Looking for things to do in Blue Mountain Ontario? We’ve got you covered. Blue Mountain Resort is our old stomping grounds and the best year round destination in Ontario. Having previously lived “up north”, we bought the 5X7 Blue Mountain ski pass annually in the winter and camped on the shores of Georgian Bay every weekend in the summer. We know the best activities because we have done them all! Repeatedly.
Located just two hours northwest of Toronto, The Ontario Blue Mountains have everything you could want in a vacation destination. With great dining, excellent spas, and incredible adventure activities. A visit to the Blue Mountains is like going on vacation without having to leave the country!
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Fun Things to Do in the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are truly Ontario’s playground. It is a year round destination and we are going to cover all the best attractions in both winter and summer. If you are looking to get out of the city, here are all the things to do in Blue Mountain, Ontario for all ages. From the shores of Georgian Bay to the hills of the Niagara Escarpment, we’ve got you covered.
1. Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
One of the coolest things to do in Blue Mountain is to take the Scenic Caves Eco Adventure. Located just a short drive from Blue Mountain Resort, the tour starts off with a stunning walk over Southern Ontario’s longest suspension bridge. It’s a thrilling walk as you span 420 feet from high above Georgian Bay. With scenic lookouts, it offers the best views around. It is then on to the high ropes where you narrow wooden planks set high above the treetops.
The adventure doesn’t stop as this thrill is followed by a tour of the historic caves. This natural wonder took millions of years to form and was an important historic settlement of the Petun First Nation’s people. After hiking through these beautiful caves, it ends with a 1000 foot long zip line with a 150 meter drop at Wind Rider Triple Zips.
You can take self guided tours of the Scenic Caves as well. We’ve done both and had a blast each time. But I must admit, the tour was much better as I learned so much about the history and geology of the area. Tours are open in Spring, Summer and Fall. Check out the tour here.
You don’t need to do the full eco-adventure, you can go zip-lining with Wind Rider Triple Zips separately as well.
2. Blue Mountain Suspension Bridge
The Suspension Bridge is part of the Eco Tour, but you can cross it yourself if you are going to the Scenic Caves on your own self guided tour. The 420-foot-long bridge is suspended 82 feet high above the forest. When you get across, there are hiking trails to explore and enjoy.
The Blue Mountains are a part of the Niagara Escarpment which is a UNESCO biosphere reserve dating back 450 million years. As you walk across the suspension bridge you not only see the vast shores of Georgian Bay, but you get to look out over the beautiful Niagara Escarpment and understand why Canada is such a high destination on people’s bucket lists.
3. Scandinave Spa
If you are looking for a luxury spa experience near the Scandinave Spa, is just a short drive out of town. This spa is a spectacular experience that is open year round. I find it even more magical in the winter.
Scandinave Spa is an outdoor oasis of thermal baths, nordic waterfalls, and cold plunge pools with a Finnish Sauna, Eucalyptus Steam Room, and quiet sitting areas. It is a place to truly take your time to relax and enjoy after a full day of outdoor adventures in the Blue Mountains. See what it’s like to visit a Scandinavian Spa Nordik Spa-Nature – A Guide to Ottawa’s Luxury Spa Escape
4. Mountain Biking at Blue Mountain
There are amazing mountain biking trails around Blue Mountain and you don’t even have to leave the Blue Mountain Village to hit the trails. There are great mountain bike trails at the resort that is one of the premier places for downhill biking. Take your bike up the open air gondola and enjoy the ease of downhill mountain biking.
The resort boasts a diverse range of trails to suit various skill levels, from beginner to advanced riders. The bike park at Blue Mountain features meticulously maintained trails that are crafted to blend with the natural terrain, offering a mix of technical descents, high-speed sections, and features that include jumps, drops, and rock gardens. The hill is open to ride from Spring to Fall.
The park’s lift-accessed trails mean that riders can save their energy for the descent without the taxing climb up the mountain, allowing for more runs and uninterrupted adventure. For those new to the sport or looking to improve their skills, Blue Mountain offers lessons and clinics taught by experienced instructors.
5. Mountain Bike Trails
If you don’t want to plunge down a hill, there is plenty of cross-country biking as well. Our favourite trail near Blue Mountain is the 3 Stage Mountain Bike Trail in Pretty River Valley Provincial Park. It has 2500 acres of cycling for all capabilities and levels. Another favourite is a trail located between Wasaga Beach and Collingwood. We just looked for the pull-off right off the highway.
6. Bicycle the Georgian Trail
If mountain biking isn’t your thing, The Georgian Trail is a 34 km coastal trail that runs from Collingwood to Meaford. Pack some food and drinks and ride this trail all day.
