours in Ontario!
For adventure seekers, the top of the list of things to do in Haliburton is visit Haliburton Forest. This massive forest is home to a variety of fun activities. There’s tree top trekking and countless hiking trails. Plus, there’s a museum and wolf centre where you can watch a pack of wolves from behind one way glass.
Distance from Barrie – 162km
Time to reach destination – 1 hour & 51 minutes
Recommended time spent – Full day
Where to eat – McKeck’s-Tap and Grill
With so many amazing day trips from Barrie your weekends will be full! And the great thing is that there’s a day trip to suit everyone, from cozy travel to outdoor adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit Near Barrie
Yes, the Barrie Go Train runs on weekends and at a discounted rate.
Creemore, Stayner, Flesherton, and Angus are towns west of Barrie.
Looking for more?
29 Best Things to do in Barrie: A Local’s Guide
+8 Fantastic Festivals in Barrie to Attend
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