Things to Do in Barrie in April

April Weather in Barrie

10°C (51°F) High Temp

0°C (32°F) Low Temp

61 mm (2.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Ice fishing season extends into early April on Lake Simcoe - some of the best late-season catches happen when ice is 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) thick and fish are feeding aggressively before spring turnover
Maple syrup season peaks mid-April at local sugar bushes - temperatures hovering around 5°C (41°F) during day and below freezing at night create perfect sap flow conditions
Significantly lower accommodation rates compared to summer - hotel prices drop 40-60% from peak season, and many lakefront rentals offer spring shoulder season discounts
Migratory bird watching at Minesing Wetlands reaches its peak as thousands of waterfowl use the area as a staging ground - best viewing happens during the 2-week window in mid to late April

Considerations

Mud season makes many hiking trails at Scenic Caves and Collingwood area impassable or extremely messy - snowmelt creates boggy conditions that last 3-4 weeks
Lake Simcoe is too cold for swimming at 4-6°C (39-43°F) and most marinas haven't launched boats yet - water activities are severely limited until May
Unpredictable weather swings from snow to 15°C (59°F) within 48 hours - you might experience winter, spring, and near-summer conditions in one trip

Best Activities in April

Lake Simcoe Ice Fishing Tours

Early April offers the final weeks of ice fishing season with excellent perch and whitefish catches. Ice thickness of 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) is still safe, and fish are feeding aggressively before spring turnover. Morning temperatures around -2°C (28°F) keep ice solid while afternoon warming to 8°C (46°F) makes for comfortable fishing. This is your last chance until next winter.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead as operators wind down season by mid-April. Tours typically cost CAD $180-250 per person including heated huts, equipment, and fish cleaning. Look for operators with insurance and safety certifications. Reference booking widget for current available tours.

Maple Syrup Farm Experiences

April is prime maple syrup season when daytime temperatures reach 5-7°C (41-45°F) and nights drop below freezing - perfect sap flow conditions. Local sugar bushes around Barrie offer tours, tastings, and pancake breakfasts. The season peaks mid-April and you'll see traditional and modern syrup-making methods in action.

Booking Tip: Weekend tours book up quickly during the 3-week peak season. Farm experiences cost CAD $25-45 per person including breakfast and tastings. Book 2 weeks ahead through farm websites or tourism boards. See current options in booking section below.

Indoor Climbing at Local Gyms

April's unpredictable weather makes indoor climbing ideal - you're not dependent on outdoor conditions that can change hourly. Barrie's climbing facilities offer excellent training for summer outdoor adventures at Blue Mountain. Perfect activity when afternoon rain showers hit, which happens 10 days in April.

Booking Tip: Day passes typically cost CAD $20-30 plus equipment rental. Most gyms offer beginner packages for CAD $45-65 including instruction and gear. No advance booking needed for casual climbing, but lessons should be booked 3-5 days ahead.

Minesing Wetlands Bird Watching

Mid to late April is peak migration season with massive waterfowl concentrations. Over 100 species pass through including rare visitors like Tundra Swans and various duck species. Cool temperatures 2-8°C (36-46°F) and lack of summer crowds make for excellent viewing conditions. Early morning visits (6-9 AM) offer best bird activity.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits are free, but guided tours cost CAD $35-55 per person. Rent binoculars locally for CAD $15-20/day if you don't own them. Waterproof boots essential due to muddy trails. Book guided tours 1 week ahead through local naturalist groups.

Brewery Tours and Tastings

April's cool, rainy weather creates perfect conditions for indoor brewery hopping. Local craft breweries often release spring seasonal beers in April, and tasting rooms are comfortably uncrowded. Many breweries offer food pairings featuring local maple products from the current syrup season.

Booking Tip: Most breweries welcome walk-ins, but group tours (4+ people) should book 2-3 days ahead. Tasting flights cost CAD $12-20, full tours with tastings run CAD $25-40 per person. See current brewery tour options in booking section below.

Blue Mountain Scenic Gondola Rides

April offers unique transitional views - snow-capped peaks above, valley snow melt below, and emerging spring colors. Clear April days provide 50+ km (31+ mile) visibility. The 2.8 km (1.7 mile) gondola ride takes 8 minutes each way and heated cabins protect you from cool 0-10°C (32-50°F) temperatures at elevation.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost CAD $25-35 for adults, CAD $20-25 for youth. Buy online 1-2 days ahead for 10% discount. Weather can change quickly - check conditions before driving the 45 km (28 mile) from Barrie. Operating schedule varies in shoulder season.

April Events & Festivals

Mid to Late April

Maple Syrup Festival Season

Multiple sugar bushes around Barrie host weekend festivals featuring pancake breakfasts, syrup tastings, and demonstrations of traditional maple syrup making. Each farm typically runs 2-3 weekend events during peak season with horse-drawn wagon rides and family activities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - mud season creates boggy trail conditions and morning frost makes surfaces slippery until 10 AM

Layered clothing system including fleece or wool mid-layer - temperature swings of 15°C (27°F) in one day are common

Waterproof rain jacket with hood - April showers are frequent and can include wet snow or sleet

Warm hat and light gloves - early morning activities like ice fishing or bird watching start at -2°C (28°F)

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 5 and snow/ice reflection intensifies exposure

Quick-dry pants instead of jeans - wet denim stays uncomfortable for hours in cool temperatures

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains battery life 30-40% faster than summer conditions

Cash in small bills - many maple farms and small operators don't accept cards, especially for parking

Binoculars for bird watching - migration peaks mid-April and viewing distances at wetlands are significant

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated in cold weather is crucial and hot drinks are welcome during outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Ice fishing operators typically end their season by April 15th regardless of ice conditions - book early April trips as late as possible for best fishing but secure spots early in March

Local maple farms sell 'first run' syrup in early April which has the lightest color and most delicate flavor - it's only available for 2-3 weeks and costs 20% more but worth it for syrup enthusiasts

Minesing Wetlands parking fills up by 8 AM on sunny weekend mornings during peak migration - arrive by 7 AM or visit weekdays for better experience and parking

Many lakefront restaurants don't reopen until May 1st after winter closure - check operating schedules before planning dinner locations, especially in Orillia area

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming Lake Simcoe activities are available - water is still 4-6°C (39-43°F) and most marinas/boat operators haven't opened yet

Wearing cotton clothing for outdoor activities - cotton becomes dangerous when wet in near-freezing temperatures, stick to synthetic or wool layers

Not bringing backup indoor plans - weather can shift from sunny to snow/rain in 2 hours, especially during first half of April