2010 Adventure Series – Barrie without Blinders On

Every once in awhile you come across a community were first impressions are not what they seem.  And when we come across a community which we feel provided us more bang for our buck we will scream it out loud on the BLOG hoping to bring some light to the destination.

Not all communities are created equal and not all get a fair shake at getting good press when your under the shadow of a big city.

Take the community of Barrie, Ontario, Canada.  Here is a community which is largely viewed from the main highway (Hwy 401) by most people.  Not a good impression. The highway is lined with row after row of big box stores.  And unless you make an effort and take an exit off Highway 401 and drive into the community of Barrie, you are left with a poor impression of a city of just big box stores.  What they need is a picture billboard campaign to drive people into the community.

Southshore Waterfront Pathway

Barrie offers much to be proud of for a big city like their beautiful waterfront.  Yes a Waterfront is in Barrie! I know, you may not know there was a waterfront in Barrie because you drive the 401 or because nothing is ever written about it.  Plainly put… we are never told about it. Out of sight – out of mind.

That is a big issue with tourism today – we are always told the same things every year, over and over again in the media.   It seems nothing ever is new in the media – it s the same events, same destinations and same attractions every year.   Back home on the west coast, it is no different – we are told every year about the same destinations  – Vancouver, Tofino and Victoria.  Last time I checked there were over 150+ communities in British Columbia.  That is why we created our www.BCeh.com Travel Network. People have a right to know.

And… why, in the media,  is it  always general information with no specifics on trails, parks, points of interest.  Why is always about the same attractions and accommodations every year. Why do they get plugged and others do not?  How do you generate new interest in a community if you sing the same song every year – repeating the same old news to your local tourism markets?

The community of Barrie was a pleasant surprise and deserves some recognition for their efforts.

Biking the Waterfront

Barrie is a waterfront community resting on the shores of Kempenfelt Bay on Lake Simcoe. There are parks, sandy beaches and a pathway connecting the community together along the waterfront.  The pathway is a popular corridor for walking, jogging, biking, roller blading, strollers and sightseeing. It is a tiered pathway with two trails – one trail is for walking and one for biking.  It is a busy pathway that is well maintained with beautiful large grass lawns, interpretive signs, picnic shelters, picnic tables,  splash parks, flower gardens  and viewing benches.

The paved and gravel pathway runs from Minet’s Point in the south to Johnsons Beach in the north connecting the community.  Minet’s Point is a small beach park with great views of the Barrie skyline. Johnsons Beach is a sandy beach popular with the locals for swimming.

In the middle of the pathway is a marina, Centennial Park, a boat launch, a yacht club, water fountain, art sculptures, flower gardens, a sandy beach, a peninsula with sailboats bobbing up and down in the harbour.  It is such a “kodak” moment.  The waterfront path provides easy access to downtown shops, stores, restaurants and boutiques – not of the big box store variety.

We walked the entire trail from Minet’s Point to Johnson’s Beach on many of our visits.  Often, greeted by people on the pathway with a hello, good morning or a smile. Good for the people of Barrie to share in their happiness and it is always nice, a big perk, to be welcomed and accepted when exploring a community.  This is important because there are too many communities where this is not the case. But we will not go there.

Splash Park Fountains

When you take a close look at all the big cities in Ontario.. and we have researched them all – Barrie has done an admirable job with their waterfront.  It is a waterfront hidden from the 401. It is a waterfront often forgotten under the lights of Toronto, Ottawa and others. But take it from us the Barrie waterfront is a joy to explore.  It is a long pathway with much along the way to entertain oneself.

If ever you are in the area of Barrie and travelling the 401.. take it from us.. take an exit, welcome an adventure and check out the waterfront in Barrie. Put aside your big city prejudices and assumptions and enjoy the efforts of the communty to look pretty.

Bring your bike, a picnic and camera and maybe a few bucks in your pocket because the waterfront is often the main stage for many events in Barrie, Ontario.