Things to Do in Barrie in January

January Weather in Barrie

-3°C (26°F) High Temp

-13°C (9°F) Low Temp

81 mm (3.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Kempenfest Winter Carnival transforms downtown into a proper winter festival with ice sculptures, snow activities, and heated outdoor markets - January 18-26, 2025
Lake Simcoe ice fishing season peaks in January with 30-45 cm (12-18 inch) ice thickness, offering some of Ontario's best perch and whitefish fishing just 15 minutes from downtown
Scenic Caves Nature Reserve becomes a winter wonderland with frozen waterfalls and snowshoe trails, plus 40% fewer crowds than March break season
Cross-country skiing conditions are optimal at Horseshoe Resort (25 km/15.5 miles north) with consistent snow base and groomed trails from early January through February

Considerations

Extreme cold snaps can drop temperatures to -20°C (-4°F) with wind chills reaching -30°C (-22°F), making outdoor activities dangerous for 3-5 days per month
Limited daylight hours (8.5 hours) mean outdoor activities must be planned between 9am-4pm for adequate natural light
Road conditions can be treacherous - Highway 400 north experiences weather-related closures 2-3 times per January, affecting travel to/from Toronto

Best Activities in January

Ice Fishing on Lake Simcoe

January offers the safest and most productive ice fishing season with thick, stable ice and active fish populations. Lake Simcoe is renowned for yellow perch, lake trout, and whitefish. Ice hut rentals include heating, equipment, and local guide service. Best fishing occurs during the 10am-2pm window when fish are most active.

Booking Tip: Reserve heated ice huts 2-3 weeks ahead through local outfitters. Full-day packages typically cost CAD $120-180 including equipment, bait, and fish cleaning. Look for operators offering transportation from Barrie marinas. See current ice fishing tour options in the booking section below.

Scenic Caves Winter Exploration

The caves and suspension bridges create dramatic ice formations only visible in deep winter. Snowshoe rentals available on-site, with 5 km (3.1 miles) of marked winter trails. The frozen waterfalls are spectacular in January's consistent sub-zero temperatures. Indoor warming huts every 1.5 km (0.9 miles).

Booking Tip: Purchase tickets online for CAD $18-25 adults, includes trail access and snowshoe rentals. Arrive by 1pm for best photography light. Winter season passes available for multiple visits. Check current winter tour packages in the booking section below.

Horseshoe Resort Winter Sports

January provides optimal snow conditions for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing with average base depth of 60 cm (24 inches). Night skiing available until 9pm with excellent lighting. The resort's tube park operates even in extreme cold with heated loading areas.

Booking Tip: Lift tickets range CAD $45-65 depending on weekday/weekend. Equipment rental packages CAD $35-50. Book online for 15% discount. Midweek visits offer shorter lift lines and better snow conditions. See current ski packages in the booking section below.

Historic Downtown Winter Walking Tours

Barrie's heritage district takes on a Victorian winter atmosphere in January. Self-guided tours include heated stops at heritage buildings, local craft breweries, and the Barrie Museum. The Meridian Place entertainment complex provides warm indoor attractions when outdoor temperatures drop below -15°C (5°F).

Booking Tip: Self-guided tour maps available free from tourism office. Guided tours CAD $15-25 per person, operate weekends only in January. Tours last 90 minutes with indoor warming stops every 20 minutes. Private group tours available with advance booking.

Snowmobiling on OFSC Trails

January offers access to 200+ km (124 miles) of groomed snowmobile trails connecting to the broader Simcoe County trail system. Trail conditions are maintained weekly, with consistent snow coverage throughout the month. Multiple rental locations offer heated changing facilities and route planning.

Booking Tip: Rental rates CAD $150-220 per day including helmet and safety gear. OFSC trail permits required (CAD $310 seasonal, CAD $50 daily). Book rentals 1 week ahead for weekend availability. Guided tours available for beginners, typically CAD $200-280 for half-day experiences.

Indoor Cultural Experiences

MacLaren Art Centre and Barrie Museum offer extended winter programming in January. The Southshore Centre hosts winter concerts and theatrical performances. Five Points Mall provides heated shopping and dining when outdoor conditions are harsh. Local craft breweries offer winter beer releases and tasting events.

Booking Tip: Museum admission CAD $8-12 adults. Concert tickets range CAD $25-75 depending on performance. Many venues offer January resident discounts with local ID. Check venue websites for winter programming schedules and advance booking requirements.

January Events & Festivals

January 18-26, 2025

Kempenfest Winter Carnival

Annual winter festival featuring ice sculptures, outdoor skating, winter markets with local artisans, and heated food vendors. Live entertainment on outdoor stages with warming areas. Family-friendly activities include horse-drawn sleigh rides and winter craft workshops.

Mid to Late January

Ice Wine Festival at Local Vineyards

Simcoe County wineries celebrate ice wine season with tastings, vineyard tours, and winter food pairings. Several vineyards within 30 km (18.6 miles) participate with heated tasting rooms and winter-themed events.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated winter boots rated to -30°C (-22°F) with non-slip soles - sidewalks remain icy throughout January despite regular salting

Layered clothing system: thermal base layer, insulating fleece or wool mid-layer, waterproof outer shell with hood

Warm winter gloves plus liner gloves for phone/camera operation - touchscreen-compatible fingertips essential

Toque/winter hat covering ears completely - frostbite risk increases significantly in 15+ km/h (9+ mph) winds

Face protection (balaclava or ski mask) for outdoor activities when temperature drops below -15°C (5°F)

Portable hand/foot warmers for extended outdoor activities - drugstores sell 8-hour heat packs for CAD $2-3

Sunglasses for snow glare - UV reflection off snow intensifies even in January's low sun angle

Moisturizing lotion and lip balm - indoor heating systems drop humidity to 20-30%, causing severe skin drying

Ice cleats or microspikes for boots if planning hiking or extended outdoor walking

Emergency car kit including blanket, flashlight, and extra warm clothing if driving - weather can change rapidly

Insider Knowledge

Download the SnowSquall app used by locals for hyperlocal snow warnings - Georgian Bay lake effect can dump 20+ cm (8+ inches) in hours with little advance warning

Grocery shop before weekend cold snaps - locals know to stock up when Environment Canada issues extreme cold warnings, causing temporary shortages

Many attractions offer 'Barrie resident' pricing in January even to visitors staying locally - ask about extended-stay discounts at hotels that provide temporary local status

The GO Train to Toronto runs heated coaches but experiences weather delays 15-20% of January days - build buffer time for Toronto connections and consider Via Rail as backup

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating lake effect snow impact - weather can be dramatically different just 10 km (6.2 miles) inland from Lake Simcoe versus closer to Georgian Bay

Planning too many outdoor activities without indoor backup options - polar vortex events can make outdoor activities unsafe for 2-3 consecutive days

Renting summer-rated vehicles without winter tires - Ontario law requires winter tires or chains, and Barrie's hills become treacherous in snow