In the Ontario province of Canada, nestled along the southern shores of Georgian Bay and framed by the Niagara Escarpment, are the picturesque Blue Mountains. It is a sought-after skiing resort in winter, while in summer, tourists enjoy adventure activities, hiking, and biking through the wilderness. In fact, it feels like a year-round playground due to the plethora of options to choose from, whether it’s the natural surroundings, the European-inspired vibes of Blue Mountain Village, or adventure activities. Read on to discover how we went about exploring and the things to see and do in Blue Mountain Village, Ontario.
History of Blue Mountains, Ontario
The Blue Mountains area was originally home to the First Nations people, like most of Canada. The escarpment’s cliffs, forests, and waters were integral to their traditional territories, carrying significant cultural and spiritual meaning. In early 1941, Jozo Weider arrived with a vision to build a ski resort here. With the support of the community and sheer grit and determination, Weider founded Blue Mountain Resort, carving out trails on the Niagara Escarpment and laying the foundation for what would become one of Canada’s premier outdoor destinations.
Why are the Blue Mountains so called?
The name Blue Mountains rings a bell for us, as we have visited several places with the same name across the globe. We have visited the Blue Mountains near Sydney, Australia, which get their name from the blue haze that covers the mountains thanks to the essential oils released by the eucalyptus trees that grow there. In India, the Blue Mountains, also known as the Nilgiris, derive their name from the blue Neelakurinji flowers that bloom on the mountains every twelve years. The Blue Mountains in Ontario are so called as a reference to the ‘Blue Mountain Formation”, which is composed of a rock layer of blue-grey shale and limestone.
Travelling from Toronto to the Blue Mountains, Ontario
It’s October, Thanksgiving weekend, as well as my husband Rafiq’s birthday, so we decide to make the most of it and head to the Blue Mountains. It’s also the Apple Harvest Weekend, so how can it get better? We drive from Toronto, watching open fields and trees with fall colours.
Westin Trillium, Blue Mountain
Rafiq has booked us at the Westin Trillium, which overlooks the Blue Mountain Village. We check into our rooms, which overlook the Mill Pond and the village. Since it’s Apple Harvest Weekend and pumpkin season, the hotel and village have been tastefully decorated. Yellow and orange pumpkins with haystacks and flowers are a delight. We decide to explore the Blue Mountain Village.
Things to See and Do in Blue Mountain Village, Ontario
1. Mill Pond Activity Centre
Our hotel overlooks the Mill Pond, and we see tourists enjoying their ride on water tricycles with large paddle wheels. We can hear music playing and are loving every bit of this place.
2. Shopping and Dining in Blue Mountain Village
We stroll to the pedestrian-only village and explore the shops and retail outlets—boutiques, home décor, toys and candy stores, fashion and lots more. We love how tastefully decorated the shops are, with their beautiful window displays. The restaurants, cafes and bars with welcoming patios with floral decorations are hard to resist. Coffee, ice cream, or meals – you will be spoiled for choice.
3. Family-Friendly Activities & Entertainment at Blue Mountain
A. Enjoy Blue Mountain Open-air Gondola Ride
Next, we line up for the Gondola ride and are looking forward to seeing the view from the top. We hop on the Gondola and are thrilled as it ascends the mountain. We get an aerial view of the Blue Mountain Village and try to identify the various landmarks. The green trees have just a hint of orange, but in the fall, this would look wonderful.
Soon we reach the mountain summit. Since it’s the Thanksgiving Weekend, there are pumpkin and floral decorations, as well as photobooths, to take pictures. A giant red wooden garden chair on which families are clicking pics. We see an installation called ‘Elevate’ that pays homage to indigenous people. Since this land originally belonged to the First Nations people, it’s rather apt to have an installation in their memory. We stroll further and are greeted with stunning views of Georgian Bay.
B. Have Fun at Blue Mountain Adventure Park
We take the Gondola back to the base. My husband and son head to the adventure park for some adrenaline-pumping thrills and rides. The park is buzzing with families and youth, all eager to have some fun and frolic. One can choose from a variety of rides and activities.
Canopy Climb Net Adventure features suspended trampolines, slides, bridges, and tree houses where you can jump, jiggle, and wriggle your way through nets.
