Family Day is around the corner and whether you’re spending the weekend apart from your loved ones or celebrating festivities with those in your immediate household, there’s plenty of activities to enjoy in The Blue Mountains. With no shortage of outdoor spaces and trails, The Blue Mountains offers plenty of opportunity to head outside and enjoy the fresh winter air. You can also spend Family Day at home with free virtual events and activities hosted by The Blue Mountains Public Library and The Blue Mountain Village Association.
We ask that if you head outside to get some exercise that you be prepared, plan in advance, continue to practice physical distancing and adhere to all current Provincial Orders, which includes wearing a mask when physical distancing is difficult, limiting close contact to only those in your household and washing your hands regularly. And remember - please avoid unnecessary travel this weekend by sticking to the local trails within your community!
Begin the weekend with a movie night
Grab the popcorn! Start your weekend with the launch of two new REEL History Films on Saturday, February 13th at 7:00 p.m. Produced right here in The Blue Mountains, the Blue Mountains Public Library and the Craigleith Heritage Depot is excited to release the films as part of their award-winning series. Get ready to experience two amazing natural features of The Blue Mountains: Fossils and The Niagara Escarpment. For more details, visit The Blue Mountains Public Library's online events calendar, here.
Have fun with a family-friendly virtual yoga session
Looking to start your day with some family-friendly exercise? Join The Blue Mountains Public Library and Inner Yogies from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 15th for a family-friendly virtual yoga session. This introductory session will go through basic techniques, different yoga poses, stretches and breathing, all from the comfort of your family’s living room! For more details and inspiration for Family Day activities, visit The Blue Mountains Public Library Things To Do At Home page, here.
Want to take time for yourself and practice solo? Join The Blue Mountain Village Association and Iwa Spa for a Mindful Monday where they invite you to relax and take a break from your daily stresses through at-home yoga classes. For more details, visit the Blue Mountain Village online events, here.
Order takeout from your favourite local restaurant
The Blue Mountains is home to fantastic local restaurants and businesses. With no shortage of takeout and curbside options, celebrate the weekend with your family’s favourite meal – without having to cook yourself! Visit the Explore Blue Business Directory to see what’s available for takeout throughout the Town.
Explore the region’s history through a virtual exhibit
Delve into the rich history of The Blue Mountains and Georgian Bay through a virtual museum exhibit at the Craigleith Heritage Depot. With a vast range of exhibits from Our Military Heritage, the Niagara Escarpment, and Indigenous History and Culture, there’s plenty of topics for you and your family to explore. Check out the full list of online exhibits here.
Enjoy the fresh air by visiting the Town’s local trails
Looking to head outdoors for some exercise? This year, the Town has expanded winter recreation opportunities to include groomed trails for both the Georgian Trail and at the Tomahawk Recreational Facility. These trails are great options for families looking to enjoy an excursion from walking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Please refrain from using any motorized or gas-powered machines, as they are not permitted on Georgian Trail or at the Tomahawk Recreational Facility. And remember - when heading to local trails please be prepared, include parking in your planning, practice 2-metre physical distancing, wash your hands regularly and stay at home if you are sick.
Heading outdoors? Be prepared
Winter provides a great opportunity to head outside and enjoy the activities we love, from winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and more! Being prepared for weather conditions, having your route mapped out, and planning parking in advance are all important steps to ensuring a safe adventure for yourself and your loved ones. For information on planning your route in advance, check out the Town’s Tomahawk Trails Map and Grey County’s Winter Activity Map. Make sure you have the essentials ready by checking out the following helpful guides from Ontario Parks:
- Your winter preparedness guide
- How to dress for your winter adventure
- Six essential items to pack for your winter hike
Make this Family Day a memorable one by celebrating responsibly. If you are unable to spend this time with your loved ones, try connecting with them virtually through video or by phone. Stay safe, stay home, and support local in The Blue Mountains.