Many people may not want to think about ice and snow just yet, but Barrie and the surrounding area is a popular winter destination for thousands of visitors each year. For those who enjoy winter activities, moving to Barrie will bring you that much closer to the great outdoors and all it has to offer in the colder Canadian months. Imagine not having to battle traffic on the 400 to get to the ski hill or to try your hand at ice fishing. Here are just a few things you will have easy access to from a new home in Barrie:
Skiing – There are several prominent ski, snowboard and snow tubing hills and resorts for beginners and experienced downhillers within an one hour of Barrie including Snow Valley, Horseshoe Resort, Blue Mountain and Mount St. Louis Moonstone.
Cross Country Skiing – If you’re looking for one of the best winter workouts you can get, world-class cross-country ski trails at Hardwood Hills in Oro are likewise accessible only minutes from the city.
Snowshoeing – Those who prefer a slower, more leisurely pace can likewise find great snowshoeing trails at Hardwood Hills or can venture out onto Kempenfelt Bay once its fully frozen over.
Snowmobiling – The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is based in Barrie and quick access can be gained to trails, which will allow you to safely ride for hours or even days should you be more adventurous.
Ice Skating – Barrie’s City Hall offers and maintains an outdoor rink, while several others can be found around the city in the colder winter months. The city also boasts seven different ice pads, many of which offer public skating, figure skating, speed skating, recreational and competitive hockey leagues for kids and adults alike.
OHL Hockey – The Barrie Colts provide an opportunity for avid hockey fans and cost-conscious families to watch future NHL stars play a fast-paced game at the Barrie Molson Centre at a fraction of the cost of going to an NHL game.
Ice fishing on Kempenfelt Bay – Around mid-January you will start to see several ice fishing huts popping up just off the shoreline around the bay. Hut rentals are available from several local proprietors, many of whom can be found on Ice Fish Ontario and there is even an ice fishing tournament held each year with exciting prizes to be won.
Barrie’s Winterfest – Barrie’s annual winter festival held in early February each year offers many fun activities for the entire family. Outdoor activities include a polar bear swim, horse-drawn wagon rides, dogsled rides, lumberjack exhibitions, a giant snow slide, an ice maze and more.
Kids play near the iconic Spirit Catcher on Barrie’s waterfront
So, as you can see, buying a new home in Barrie will open up a whole world of winter fun for you and your family. Hot chocolate, marshmallows and a toasty fire can always be waiting at home to combat a chill upon your return.
Photo courtesy http://travelandtransitions.com/our-travel-blog/ontario-2005-2010/ontario-canada-barrie/