Top 6 Hiking Trails in Barrie, Ontario

Nestled along the shores of Kempenfelt Bay, Barrie is surrounded by forests, streams, and parklands that are woven together by an impressive network of hiking paths. Whether you're searching for a tranquil riverside stroll, a family adventure, or a more demanding walking trek among towering pines, the Barrie area delivers at every turn. With its blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, this city has become a favourite base for Ontario trail enthusiasts seeking fresh air and a change of pace.

Before lacing up your boots, accessing trail maps, recent reviews, and user-supplied details can make or break an outing. This is where AllTrails shines for Canadian hikers. The app lets you discover the right trail for your skills, follow downloadable maps offline, and connect with a vibrant community. Upgrading to AllTrails Peak or Plus offers added perks like 3D maps, weather overlays, and in-depth offline features to help you enjoy the trails worry-free, rain or shine.

Packed with easily accessible routes and scenic day hikes, Barrie’s top trails promise memorable landscapes across all four seasons. Below you'll find a detailed guide to the area's best six hiking experiences, curated for wide-ranging ability levels and day-use convenience.

Overview of the Best Hiking Trails in Barrie

Here’s a quick look at the key details for Barrie's popular hikes:

Trail Name	Difficulty	Distance	Surface	Setting
Ardagh Ring Trail	Moderate	7.1 km	Forest/Urban Edge	Mixed forest, hills
Bear Creek Loop	Easy	4.3 km	Flat boardwalk/natural	Wetland & woods
Barrie North Shore Trail	Easy	5.8 km	Paved/crushed stone	Waterfront/urban
Central Creek Trail	Easy	4 km	Gravel/path	Creekside parkland
Simcoe County Forest: Hendrie Tract	Moderate	17.5 km	Forest	Forest, wildlife
Midhurst Short Loop	Easy	3.9 km	Natural path	Mature woods

Let’s take a closer look at what makes each of these trails special, with tips to enhance your next outing.

1. Ardagh Ring Trail

Quietly winding through one of Barrie’s largest urban natural areas, the Ardagh Ring Trail delivers that feeling of deep forest just minutes from city streets. This 7.1 km double-loop is rated moderate but remains welcoming for families and moderate-level hikers thanks to gentle ascents and a well-worn footpath.

Trail users can expect shaded woodlands, touches of wetland, and occasional boardwalks. Birds flit overhead all year. In autumn, the trail dazzles with vibrant red maples and golden oaks, while deer often make surprise appearances at dusk. Its circular layout makes navigation simple.

Why try it:

• Peaceful forest that feels miles away from urban life

• Dogs allowed (on leash), making it popular with local pet-owners

• Great for running, wildlife photography, and mushroom foraging in season

Check trail conditions and upcoming events on AllTrails.

2. Bear Creek Loop

Easygoing, friendly, and accessible, the Bear Creek Loop is a standout for nature walks among waterfowl, turtles, and songbirds. This 4.3 km circuit features wide, flat paths, making it a favourite for strollers, those seeking a lighter adventure, and everyone who loves the outdoors.

Expect scenic bridges over Bloomingdale ponds and a symphony of frog calls in spring. Forested stretches offer cool shade through the summer, while interpretive signs inspire young explorers to linger and learn.

Highlights include:

• Proximity to Bear Creek Eco Park

• Family-friendly terrain

• Ample birdwatching opportunities

Find route maps and user tips on AllTrails.

3. Barrie North Shore Trail

Few trails showcase Barrie’s lakeshore like the North Shore Trail. This straightforward pathway travels 5.8 km from Barrie’s downtown marina along the north shore of Kempenfelt Bay, offering exceptional vistas, gentle elevation shifts, and the lively buzz of community spirit.

Stroll past marinas, sandy beaches, and manicured parks. Cyclists share the route, and its fully paved surface welcomes wheelchairs, strollers, and dog walkers. Stop for ice cream along the way or linger on a bench to watch sailboats catch the breeze.

What makes it unique:

• Spectacular waterfront views

• Urban access to amenities like food, water, and public washrooms

• Ideal for visitors seeking both exercise and sightseeing

Planning your first waterfront walk? Bridge the gap between city and nature with trail maps and reviews.

4. Central Creek Trail

Serving as a green artery through the city, Central Creek Trail offers a 4 km stretch of scenic path that hugs the banks of Central Creek for much of its length. This route brings together lush vegetation, boardwalks over wetland sections, and easy access from nearby subdivisions.

Benches and shaded rest areas make it appealing for all ages. In early morning or just before dusk, the trail comes alive with squirrels, chipmunks, and the sound of babbling water after heavy rain.

Key benefits:

• Even terrain and well-marked trailheads

• Blends city park amenities with a nature escape

• Walkable from many neighbourhoods

To see top user tips and the latest photos, tap into AllTrails details.

5. Simcoe County Forest: Hendrie Tract

Serious hikers with time to spare will appreciate the Hendrie Tract in Simcoe County Forest for its diverse hiking routes. This 17.5 km network lies just northwest of Barrie and presents one of the region’s most immersive backwoods experiences outside provincial parks.

Expect well-blazed paths winding deep through predominantly pine and oak canopy. The varied landscape means you might walk sandy hills, pass through dense forests, and skirt marshy lowlands all in one outing. Deer, wild turkeys, and red foxes move quietly through the understory, and snowshoers flock here in winter.

Best for:

• Trail running, endurance hiking

• Wildlife watching and spring wildflowers

• Connecting with less-developed sections of Simcoe County

Download offline route guides and see elevation charts directly on AllTrails.

6. Midhurst Short Loop

Just north of downtown, this 3.9 km circuit reveals the beauty of Simcoe County’s mature oak and pine. The Midhurst Short Loop makes for a brisk walk, ideal for a quick escape into nature without the crowds often found closer to city core.

The trail passes rolling terrain interspersed with pockets of wildflowers in late spring and offers reliable snowshoeing in the colder months. Side trails allow for easy expansion if you crave extra mileage.

Why it stands out:

• Quiet, less trafficked than urban options

• Mixed woods and glimpses of local wildlife

• Excellent introductory route for new hikers and families

For navigation help and trip planning, check out AllTrails route info.

Final Thoughts

Modern life brings a fast pace, but the hiking trails in Barrie offer a spectacular reset in every season, whether it's for a lunchtime stroll or a day-long excursion. If you want to broaden your hiking options further, explore all of our other favourite hiking trails for more inspiration or consider venturing into one of Ontario’s provincial parks for a wilderness adventure not far from Barrie.

With so many enriching trails at your doorstep, there’s always a new path waiting to be enjoyed. All you need are good shoes, a little curiosity, and the right trail guide in your pocket.