South West Barrie

The Holly and Ardagh communities are located in Barrie's southwest. 

Originally part of Innisfil, Holly was one of three areas annexed in the 1980s, pushing Barrie’s boundary to the south. On May 31, 1985, the Barrie Tornado, one of the most violent in Canadian history, tore through parts of Essa Township and made landing in the Ardagh community. A number of lives were also lost to this natural disaster along with the destruction of numerous homes and buildings. The tornado crossed over Hwy 400, touching down in the Allandale community before disappearing over Lake Simcoe.

Residents can enjoy getting back to nature at the nearby Ardagh Bluffs recreational trail system. It boasts over 17 km of recreational trails and has a total area of 518 acres. The Ardagh neighbourhood is a highly sought-after area for family living. Offering easy access to schools and amenities, residents also enjoy the beauty of nature hiking woodland trails of the Ardagh Bluffs. You can travel to just outside the city limits to enjoy the Dyer tract of the Simcoe County Forest or head to nearby Tangle Creek Golf Club for a round on their stunning course.

This area has amazing access to Highway 400 and over 50 transit stops making it is so easy to get around with or without a car. But you don’t need to go far since the area is flush with shopping, restaurants and services all located within easy distance of the Mapleview corridor.

Head over to the 400 and Mapleview for an open-air shopping experience with over 60 shops, restaurants and services featuring the best dining and upscale retailers in the region. A central open air food court offers up quick and easy meals while you shop and features The Sweet Oven which offers dozens of different made in house butter tarts to suit any taste. Park Place also features X-Play Trampoline Park to burn the kids’ energy or The Rec Room so you can feel like a kid again!

Craving some no fuss Italian coffee and pastries? Head no further than Licious Italian Bakery Café for house made cannoli and fresh brewed espresso. They also have a great selection of hot and cold sandwiches or pastas for a super tasty lunch.

Full of energy but the weather’s not cooperating? Check out Bullseye Axe Throwing or Putt Glow-in-the-Dark Min Golf for a fun way to pass the time indoors.