Ultimate Winter Playground
Ski, Skate, Snowshoe, and Snowmobile. So many things to do in the snow!
South Georgian Bay is packed full of things to do in winter. When there’s snow on the ground, you can snowshoe almost anywhere where you’d normally hike.
Our resorts and inns provide convenient access to the best winter outdoor activities plus hearty meals and warm après-ski hospitality.
THE NIAGARA ESCARPMENT
Re-connect with nature in ancient forests along the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO world biosphere reserve. The Bruce Trail is Canada’s oldest marked footpath and crosses Ontario from Niagara Falls through to Tobermory along the Niagara Escarpment. Exercise caution in winter, follow recommended trail usage.
Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain
The award-winning Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain offers a relaxation journey nestled in the heart of nature. Guests are invited to completely disconnect and immerse themselves in an adventure in wellness.
The Spa offers a variety of Massage treatments and the Thermal Journey experience which includes large outdoor Hot Baths, Cold Plunges, Waterfalls, saunas, a Eucalyptus Steam Room, Outdoor Fireplaces, and indoor/outdoor relaxation areas situated in a natural forest setting, minutes from downtown Collingwood & Blue Mountain Resort.
Scandinave Spa is open daily from 9am-9pm year-round. Guests can reserve Massage treatments or their guaranteed access to the Thermal Journey online or by phone. Same day walk-ups may be available for the Thermal Journey, however if the spa is at capacity, guests may be subject to a wait list. Guests must be 18 years old to enjoy the spa.
For the most up to date information including special promotions follow the spa on Facebook, Instagram or subscribe to their e-newsletter.
SNOW ADVENTURES
Hike ‘N’ Tube
Hike N’ Tube at Blue Mountain Resort is the perfect place for families with young children to get a taste of downhill without the speed and equipment associated with skiing and snowboarding. Suitable for riders as young as three, Hike N’ Tube ensures there’s a cold weather activity for Winter Warriors of every age and level of ability.
Winter Caving
A unique winter experience on the Niagara Escarpment awaits. Strap on some snowshoes and head out through the forest to hike through the beautiful snow covered woods and creeks. Make your way to explore some of the Niagara Escarpment’s uniquely formed caves. Once at the caves, crawl and climb and experience a whole different world underground. Don’t worry if you’ve never snowshoed or caved before, your guide from Free Spirit Tours will teach you everything you need to know. freespirittours.ca
Snowshoe Amongst The Vineyards
Snowshoe amongst the vineyards and cozy up by the fireplace while savouring local wines and artisans cheeses for a quintessential Canadian experience at Georgian Hills Vineyards, georgianhillsvineyards.ca, or Coffin Ridge Boutique Winery, coffinridge.ca.
Snowshoe, Waterfalls & Wine Tour
Winter activities are always more enjoyable when there’s wine tasting. Join your friends on a short snowshoeing trek where you’ll see two of the most impressive waterfalls along the Niagara Escarpment. Then we make two stops where you can warm up and relax in a beautiful country setting, overlooking a vineyard, while sampling some of the finest award winning cool-climate wines, paired with cheese, in the Blue Mountain area. This 5 – 5 ½ hour tour is truly one of the best things to do in winter! bluemountainadventuretours.ca
Hummer & Snowshoe Tours
Gather family, friends or co-workers to take in all that nature’s wintery side has to offer. Shuttle up the mountain “military style” in the H1 Hummer, strap on a pair of snowshoes, and after brief instruction from your guide, enjoy the sights and sounds of the area’s finest trails and gorgeous view of Georgian Bay from the highest elevation along the Niagara Escarpment. Learn the history of the aboriginal peoples that inhabited this land. At the end of your 1 1/2 – 2 hour jaunt through the woods, enjoy a hot apple cider back at the Hummer before returning to civilization. xtremeadventures.ca
Ice Fishing
Experience the thrill of fishing on beautiful southern Georgian Bay. Georgian Bay species include bass, catfish, pike, salmon, trout, walleye, sturgeon and tiger muskie. When the salmon and trout start to stack up or down the river mouth and it’s too windy and wavy to head out on the boat, shore fishing is a great alternative. This winter, bundle up, get outside and try fishing in a whole new way – through the ice. Always check ice conditions.
Whiskey Tasting
Meet Certified Single Malt Ambassador, Stephanie Price, at The Dam Pub and taste one of over 900 whiskies from around the world. Belly up and ask Stephanie for a bar side whisky tasting. You can be sure Stephanie will share her knowledge and a few whisky tales from her whisky travels and experiences. thedampub.ca
Fat Biking
Cycling in south Georgian Bay isn’t just a summer activity! With so many trails and challenging terrain, our region is quickly becoming a destination for fat biking. Fat bikes have oversized tires and low tire pressure suitable for unstable paths such as snow,sand, ice and mud. For over 30 years, Highlands Nordic has been home to world class skiing, but new this year is the first dedicated Fat Bike single track trail in Clearview Township and fat biking is included for season pass holders or simply purchase a daily trail pass. Georgian Trail and the Clearview-Collingwood Train Trail are easy, flat riding trails perfect for those just starting to fat bike or looking to quickly get around the communities. Another great community for this activity is Wasaga Beach. The Wasaga Beach Nordic and Trail Centre offers fat bike trail. A fantastic way to check out the beach shoreline and the Nordic Trails.
