Top tips for renting a car in Barrie

Save yourself time, stress, and money when visiting Barrie by locking in a rental car ahead of time. Before you settle in behind the wheel, there are a few things you should know about driving in the idyllic beachside locale that is Barrie, Ontario.

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What are the road rules and driving conditions in Barrie?

While driving in beautiful Barrie, Ontario, always obey the road rules set out by the province, which include observing road signage, driving on the right-hand side of the road, wearing a seatbelt at all times, and adhering to local speed limits.

In Barrie, speed limits start at 40 km/h in school zones and 50 km/h in residential areas, and reach between 100 and 110 km/h on major highways like Highway 400.

Some common road rules in Ontario, Canada include no hand-held cell phone use while driving, and the 'Move Over Law', which specifies that drivers must always give way to emergency vehicles when they are displaying sirens and/or flashing lights. While driving in Barrie, you can turn right at a red stoplight if it is safe, once you've brought your vehicle to a stop first. In Ontario, school buses have the right of way when their lights are flashing and the stop arm has been extended. All vehicles in both directions of traffic must stop in this scenario.

While Barrie is a sunny paradise in the summer months, winters in the area are just as chilly as the rest of Ontario. If you're visiting in the colder months, stay safe amidst snow or slush by equipping your vehicle with snow chains or tires. You can filter rental cars by snow tires on Turo.

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What is parking like in Barrie?

If you know where to look, parking in Barrie is incredibly simple to navigate. In downtown Barrie, you'll find a mix of metered street parking and off-street parking lots. If you need to park for longer, opt for a parking garage like the Collier St Parkade or the Courthouse Parking Lot, both of which have no daily limits.

Certain areas, such as the marina and the waterfront, have parking lots that require parking permits which can be applied for online. In designated waterfront lots, you can also park without a permit. Be sure to check whether you're parking within a permitted area before leaving your rental vehicle.

In residential parts of Barrie, there are ample free or permit-based street parking options. Regardless of your destination in Barrie, it shouldn't be hard to find secure parking at an affordable rate. You can pay for parking in Barrie using cash or most major credit and debit cards, depending on your chosen location.

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Are there toll roads in Barrie?

There are no toll roads in Barrie itself, but if you plan on exploring surrounding cities or driving into Toronto, there's a good chance you'll encounter Highway 407 (407 ETR). This is an electronic-only toll road and the only toll road in the province. Chat with your Turo host in the app about the best way to pay for any tolls you encounter during your travels throughout Ontario.

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Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Barrie?

Yes, there are many gas stations and plenty of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations scattered throughout the town of Barrie and its surrounding suburbs. If you're headed into Barrie from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) or Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, you'll find gas stations as you pass through towns like Vaughan and Bethesda, including along Highway 400 — the main road that leads from Toronto to Barrie. EV charging stations are just as easy to come by in similar locations.

Once you arrive in Barrie, there are tons of gas stations within city limits. Try Bayfield St, Yonge St, and Blake St for ample options. EV charging stations from reputable brands like Tesla, FLO, and Ivy are dotted all over Barrie, but you'll easily nail one in the downtown area, out near Georgian College, or at the mall. In Barrie, EV charging stations are often located in parking lots and gas stations. A full charge or tank is never far away in this slice of Central Ontario!

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Do I need to rent a car in Barrie?

As a city in its infancy, Barrie's public transit options are limited. You won't find it hard to get around from hotspot to hotspot using buses. To truly explore all this area has to offer, a rental car is certainly your best bet. Find car rentals to suit your budget, trip length, and style, and once you've secured a vehicle, pick it up from a convenient pre-arranged location in Barrie or nearby Toronto.