Parks & Boat Launches

Some of our Parks and Beaches

Pristine Julia Bay Beach, gaze at the distant cliffs to the north, and then picnic and swim at the beautiful sandy beach. Here you will find change rooms, picnic tables, a gazebo and toilet facilities.

Julia Bay Beach, Barrie Island

From Julia Bay, head west and turn right onto the 5th Sideroad. Here make a left on East Line, where you drive west until you reach the Barrie Island Community Centre. Take note of the old school and church bell on display. And it is where you can take a moment and relax in the shade of the gazebo. Washrooms are available. Observe the century farms and the wildlife found around here. Eagles, sandhill cranes, grouse and white tail deer abound. 

Continue west along East Line Road until you hit White Tail Drive. Here you keep driving until you reach Goose Gap Crescent. Keep driving around the loop and you will see a sign for the Goose Gap Park. Blessed with a fantastic view of Bayfield Sound, one can enjoy the picnic tables and gazebo and relax around the fire pit. There are also washrooms there. 

Goose Gap Park (Barrie Island)

Keep driving around the Goose Gap loop and very close to Goose Gap Park is Salmon Bay Boat Launch. It is a boat launch but there is a dock and sitting area as well as washrooms. Here on the shore there is a beautiful, protected area where one can sit and drink tea and relish the beauty of Nature. Here is a quiet, secret place where one can enjoy some downtime.

Salmon Bay Boat Launch at sunset (Barrie Island)

To find this secluded beach on Tobacco Lake, one needs to drive south along Highway 542 from Highway 540 (at the OPP station), and drive a few minutes until you reach Golf Course Rd. Here turn right and drive a half minute until you reach Ida's Rd. Turn left and there is parking on the left right beside the beach. There are picnic tables and a sandy beach. And the water is warm mid-summer!

Tobacco Lake Picnic Area