2026 Simcoe County Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

#hellonewyear Craving that sun-warmed, "just-picked" flavor? Escape the Toronto concrete and find yourself knee-deep in the rolling fields of Barrie Hill Farms. Just an hour north of the city, this 200-acre family legacy is the ultimate destination for "Pick-Your-Own" enthusiasts. Imagine a 2026 summer morning where the only thing on your to-do list is filling a basket with juicy strawberries, plump blueberries, or crisp fall apples. From the tractor-pulled wagon rides to the sweet scent of fresh pies wafting from the Silo Café, this farm is a masterclass in rural charm. Whether you’re here for the "June-bearing" berries or the golden pumpkins of October, Barrie Hill is where city life slows down and the simple joy of the harvest takes over. 📍 5 Tips for Your Farm Fresh Visit • Transportation: Drive north via Highway 400 to the Bayfield St. exit. For a greener route, take the GO Train (Barrie Line) to Allandale Waterfront Station and hop a quick 15-minute rideshare to the farm entrance. • Best Time to Travel: Mid-June to July is peak berry season! Visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning (around 8 AM) to enjoy the quietest fields and the freshest, untrammeled fruit. • Must-Visit Spots: The Silo Café for their famous berry frozen yogurt, the Farm Market for local honey, and the Hillside Strawberry Fields for the best panoramic farm views. • Suggested Itinerary: 9 AM: Arrival and wagon ride to the fields. 11 AM: Market shopping for artisanal treats. 12 PM: Farm-to-table lunch at the café. 1 PM: Photo ops at the "Big Red Tractor." • Photography Tips: Avoid the harsh midday sun! Shoot at Golden Hour or on a bright overcast day for soft, even lighting on the fruit. Get low to the ground for "macro" shots of the berries nestled in the leaves for a truly professional look. #BarrieHillFarms #PickYourOwn #OntarioFarms #StrawberryPicking #ExploreSimcoe2026

Winter in Midhurst, Simcoe County, is a veritable northern fairytale—endless white forests, shimmering snow, and every step a tranquil, poetic adventure. This trip especially recommends a hike along Midhurst's famous Trout Trail, offering a relaxed overview of the winter landscape and allowing you to experience the most authentic natural beauty of Canada. Entering the snow-covered forest, every step is a challenge. Located in Midhurst, the Trout Trail in winter offers views of snow-covered trees and streams, with towering pines and low shrubs all draped in a blanket of ice and snow. The biggest takeaway from this trip was how challenging walking in the snow is. It's slippery, the snow is thick, and tree roots and loose rocks are often covered, requiring extra caution with every step! If you're going in winter, I highly recommend bringing snow boots and trekking poles for safety and to conserve energy. Hiking in the snow is physically demanding, so remember to bring warm drinks and rest stops along the way. Trout Trail Scenic Recommendations The entire trail roughly follows Bayfield St, approximately 2 kilometers long, and is not too physically demanding to complete. Recommended highlights include: 1. Forest Ski Trail: The entrance is surrounded by a vast expanse of snow-covered forest, with branches laden with frost, creating a winter wonderland atmosphere. 2. Near-Reach Stream: A small stream flows through the trail, often with thin ice on the surface and snow-covered banks in winter, offering a unique and picturesque scene. (A must-visit for photos!) 3. Native Forest: The entire trail marks a nature reserve, allowing you to spot wildlife along the way. Adventure enthusiasts will not be disappointed. 4. Deep Forest Side Paths: Some side paths offer quieter sections with deeper snow, perfect for experiencing the pristine tranquility of nature. Trip Tips 1. Trails can be challenging in winter.

Simcoe County is renowned for its pristine natural beauty and distinct seasonal seasons, and the Trout Trail in Midhurst is a popular hiking route year-round. Stepping onto the Trout Trail in January, you're surrounded by snow-covered streams and snow-capped forests, a tranquil and healing experience. It truly doesn't disappoint; it's a popular trail for embracing nature all year round! The Midhurst Trail (especially the Trout Trail) is a route suitable for both beginners and seasoned hikers, perfect for both a brisk workout and leisurely observation of winter scenery. Its biggest highlight is its accessibility even in winter, with snow-covered landscapes and streams complementing each other, surrounded by trees blanketed in snow, offering a serene escape from the city and a truly therapeutic experience. Recommended Attractions: Trout Trail: This is a star route in the Midhurst Trail network. Walking along the frozen creek during the snow season, with snow-covered tree trunks and slightly icy paths, is a truly authentic "Canadian winter" experience; every snapshot is a masterpiece. Importantly, the trail is well-maintained, making it less slippery, so parents with young children can rest assured. 📍Address: 11545 Bayfield St, Midhurst, ON L0L 1X0, Canada Basic parking is available at the trail entrance, but it's recommended to arrive early in winter to avoid parking difficulties due to snow. Opening Hours: Open year-round, but recommended to visit between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM in winter (the trail can become icy after dark, posing a safety risk). Recommended Route and Experience Tips: 1. The snowscape is most spectacular in January/February, and the area near the creek is particularly quiet, perfect for taking photos and relaxing. 2. The trail is approximately 5 kilometers long and has a certain level of difficulty.

Barrie is a city about an hour's drive from Toronto. It's not a particularly touristy place, but the city itself is compact and perfect for relaxing! There are buses running through the city, so even though Canada is a car-oriented country, it's easy to get around without a car! A day off where you can take a photo with the Barrie sign, walk around the waterfront area, drink a beer, walk a little further, and eat ice cream that seems to be famous in this area. It's peaceful and nice! Speaking of poutine and Canada, Tim Hortons is a chain, but it's still a must-have when you come to Canada! These two are a must in Canada 🇨🇦 #Let's go abroad #Canada #Barrie