Heritage Park
Heritage Park
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Heritage Park and nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Neighborhood: City Center
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
366 within 3 miles
Attractions
64 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
52 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
27
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
0
baroom
Mississauga, Canada3,238 contributions
Oct 2022
Our first time in Barrie and Heritage Park was first on our itinerary. We were lucky because the sunny weekend forecast prevailed after several days of rain. Free parking in downtown Barrie on weekends was a bonus (see parking tip* below).
We drove an hour from Mississauga, found an empty spot at the parking lot near the EV charging station (south of Simcoe St), spent some time reading historical interpretive panels before heading to the Heart Barrie sign which was only installed in Jun 2022. There are walking trails, park benches and a duck pond with a gazebo which can be reached via a short pedestrian bridge over a mini waterfall. Heritage Park is a lovely waterfront park conveniently located across downtown Barrie's Meridian Place and Memorial Square. Public washrooms are not open year-round (already closed for winter during our Oct visit).
Interesting landmarks in the area include The Sea Serpent steel sculpture located a short distance from the splash pad with spherical boulder feature (also closed for the season), the Rotary Club 4-sided clock near the intersection of Simcoe St and Bayfield St and, of course, the imposing Spirit Catcher steel sculpture across the marina overlooking Kempenfelt Bay.
*Free parking in downtown Barrie on weekends except at waterfront parking lots which charge $10/hr (or a maximum $50/day) regardless of day or time.
We drove an hour from Mississauga, found an empty spot at the parking lot near the EV charging station (south of Simcoe St), spent some time reading historical interpretive panels before heading to the Heart Barrie sign which was only installed in Jun 2022. There are walking trails, park benches and a duck pond with a gazebo which can be reached via a short pedestrian bridge over a mini waterfall. Heritage Park is a lovely waterfront park conveniently located across downtown Barrie's Meridian Place and Memorial Square. Public washrooms are not open year-round (already closed for winter during our Oct visit).
Interesting landmarks in the area include The Sea Serpent steel sculpture located a short distance from the splash pad with spherical boulder feature (also closed for the season), the Rotary Club 4-sided clock near the intersection of Simcoe St and Bayfield St and, of course, the imposing Spirit Catcher steel sculpture across the marina overlooking Kempenfelt Bay.
*Free parking in downtown Barrie on weekends except at waterfront parking lots which charge $10/hr (or a maximum $50/day) regardless of day or time.
Written November 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bucko007
Sudbury, Canada1,114 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Beautiful area for walking and biking. Trails are clean and well maintained. Beaches are well groomed as are the beach volleyball courts. Boat launch is nearby. Plenty of playgrounds for kids. Only downfall is the paid parking. Super expensive. It is $10/hour. It could cost you up to $50 for the day. Yikes. Maybe they want to encourage public transport.
Written June 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bahama234
Hong Kong, China457 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
I went to Barrie in late November and smell of Christmas already. A peaceful park located in downtown Barrie. Windy and cold, but still worth to walk around to enjoy the peaceful environment
Written December 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriel S
6 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
When I come to Barrie I often choose to park here as it’s only $1.25/h, which is much cheaper than other areas along the waterfront. It’s always been a good place to start and end my day in this city. Nice views of the lake, nice grounds, gardens, etc, and close proximities to many things.
Today’s experience didn’t feel quite as good, but hopefully improvements will come.
Homeless people and other drug addicts seem to have taken over this park. There were sketchy individuals all over. The washrooms were also closed. There were a few city representatives there who’d mentioned concerns over drug use in the washrooms, so they had to be locked. They’re hoping maybe security may be hired to monitor this area and make it safe again, but… hard to say what might happen.
Today’s experience didn’t feel quite as good, but hopefully improvements will come.
Homeless people and other drug addicts seem to have taken over this park. There were sketchy individuals all over. The washrooms were also closed. There were a few city representatives there who’d mentioned concerns over drug use in the washrooms, so they had to be locked. They’re hoping maybe security may be hired to monitor this area and make it safe again, but… hard to say what might happen.
