Looking for a place to spend a fun-filled wintry weekend away from the everyday routine of life? The area around the Blue Mountains and Collingwood is located about 160 km north of Toronto, with easy access via Highway 400 North. The crystal-clear waters of Georgian Bay surrounded by the tree-lined hilly landscape known as the Blue Mountains are well-known for their abundance of winter activities.
Here are 25 adventures to experience during winter in the Blue Mountains:
**Please obey all local Health Orders. Avoid travel to the region, if advised by Ontario Health. Some activities may not be available due to COVID-19.**
1. Discover Snowy Hiking Trails at Kolapore Forest
Get back to nature while hiking this vast network of trails spanning approximately fifty kilometres. You’ll get lots of exercise trekking through these forested trails.
Cost: FREE
Address: There are four access points to the trail networks: 1) Grey Road 2 between 9th sideroad and 10 line. The rest of the access points are on 10th line off of Grey Road 2 and 6th sideroad.
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2. Snowshoe across Southern Ontario’s Longest Suspension Bridge
Snowshoe across Southern Ontario’s longest 420 ft. Suspension Footbridge providing spectacular views, or explore the 10 km of pristine snowshoe trails. Warm up by a roaring fire in the rustic chalet serving delicious hot foods. You can also go on guided night hikes.
Cost: Adult Day Pass $21.50 (weekend) or $17.50 (weekday)
Address: 260 Scenic Caves Rd, Town of Blue Mountains
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3. Go on Grapes, Apples and Hops Tour at Georgian Hills Vineyards!
Join this tour as you explore the different types of offerings of Georgian Hills! Sit back and relax on the bus and enjoy the beautiful agricultural scenery all around you. This guided bus tour of the property includes unlimited tastings while on board.
Please note that there are only fourteen seats available during the tours. Tours run Sunday to Thursdays 11:30 am to 3:00pm.
Cost: $135+HST
Address: Georgian Hills Vineyards, 496350 Grey Road 2 Blue Mountains
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4. Take a Stroll Around the Blue Mountain Village
Witness the visual splendour that is Blue Mountain’s Enchant, a one-kilometre stroll through a series of lite up interactive exhibits. Your children will especially love the Enchanted Forest, the Ice Garden and finally the Mind Warp.
This the perfect family activity after a fun-filled day in the Blue Mountain Area. the Village at the Blue Mountain Resort.
Cost: Free
Address: The Blue Mountain Village Resort: 190 Gord Canning Dr, The Blue Mountains
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5. Glide down an Outdoor Skating Trail at Woodview Mountaintop Skating
Think Rideau Canal, but on a mountain. Now imagine yourself gliding along a pine tree-lined skating loop, enjoying the icy fresh wintry air on your rosy cheeks. That is exactly the experience that is waiting for you at Woodview Mountaintop Skating.
There are ice skate rentals available and all skaters of varying skill levels are welcome.
Cost: Skating Loop Admission: Adults: $16 Youth $13
Skating Loop Admission with Rental: Adults $22, Youth $19
Address: The Blue Mountain Village Resort: 190 Gord Canning Dr, The Blue
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6. Cross Country Ski at Highlands Nordic
Enjoy the great outdoors with a gentle cross-country skiing experience at Highlands Nordic. The resort boasts dazzling views of Georgian Bay and the surrounding areas, with over 24 kms of cross-country skiing trails.
The resort has a cafeteria on site as well as equipment rentals available.
Cost: Adult Day Pass is $23, Senior/ Junior Day Pass is $18
Address: 1182 Nottawasaga Concession 10 S., Duntroon
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7. Skiing and Snowboarding at Blue Mountain Resort
The Blue Mountain Skiing Resort is one of Ontario’s premier winter sport resorts boasting dozens of downhill skiing and snowboarding hills of varying difficulty. The resort offers a equipment rental service, with a cafeteria onsite.
The Resort also offers Snow School, a no-experience required skiing and snowboarding school delivered in a variety of different ways (ie, group lessons, or private lessons.)
