Begin your journey in Thornbury at the Fishway where you can watch the salmon run upstream, stop at Grandma Lambe’s where the apple harvest is in full swing, pick up a famous apple pie and then tour the main street of Meaford during the Scarecrow Invasion.
Stop for a photo at one of Meaford’s Big Red Chairs and drive by the town’s beautiful harbourfront. From Meaford, you’ll head south to the Epping Lookout for a great view of the Beaver Valley fall colours.
Then it’s off the asphalt to one of Grey County’s best kept secrets—Hogg’s Falls. A short hike on the Bruce Trail will take you to this hidden gem and then a short drive will have you back on the main roads and headed to the village of Eugenia.
Stop at your second Grey County waterfall, Eugenia Falls, and then head north for a snack break at the legendary Kimberley General Store. Load up on butter tarts, smoothies or try their award-winning Meredith’s Ginger milkshake.
Tour the galleries and then continue back to Thornbury to The Cheese Gallery. Try a tasting plate or take home some gourmet cheese from their impressive selection. Finish your route where you started at the Thornbury Fishway and Town of the Blue Mountains municipal building.
GPS Coordinates for stops along the way:
Beginning of Route - Thornbury Fishway
44.56172, -80.45001
Start and finish your drive here. You can park in the municipal parking lot and walk over to see the salmon making their way up the fish ladder. Public washrooms available inside during opening hours and some tourism information on site.
Stop #1 - Grandma Lambe’s Fruit Market
44.59121, -80.57095
Famous for their homemade apple pies, Grandma Lambe's is bursting at the seams with fall apples during September and October. Make a stop for treats for your drive.
Stop #2 - Downtown Meaford, Fred Raper Park, Big Red Chair, Meaford Waterfront
44.61166, -80.59366
Drive through downtown Meaford and see the scarecrows atop the streetlights. Stop at Fred Raper Park to take a pic in one of Meaford's Big Red Chairs. Continue on along the harbour and enjoy beautiful views of Georgian Bay.
Stop #3 - Epping Lookout
44.46128, -80.55495
Stop for a breathtaking view of the Beaver Valley. Outhouse on site also.
Stop #4 - Hogg’s Falls
44.28511, -80.54281
One of 10 waterfalls on the Grey County Waterfall Tour, Hoggs Falls is just a short but rewarding hike from the parking lot on The Bruce Trail.
Stop #5 - Eugenia Falls
44.3121, -80.52819
Another stop on the Grey County Waterfall Tour. Situated in the very tiny village of Eugenia, Eugenia Falls Conservation Area encompasses 23 hectares of Niagara Escarpment, river valley and upland forests. The all-season trail winds along the edge of 'Cuckoo Valley' with excellent views of the 30m high waterfall and loops past a war memorial and picnic shelter.
Stop #6 - Kimberley General Store
44.38325, -80.53647
Famous for their Meredith's Ginger milkshakes and wood fired pizza, the Kimberley General Store is a favourite stop for cyclists and drivers alike.
Stop #7 - Beaver Valley Orchard and Cidery
44.43232, -80.52285
A craft cidery with a tasting room on site in a charming renovated barn site. Bring home some cider for tonight's barbecue. Continue through downtown Clarksburg and it’s rich art community before heading to Thornbury.
Stop #8 - The Cheese Gallery
44.56158, -80.45319
A cheese shop and tasting bar nestled within an art gallery setting located in the heart of Thornbury, featuring many local products.
