
Centennial Park and Beach
Sandy lakeside beach with a boardwalk, picnic areas, and trails. Hosts the vibrant Kempenfest festival annually.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Centennial Park and Beach
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sandy lakeside beach with a boardwalk, picnic areas, and trails. Hosts the vibrant Kempenfest festival annually.
"A beautiful park for all ages and various outdoor activities, right on the lake. "

🅿️ Parking Strategy
Parking can be $10/hour. Consider street parking further away for free options. :parking
🚶♀️ Waterfront Walks
Enjoy paved walkways and a boardwalk with great lake views. Perfect for strolls. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lakeside Boardwalk
Waterfront
Stroll along the paved walkway and boardwalk, enjoying scenic lake views and outdoor workout stations. Perfect for a leisurely walk.

Sandy Beach
Lakeside
Enjoy a refreshing dip or relax on the sandy shores of this beautiful lakeside beach. Great for all ages.

Kempenfest Festival
Park grounds
Experience the vibrant annual civic holiday festival with music, food, and crafts. A lively summer highlight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Event Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Recommendations for places around Barrie
🅿️ Parking Strategy
Parking can be $10/hour. Consider street parking further away for free options. :parking
🚶♀️ Waterfront Walks
Enjoy paved walkways and a boardwalk with great lake views. Perfect for strolls. :athletic_shoe:
My friends and I visiting, trip ideas??
Anyone Know Where I Can Park For Free By The Waterfront?
☀️ Summer Festival Fun
Kempenfest in August offers food, crafts, and concerts. A lively event! :musical_note:
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
Features a large playground, picnic areas, and beach access for kids. :child:
5 year old friendly fishing spot
Tips
from all over the internet
🅿️ Parking Strategy
Parking can be $10/hour. Consider street parking further away for free options. :parking
🚶♀️ Waterfront Walks
Enjoy paved walkways and a boardwalk with great lake views. Perfect for strolls. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Summer Festival Fun
Kempenfest in August offers food, crafts, and concerts. A lively event! :musical_note:
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
Features a large playground, picnic areas, and beach access for kids. :child:
🚴♀️ Activity Hub
Rentals available for pedal boats and bicycles. Outdoor gym stations too! :bike:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Centennial Park and Beach is a highly-rated spot in Barrie, praised for its beautiful lakeside setting, well-maintained boardwalk, and family-friendly amenities like a playground and sandy beach. Visitors appreciate the convenience of nearby restaurants and the vibrant atmosphere during the annual Kempenfest festival. However, the parking fees are a common point of contention for many.
"Beautiful park, right on the lake with lots of seating, picnic tables, playground, paved walkway, boardwalk, outdoor gym, washrooms, boat launch, water fountains, bicycle and pedal boat rental."
Catherine Lee
"Nice beach front in Barrie city, every year during the civic holiday in August, they have the Kempenfest festival and it is such a nice weekend long event. Nice concerts, food, crafts and much more!"
Paola Tomei
"This is a very nice park for anyone to enjoy. We went for a long walk right on the waterfront and stopped to workout at the outdoor workout stations along the way. There are benches and washrooms available. Parking is easy and close to the walking path. From the park there are many coffee shops and restaurants in walking distance. There was a large playground for children as well."
Cara Dillabough
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Centennial Park and Beach is located in Barrie, Ontario. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transit options may also be available depending on your starting point in Barrie.
Unfortunately, parking at Centennial Park is not free and has been reported to cost $10 per hour. Some visitors suggest looking for free street parking further from the immediate waterfront area if you're willing to walk a bit.
Yes, cycling to Centennial Park is a great option! The park is well-connected by trails, and bicycle rentals are available on-site for exploring the area.
The park has multiple access points along the waterfront, including the main beach area and near the boat ramps. The boardwalk provides a central pathway connecting various sections.
The paved walkways and boardwalk are generally accessible for wheelchairs, offering a smooth surface for navigation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Centennial Park and Beach is generally free. There are no admission tickets required to access the park grounds, beach, or walkways.
Centennial Park is typically open year-round, but specific amenities like washrooms or rentals may have seasonal hours. The beach is accessible during daylight hours.
The primary fee is for parking, which can be around $10 per hour. Access to the park itself, the beach, and the walking paths is free.
Information on booking specific picnic areas is not widely available, but the park offers numerous picnic tables. It's best to arrive early, especially on busy days, to secure a spot.
While not explicitly stated in all reviews, boat ramp usage may incur a separate fee. It's advisable to check with local Barrie authorities for current boat launch regulations and costs.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim at the beach, walk or jog on the boardwalk and trails, use the outdoor workout stations, enjoy picnics, and rent pedal boats or bicycles. There's also a playground for children.
Yes, washroom facilities are available within Centennial Park, making it convenient for longer visits.
Absolutely! Centennial Park features a large playground, a sandy beach for playing, and plenty of open space for kids to run around.
You can expect beautiful views of Lake Simcoe, with a well-maintained waterfront, lush green lawns, and scenic trails.
Kempenfest is a large annual festival held at Centennial Park during the civic holiday in August, featuring concerts, food vendors, and craft stalls.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are many coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance of Centennial Park, offering convenient dining options after your visit.
Certainly! Centennial Park has numerous shady picnic areas with picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for a family or group outing.
During special events like Kempenfest, numerous food vendors are present. Outside of festivals, options are more limited to nearby restaurants.
While not explicitly mentioned, water fountains are available. For snacks and drinks, the nearby coffee shops and restaurants are your best bet.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics in the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk offers scenic lake views, especially during sunrise or sunset. The sandy beach and the park's green spaces also provide lovely backdrops for photos.
Kempenfest provides vibrant scenes with crowds, food stalls, and live entertainment, offering dynamic and colorful photo opportunities.
Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) offer the best natural light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's recommended to check with the City of Barrie or park authorities for any restrictions on drone operation before flying.
A versatile camera, from a smartphone to a DSLR, can capture the park's beauty. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto for distant lake views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds. Renting a pedal boat can also be a fun family activity on the lake. The park's open spaces are perfect for kids to run around and explore.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Entry to the park and beach is free, and you can bring your own food and drinks for a picnic, avoiding restaurant costs. Utilize the free outdoor workout stations instead of a gym. The park offers a great value for a day of relaxation and activity without breaking the bank.
🏃♀️ Active Visitors
Consider renting a bicycle or pedal boat to explore the area more actively. The beach itself is great for swimming. Whether you're looking for a cardio workout or a leisurely active day, the park caters to various fitness interests.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Waterfront
Beyond the paved paths, the park offers lush green lawns ideal for picnics or simply relaxing. The sandy beach is a major draw, providing a place to swim, sunbathe, or build sandcastles. For those looking for more active water pursuits, bicycle and pedal boat rentals are available, allowing you to explore the lake and surrounding areas. The presence of benches and washrooms ensures comfort during your visit.
Events and Festivals
Kempenfest is a fantastic opportunity to experience the community spirit of Barrie. The festival atmosphere is vibrant, with something for everyone. If you prefer a more tranquil experience, it's advisable to plan your visit outside of this major event. However, for those who enjoy lively festivals, Kempenfest is a must-attend, offering a memorable summer experience with plenty of entertainment and local flavor.
Family Fun and Amenities
Beyond the playground and beach, the park's open green spaces are great for family games or simply enjoying a picnic. The availability of picnic tables and washrooms adds to the convenience for families. Whether you're looking for a place for kids to play or a relaxing spot for parents, Centennial Park offers a well-rounded experience for a family day out.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit