Tucked between the limestone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment and the shores of Georgian Bay, The Blue Mountains, and neighbouring towns like Collingwood, have long drawn city dwellers seeking a quick getaway. While winter slopes dominate the region’s reputation, its small towns come into their own in the off-season.

I grew up driving through Thornbury, stopping for lunch nearby as my family took Highway 26 to get apples. But if you’re not paying attention on the drive through, you might miss it entirely — skipping a place that warrants a proper stay, no matter the season.

Thornbury is a town that completely embraces being surrounded by nature. Georgian Bay is a two-minute walk from the main street, and the Trestle Bridge — a rare example of a railway deck truss in this region of Ontario — gives the perfect vantage point to watch waves roll in as you have your morning coffee. Nearby, you can lean over the edge of the famous fish ladder on the Beaver River to watch Chinook salmon migrate upstream as the leaves begin to turn.

Thornbury, Ontario

David Zelikovitz

Beyond the natural draw, there’s a distinct small-town warmth with local businesses genuinely supporting each other — buy a book in one store and the owner might point you across the street for art supplies to go with it.

Beyond Thornbury, in Grey County, tall apple trees frame quiet country roads, which are hilly and picturesque, stretching out on clear days. It somehow feels quintessentially Canadian, and yet straight out of a postcard — especially if you’re used to streets lined with skyscrapers and construction zones. Thornbury effortlessly balances rural charm with an elevated edge, offering the comforts of city living without any of the rush.

And across The Blue Mountains, there’s plenty more to eat, see and do. From catching the tail end of summer sunshine to chasing peak fall foliage, this easy escape makes a compelling case for a year-round getaway.

The Blue Mountains: Where to stay 

Coastal nostalgia at Leeward House

With its Cape Cod-inspired architecture, Leeward House’s board-and-batten buildings frame a courtyard pool, creating a nine-room coastal sanctuary right off Thornbury’s main street. Skipping the feel of a traditional front desk, check-in unfolds in the lobby bar and lounge — ideally with a cocktail in hand.

Interiors by Westgrove blend shiplap and custom oak millwork with woven rattan accents and curated local vintage finds. Beyond the main house, the Guest House is a private haven; my room has soaring vaulted ceilings and a quiet deck.

I spend any spare time at the year-round Nordic thermal circuit and swimming pool. In summer, striped loungers and cocktails channel the spirit of the Italian coast; come winter, cozy blankets and rustic Canadiana touches turn the space into a snug winter escape for the perfect post-slopes unwind.

leewardhouse.co

The Blue Mountains: What to sip

Orchard views and aged brandy at Spy Cider House

A short drive to Clarksberg uncovers Spy Cider House and Distillery, where espionage-themed sips await in the heart of the orchard. Whether undercover in the industrial tasting room or stationed at the retro Airstream trailer, the views are striking. While the crisp cider lineup is the primary mission, the Mata Hari Aged Apple Brandy is the star.

Double-distilled from local Georgian Bay apples and matured in cognac barrels, it reveals layers of toasted oak, cinnamon and burnt caramel. It’s fall in a bottle — a sophisticated, warm spirit perfect to bring into the next season. 

spydistillery.com

The Blue Mountains: Where to refuel

Espresso and sunshine at Cranky Bear Cafe

Underneath a local bike shop on Thornbury’s main street, this coffee shop is well worth ducking into. Inside, glowing neon and vibrant graffiti art set a playful scene, while the welcoming team behind the counter makes you feel right at home.

Grab a flat white, a fresh pastry or a blended smoothie (an ideal lighter reset after a night of rich dining), then take a seat on the patio of Muskoka chairs, perfect for reading a few chapters in the sun.

@crankybearcafe

The Blue Mountains: Where to dine

World-class tasting menus at The Pine

Inside a repurposed gas station in Creemore, The Pine proves that world-class dining can hide in the most unassuming spaces. The Michelin-starred restaurant is run by husband-and-wife team Jeremy and Cassie Austin, who draw on their time in China, relying on regional ingredients, including produce from their family farm in Grey County, to build an ambitious tasting menu.

Service moves with orchestrated precision that feels like a dance, with every dish thoughtfully explained. Halfway through, a break in the garden offers a refreshing reset while showcasing the staggering amount of work behind the scenes.

Highlights are endless, but my favourite is The French Concession — a nod to the Shanghai neighbourhood that pairs sourdough roasted in brown butter and kabayaki with rich foie gras ice cream and sour prune jam. The magic lies in how each complex, unexpected bite sparks curiosity for the next, making it easy to surrender to the experience. 

thepinecreemore.ca

Getting there

Around two-and-a-half hours from Toronto, The Blue Mountains are easily reached by car via Highway 400 and Highway 26, but taking the back roads is worth the extra time, swapping fast-moving traffic for a meandering drive through rolling hills, valley views and quiet country roads.