Outdoor Ice Skating
Affordable, easy to learn and so much fun, ice skating guarantees to put some major laughter on your winter break. Collingwood’s community outdoor skating rink is open for free skating throughout the winter and there are four outdoor rinks in Clearview (weather permitting). Blue Mountain Resort’s new Woodview Mountaintop Skating Loop is a 1.1km loop located at the top of the Southern Comfort chair lift and is open for skating during the winter season, as is the outdoor rink at Oakview Woods (next to the RecPlex) in Wasaga Beach. Many indoor arenas are also located throughout the region.
DOWNHILL SKIING
Ski or Snowboard Blue Mountain Resort
The definitive winter escape, Blue Mountain is a 4-season resort offering recreation, lodging, festivals and events. With a vertical of 720 feet (or 220 metres), Blue is action packed with 42 trails ranging from beginner to double black diamond, 3 terrain parks, 6 beginner lifts and 5 high speed, 6-person lifts to get you uphill fast. bluemountain.ca
Kolapore Uplands Wilderness Ski Trails
Explore 50 km of un-groomed, marked nordic ski trails can be accessed from Grey Road 2, south of Grey Road 19. Due to the vast number of intersections, a trail map is highly advised and available for purchase from our Visitor Centre, Ravenna General Store or online at kolaporetrails.org where regularly updated trail conditions can also be found. For greatest enjoyment beginner and intermediate skiers are encouraged to enter the trails atsouth end of the system, Note that no walking or snowshoeing is allowed at Kolapore.
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING
Scenic Caves Nordic Centre
Enjoy 27 km of professionally groomed trails, classic and skate skiing high atop the Niagara Escarpment. Snowshoe 12 km of dedicated snowshoe trails, one of which crosses southern Ontario’s longest Suspension Bridge. Reserve a guided night snowshoe hike. Warm-up cabin, waxing facilities, equipment rentals, lessons, and food service available. sceniccaves.com
Highlands Nordic
Located on the Niagara Escarpment, Highlands Nordic hosts amazing views of Georgian Bay and bountiful nature. Enjoy 25 km of ski trails (for both classic and skate) and 8 km of snowshoe trails. The Highlands 8000 square foot lodge is complete with cafeteria, meeting rooms, pro-shop, and rental shop offering a full size range of boots, skis, and poles, for both classic skiing and skate skiing. highlandsnordic.ca
Wasaga Nordic and Trail Centre
The dunes of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park are spectacular 800 hectare backdrop to over 30 km of cross-country ski trails and an 8 km skate skiing trail. Enjoy a forest of oaks and towering pines and see the birds and mammals on groomed and track set trails. The Nordic Centre and Trail Centre is equipped with washrooms, a snack bar, and a fireplace. Modern ski and snowshoe equipment is available to rent. wasagabeachpark.com/winter-cross-country-ski/
Eagle Adventure Experiences
Eagle Adventure Experiences offers guided snowshoeing under the stars, backcountry snowshoeing, customized experiences and equipment rentals. eaglemaxadventures.com
Free Spirit Tours
Free Spirt Tours is an outdoor adventure tour company that provides people of all ages an opportunity to explore nature. They rent canoes, kayaks and paddle boards with the option of a guide and instruction. freespirittours.ca
Trout Hollow Trail
MEAFORD — 14 km of ungroomed trails along the bighead river can be accessed from Edwin St. (across from beautiful Joe Park) or from the 7th Line. Take Highway 26 west to Grey Road 12 and turn left at 7th Line. Parking is after Sideroad 13.
Eleventh Line Trails
COLLINGWOOD — A series of small, un-groomed loop trails connect to the Georgian Trail. Deer sightings are common from Collingwood. Drive west on Mountain Road approximately 2 km to the Eleventh Line on your right. Go to the end of the road to park.
Pretty River Valley Provincial Park
From Collingwood, go west on Mountain Road to 10th Line and turn left. Drive to Sideroad 33-34 and turn right. Drive west to Collingwood-Clearview Townline where there is a parking lot 500 meters past the Townline on the left. This picturesque forest trail is approximately 6 km.
Loree Forest Loop
THE BLUE MOUNTAINS — The Loree Forest has 7 km un-groomed loop trail that is part of the Bruce Trail. Head up Mountain Road to the roundabout, take the Scenic Caves Road turn and follow this road to Banks. Turn right and stay on this road until you see the sign for Loree. Roadside parking is available.
