The Waterfront Heritage Trail is approximately six kilometres from White Oaks Road to Penetanguishene Road, and offers a historical experience around the length of Barrie’s waterfront. The idea came from Willard Kinzie, first mayor of the City of Barrie from 1957 to 1961. An avid trail user, Mr. Kinzie envisioned a way for residents to learn about our history while enjoying an open air, self-guided interpretative experience on Barrie’s waterfront.
The trail starts at the east end of Allandale Station Park on the south shore and continues around the waterfront to the end of the North Shore Trail at Penetanguishene Road. Eleven interpretive stations, each with a different historical theme, tell the story of Barrie’s past with a journey from the last ice age to the present. Stations are placed thematically, not chronologically, so visitors can decide to see one per visit or all in one day.
The Military Heritage Park contains interconnecting trails that allow it to be integrated into this trail.
Mr. Kinzie’s bronzed handprint, cast in 2016, waits at the end of the trail at Penetanguishene Road to offer a “high five” to those who complete the trail. A trailhead sign honouring former Barrie Mayor Willard Kinzie sits at the north end of the marina boardwalk along the waterfront trail at Station 8. Station 8 is still under development and is anticipated to be completed in 2023.
Link to trail map: https://www.barrie.ca/sites/default/files/2023-09/Heritage-Trail-Map.pdf
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE
Region(s): Simcoe CountyNearby towns and cities: Barrie
Trail feature tags: Interpretive signage | Wheel chair accessible
Waterfront Heritage Trail characteristics
Length: 6 km linearDifficulty: Easy (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Paved
Trail use: Hiking and Cycling
Wheelchair accessible
Fees: None
Flora & Fauna:
Not yet reported.
Amenities: None
Attractions: interpretive signage
Contact:
City of Barrie 705-726-4242
Find it: Allandale Station Park, Barrie
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 44.3744210
Longitude: -79.6825390