Lovin' Blue Mountain!

The signs of spring are everywhere. The ice is leaving the bay.  Crocuses are peeking their heads out. The early tulips are as well. Even saw my first robin the other day – fat, red and hopping across the lawn. It won’t be long before the mountainsides start turning green.

And while skiers and snowmobilers may be a little sad at the changing seasons, every year there is more and more to do in Blue Mountain culturally and with activities.  So while the ice is still coming out in cottage country all of these activities make this area the best in Ontario for a spring getaway.  Here are my top ten ways to celebrate spring during your visit.

1.   The Georgian Trail was originally a rail line between Collingwood and Meaford beginning in 1872. It was reopened in the fall of 1989 as a 34 km trail. The trail has a hard-packed, granular surface, so it’s easy for walking, cycling and is even wheel chair accessible – making it perfect for a family outing. There are benches along the trail for resting, and several places with rest rooms. Along a good stretch of the trail you’re walking right next to Georgian Bay so you have some stunning views. Visit for maps, photos and more information.

Leaving Thornbury, heading west

2.  The town of Collingwood has created The Collingwood Trails Network. There are over 60 kilometres of marked trails. The in-town trails are suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and electronic scooters. Millennium Park is part of the in-town network. It offers fabulous views of the bay and was once the site where massive Great Lakes freighters arrived in Collingwood. Go to www.collingwoodtrails.ca for a list of all the trails that are part of the network, as well as photos and maps.

3. With snow melting and April showers, spring is a great time to take the Grey County Waterfall Tour. There are an incredible number of waterfalls in Grey County – each more beautiful than the last. Many are a short drive or hike from major roads. Download and print the map of the 150 km self-guided driving tour. You can visit as many or as few as you’d like at your own pace. www.visitgrey.ca/travel-experiences/waterfalls-and-waterways/waterfall-tour/

One of the stunning views

4. If you’re a little more adventurous, there are plenty of places where you can go rock climbing. Metcalfe Rock is one of Ontario’s oldest climbing areas and very popular. At 800 meters at its peak, Metcalfe Rock offers top roping, traditional and sport climbing. Access is along the Bruce Trail. The full loop is about 8 km and will take about 3 hours, over and above your climbing time. Visit http://brucetrail.org/explore/show/28 to get directions.

5. For a more sedate outdoor activity, try the historic architecture walking tour of Thornbury. Pick up a brochure with directions and details about each of the homes from participating stores in downtown Thornbury. Then spend a lovely hour or so walking the area and looking at these beautiful, historic homes. Visit http://www.thornbury.ca/things-to-do/walking-tour for more information.

The Mill Cafe overlooking Thornbury Dam

6. Perfect for a rainy day is a visit to the Arts Centre. The Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts is presenting PAINTINGS, an exhibition featuring the art of Paul Shilling and Jennifer Porter. This show runs from March 31, 2010 to May 2, 2010.  If you happen to be in Collingwood April 10^th, you can meet this artists at the reception from 3 to 5 pm. 163 Hurontario St., Collingwood Ontario 705-445-3430 www.bmfa.on.ca

7. The Georgian Sound Festival is an annual event – this year April 23, 24 and 25 in Thornbury and Clarksburg.  If you love jazz – or want to learn more about it – this is the weekend for you. You’ll hear every genre of jazz, from traditional Dixieland, big band swing, gospel, modern and Latino flavoured jazz. And it’s not just for listening. On Saturday you can take dance classes and learn to ballroom dance or swing dance.  For more info or to order tickets, call 519-599-3223 or go to www.georgiansoundfestival.ca.

Marlene O'Neill will headline Sunday's Gospelfest

8. If folk music is more your style, you’ll want to check out Lunch At Allen’s at the Marsh Street Centre in Clarksburg. This musical revue includes Murray McLauchlan, Cindy Church, Marc Jordan, and Ian Thomas. It’s an incredible chance to see all four of these musicians on one stage. It’s a one-time show on Saturday, May 15^th at 8pm. Call 519-599-7837 or visit for more information www.marshstreetcentre.ca.

9. For a more active family day, you and your kids will love the Just Push Play Arcade in Creemore. What’s unique about this arcade is you don’t need quarters (or loonies). Just pay a flat fee admission price and you can play all the games you want. There are over 200 games – recent and trendy games to some oldies but goodies. They have air hockey, Dance Dance Revolution, Pac Man, pinball machines, and even the old Galaga game. Freak your kids out at how good you are at the oldies or let them kick your butt on the new ones. 5 Francis St. E Unit A, Creemore, Ontario.  (705) 466-6668 www.justpushplayarcade.com

10. Lastly, who doesn’t love bowling? C’mon admit it.  This is fun for the entire family. The Georgian Bowl in Collingwood has 12 lanes of 5-pin bowling – the truly Canadian version of the game. In fact, 5-pin bowling celebrated it’s 100^th anniversary in 2009. Not only that, 5-pin is easier for little hands to manage. You can even use bumpers to take the frustration out of the game for beginners. For adults, there is Rock n Bowl Saturday nights. Located at 832 Hurontario St., Collingwood, Ontario, L9Y 3Z1 or call (705) 445-3871. On the web at www.georgianbowl.com.

We’d love to have you join us this spring – or anytime for that matter.  Give us a call when you’re ready.