It’s been an epic Ontario winter, and it seems like Old Man Winter hasn’t quite said good-bye yet. Here’s a few ways to send him off in style with an Ontario Road Trip to Blue Mountain, Collingwood and along the Apple Pie Trail.
1. Downtown Collingwood
Start your adventure with a stop in Collingwood, Ontario. A historic shipbuilding town, this waterfront community has the perfect combination of heritage gems for the history buff, and modern eateries to satisfy your inner foodie. The bonus? Collingwood is home to seven stops on the Apple Pie Trail, including Espresso Post and Cafe Chartreuse, home to yummy goodies like the Caramel Apple Latte and the Apple Beet Salad.
Collingwood’s Wall Murals
Apple Beet Salad & Apple Tart – Cafe Chartreuse
Caramel Apple Latte – Espresso Post
2. Beaver Valley
No road trip is complete without a stop at local favourites. Ravenna Country Market is famous for their butter tarts and pies, and their Curried Apple & Carrot Soup is the perfect way to round out winter with a cozy lunch. Just down the road is Georigan Hills Vineyard, part of one of Ontario’s emerging wine regions. Known for their cool climate wines, a must try is also their sweet wines, including the Ida Red 2011. (Another Apple Pie Trail favourite!)
Ravenna Country Market
Georgian Hills Vineyard
3. Blue Mountain Village
It’s beautiful in all four seasons, but there is something truly magical about experiencing Blue Mountain Village in all it’s snowy glory. Wander from shop to shop and sample some local Apple Pie Trail goodies, or hit the slopes and admire the village from the top of the hill. Late winter skiing can be some of the best of the season, with lots of sunshine to make your time on the hill that much more fun.
A cosy walk in the village
The Firehall Pizza Company
Mill Pond
There are lots of great options to make your home-base in Blue Mountain Village, but for a great view and the option to beat winter at it’s own game with an outdoor swim, the Westin Trillium House is a must. Admire the view of the ski hill from your room (ever changing late winter season!), then head down for a swim in their heated pools. Round out your stay with dinner at the Oliver & Bonacini Cafe & Grill located in the hotel. Their apple berry crumble is a featured item on the Apple Pie Trail!
Wintery Weather at Westin Trillium House
The heated pools at Westin Trillium House
Whether you’d like to get out on your cross-country skis, or snowshoe across the suspension bridge, you can fit in a few last minute bits of winter fun at Scenic Caves. Did you know you can see 10, 000 square kilometers across Georgian Bay from the bridge? Make sure to plan your return visit for spring to try their half-mile zip line. Scenic Caves has Spring Fever specials on from now until April 6th, 2014!
The 420’ Suspension Bridge
The view from the Scenic Caves Suspension Bridge
Take some time to wind down from your road trip with a final stop at the Scandinave Spa. From the comfort of their 4 hot baths, or in a classic Muskoka chair, savour in the last glimpses of the wintery Blue Mountain Hills. Scandinave is situated on 25 acres of natural Ontario birch, Canadian maple and pine trees, and the sounds of the birds singing from the forest will make you feel that spring really isn’t that far away after all.
The Cold Plunge Pool
Perfect Place to unwind
Spa with a view
Want to give this route a try for yourself? Find our road trip map here.
What road trips do you have planned to celebrate Ontario’s changing seasons? Get started planning your next adventure here.
One reply on “Winter Farewell Tour – Make the last few days of Winter count!”
Awesome! thanks for this. Most of the pictures are the places I want to go to. The plunge pool, the vineyard which I really want to visit and the pond looks so nice. The village looks so good. and the murals are fantastic. Thanks.