Embracing the Autumn Magic: Barrie's Fall Delights
For those who appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the season, Barrie is a destination that should be at the top of your list for fall! The city and its surrounding areas come alive every year with tons of local activities, events, and experiences that capture the essence of fall in all its glory.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a foodie seeking culinary delights, or simply someone in search of that perfect pumpkin, Barrie has something for everyone during this time of year.
In this guide, we'll show you the best ways to embrace the season. We'll explore outdoor adventures, seasonal festivals, our favourite cafes and even a touch of spookiness. So, grab your scarf, indulge in a warm cup of apple cider, and let's discover the irresistible allure of Barrie, Ontario, this fall season.
Pumpkin Picking, Harvesting and Farm Events
Pick your own pumpkins, fruits and veggies at local farms in the Barrie area. All farms have local events going on in the months of September and October.
Chappel Farms:
From late September all the way until Halloween, Chappell Farms offers their Fall Festival! It’s an amazing place for kids and adults alike! Visit their animals, run up to the amazing lookout, explore the corn maze, ride on the tricycle track and pick your perfect pumpkin. There is plenty of room to just run and play in the fresh air!
Learn more about it here: Chappell Farms Fall Festival
Rounds Ranch:
Celebrate the fall season with us! Tractor rides to the pumpkin patch to pick your favourite FREE ANY size, ANY colour pumpkin.
Crazy pumpkin games ie. pumpkin bowling, pie eating contest, sack races and more. (games are on the weekend ONLY)
Learn more about Pumpkin Mania at Rounds Ranch.
Barrie Hill Farms: A fun activity for fall baking and harvesting! Pick your own fruits and veggies from the beginning of May, running all the way until October 31st. Check out their website below for the selection of veggies and fruits they have available this season!
Bring your own basket as well as they charge by weight, so you can bring as many baskets as you’d like – one for everyone in the family! If not, you can purchase them and re-use them on future visits.
Learn more about it here: Barrie Hill Farms.
Fall and Halloween Festivals
If you're not into the picking and harvesting side of fall and halloween, you can still enjoy the fall events happening in Barrie and the Simcoe area!
Open Air Dunlop:
Starting on June 10th, Dunlop Street in downtown Barrie closes to cars from Maple Avenue to Mulcaster twice a month, making room for community. You can roll and stroll, shop and patio hop. There’s lots of fun activities planned such as yoga, dance and fitness classes, art activities, live music and more.
Learn more about it here: Open Air Dunlop.
Friday Harbour:
Friday Harbour aways has events going on during the fall months! Check out their calendar here full of live music/concerts, markets and more!
Pumpkinferno at Discovery Harbour:
Pumpkinferno at Discovery Harbour is a fun Halloween event for adults and kids! The magical outdoor exhibits include artificial hand-carved pumpkins and more. For those looking to test their courage make your way through Grim Reaper’s Grove, where zombie’s, clowns and witches lurk in the shadows!
Learn more about it here: Pumpkinferno
Drysdale Halloween & Harvest Village:
Drysdale's Haunted Harvest Village provides everything for a memorable October outing! Enjoy a day of frightful fun, pumpkin picking and Halloween gift and décor shopping. There will be haunted wagon rides, train rides, witches broom ball, bonfires, a magician, tarot readings and more!
Learn more about it here: Drysdale Halloween & Harvest Village
Barrie Farmers Market:
Check out the Barrie Farmer's Market on Saturdays at City Hall! Come out and see all the new bakers, makers, farmers and artists, with live music!
Learn more about it here: Barrie Farmer's Market
Fall Hiking + Foliage Adventures
One of the best activities to do in the fall is hiking through trails and seeing the autumn leaves. There are a few in the Barrie area to check out this season from our list!
- Simcoe County Admin Trail
- Barrie Lakeshore
- Sunnidale Park and Arboretum
- Wilkins Walk Trail
- The Gables Trail
- Heritage Park Trail
Cozy Cafes and Dining
If you're looking for some restaurants and cafes to cozy up to this fall season, don't forget to check out some of our favourite local ones below!
Bohemia:
Our favourite cafe downtown Barrie, Bohemia! They have a wonderful selection of homemade desserts, sandwiches, and cozy drinks. They currently have a fall-themed pumpkin spice syrup and more fall menu items to come, with a lovely and fun atmosphere!
Visit them here: Bohemia
Jadore:
Jadore is the place in Barrie for all things cheese, wine and chocolate! With private tasting events and a Speak Cheesy, Jadore sells a bunch of products that are perfect for fall charcuterie boards and recipes!
Visit them here: Jadore
Homestead:
If you're looking for specialty, long-ferment sourdough breads and baked goods, crafted by hand, check out Homestead! With a warm drinks and a warm atmosphere, Homestead has great food and live music for your downtown Barrie adventures this fall!
Visit them here: Homestead
Enjoy Autumn in Barrie!
As the lovely fall season starts in Barrie, we hope you end up creating some memories this fall!
Whether you're a local resident or a traveler, Barrie's fall offerings invite you to connect with nature, indulge in culinary delights, and make cherished memories with loved ones!
Let us know which ones you'll be attending this year!