I recently spent a weekend in Barrie, a charming city situated on the shores of Lake Simcoe in Ontario, Canada. The main focus of my trip was to experience lakeside living, so I found a perfect spot to stay: The Waterfront Hotel. Located right by the lake, the hotel offered an idyllic and relaxing setting that complemented the beauty of the surroundings.
1. Location: A Prime Spot by Lake Simcoe
Barrie’s downtown area is lively and filled with things to do, but what drew me in was the location of this hotel. The Waterfront Hotel is tucked right along the shoreline, providing guests with stunning views of the water. It’s an easy walk from the heart of downtown Barrie, where there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. However, staying at the hotel meant I could wake up to the sound of gentle waves and enjoy an early morning stroll along the lake before even venturing out for the day.
What made the location even better was the fact that I was able to access the waterfront with minimal effort. The hotel itself has direct access to the lakefront walking path, which allowed me to enjoy some peaceful moments by the water whenever I wanted. Lake Simcoe is known for its clean, clear waters, and the views from the hotel were a perfect way to experience this natural beauty.
2. Booking the Stay: How I Found My Room
For those considering a stay at The Waterfront Hotel, the booking process is straightforward. I booked my room through Booking.com, which is often my go-to for hotel reservations. The site offers a range of options, and I found a great deal for a standard lakeview room. It’s important to note that rooms with lake views are always in high demand, so I’d recommend booking ahead to secure the best view.
My room, which I paid around CAD 180 per night for, was spacious, comfortable, and exactly what I was looking for. This price was for a mid-range room with a view of the lake, and it included all the amenities necessary for a relaxing stay. Taxes and service fees are additional, so the total cost for my weekend stay came to about CAD 450.
3. The Room: Comfort with a View
Walking into the room, the first thing that struck me was the view. The floor-to-ceiling windows allowed me to see the shimmering lake, the skyline of Barrie in the distance, and the lush greenery surrounding the area. The room itself was modern, yet cozy, with clean, neutral tones that created a peaceful atmosphere.
The bed was large and comfortable, with plenty of fluffy pillows. I really appreciated the soft linens, which made it easy to relax after a day of exploring Barrie. The room came with all the essentials: a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, a work desk, and a spacious bathroom with a shower and bathtub. There was also free Wi-Fi, which worked well throughout my stay.
One thing I liked about the room was the sliding glass door that led out to a small balcony. From here, I could enjoy a private spot to sip coffee and watch the sun rise over Lake Simcoe in the morning. The view was nothing short of spectacular, and the quiet, serene atmosphere made it the perfect place to unwind.
4. Amenities: What You Can Expect
The Waterfront Hotel offers several amenities that make it a great choice for anyone looking to stay near the lake. On-site, there’s a restaurant and bar that serves a variety of meals, ranging from casual bites to more sophisticated dishes. The restaurant has an outdoor terrace that overlooks the lake, which was my favorite spot to dine. Having breakfast here, with the lake breeze on my face, was a great way to start the day.
The hotel also offers a fitness center, although I didn’t make much use of it during my stay. It’s fairly well-equipped with cardio machines, weights, and a small stretch area. For those who enjoy spa treatments, there’s also an onsite spa that provides various services like massages and facials. I didn’t book anything, but it seemed like a nice option for those looking to unwind in a different way.
If you enjoy outdoor activities, the hotel also provides easy access to the waterfront trail, which is perfect for walking or cycling along the lake. There are also kayaks and paddleboards available for rent, which would be great for anyone interested in getting out on the water itself.
5. Dining Options: Lakefront Dining at Its Best
The lakeside restaurant at The Waterfront Hotel is one of its standout features. I enjoyed a few meals here during my stay, and each time I was impressed by the quality of the food. For breakfast, I recommend trying their classic Canadian breakfast: eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, and toast, all served hot and fresh. For lunch or dinner, the grilled trout with a side of roasted vegetables is a great option, offering fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The view from the dining area was as good as the food. Sitting on the outdoor terrace with the lake right in front of you creates an atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Watching the sunset while enjoying a glass of wine was one of the highlights of my trip.
If you’re in the mood to explore other dining options, the area around the hotel has several excellent restaurants and cafes. The Craft Kitchen and Bar, located just a few blocks away, serves delicious farm-to-table dishes and is well known for its cozy atmosphere. The Keg Steakhouse & Bar is another solid option if you’re in the mood for a hearty steak dinner.
6. Exploring Barrie: Things to Do Around the Hotel
Barrie offers plenty of things to do, whether you’re in the mood for relaxation or adventure. I spent some time exploring the Barrie Waterfront Park, which is just a short walk from the hotel. This park has beautiful walking paths, open green spaces, and is a popular spot for picnics or simply enjoying the view of the lake.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, Centennial Beach is located nearby and is a great place to enjoy a swim in the summer months. The beach is clean, and the water is relatively shallow, making it ideal for families with children.
For those who love shopping, Barrie’s downtown area is filled with unique boutiques, art galleries, and shops. I spent a few hours wandering around the local stores and ended up finding a handmade candle from a local artisan that I brought home as a souvenir. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon if you’re looking for something more low-key.
7. Price Breakdown and Booking Tips
When it comes to booking your stay, The Waterfront Hotel offers a variety of room options. The lakeview rooms tend to be more expensive, with prices starting at around CAD 180-200 per night. If you’re on a tighter budget, the standard rooms without lake views are slightly cheaper, around CAD 120-140 per night.
In addition to booking through Booking.com, the hotel also has its own website where you can check availability and book directly. However, Booking.com sometimes offers better deals, especially if you book in advance.
For a weekend stay, I recommend budgeting around CAD 450-500 for a lakeside room, including taxes and fees. This price can fluctuate depending on the season and availability, but it’s a reasonable rate considering the quality of the hotel and the prime location.
8. Final Thoughts
Staying at The Waterfront Hotel in Barrie was an unforgettable experience. The combination of lakefront views, excellent amenities, and proximity to the best parts of Barrie made it the perfect place for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking to relax by the lake, explore the local area, or enjoy delicious food and drinks, this hotel has everything you need for a great stay.
If you’re planning a trip to Barrie and want to experience lakeside living, I highly recommend checking out this hotel. With the beautiful setting, cozy rooms, and range of activities nearby, it’s a destination that truly embodies the essence of a relaxing lakeside vacation.