Cranberry Golf Course
Approximately 5 km of un-groomed marked ski and snowshoe trails winding through the golf course area great for beginners. Rentals are available at the Cranberry Recreation Centre. Trail access is from Highway 26. Turn left at Harbour Street (the stoplight past Canadian Tire) and drive to the end of the road. Park to the left behind the Golf Course Clubhouse.
Schoonertown Trail
WASAGA BEACH — A 3-6 km un-groomed trail through mixed forest and dunes is part of the Simcoe County Trails system. Follow Mosley Street in Wasaga Beach to River Road West. Just over the bridge, turn right onto Oxbow Park Drive and park in the lot on the right. Cross the road and enter the trail through a fence opening next to the emergency services building.
The Georgian Trail
COLLINGWOOD – THE BLUE MOUNTAINS – MEAFORD — The 34 km un-groomed linear trail is the perfect place for uncomplicated cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. It follows the route of the original northern railway along the southern shore of Georgian Bay. Each kilometre throughout the trail is signed and maps are located at major access points.
Hoggs Falls
This little gem in the Beaver Valley is accessible off Highway 4, west of Grey Road 13. Follow the signs to the parking lot and enjoy an easy snowshoe to a secluded waterfall. With the cascades of ice, winter is a particularly beautiful time of year to visit these waterfalls. The trail carries on past the waterfall and does a loop back to the parking lot.
Nottawasaga Bluffs
CLEARVIEW – Here you will find a series of snowshoe trails located just east of the hamlet of Singhampton. Turn left from County Road 124 onto Milltown Road and follow the signs to this Conservation Area.
Clearview Ecopark
CLEARVIEW – The EcoPark includes interpretive signage, two bird viewing areas and plenty of fresh air for you and your family to enjoy while snowshoeing around Meech Pond and through diverse habitat.
Collingwood Trails
Collingwood’s network of more than 70 kilometers of multi-use trails are mostly flat terrain and lead to every major point of interest in the Town including the beaches of Sunset Point, the Georgian Bay lookouts, the tranquil gardens of the Arboretum, the Station Museum and Collingwood Downtown. Click HERE for the map. Collingwood trails are great for snowshoeing & fat tire biking or a simple winter walk.
Duntroon Highland Trail Centre
Epic Snowshoeing at Duntroon Highlands Golf, with gently rolling trails and breathtaking views. Nestled high up on the Niagara Escarpment, we offer 15km of marked trails that wind through wide open spaces and hardwood forests.
Wasaga Beach Shoreline
Come dip your toes in the snow on the World’s Longest Fresh Water Beach by cross-country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling. Admire the natural and photogenic ice sculptures formed by the crashing waves and strong winds of Lake Huron. *Visit in the evening to catch a beautiful winter sunset and enjoy the shimmering lights of Blue Mountain Resort reflected on the water. Bring hot chocolate and your telescope for some fantastic stargazing and reconnect with the natural world.
*This natural occurring ice formations should be enjoyed from afar due to the dangers of falling through or slipping on the ice. For more information call Ontario Parks at 705-429-2516
SNOWMOBILING IN SOUTH GEORGIAN BAY
Ontario has the world’s largest inter-connected snowmobile trail system with more than 34,262 km of trails. Bring your sled and your family and head out on the many kilometres of groomed and well-marked trails in South Georgian Bay. Our region includes two Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) Districts, Districts 8 and 9. Ontario law requires every recreational sled entering an OFSC Prescribed Trail to have and display a valid snowmobile trail permit. ofsc.on.ca
DISTRICT 8 & 9
Comprising Simcoe County “Ride More, Drive Less” in OFSC District 8 and OFSC District 9. This popular winter playground located west of Lake Simcoe is consistently blessed with an abundance of lake effect snow due to its close proximity to Georgian Bay. View breathtaking outlooks of the picturesque Niagara Escarpment, rolling rural countryside, lakeside shorelines, wooded areas and open fields. The trails connect many small towns and well serviced rural and lakeshore communities with a combined 4800 km of scenic, groomed trails.
- Free trailer parking and staging at Station Park 7259 Highway 26 in Stayner, conveniently located on the B Trail. District 8: most.on.ca & District 9: ofscdistrict9.ca
- Wasaga Beach Sports Park 1888 Klondike Park Rd in Wasaga Beach located on the C Trail.
District 8: most.on.ca & District 9: ofscdistrict9.ca
THE NIGHT VIBE
Blue Mountain Village is a magical winter wonderland set among Ontario small town architecture at the base of the ski trails along the Niagara Escarpment. Stroll the beautiful streets and paths through the Village and around the Mill Pond lined with colourful lights and 50 shops and eateries open every day of the year. The Village is a lively centre all winter featuring entertainment, events, horse-drawn wagon rides, fireworks, cozy fire pits and apres every day! BlueMountainVillage.ca
