Mother Nature is taking it slow on the snow this year…but it’s coming! In the mean time are you ready for when it get’s here? Have you planned your
wintertime outdoor fun – skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding? We have got the best spot in Ontario – trails, slopes, caves and more. Gather your family, or a bunch of friends and enjoy a a few days in the outdoors.
Collingwood Santa Claus Parade -Saturday Nov. 26, starting at 5:00p.m.
The parade will be held in the early evening to capture the magic of the downtown holiday lights! Downtown merchants host open houses, a Christmas Farmers’ Market, special guests and activities entertain throughout the day prior to the parade.
Traditional lighting of the town Christmas tree and fireworks at the end of Hurontario St. will end the festivities. 705-445-5595 www.collingwooddowntown.com
Wasaga Beach Santa Claus Parade, Saturday Nov. 26, 2:00p.m.-5:00p.m.
The parade starts at 22nd Street and Mosley Street and continues down to the Wasaga RecPlex.
705-429-2247 www.wasagainfo.com
Christmas Shopping, Saturday Nov. 26
Winter’s Gift Show and Sale at the Blue Mountain Foundation of the Arts.
Over 30 local artists and artisans display their works.
705-445-3430 www.bmfa
Visitors to Ontario often don’t realize how big the province really is. How many times has a relative flown in to visit and said to you, “Let’s go to Niagara Falls, the CN Tower, and the Parliament Buildings. Then tomorrow …”? Even when they look on the map, the just don’t get how far apart everything is.
But anyone who lives here knows Ontario takes up a lot of space. You can’t see it all in one day. And because we’re so big, each region has its own distinct landscape.
From the top of the Blue Mountains to the shores of Georgian Bay
The Blue Mountain region is different from the rest of the province. As you drive towards the area, gradually the land becomes more rolling, more hilly. The hillsides are covered with lush forests or rolling farmland. At the tops of the hills, you catch glimpses of Georgian Bay. As the landscape changes, you know you’re getting closer to your destination.
In the spring, Blue Mountain has that fresh, young green colour of new shoots and new leaves. Everything is starting to burst with life. Summer brings a deeper green, as everything is in full leaf. Autumn turns into an explosion of colour. There’s nothing quite as stunning as the Collingwood hillsides covered in oranges, yellows and reds on a sunny October day. And winter has its own special beauty. The rolling hills covered in a blanket of fresh, white snow. The crisp, clean feel that is missing from city snow … assuming the city has any snow.
But Blue Mountain is more than natural beauty. Yes, there are many outdoors activities; snowmobiling and skiing in the winter, hiking and boating in the summer. But once you’ve had enough of the outdoors, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy. You can spend an afternoon wandering through an art gallery or a museum. You can go shopping at the many local boutiques and shops. When you’ve enough, get dressed up and enjoy a quiet dinner at a luxury restaurant. Or be casual and have a great meal at lively pub. Or just stay in and enjoy the beautiful homes & cottages we rent. The choice is yours.
And perhaps the best part of a Blue Mountain vacation is how easy it is to get here. From Toronto, you can hop in your car straight from work and be sitting down for a late dinner in less time than it would take you to get through airport security. No long line-ups, no baggage search, no uncomfortable plane trip. Just a pleasant drive through lovely countryside, then before you know it, you’re already starting your vacation. What could be better?
Feel free to add why you love living or vacationing in the area.
Photo credit:
