Are you looking for a new winter destination to explore? Look no further than Thornbury, a picturesque small town located in Ontario, just 10 minutes northwest of Blue Mountain. This hidden gem offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, from wineries and hiking trails to endless winter activities and the famous Apple Pie Trail.
One of the first things you’ll notice when you visit Thornbury is its charming downtown area. The main street is lined with boutiques, vintage shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can pop into Adorn II for retro clothing finds or pick up some specialty cheeses from The Cheese Gallery. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, head to Ashanti Thornbury for delicious beverages made with Arabica coffee beans grown in Zimbabwe. Good Grief Coffee Roasters is another local favorite, serving an assortment of homemade pastries and beverages made with locally-roasted beans.
Foodies will also love Thornbury, with plenty of delicious options for lunch and dinner. Check out Bruce Wine Bar for their wine and wood-fired pizzas or head to The Mill Cafe for their waterside views and casual but delicious eats. Thornbury Bakery Cafe is also a popular spot to grab a bite and is a town institution, established in 1901, and everything is made from scratch daily. They cater to gluten-free, keto, and vegan diets as well.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty to do in Thornbury. The Georgian Trail is a 34km walking, hiking, and biking trail that runs along the waterfront, extending from the town of Meaford to Collingwood. Along the trail, visitors can also check out The Historic Thornbury Wooden Trestle Bridge, which was once part of the Northern Railway between 1872 and 1984 and has beautiful views of where the Beaver River meets Georgian Bay. Just outside Thornbury, visitors can also head to the Beaver Valley section of the Bruce Trail for a winter hike or snowshoeing.
The area also boasts a number of waterfalls to discover, stunning in every season. Eugenia Falls is just 20 minutes away and boasts a striking 30-meter cascade. Also nearby, visitors can snowshoe to the 7-meter waterfall of Hoggs Falls, which sits on a 3.7km trail with scenic panoramas.
Lastly, Southern Georgian Bay is known for its Apple Pie Trail, with many apple fields that make this area the Apple Capital of Ontario. Visitors will find 26 stops along this route, celebrating everything apple-related, from cider tours at Grey and Gold Cidery and Thornbury Craft Cider and Brew House, to Goldsmith’s Market, a specialty grocery store stocked with locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, and freshly baked pies.
In conclusion, Thornbury is a hidden gem that should not be missed. Next time you’re heading up to Blue Mountain, consider making an additional stop to explore this charming town and all it has to offer. From delicious food and coffee to outdoor adventures and apple-related activities, Thornbury has something for everyone. Don’t hesitate, book your trip today and experience the magic of Thornbury for yourself!
