Things to Do in Barrie in March

March Weather in Barrie

3°C (37°F) High Temp

-8°C (18°F) Low Temp

58 mm (2.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Ice fishing season peaks - Lake Simcoe has 46-61 cm (18-24 inch) ice thickness, perfect for huts and heated shelters with professional guides
Maple syrup harvest season in full swing - local sugar bushes offer pancake breakfasts and tree-tapping demonstrations on weekends
Winter festival finale period with reduced crowds but ongoing activities - ice sculptures still intact, outdoor rinks maintained daily
Accommodation rates drop 25-40% after March Break week (typically mid-month), making luxury lakefront stays affordable at $89-149 CAD versus $200+ in summer

Considerations

Highly variable weather requires multiple outfit changes - can swing from -5°C to 8°C (23°F to 46°F) in single day with sudden rain or snow
Mud season begins mid-month making hiking trails messy and some conservation areas close sections for maintenance
Lake activities limited to ice fishing early month, then dangerous ice conditions late month - boating season hasn't started

Best Activities in March

Lake Simcoe Ice Fishing Adventures

March offers peak ice conditions with 46-61 cm (18-24 inch) thick ice and active fish before spring turnover. Perch, whitefish, and lake trout are most active in 15-24°C (59-75°F) heated huts. Professional guides provide equipment, bait, and filleting services. Early March is ideal before late-month ice deterioration.

Booking Tip: Reserve heated huts 2-3 weeks ahead, especially weekends. Full-day packages typically cost $180-280 CAD including equipment, bait, and hut rental. Book early March dates - operators stop by month-end due to ice safety. Look for operators with heated transportation and cleaning services.

Maple Syrup Farm Experiences

March is peak sap flow season when freezing nights (-5°C/23°F) and warm days (5°C/41°F) create perfect conditions. Sugar bushes offer tree-tapping demonstrations, evaporation process tours, and fresh pancake breakfasts. Weekends feature horse-drawn wagon rides through maple groves and live demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Visit weekends for full programming - weekdays often just retail sales. Admission typically $12-18 CAD adults, pancake meals $8-15 CAD additional. Peak flow occurs mid-March so book 1-2 weeks ahead. Some farms offer evening tours with lantern-lit trails.

Scenic Valley Winter Hiking

Scenic Caves and surrounding trails offer spectacular ice formations and winter landscapes before spring mud season. Well-maintained boardwalks and paths provide safe access to ice caves and frozen waterfalls. March weather allows comfortable 2-4 hour hikes without extreme cold gear. Snow shoes available for backcountry sections.

Booking Tip: Trail conditions change rapidly in March - call ahead for updates. Day passes cost $18-25 CAD. Arrive early morning (9-10am) for best ice formations and photography light. Avoid late March weekends when trails become muddy. Micro-spikes recommended over snowshoes by mid-month.

Collingwood Blue Mountain Resort Activities

March extends ski season with spring skiing conditions - softer snow, longer days, and warmer temperatures. Village activities include scenic gondola rides, mountain coaster (weather permitting), and spa treatments. Late March brings early mountain biking on lower trails as snow recedes.

Booking Tip: Ski conditions vary greatly in March - check daily reports. Lift tickets $65-95 CAD depending on conditions. Book accommodation 3-4 weeks ahead for March Break period, then rates drop significantly. Spring skiing typically best mornings before afternoon slush. See current lift and activity status in booking section below.

Indoor Brewery and Distillery Tours

March weather makes indoor experiences appealing, and local craft beverage scene offers warming options. Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery, Collingwood's Northwinds Brewhouse, and local distilleries provide heated tasting rooms and production tours. March features seasonal winter ale releases before spring varieties.

Booking Tip: Weekend tours book 1-2 weeks ahead, weekday visits often accommodate walk-ins. Tasting flights typically $15-25 CAD, full tours $25-40 CAD. Many locations offer food pairings and take-home bottles. Transportation packages available from downtown Barrie hotels.

Wasaga Beach Winter Walking and Storm Watching

March storms create dramatic wave conditions and ice formations along Georgian Bay's longest freshwater beach. Beach walking is comfortable during warmer March days (5-10°C/41-50°F) with fewer crowds than summer. Ice sculptures form naturally along shoreline, and migratory birds begin arriving.

Booking Tip: Check weather and wave conditions before visiting - high winds create dangerous ice shelf conditions. Free parking available off-season. Best storm watching from Beach Area 1 pavilion which provides shelter. Visit during temperature swings for most dramatic ice formations. Bring ice grippers for boardwalk safety.

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Barrie Winterfest Extended Activities

While main festival occurs in February, many ice sculptures and installations remain through early March. Centennial Park maintains skating trails and warming huts, Heritage Park features winter programming including blacksmithing demonstrations and historical winter activities.

Mid March

Ontario March Break Programming

Provincial March Break (typically second or third week) brings enhanced programming at Barrie attractions. MacLaren Art Centre offers family workshops, Georgian Theatre features special performances, and outdoor centers extend hours with additional winter activities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layerable clothing system - base layer, insulating layer, waterproof outer shell for temperature swings of 10-15°C (18-27°F) daily

Waterproof insulated boots with good tread - essential for ice, snow, and early mud season conditions on trails

Warm waterproof gloves plus lighter liner gloves - March weather requires frequent glove changes as conditions vary

Wool or synthetic hat that covers ears - wind chill can make 3°C (37°F) feel like -7°C (19°F) near the lakes

Polarized sunglasses - essential for ice fishing and snow glare, UV index reaches 3-4 on clear days

Micro-spikes or ice grippers - sidewalks and trails frequently have black ice from daily freeze-thaw cycles

Packable rain jacket or umbrella - 10 rainy days means 32% chance of precipitation any given day

Hand and foot warmers - useful for outdoor activities like ice fishing or extended winter hiking

Lip balm with SPF and moisturizer - low humidity (70%) and cold winds cause rapid skin drying

Small day pack - necessary for carrying layers as you add/remove clothing throughout the day

Insider Knowledge

Local ice fishing operators check ice thickness daily and post updates on social media - follow them for real-time safety conditions rather than relying on general reports

Maple syrup farms offer significant discounts on bulk purchases during harvest season - buy directly from producers at 30-50% below retail pricing

March Break week sees Toronto-area visitor influx - book accommodations either before March 10th or after March 20th for better rates and availability

Many summer attractions offer off-season rates for private group bookings - contact directly for customized winter experiences not advertised publicly

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating daily temperature swings - visitors pack for either winter or spring, not both, then suffer in afternoon warmth or evening cold

Planning outdoor activities for late afternoon - March daylight extends but temperatures drop quickly after 4pm, making morning and midday optimal

Assuming all winter activities continue through month-end - ice fishing and some winter sports operators close by late March regardless of conditions