The once Northern Railway Line has been transformed into a recreational trail that passes through Craigleith Provincial Park and Thornbury with plenty of scenic lookouts and attractions. You don’t have to bike ride it either, this trail is good for walkers too. In the winter it is open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
7. Open Air Gondola
In the summer, the chair lifts come off and the open air gondola goes on. One of the best times to ride the gondola is in Autumn is one of the most popular things to do in Blue Mountain to see the fall colours. When you get to the top you can do some hiking on one of its many trails.
This scenic ride takes visitors from the base of the mountain to the top. The Open Air Gondola is one of the most popular attractions in Blue Mountain in the summer for sightseers and mountain bikers looking to access the hiking and biking trails at the top. The gondola is open from Spring to Autumn. Read more about Ontario hiking trails at Top 17 Ontario Hiking Trails
8. The Plunge Aquatic Centre
If you don’t want to go to the Scandinave Spa or the beach, you don’t need to leave the town to enjoy one of the areas top attractions. The Plunge Aquatic Centre is located right next door to the Trillium Westin House in Blue Mountain Village and is a fun place to play in the water. With its heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool, you have the option to go outside and play or stay indoors and be toasty warm. It’s fun for all ages all year round.
9. Blue Mountain Beach
Canada is following the likes of Mexico with its beach clubs. Just a short drive from Blue Mountain Resort (10 minutes to be exact) is a private beach club that is perfect for all ages. Families will love spending the day on the sandy shore enjoying the use of a kayak to do some kayaking along the coast or try your hand at canoeing to explore the waters. There are also stand-up paddle boards. There are boat rentals and beach cabanas for rent as well. You can get an all-day pass that includes use of the beach and activities.
We haven’t done this yet, but we have spent a lot of time on the sandy shores of Georgian Bay and if you are looking for a beach day out, you’ll be surprised with just how good Ontario’s beaches are!
10. Wasaga Beach
If you want a cool beach day, make your way to Wasaga Beach. Located 40 minutes from Blue Mountain Resort and just 20 minutes from Collingwood, Wasaga Beach is not to be missed. It’s the world’s longest freshwater beach. Its long sandy shore on Georgian Bay is perfect for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying beach activities.
We recommend highly Wasaga Beach for a day trip from Blue Mountain Resort. It’s really fun to take a road trip and explore the areas around Blue Mountain Village. It truly is a year-round destination with so many things to see and do. Read more: 22 Most Epic and Thrilling Things to Do in Ontario
There are plenty of beaches to discover in the area with sandy shores, picnic tables, and a picnic area oir two to enjoy lunch. Another beach near Blue Mountain is Northwinds Beach.
11. Skiing and Snowboarding – Blue Mountain Ski Resort
As we said, the Blue Mountains are a year round escape and Blue Mountain Ski Resort is the premier place is Ontario to go skiing and snowboarding. We actually find ourselves visiting Blue Mountain Resort more in the winter than summer. The skiing and snowboarding are quite good being Ontario’s premier skiing and snowboarding destination. In fact, it is so good that the resort even hosts World Cup events.
There is terrain for all skiing and snowboarding skill levels. We actually find their black diamond slopes more difficult than places in the Rocky Mountains. They are steep and icy. We have always said, that if you can ski or snowboard in Ontario, you can ski anywhere. Check out: 15 Top Ski Resorts in Canada For Winter Fun
We once got a press pass to photograph the event. It was so much fun. But Blue Mountain has a great half-pipe and snowboarding pipe for regular folks as well.
The Blue Mountains of Ontario is an amazing getaway from the city or anywhere in Ontario for that matter). And they are not only to be visited in the summer. Wintertime in Blue Mountain Resort is when activities really ramp up. If you are looking to hit the ski slopes but don’t want to fly to Tremblant or Whistler, Blue Mountain Resort really has some great slopes for all ages.
12. Apres Ski
Blue Mountain Village is set up just like a Swiss ski resort with restaurants and shops located directly at the base of the hill. Half of the fun of skiing here is staying overnight to enjoy the hotel amenities and apres ski culture. You can play all day on the hills and enjoy the amenities at night.
With 30 restaurants, coffee shops, and bars, there are plenty of places to grab a bite or a cocktail. I love that there outdoor fire pits where people can relax in winter or summer. Our favorite places to Apres Ski at Blue Mountain are Jozo’s Bar and Firehouse Pizza Co.
