Winterfest takes over Barrie’s waterfront

Horse-drawn rides through Barrie's downtown is a part of its annual Winterfest. (Source: City of Barrie)

The waterfront in Barrie will be bustling this weekend with the annual Winterfest underway.

The free event has become a community tradition, with plenty to do to get residents and visitors outdoors, including ice sculptures, lumberjack shows, family entertainment, and lots of activities.

Watch as professional sculptors carve masterpieces from 300 pound blocks of ice, enjoy the mini tube slide, inflatables, buskers, the snow maze, marshmallow roasting, and warm up by the fire pit.

Helicopter rides will also be available weather permitting at a cost of $90 per person.

The event will also feature vendors and live entertainment.

Winterfest activities take place at Centennial Park and Will Dwyer Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free shuttles will operate Saturday and Sunday. Pickup will happen at the transit stop on Coulter Street near the Bayfield Mall, with stops including the downtown terminal, Lakeshore Drive at Victoria Street, and Lakeshore Drive at Centennial Park.

However, if public transit isn’t an option, parking is free downtown on weekends, and waterfront parking areas and hybrid parking lots are free for vehicles registered with a digital waterfront parking permit.