Southwest of Ontario, Canada, and nestled between the Niagara Escarpment and the pristine shore of Georgian Bay, lies the small town of The Blue Mountains. You can browse the boutiques that line the cobblestone streets of Blue Mountain Village and grab a coffee on a scenic cafe veranda, with vibrantly colored buildings adding to the European atmosphere of this pedestrian-only area against the backdrop of the majestic mountain landscape. At 420 feet long, Southern Ontario’s longest suspension bridge provides spectacular views of the Blue Mountain Valley, abundant forests, and Georgian Bay from 82 feet in the air.

While the Blue Mountains is a renowned spot for skiing — there are 364 acres to explore, along with jumps, rails, and a half-pipe — it’s also a beloved destination in warmer weather, offering kayaking on the nearby Beaver River, wildlife-spotting, and tastings of cider produced from the swathes of local orchards.

The Blue Mountains is renowned as a year-round destination, with each season offering different conditions for different activities. The best time to rent Blue Mountain chalets depends on whether you’re keen to see the area in its wintry glory or prefer being surrounded by rolling meadows. Summer is a great time to explore local hiking trails, take a dip in the deep blue waters of Georgian Bay, and admire the town’s natural wonders in the sunshine. Temperatures dip during the fall, with increased chances of rain or snow. Winter is the coldest time of year in the Blue Mountains and a popular time to visit among winter sports enthusiasts. During the spring, the weather slowly warms up, providing comfortable temperatures for kayaking, mountain biking, and navigating treetop ropes courses.

Scenic caves and caverns

Situated within one of Canada’s UNESCO reserves are a series of caverns and caves. Nearly 10 miles of trails are intertwined through the untouched acres of lush natural landscapes strewn with striking geological structures that were carved by glacial ice millions of years ago. Exploring the caves combines a unique mix of nature and history, making for a culturally immersive and visually stunning experience.

The Apple Pie Trail

The Apple Pie Trail stretches from Collingwood through the pretty harbor towns of Meaford and Thornbury and features 40 stops illuminating apple wine, ciders, infused foods, art, and history. The trail is home to several varieties of apples, including The Red Prince, which is known as Ontario’s local apple. You can pick seasonal apples at one of many local orchards, where a sweet aroma fills the air. Along the trail, you’ll discover farmers’ markets, cideries, vineyards, cafes, museums, and art galleries and meet farmers, artists, and bakers keen to share their expertise and stories with you.

Sunset Point Park

Waterfront Sunset Point Park is around a 15-minute drive away in Collingwood. The expansive park encompasses part of the Collingwood trail system, the beach, and extensive green spaces. As the name suggests, you’ll find stunning views of the sun setting over Lake Huron. Sunset Point Park is a great spot to enjoy a picnic, go on a relaxing coastal walk, or watch the local kite surfers in action. During the summer months, you can swim in the warm waters of Lake Huron.