Whether you’d like to make this a relaxing scenic drive or an action-packed tour complete with zip lining, hiking and swimming, the Blue Mountain and Scenic Caves route has it all. Start your journey at Blue Mountain Resort – choose from their impressive lineup of seasonal attractions or just stroll through the village and take in the sights.
From Blue Mountain you’ll head up Scenic Caves Road to Scenic Caves Nature Adventures. Again, this stop can be as extreme or as relaxing as you wish. Choose from a short hike to the suspension bridge or the thrill of the Thunderbird Twin Zip.
After leaving Scenic Caves, make a quick stop at the top of Blue Mountain’s Bruce Trail Lookout for amazingly colourful view of Georgian Bay and the valley below. Your next stop is the Ravenna Country Market where you can fuel up for your Bruce Trail hike at Loree Forest. Download the Bruce Trail App or bring your Bruce Trail guidebook and head to the edge of the Niagara Escarpment. Beautiful views from the top of the Georgian Peaks Ski Club are your reward.
With a hike in the books, head to Georgian Hills Vineyard and enjoy a wine sampling and a cheese platter on their patio. Your route then takes you to Craigleith Provincial Park and the shale rock beach. Take a dip in the still warm waters of Georgian Bay or just relax on the shore.
Grab a coffee at the Surf Cafe and then make the drive back to Blue Mountain Village. Peruse the Blue Mountain Village website to find activities, live music and more during your visit and then get out an explore Ontario’s largest pedestrian village in all its fall glory.
GPS Coordinates for stops along the way:
Beginning of Route - Blue Mountain Resort
44.50302, -80.31095
Start your route at Blue Mountain Resort. Choose from a relaxing gondola ride up the mountain for a view of Georgian Bay and the fall colours, hike to the top, mountain bike down the hill, ride the cross country trails at the top or take a Mountaintop Segway Tour. Check out the Woodlot Low Ropes course or test your metttle on the Timber Challenge High Ropes. Brave the Apex Bag Jump or the Wind Rider Triple Zips. Play a round on the Cascade Putting Course or take the family on the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster.
Stop #1 - Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
44.48714, -80.31493
After a drive up one of the region's most scenic roads, make a stop at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures. Tour the caves and trails, walk the Suspension Bridge for an amazing view of the fall colours or ride the Thunderbird Twin Zip Line. Little ones will love the playground and Rocky the Train.
Stop #2- Bruce Trail Lookout
44.49271, -80.31833
Make a stop here for a great view of Georgian Bay along the Bruce Trail. Be sure to bring your camera.
Stop #3 - Ravenna Country Market
44.46922, -80.41745
Head to the Ravenna Country Market and load up on snacks for your upcoming Bruce Trail hike. From pressed panini sandwiches and homemade soup to their legendary butter tarts and baked goods, this is a great spot to refuel before you head to Loree Forest.
Stop #4 - Loree Forest Bruce Trail Entrance
44.51304, -80.37533
This 7.1 kilometre Bruce Trail loop takes you to a beautiful lookout with a wooden deck that makes the perfect picnic spot on top of Georgian Peaks Ski Club. Download the Bruce Trail app or pack your Bruce Trail guidebook for comprehensive directions. http://brucetrail.org/system/downloads/0000/0042/Beaver_Valley_-_Loree_Forest_Loop.pdf
Stop #5 - Georgian Hills Vineyards
44.49995, -80.42441
This beautiful Beaver Valley winery makes an excellent post hike stop. Enjoy a pairing on their outdoor patio and take home some wine or cider for your weekend meals.
Stop #6 - Craigleith Provincial Park
44.53667, -80.3484
This beautiful provincial park offers camping but also day use passes. Park here to swim at the remarkable shale beach or just dip your toes into Georgian Bay and enjoy the view.
Stop #7 - Shale Rock Coffee House
44.52879, -80.33219
The newest premiere coffee house in Southern Georgian Bay, this is a great place to stop for a latte and some baked goods before you head back to Blue Mountain Village.
Stop #8 - Blue Mountain Village
44.50337, -80.31217
Your route ends back at the Blue Mountain Village where you can shop, dine and stroll while taking in a selection of fall weekend events and live music.