Cost: Adult Day $79.00/ Adult Night $47; Kids Day $64/ Kids Night $42
Address: 190 Gord Canning Dr, The Blue Mountains
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8. Apple Pie Trail Snowshoeing/ Hike & Wine
Come along on a snowshoeing adventure that is specially tailored to your skill level. Snowshoe along forested paths with a guide and then come back to the farm and enjoy some wine and cheese.
The tours require a minimum of two participants. Snowshoes are provided as part of the cost of the package.
Cost: $75.00 per person.
Address: 415477 10th Line, Blue Mountains
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9. Crosscountry Ski at Scenic Caves
The site of the 450 million-year-old caves also boasts of a Nordic Centre that sits amidst a 200 year old forest, on 370 acres of the magnificent Niagara Escarpment.
Glide along 27 km of cross country ski trails professionally groomed for both classic and skate skiing.
Cost: Adult Day Pass $21.50 (weekend) or $17.50 (weekday)
Address: 260 Scenic Caves Rd, Town of Blue Mountains
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10. Dash through the snow in a Sleigh Ride at Valley Ridge Farms
Enjoy the wintry delights of sitting back in a comfortable sleigh cushion while the horses take you on an adventure through the forested trails of the Valley Ridge Farm estate.
Valley Ridge Farm is family owned and is committed to providing awareness and education on Canadian agricultural practices. Blankets and hot drink are provided.
Cost: $280 plus tax for 50 minutes
Address: 615852 3rd Line The Blue Mountains
11. Slip and Slide at the Plunge Aquatic Centre
Take a refreshing dip in the Plunge Aquatic Centre’s pool or slide down a waterslide at this four-season outdoor and indoor water park, located on the Blue Mountain Resort.
Many water parks have closed due to Covid-19, this one being only amongst a handful of resorts that have remained open in all of Ontario. Enjoy the summer like feeling of slipping, sliding, and splashing away the afternoon.
Cost: Adults, $19.00, Kids (0-7) $9.00, Older Kids ($13.00). *Please note that these are weekend rates.
Address: 220 Gord Canning Drive, Blue Mountains
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12. Grab a cup of Hot Chocolate and Walk Through Sunset View Park in Collingwood
This beautiful and scenic waterfront park is worth a visit, even in the cold. Walk hand in hand with your loved one on a gravel trail as you overlook the vast expanse of Georgian Bay while sipping your hot drink from any of the esteemed cafes in Collingwood (Ashante is my personal favourite).
Cost: The Cost of your hot drink, if you get one.
Address: 79 St. Lawrence St. Collingwood.
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13. ‘Hike N Tube’ at Blue Mountain
There is more to do at Blue than just ski! Try Tubing down the mountain instead! There are two hills, one gentle for children and one steep for adults. Tube rentals are provided.
Cost: $16 per person
Address: Blue Mountain Resort.
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14. Go on a Hummer Tour with Extreme Adventures
Are you the thrill-seeker type? Well this popular extreme adventure might be for you. Join a touring group as you embark on an off-roading adventure in an iconic Hummer. This will be an unforgettable ride!
Cost: $450 for a private tour.
Address: 15 Harbour Street East, Collingwood
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15. Relax with a Yoga Spa Package at Iwa Spa
This award-winning Spa provides a relaxation experience like no other. There are five elemental relaxation packages available: earth, water, fire, air and space. As an example, the Earth Package features a restorative yoga class, a ‘mountain warrior pedicure with a mineral rich salt bath.
The yoga class starts at 9:30am daily. This package also includes a $20.00 retail voucher.
Reservations are required.
Cost: $125 pp for 2.5 hours
Address: 190 Jozo Weider Blvd, The Blue Mountains
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16. Walk along the beach at Craigleith Provincial Park
Take a long in Craigleith Provincial Park which boasts a long light brown sandy beach off of Georgian Bay.
Take in the fresh air; collect some unique rocks and fossils. The sunsets overlooking the Bay are particularly beautiful. There are public washrooms available in the park.