Lumber Lanes Climbing Centre features a 12-metre wall equipped with pegs, grips, and ropes for speed climbing. It reminds you of rock climbing.
Wind Rider Ziplines has three parallel zip lines. When buckled up, you can zip at speeds of up to 50km/hr.
Cocoon Crawl Playscape features brightly coloured crocheted nets, swings, and webs, and is popular with kids.
Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster is where you will hear squeals of excitement and laughter as you glide along the mountain. Unlike roller coasters, which go swirling in loops and high speeds, this one is self-driven and rides at 42km/hr on 1 km of track.
C. Listen to Music at the Subaru Stage in Events Plaza
So, while the boys are having their share of adventure, my daughter and I enjoy the band playing at the Subaru Stage in the Events Plaza. There are a couple of chairs available, so you can grab a coffee or a drink and enjoy the music.
D. Click Pictures at Blue Mountain Sign
We all then head to the Blue Mountain Signage to try to take pictures. The backdrop of the slopes of Blue Mountain, the leaves in autumn colours, and the Westin Trillium hotel, is postcard-perfect. Mornings are also the best time to get a picture here, as the lighting is good and the crowds are fewer.
E. Experience Blue Mountain Village by Night
The sun has set, and it’s now getting dark. The lights come on, and the shops and eateries seem inviting. The Blue Mountain Village has a warm and celebratory charm and vibe. The music playing, the decorative lights, and the moon in the sky create a surreal feeling.
Agora Light Trail
Another attraction of the Blue Mountains by night is the Agora Light Trail. If you are up for it, then check it out at the top of the Blue Mountains. The paths are illuminated with coloured lights, creating a magical feel.
Dinner and Birthday Celebration at Mother Tongue
We decide to ring in Rafiq’s birthday and have dinner at the Mother Tongue restaurant. We try some South Asian cuisine, such as Pad Thai, Fried Rice, and starters and reminisce about the events of the day and are grateful.
4. Other Attractions in Blue Mountains
There are several other attractions in the Blue Mountains, such as hiking trails and mountain biking. In winter, there are various snow activities, such as skiing and snowboarding.
The next morning, we stroll through Blue Mountain Village, check out some more shops and click photos at the Blue Mountain Signage. We check out and say goodbye to the Blue Mountains.
Visit Fernwood Farms Market
On the way back to Toronto, we stop at a farm where the pumpkin festival celebrations are in full swing. Straw bales decorated as tractors and turkeys, and corners decorated with pumpkins in shades of yellow, orange, and ochre, are a treat to the eye. There is a cow-shaped cutout where you can try your hand at milking, or a coop where you can feed chickens or wander in a corn maze. The shop has fresh produce, preserves, and products that are aesthetically displayed. We appreciate the efforts put in by the farms to celebrate the harvest season.
Final Words on Blue Mountain Village, Ontario
Strolling through quaint shops in Blue Mountain Village, riding the Gondola, and taking in the view of Georgian Bay, along with soaking in the natural beauty and fresh, crisp air, make Blue Mountain a great destination. Adventure Park’s rides and activities ensure that one gets a fair share of thrills, with not a dull moment. Its proximity to Toronto is another plus. The timing, coinciding with Apple Harvest Weekend and Thanksgiving weekend, and Rafiq’s birthday, was perfect. Whether you want rest, relaxation, slowing down, or, on the other extreme, adventure and high adrenaline thrills, the Blue Mountains have both. We created memories that we shall cherish for a long time.
Getting There:
Nearest Airport to Blue Mountain Village, Ontario:
Toronto Pearson International Airport, with connectivity to major international cities, is your best option. The other options are Billi Bishop Airport, Hamilton Airport or Waterloo Region Airport.
Where to Stay in Blue Mountain Village, Ontario:
We stayed at the Westin Trillium overlooking the Blue Mountains Village. One can even do a day trip if you don’t want to stay overnight. You can either hire an Airbnb or look for accommodation in Collingwood, which is 15 minutes away. You can do a net search for options based on budget and comfort.
Travel Tip:
There are various categories of Blue Mountain Pass Tickets. Choose what suits you best.