Barrie Winterfest
In the 1950s, Winterfest began as a community-based initiative with the goal of attracting business to Barrie during the colder season. Formally known as “Winter Carnival”, the event helped to increase Barrie’s visibility on the map and promoted healthy and active lifestyles by encouraging residents and visitors to participate in a range of outdoor winter-based activities and programs. In the 80s, the event was officially transitioned over to the city to host and was renamed as Winterfest. It was and is a coveted community tradition and has grown in popularity and scale, attracting thousands each year. Some of the long-standing and favourite activities from when the event first started are still included in present day programming including lumberjack shows, horse-drawn rides and impressive snow and ice carvings. The event welcomes multi-generation attendees, many of whom were children when they first attended and now return year after year with their families.