Enjoy a weekend exploring Ontario’s South Georgian Bay

Last winter our tribe of 10 trekked to the Southern Georgian Bay region (in Ontario, Canada) for some family time together – skiing at Blue Mountain, enjoying a Snowshoe and Cheese excursion and generally settling into our super-large schoolhouse Airbnb for some games, food and libations. With snow softly falling, the winter conditions were perfect for a wintery day of skiing, snowshoeing cross-country to a plummeting waterfall and for a warm fire in the schoolhouse with some local hard apple cider and Pictionary.

The South Georgian Bay region offers a bevy of opportunities across all the seasons with Niagara Escarpment hikes, exploring natural limestone caves and Georgian Bay’s beach opportunities in the summer to downhill skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice climbing and other winter-based activities as the temperatures drop.

Ontario’s largest apple growing region

With temperatures moderated from the waters of Georgian Bay and the natural micro-climate of the Niagara Escarpment, The Georgian Bay Apple growing region is one of 9 apple-producing areas of Ontario but accounts for 25% of the provinces annual crop. With early plantings dating back to the mid-1800’s over many properties, the region is well-established with more than 15 varieties of apples being grown – the favorite being the MacIntosh apple.

Why was the Apple Pie Trail created?

The Apple Pie Trail is a historic regional trail winding through the local communities of South Georgian Bay that is “an award-winning apple-inspired regional trail that unites art, apple history, delectable seasonal menus, ciders, apple tarts & treats, and our famous apple pies at 28 local orchards, restaurants, cafes, wineries, cider houses, shops and farmer's markets.” (as per ApplePieTrail.com). Think of all the opportunities to explore cooking with your favorite apples … and the inspiration to offer this contest to introduce you to the wonderful Blue Mountains and South Georgian Bay region of Ontario, Canada.

Links to help you understand Georgian Bay’s Apple Pie Trail:

• An Apple Pie Trail map outlines the trail stops
• What to do in The Georgian Bay area (warm weather options and cold weather options)?
• Download the Apple Pie Trail app to keep up with the latest apple-icious-ness!
• Ciderfest, anyone??
• Connect with their social channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and follow the #ThisIsAppleCountry hastag for more apple-y goodness!

What to do in the Blue Mountain / South Georgian Bay region?

As you consider how to make the most of your weekend getaway in the Blue Mountain / South Georgian Bay region of Ontario Canada, here’s a few of our recommendations:

Accommodations:

• Blue Mountain Resort or Lodges at Blue Mountain
• Country Inn’s – like the Pretty River Inn or the Falls Inn & Spa at Walters Falls
• Airbnb or VRBO opportunities like our Grey Highlands Schoolhouse (great for a group up to 10)

What to do:

• Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain – hydrotherapy baths and massages
• Blue Mountain Resort – skiing and year-round alpine activities
• Scenic Caves Natural Adventures – limestone cave system within a UNESCO biosphere preserve
• Free Spirit Tours – all manner of local outdoor activities
• Hike the Niagara Escarpment trails

Where to taste the apple delights:

• Apple ciders!
• Baked apple goodness from the Blackbird Pie Company or Thornbury Bakery Café
• Local Farmers markets for the apples themselves

What’s not to love about a getaway in the heart of South Georgian Bay region – tasty apple country, cliffside enjoyment of Niagara’s escarpment, small town country hospitality and fresh air! Any season of the year works. There’s lots to see, do and enjoy! 

Have you taken advantage of the delicious Apple Pie Trail delights? We hope so. A wonderful area to explore. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to continue the conversations.