V.A. Barrie is a park dedicated solely to Disc Golf, and does a fantastic job of using every square inch of available land. The layout is fairly simple, as you travel up on side of the valley and down the other, but it is anything but a simple course. A great mix of forehand and backhand shots are needed to succeed here, and all kinds of hazards need to be avoided to win your round.

Big cement tee pads are on every hole and most have signs that haven't been removed. These signs not only mark number and distance, but also give you two photos - a view from the tee and a view from the "midway" point of the hole - a very nice touch. All holes have two pin positions and both are labeled on the sign so it is easy to tell which ones are in.

Speaking of pins, these were a thing of beauty! Nice big baskets coloured Red on top, with a white Maple Leaf etched into the band (Awesomely Canadian). They were in top condition and they grabbed my putter quite nicely. Easily the best baskets I've thrown in to, hands down, on any course I've played so far.

The first six holes follow the river so it is a constant menace on your right, as there are snake-infested reedlands leading up to a pretty massive dropoff to the bank. Seven's tee stares directly at a big tree trunk and leads you to the reason you're there - the massive hill located at the back end of the park. At eight, you are tossing straight up into a small window where rollaways will happen. One cannot even locate the pin until almost at the crest, and it is still a difficult approach through some serious shrubbery. You will probably double-bogey this hole, but it will be worth it, for as you stand atop nine's teepad taking in the massive drop shot, the past will be forgotten as you remember why you play the game: It is one of the biggest drops I've seen outside of Kensington's Toboggan course, and one drive will not be enough to satisfy. It is also not the safest view, with thick forest lining either side of the moderately-sized fairway. Keep it low and straight until you're out into the clearing or you will be searching for a while, especially if it ends up on the right. (We also discovered an alternate tee pad at the bottom of the hill for those that want to skip the "adventure" up top. And since there are 19 holes in total, you can play a full 18 by skipping 8&9. If I was a local and played there all the time, I would definitely do this. Very thoughtful and an awesome touch!) The next two shots are fairly wooded and offer a nice change of scenery, however short-lived it may be. You then start heading back towards the parking lot with a series of lengthy drives over moderately-open terrain. If you are tied after 18, like I said there is a playoff hole that will determine your fate, as you drive out from a treed alcove and into the valley. It's then a short walk past a monument dedicated to Barrie himself. Overall a great experience and when paired with Waterworks, a five-star kind of outing. Nothing compares in the area and you will not be disappointed!

amazing baskets
amazing teepads
easy to navigate through 18 holes
amazing 9th hole (absolutetly amazing)
park is very well maintained

very wet early in the season
first 6 holes have water hazard

Ive played about 7 courses in southwester Ontario and this one is easily the best. I haven't played Toronto Island and I've heard great things. If you love discin and your in St. Thomas this course is a can't miss, along with waterworks.

BTW, va barrie park course will be doing renovation this year and the only holes staying the same are uphill and downhill (8 + 9) so look forward to seeing a new course for next year

The most memorable thing about this course (besides the wild uphill/downhill combo of holes 8 and 9) is the way it is taken care of. The fairways and the O.B. rough were trimmed to appropriate levels, and there were flags clearly outlining the boundaries between the two. The baskets were all in near-mint condition, and were being fitted with new number medallions as I was playing. The course was well signed and so well maintained that it was a breeze to navigate the first time through and an absolute pleasure to play

Some of the tee signs were missing when I played, but I'm sure they will be replaced. There is also a bit of a pinch point on the course around holes 3 and 16 where people can throw into each other. The only thing keeping this from being an elite course is the limited quantity of real estate.

Due to water on the right on much of the front nine and woods on the right of much of the back, I think the course tends to favor lefties. But regardless of how you throw, this course is worth a visit.

Beautiful, well kept disc golf centric park with a nice variety of holes. Some water holes along the river (not too dangerous if you are careful), nice fairways with clearly delineated rough that isn't so deep that you spend hours searching for lost plastic. A few elevation changes (two holes incorporate a killer slope). Some longer holes, some shorter, some doglegs left and others right, a few tight technical holes. Overall, an enjoyable disc golf experience. A map is available, but the park flows well enough that you probably don't even need it.

Be careful on the downhill slope (#9), there is a possibility of lost plastic in the thick woods on either side. Might be advisable to use a spotter on this hole.

One of the favorites from a recent disc golf trip through southern Ontario.