Located along the ridged landscape of the Niagara Escarpment and on the sparkling shores of Georgian Bay, the Town of The Blue Mountains is composed of communities that are built on a foundation of agriculture, processing, manufacturing and recreation.
Internationally recognized as a four-season tourism destination, The Blue Mountains offers a high-quality lifestyle that caters to families looking to build a solid foundation, adventurers looking to go off the beaten path and for relaxation seekers to take in and experience the very best that The Blue Mountains has to offer.
Blue Mountain Village
Between the foot of the Niagara Escarpment and the rugged shores and crystal-clear waters of Georgian Bay, the picturesque Blue Mountain Village is Southern Ontario’s favourite four-season destination. A cobblestoned pedestrian village framed by turn-of-the-century Ontario architecture, the Village offers a wide variety of family accommodations, activities and attractions including over 50 unique shops and restaurants, an award-winning spa, 30 km of hiking trails, Open-Air Gondola, Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, 43 ski and snowboard trails and much more. The village offers as much – or as little – as you’d like.
Clarksburg
Follow the Beaver River south and you’ll land in the village of Clarksburg, affectionately dubbed “Artsburg.” The unofficial cultural epicentre of The Blue Mountains, Clarksburg boasts a vibrant arts scene and is home to many talented makers and creators. Travel down the main street and visit galleries, taste locally harvested honey, or take in a theatrical performance or concert at the Marsh Street Centre. Interactive workshops for all ages and artistic abilities are regularly offered in Clarksburg, fostering its local talent. Nature enthusiasts delight in the nearby Clendenan Dam and riverside trails of Clarksburg.
Craigleith
To the east of Thornbury lies Craigleith, a waterside community best known for its provincial park that resides on 51 acres of Georgian Bay shoreline - a favourite among campers since 1967. With deep historical roots, Craigleith once served as the gateway to the first skiers at Blue Mountain, who travelled by train to Craigleith station (now known as The Depot) and then by horse and carriage from the station to the ski hill. The landscape in Craigleith is renowned for its deep connection with shale rock, with fossils dating back 455 million years.
Thornbury
At waters’ edge is the largest town in The Blue Mountains, Thornbury, with a strong community spirit that eclipses its size. As you stroll from the waterfront along the main street, you will find a variety of independently owned and operated businesses opening their doors in a welcoming fashion. Food-lovers flock to Thornbury for its culinary options, served up by award-winning chefs. Rounding out the main street are boutique shops, galleries, specialty food stores and cafes, frequented by locals and visitors alike. The waterfront is iconic for its marina and pier that serves as a popular gathering spot in summer months.
Villages and Hamlets
Interspersed along and atop the Niagara Escarpment is a collection of villages and hamlets, each with their own unique character. Heathcote, Ravenna, Red Wing, Slabtown and Duncan just to name a few, offer breathtaking views, unforgettable adventures, and a variety of stores, markets, outfitters for adventure, restaurants and of course, apple orchards. The villages and hamlets are home to the humble beginnings of the community through its roots in agriculture, processing and tourism. Small in size but rich in history, each community has a story to tell!
