Get Out There Magazine has announced the winners of its annual Great Canadian Outdoor Town and Barrie was number two in Ontario.
The city was named runner-up for Eastern Canada behind Collingwood in the nationwide poll of readers as a top town for outdoor sports and adventure.
The magazine says it put the contenders to the test for the past four months and solicited opinions of readers in an attempt to find the ideal location in Canada for those "looking to live the dream."
Thousands of readers cast votes.
"Some voted based on their favourite events, their favourite trails or ski resorts, and others still for the culture of outdoor sports and adventure that pervades certain locales," according to publication.
Barrie was second-place for "demonstrating just how far the city located an hour north of Toronto has come. Now, people with a desire to make the great outdoors part of their every day life are moving to the area in droves."
"It’s changing, and for the better."
Fernie, British Columbia was number one and Collingwood was voted number two.
The Western runner-up was Squamish, B.C.
The magazine writes: "Congratulations Barrie; where have you been all our lives?"