Written July 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RogueTrippers
Guelph, Canada5,442 contributions
Aug 2019
Date of Visit: Sunday August 3rd, 2019
This is a beautiful waterfront Park in the heart of Barrie. It is a lovely place to go for a walk hang out, read a book, relax, etc.
There are long trails for walking, bike riding etc HOWEVER, there are several signs that forbid DOGS from being in the park.
"No Dogs Allowed"
How is that a thing in a place where there are walking trails, and grounds?
The City of Barrie might want to remove those signs, and put up some 'dogs must be on leash" signs, and some "poop bag' dispensers and trash bins.
This was very disappointing to see that they said No dogs allowed.
I seldom give low reviews for parks because parks are usually very pleasant and they are typically well done - this park unfortunately loses points because of their anti-dog stance. Otherwise it is a nice park.
just to be clear - even though there were several signs - there were even MORE dog owners walking through this park when we were there. So, just put up poop bag dispensers and trash bins and accept it that Dogs will be in your park.
Roguetrippers visit a lot of places, cities, and Parks and we bring dogs most times.
not all dogs are jerks. Some dogs are well behaved, well-trained, and love to pose for photos and their owners share on Social Media showing these locations to their followers - who are a lot of Dog owners - who travel.
just saying.
This is a beautiful waterfront Park in the heart of Barrie. It is a lovely place to go for a walk hang out, read a book, relax, etc.
There are long trails for walking, bike riding etc HOWEVER, there are several signs that forbid DOGS from being in the park.
"No Dogs Allowed"
How is that a thing in a place where there are walking trails, and grounds?
The City of Barrie might want to remove those signs, and put up some 'dogs must be on leash" signs, and some "poop bag' dispensers and trash bins.
This was very disappointing to see that they said No dogs allowed.
I seldom give low reviews for parks because parks are usually very pleasant and they are typically well done - this park unfortunately loses points because of their anti-dog stance. Otherwise it is a nice park.
just to be clear - even though there were several signs - there were even MORE dog owners walking through this park when we were there. So, just put up poop bag dispensers and trash bins and accept it that Dogs will be in your park.
Roguetrippers visit a lot of places, cities, and Parks and we bring dogs most times.
not all dogs are jerks. Some dogs are well behaved, well-trained, and love to pose for photos and their owners share on Social Media showing these locations to their followers - who are a lot of Dog owners - who travel.
just saying.
Written September 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
merikeb2017
Winter Haven, FL37 contributions
Aug 2019
We went to the Dragon Boat races at Heritage Park in August, and were very impressed with the overall park. There were walkways over quaint little bridges, ponds intermingled amongst the greenery with ducks swimming, and clean change houses and washrooms along the beach. Parking was a bit awkward but we managed to find a spot near one of the fabulous eateries with outside patios! Would definitely go back just to spend a quiet afternoon watching the boats, etc.
Written September 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe I
Barrie, Canada109 contributions
Aug 2019
try to catch the summer Wed nite antique cars! great music and impeccably restored works of love!! The City of Barrie has really spruced up this jewel of a waterfront and great for kids also.
Written September 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LinCor
Barrie, Canada52 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
Beautiful park. We we're out for a lovely afternoon walk by the water. Landscape was gorgeous but I was disappointed to see all the homeless young n old gathered under a large pavilion by the water. Every person there had a smoke n a beer. I didn't know the pavilion was licensed lol . Nobody else could go there to enjoy the view. I'm sure people in wheelchairs or moms with young children could enjoy the shelter from the sun, surprised.
Written September 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BruceS911
Las Vegas, NV110 contributions
Jul 2018
We frequently visit Heritage Park as it is the destination of many events through the spring and summer months. Its a relaxing spot with a great water feature and splash pad for the kids.
Written March 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ccmm Z
Markham, Canada80 contributions
Sep 2018 • Family
We walked around the neighborhood on the great fall day. The park was next to the water and the scene was beautiful.It was very relaxing as well. I would recommend to get off street parking instead of parking in the part to save the parking fee.
Written September 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing