Soft Adventure
When planning your winter getaway, remember that there’s plenty of winter fun taking place OFF the slopes, hills and trails of BruceGreySimcoe. For après-ski - and for those who just aren’t into snow - there’s plenty to discover, experience and explore, including seasonal packages from our operators.
Rest, Relax and Retail Therapy
Spend some time taking of you, both mentally and physically, in BruceGreySimcoe. Unwind and relax with a massage and a soothing soak at the award-winning Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, surrounded by the serene natural setting. Take the time to reserve ahead of time – both massages and the baths can be booked online. Create your own at-home spa day with Scandinave’s Spa Shop, which can be ordered online and shipped to your home.
Stay at Casino Rama and indulge yourself at the Balanced in Life Spa with a spa treatment or a dip in the salt water pool. Add a concert and dinner to create a complete and restful getaway package. The spa is open to those not staying at the resort, too.
No matter how you like to wind down, BruceGreySimcoe has a spa experience just right for you. Take a well-deserved “time out” at a yoga class on a warmed Gan•ban volcanic rock floor at iwa Spa in Blue Mountain Village or choose one of many treatments to pamper yourself. At Sugar Ridge Retreat Centre, retreats range from individual to group and include accommodation and meals. New to the spa mix is Vetta Nordic Spa in Horseshoe Valley, a Finnish Nordic Spa Experience. Or your preferred method of escape may simply be to pull on your stretchy pants and curl up with a book in front of a fire in your chalet, cottage or hotel room.
Make time for some retail therapy and do some shopping in one of our pretty downtowns, our art galleries and studios, specialty food shops and at Blue Mountain Village.
Dining
No matter what your dining style – upscale and romantic, casual and family – there’s a pub, restaurant or café to cater to it. Menus often feature culinary delights created with local produce and include local beverages to pair with your meal, too. Check the menu for local wine, cider, beer or spirit to add “that special something” to complement the flavours of your meal.
And, a reminder to call ahead for operating hours and to see if reservations are required. Note that some of our eateries have switched to take-out only and others may be closed for the season.
Wineries, Breweries & Cideries
For a unique winter experience, book a ride to sample and sip on The Ale Trail, just one of the tours offered by Blue Mountain & Collingwood Adventure Tours. Or book a helicopter tour with Big Blue Air for wine tasting at Georgian Hills Vineyard. If sitting in comfort by a toasty fire to sample wine, cider or beer in a tasting room is how you picture your beverage experience, there are lots of options to choose from and several operators have adapted their patios and decks to include warm and snug shelters.
Food and Themed Trails
Everything “apple” can be found along the Apple Pie Trail, from wine to cider to art work to scrumptious apple pie. Reward yourself with a wine tasting after a snowshoe hike, one of this tasty trail’s winter experiences. Starting in late winter, Tap into Maple, one of the sweetest tours of all opens with maple-infused treats, products, beverages and pancake breakfasts.
Take a drive through the countryside and follow the Simcoe County Barn Quilt Trail (use the online interactive map) to view over 150 “quilts” painted on the side of barns. It’s an easy cruise into Grey County to continue with the For Love of Grey Barn Quilt Trail (again, follow the online interactive map) to view about 35 more exquisitely painted quilt patterns.
Festivals & Events
Festivals and events are happening live again in BruceGreySimcoe. Concerts, seasonal events, cultural programming, winter festivals – there's so much going on! Refer to the Festivals and Events page to see what's on in the region.
Live Theatre, Concerts & Night Life
Our small community theatres make theatre-going intimate and memorable experiences in restored heritage buildings and a rockin’ good time in our larger venues. From world-class acts to local talent to open mic nights, BruceGreySimcoe theatres are the places to be for a vibrant night on the town.
For more info, visit:
Museums, Art Galleries & More
Roam about in the past and explore the history of the region at our three county museums (check ahead for winter hours). Open year round, the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, Grey Roots Museum & Archives and the Simcoe County Museum feature hands-on exhibits, perfect for children’s curiosity. At the Bruce County Museum, its Anishnaabwe Endaat “Where We Live” Exhibition is one of its permanent displays and was the recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation 2020. Several smaller community museums are open to discover and explore, too.
The creative spirit flourishes here with artists, artisans and talented craftspeople – visit the art galleries and studios spread across the region or channel your own creative energies into art classes and programs they offer.
For more info, visit:
Indoor Golf
Missing being out on the course? Take it indoors to the Golf Club in Collingwood, 4700 square feet of golfing paradise, including twenty courses from around the world. Just like the real thing, their is a fully licenced bar and lounge featuring a food menu. In Barrie, North Swing Golf Lounge has five 20-foot golf simulators with over 40 well-known PGA golf courses from around the world. It, too, has a fully licensed lounge with a food menu.
Getaway Packages
As always, before leaving home, double check operating hours, book reservations where possible to stay and dine and buy theatre and attraction tickets in advance. Plan ahead to make your visit a time of fun, relaxation and adventure. Package options vary - spa, family, workation, stay and ski, guided hikes, couples & more. Browse our Promotions to plan and book.
Wherever your adventures take you across the region, travel mindfully and respectfully - check out our Visit Responsibly page for info on how to do so.
For more info and experiences: