Barrie is an excellent city for RVers and is much easier to navigate than neighboring metro areas like Toronto. Barrie is a commuter city that has grown rapidly, so watch out for traffic jams around rush hour. If you don't feel like driving, Barrie has a great local bus service. There are also a few places you park your RV near the waterfront.
Barrie has a few interesting local attractions and some of Ontario's best winter and water sports facilities. Campers looking to soak up some culture should check out the MacLaren Art Centre. While fairly small, the MacLaren Art Centre has a fascinating collection of paintings and sculptures from local and international artists. One of the museum's highlights is the Spirit Catcher, a 69-foot (21 metre) tall statue by Toronto native Ron Baird.
If you'd prefer to learn more about local history during your RV rental in Barrie, swing by Historic Fort Willow. Now a conservation area, the fort was once used as a supply depot during the War of 1812 and as a transportation route for First Nations, fur traders, and French explorers over the centuries. Today, visitors can tour the fort and watch reenactments of battles from the War of 1812. The fort is also popular with wildlife watchers, as monarch butterflies visit the area during summer.
Campers looking to make the most of Lake Simcoe during their visit will want to spend a day or two at Centennial Beach. Arguably Lake Simcoe's finest beach, Centennial Beach, is ideal for taking a dip in Kempenfelt Bay. During your visit, get competitive on the beach volleyball court or take a stroll down one of four paved trails. There are also food concession stands for when you get hungry and need a bite to eat.