Cost: Free
Address: 209403 Highway 26 Blue Mountains
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17. Throw an Axe for fun at Axe-Throwing Bare Axe Throwing
Get your adrenaline going and maybe even let out some of that built up stress by throwing around an axe for a few hours! If you’ve never done recreational axe throwing before, it starts with a safety lesson, a warm-up and then the coaches bring out the big axe for you to try!
Cost: $24.99 per person per hour with a coach.
Address: 20 Balsam Street, Unit #11, Collingwood
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18. Have a Cider and Enjoy Live Music at Thornbury Craft Cider & Beer
Order a freshly brewed and locally crafted cider and relax while listening to some local talent perform some of your favourite music. Or, if you fancy yourself more of a gamer, you could play a few rounds of billiards in their gaming room. Please note that local live entertainment is scheduled for weekends only.
Cost: Dependent on any purchases you make during your visit.
Address: 90 King St E., Thornbury
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19. Admire some local Art at Loft Gallery in Thornbury
Visit the Loft Gallery in Thornbury which features art from local artists. At the Loft there are pieces for every type of art-lover, from landscapes, to portraits to abstract and modern art. The gallery is open for unscheduled visits.
Cost: Free
Address: 18 Bruce St. Thornbury
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20. Discover Historic Collingwood
If you are a fan of period or historic architecture, you will definitely love this self-guided walk around Collingwood exploring a myriad of building styles. Marvel at the symmetrical Romanesque Revival property that is the Collingwood Town Hall/The Market Building, discover the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture north of Toronto showcased at the Anglican Rectory and more!
Cost: Free
Address: Downtown Collingwood
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21. Enjoy Chef Quality Cuisine from Fabbrica
Are you a foodie? Well, Thornbury is the town for you! There are several chef-quality restaurants in this quaint little village, Fabbrica being one of them. This fine-dining rustic Italian restaurant is sure to impress with exceptional dishes created by local chef Derek VonMeggelen.
Fabbrica is conveniently located on Bruce St. N in Thornbury, which is the home to many artisans and fine dining experiences. You can view their menu and book a table on their website.
Cost: Main Dishes range from $18-$44 pp
Address: 27 Bruce St. South, Thornbury
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22. Improve your Backcountry skills while on Expedition with OSM Adventures!
Want to work on your survival skills? Sign up for a unique experience with OSM Adventures! A guide will take you on a hike through trails within the Niagara Escarpment.
During the hike, you will learn some fundamental survival skills such as, tent set-up, water purification, navigation, trip planning, and food prep. You will also learn how to trek through the wilderness without leaving any trace of your journey behind.
Here are a few things to keep in mind: 1) No experience is required, so if you don’t have a lot of outdoorsy experience, that is fine. 2) Groups run in all types of weather: “rain, sleet, cold and snow”- as they put it.
Cost: $85 pp (minimum group of 3)
Address: Meet up with your group at 635236 Pretty River Road, Nottawa
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23. Relax in the World Renowned Scandinave Spa
Whether you are spending the day, the weekend or even the week in the Blue Mountain area, you simply have to make it a priority to spend some time at the Scandinave Spa. This spa experience is unlike any other, combining relaxation, exposure to the natural beauty of the area and a revitalization regime in their unique baths system.
When visiting the baths, you will be encouraged to immerse yourself in the relaxing environment by stripping yourself of all technology.
Soak in the warm pool and then immediately take the courageous plunge into the cold pool. To end your experience, relax in the sauna or hammock.
Cost: $ 80.00 per person
Address: Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, 152 Grey County Rd 21, The Blue Mountains
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24. Taste of Collingwood
Discover the incredible array of culinary talent and local, farm-fresh and artisanal foods and beverages through a self-guided food tour of downtown Collingwood.
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25. Book a romantic stay at Living Water Resort
Stay at this beautiful four start resort located just one block from the shores of Georgian Bay. Sit down to a delightful meal at the resort’s on site restaurant, Memories Restaurant and Bar.
Splurge on a relaxation package at the Living Shore Spa, or simply enjoy the resorts beautiful grounds. To book, visit their website and use their ‘book now’ feature.
Cost: Average of $200 per night for double occupancy standard room.
Address: 9 Harbour St. E Collingwood
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By: Lyndsay Stanley