13. Explore Blue Mountain Village
There is always something going on at Blue Mountain Village and chances are there are musicians performing (no matter what season). The shops are fantastic for grabbing your outdoor gear and there are plenty of places to eat. Blue Mountain Village is open year-round with eateries, bars, hotels and activities taking place throughout the year. Located at the base of the ski slopes, it’s the perfect place to make a base to enjoy all the attractions in the area.
14. Cascade Putting
There are plenty of things to do in Blue Mountain Village in winter and summer. Cascade Putting Mini Putt is fun for all ages in the summertime. Who doesn’t love a good game of mini-golf? Located just below the open air gondola, Cascade Putting is an 18-hole mini golf course that is a great place to spend a few hours during your visit.
15. Timber Challenge High Ropes
Blue Mountain Village has done a great job keeping visitors in town. You really do never need to leave! Visitors can purchase a play all-day ticket for Timber Challenge to climb ladders, feel the thrill of a zip line, and tackle the high course. We love this adventure they are a great way to overcome fear and test your boundaries. This course has beginner-friendly levels for all ages, to more difficult to test mental and physical strength.
16. Blue Mountain Resort Food Scene
There are plenty of cafés and shops to pick up snacks in Blue Mountain Resort. Grab an ice cream cone at Little Blue House Scoops to peruse the boutiques in the village. Whenever we go on vacation tp the Blue Mountains, we always have the need for fudge, and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory satisfies our craving. For breakfast head over to the Sunset Grill for some apple cinnamon pancakes.
There is no shortage of dining in town from Firehall Pizza which was modelled after an authentic firehall in downtown Toronto. You feel as if you are eating your meal in the middle of a fire station
Oliver & Bonacini is one of Canada’s premier fine dining restaurants located in the Westin Trillium House. If you are looking for a romantic evening out, this is the place to go.
Copper Blues is a great place to hang out at night. We love the atmosphere in this bar and grill located at 156 Jozo Weider Blvd.
17. Stay in Blue Mountain Village
Staying at Blue Mountain Resort is an adventure unto itself. When we used to ski here, I always felt a little depressed that we had to drive home. It was when we booked an overnight trip that we had the best time! Blue Mountain Village is located at the base of the Blue Mountains and it is our favorite place to stay. This pedestrian-only area is filled with dining, shopping, bars, and cafes.
There are plenty of hotels at Blue Mountain Resort to choose from. In the Winter, we love to stay at the Blue Mountain Inn Slopeside. It is located directly at our favourite black diamond runs.
In the summer our choices are the gorgeous Westin Trillium House, located at Millpond overlooking Blue Mountain Village it’s set a little away from the crowds. We are also fans of the Moasic Boutique Suites smack dab in the centre of the village. Its year round heated outdoor pool is to die for. Search for more Blue Mountain Resort Hotels on TripAdvisor
18. Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster
In the Winter, Blue Mountain is all about hitting the slopes, but visitors can get a thrill as well when they ride the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster. (When I was a kid, the mountain coaster was called the Great Slide Ride. Anyone else remember that?)
The Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster offers an adventure for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts for all ages. As Ontario’s first mountain coaster, it invites riders to take control of their own experience, with individual carts that coast down the ski slopes.
The track winds through the natural landscape, with dips, curves, and spirals specifically designed to complement the region’s beautiful topography. Riders can adjust their speed, making the ride as relaxing or as thrilling as they wish, ensuring that each descent is a unique adventure. The Ridge Runner is an all-season activity, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing scenery from the flush of spring blooms to the glorious autumn colors, and even the pristine beauty of the snow-covered trails in winter.
19. Mountaintop Segway Tours
If you are looking for unique things to do in Blue Mountain, Mountaintop Segway Tours offers a blend of adventure and scenic exploration, appealing to those who wish to add a dash of technological fun to their outdoor activities. These tours provide an exciting way to experience Blue Mountain’s natural beauty without the physical exertion of hiking.
Glide along the forest trails of the Niagara Escarpment, led by knowledgeable guides who ensure a safe and memorable journey. The tour involves a brief training session to get comfortable with the Segway, followed by a trek to the top of the mountain where riders are rewarded with panoramic views of the lush landscape.
It’s an activity that combines the thrill of mastering a Segway with the tranquility of nature, making it a must-do for visitors looking to engage with the environment in a novel and accessible way. If you have never done a segway tour before, this is the time to do it!
20. Go Snowshoeing in Winter
All of the trails around Georgian Bay and Blue Mountain offer excellent chances to try your hand at snowshoeing. The Georgian Trail is a great path along the waterfront.
