Central Ontario Map
Complete map of Central Ontario including Simcoe County.
About Barrie
Barrie is a city of approximately 155,000 residents located on the western shore of Kempenfelt Bay, part of Lake Simcoe in Central Ontario. Positioned about 90 kilometers north of Toronto, Barrie serves as the gateway to Ontario's cottage country and has experienced significant growth as a bedroom community for GTA commuters. The city's waterfront location provides year-round recreational opportunities from swimming and boating in summer to ice fishing in winter.
Downtown Barrie features a revitalized waterfront with parks, marinas, and the scenic Barrie Waterfront Trail. Meridian Place entertainment center and Georgian College anchor the downtown area. The city's economy includes healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail sectors, with Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre serving as a major employer and regional medical hub. Barrie's four-season climate supports winter activities including nearby skiing at Blue Mountain and Horseshoe Resort.
Transportation access includes Highway 400 running directly through Barrie, providing fast connections to Toronto and Northern Ontario. Barrie Transit operates local bus service throughout the city. GO Transit offers commuter rail service from two Barrie stations to downtown Toronto, with improved service making the city increasingly attractive to Toronto workers. The Barrie-Orillia Regional Airport provides limited service, while Toronto Pearson International Airport is accessible within 90 minutes via Highway 400.
Barrie Neighborhoods & Districts
Barrie's neighborhoods include the downtown waterfront core, established areas like Holly, Ardagh, and Bayfield, and rapidly growing south Barrie with newer subdivisions. The east side features neighborhoods like East Bayfield and Painswick, while the west includes Cundles East and Little Lake. North Barrie extends toward Lake Simcoe's western shore with areas like Innisfil Heights, while southeast Barrie represents the city's newest development with communities like Hotchkiss and Southeast Barrie.