21. Cross Country Skiing
If you aren’t up for downhill skiing or snowboarding, the Nordic Centre at Scenic Caves has some great groomed trails for all levels. Nearby Highlands has 25 km of groomed trails as well. With 27 km of terrain, it has something for everyone. It’s the highest point on the Niagara Escarpment offering beautiful views of Georgian Bay.
22. Hit the Apple Pie Trail
Speaking of apples, one of the best road trips in the area is hitting the Apple Pie Trail. The Apple Pie Trail is a driving route taking you through the charming towns and villages of Georgian Bay. The moderate effects of Georgian Bay make for perfect apple growing conditions and businesses in the area are happy to showcase their food and art designed around apple country.
There are stops in town and Craigleith, Beaver Valley, Thornbury, and Meaford. We stopped in for fresh apple pie at Grandma Lambes in Meaford and stocked up on cheese at the Cheese Gallery in Thornbury. Check out the Apple Pie Trail website for a complete itinerary to create your own self guided tour.
23. Rock Climbing the Niagara Escarpment
The Blue Mountain area has some of the best rock climbing in Ontario. Located within the Niagara Escarpment, there are cliffs and crags galore for rock climbers.
Back in the day, our go-to spot was Metcalf Rock just outside of Collingwood and we hear it is overly popular now. We used to set up top ropes and do some sport climbing on this wall and loved spending the day in nature. But there are plenty of other climbing routes in the area like Old Baldy and Pinnacle Rock.
If you don’t have climbing experience, book a climbing tour with On The Rocks Climbing They are a great introduction to outdoor rock climbing. If you want to try your hand at indoor climbing, Climbers Corner in Collingwood has some climbing walls. Indoor climbing is so much fun!
24. Lumber Lanes Climbing Centre
If you aren’t ready to tackle a climbing wall on the crag, the resort has a rock climbing wall that you can try a test clime or two. The outdoor climbing wall has 8 courses with auto belay so all ages can enjoy regardless of experience. If you are really keen on tackling the courses, you can purchase a play all day ticket to get on the wall any time you like!
Blue Mountain is one of the most popular day trips from Toronto. While we recommend spending the night, there are plenty of things to do in Blue Mountain in one day. In the summer you can take the Open Air Gondola to the top of the mountain for breathtaking views of Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment and then continue to hike along one of the many trails or enjoy a morning mountain biking session on the resort’s well-maintained tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I spend a day at Blue Mountain?
There are plenty of places to grab lunch to refuel before doing adventures in the afternoon. Visit the Monterra Golf course for a round of golf or head to the Plunge! Aquatic Center, especially if you’re with family, for some water fun. In the Evening, Unwind with a session at the Scandinave Spa, which offers a rejuvenating blend of hot baths, massages, and relaxation spaces.
What Blue Mountain is Known For?
Blue Mountain is best known for being Ontario’s largest mountain resort. It is famous for its ski slopes in the winter, offering a variety of runs for all skill levels, and its active, outdoor lifestyle activities in the warmer months, including mountain biking, hiking, and golf. The picturesque village at the base of the mountain, with its European-style architecture, is a hub of dining, shopping, and entertainment, making Blue Mountain a year-round destination for tourists.
Can You Walk Around Blue Mountain for Free?
Yes, you can walk around Blue Mountain Village and enjoy the atmosphere without any cost. Window-shopping, people-watching, and enjoying the seasonal decorations and live music are all free experiences. However, certain activities, attractions, and events within the resort may have an associated cost. Trails on the mountain can also be accessed for hiking without any fee during the non-skiing season.
These are the best things to do in Blue Mountains Ontario. Are you planning a road trip this summer? Where is your favourite place in Ontario to visit?
Heading up north to cottage country is a Canadian tradition. For as long as we can remember, we’d load up the cars at the start of the weekend and head to the wilderness to enjoy our many lakes, forests and hiking trails.
There are so many outdoor activities, places to eat and shop and scenic views, its no wonder it’s one of the premier destinations in Ontario.
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Sadly, for many years, several decades, we supported blue mountain, Ontario, biking but blue mountain did not reciprocate! As long term supporters of the bike park we even deferred our 2020 memberships to 2021 as was the ask of the corporation! We were happy to do this only to find that, at the last possible moment, Blue mountain announced that they no longer wanted the downhill crowd. The dirtbags?
No warning, no rationale. Maybe they ceo didn’t have the balls to say it was because they could make more from a gondola of tourists than regulars users? Maybe it was because Altera, the parent company became too risk averse. No reason was ever provided, or, was a response to queries provided.
I only point out the above to provide some balance in your review. Blue used to be a company that was more than a balance sheet.
Happy adventures!