Let us guide you in the planning of a 5-day journey through the scenic and adventure-filled region of BruceGreySimcoe! This family focused itinerary in an electric vehicle (EV) can offer a stress-free and environmentally friendly getaway that caters to everyone in your family. From the stunning landscapes of The Blue Mountains to the vibrant towns of Collingwood, Sauble Beach, and Southampton, this trip provides an excellent mix of relaxation, adventure, and nature inspired travel.
, a picturesque town nestled on the southern shores of Georgian Bay. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours from Toronto, providing just enough time for the kids to enjoy a movie or some road trip games.
. Check out the local shops,
For some outdoor adventure, consider one of the unforgettable adventures through
who offer activities like specialty boat tours, cruises, and charter fishing on Georgian Bay. Or try something new and paddle with purpose on a guided tour with the social enterprise,
. Explore and learn with up to 12 people working together on the big canoe!
Evening:
After settling into one of the many EV-friendly accommodations (below), enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Collingwood’s culinary scene ranges from casual family diners to gourmet experiences. Finish the day with a serene evening sail with
Collingwood Charters.
Accommodations with EV Charging:
Blue Mountain Resort
Georgian Bay Hotel – Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Living Waters Resorts
South Georgian Bay Tourism - Stay
Day 2: Explore Grey County
Morning:
Spend the morning exploring
Blue Mountain Resort’s natural beauty and
attractions. Take the Open-Air Gondola to the top of Blue Mountain for some hiking or mountain biking, or explore the lively
Blue Mountain Village. Throughout July & August,
join iwa Spa on a 40-minute guided morning hike up Blue Mountain followed by a yoga class overlooking the vistas of Georgian Bay.
Afternoon:
For a unique perspective, rent an e-bike from nearby Georgian Trail E-Bikes and ride through the scenic landscapes starting from the Blue Mountains, Collingwood, or the charming historic village of
Creemore.
For those seeking adventure, try a
climbing or caving tour. Don't miss the
Scenic Caves Nature Adventures, featuring Ontario’s longest suspension footbridge and an amazing cave system.
Evening:
Enjoy an evening of live music or theatre at one of
South Georgian Bay’s many performance venues.
Day 3: Drive to Sauble Beach
Morning:
Drive to Sauble Beach, about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Collingwood. Consider stopping in
Owen Sound for lunch along the way. It’s a small city, but it has a big personality with fine museums, fine food, and a great music scene. If you want an activity along the way, the
Path to Freedom is an incredible self-lead tour focused on the city’s fascinating history as the northernmost “station” on the Underground Railroad – the path to escaping slavery once the British Empire abolished it in 1834.
Afternoon:
Sauble Beach offers a perfect spot for relaxation and family fun. Spend the afternoon swimming, exploring local shops, or hiking at
Sauble Falls Provincial Park, which also has an EV charging station.
Ascent Aerial Park offers a variety of fun challenges for ages 6+ including the Ropes Course, Gel Blaster Target Shooting, and the Zip Coaster. Visit
Discover South Bruce Peninsula for things to do in this beautiful destination.
Evening:
End the day with a breathtaking sunset on the beach before heading to your accommodation in Sauble Beach or the nearby Saugeen Shores (Port Elgin & Southampton) area.
Where to find accommodations:
Discover South Bruce Peninsula - Stay
Visit Saugeen Shores – Where to Stay
Explore the Bruce – Places to Stay
TIP: Booking websites such as Expedia or Airbnb include EV charging as a filter option to find hotels, motels, resorts, and private homes offering a plug in. Please keep in mind that where possible, you can better support the economic sustainability of accommodation businesses by booking direct.
Day 4: Lake Huron & The Bruce Peninsula
Morning:
The expanse of the Lakeshore region in
Bruce County takes you from water and sand to entire towns of quaint shops and unique eateries. T
he Port Elgin Farmer’s Market takes place every Wednesday morning through the summer months. Walking along the shores of Port Elgin or Southampton are a great way to start your day before hitting the water!
Accessible only by tour boat, Chantry Island & Lighthouse sits about a kilometre off the shore of Southampton. Take in the view from the top of the lighthouse on a boat cruise offered by The Marine Heritage Society. Tours to the lighthouse must be booked in advance.
Learn more, review the schedule, and book your tickets here.
Thorncrest Outfitters, offer a unique experience that includes canoe or kayak rentals, gear, and shuttle service to various points along the
Saugeen River, the third largest river system in Southern Ontario. This family-friendly experience is a great way to get on the protected waters of the river for a day of exploration.
If you would rather explore on land, consider the 1-hour drive to Lion’s Head to
Brave the Caves with
EcoAdventures, and enjoy a family-friendly guided discovery tour of Greig’s Caves.
Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre – features The
Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre features an extensive history of Bruce County. Learn more about our marine heritage, the deep history and Indigenous culture in the region, and many family-friendly exhibits and programs.
Afternoon:
Explore the area by bike with bike rentals from
Martin’s Bicycle Shop in Southampton. Ride the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail or the Rail Trail and explore the butterfly gardens along the way. This one of a kind unique community project has pods including over 4,000 native plants to assist the Monarch Butterfly population. For more information, visit one of the
information centres in Port Elgin or Southampton.
Depending on where you are staying, less than an hour’s drive will get you to one of Bruce County’s stunning family-run lavender farms including
Essentially Lavender,
Bluewater Lavender Farm or
Luscious Lavender & Herb Farm. Check out a number of events happening at one of the
Rural Gardens of Grey Bruce.
Bruce Trail hiking is simplified at
Rural Rootz Nature Reserve where they offer the only official satellite trail of the Bruce Trail. Open to the public Friday through Monday, the 4k, 2-hour hike goes through a wonderland of rocks, past crevice caves, around a 10 acre beaver pond, and is a family friendly, loop trail.
Evening:
Join the
Saugeen First Nation #29 Independent Business Association for their weekly night markets, every Thursday night until September 5th. The market will feature food, local crafts, and music and takes place at the Saugeen Band Office on Cameron Drive, Southampton.
Dine at one of the local eateries before catching a performance at the Southampton Town Hall by
Bruce County Playhouse. The professional summer theatre company produces excellent, family friendly performances and are celebrating their 10
th anniversary season!
Rather explore the shores by night, check out the
iSUP Saugeen Glow Tours and Summer Sunset Party Packages (available nightly from 9 pm to midnight, weather dependent). If you would prefer daytime exploration on a stand-up paddle board (SUP), rentals and lessons are available through
iSUP Saugeen.
Day 5: Return Home
Morning:
Begin your journey home with a fully charged EV, ready to recount the memorable experiences of your trip. Not ready to go home? Enjoy a stop at
Kickin’ Back Alpaca Ranch in Markdale for a farm tour and some cuteness overload. Be sure to book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment.
Afternoon:
Local eateries in Durham or Markdale would make for a great stop before continuing the journey home. If travelling on a Saturday, a local farmers market, such as the
Flesherton & District Farmers Market, is a great option for farm fresh snacks and pastries. Sundays from Canada Day Weekend until Civic Holiday Weekend,
The Market Shoppe at Rocklands Market (Berkeley) is a must stop for food, beverages, music, art, games, and wellness.
Embrace the joy of travel while making a positive impact and create lasting memories along the way.
A 5-day family road trip through BruceGreySimcoe in your EV not only reduces stress but also supports a sustainable lifestyle. From the cultural hubs of Collingwood and Southampton to the natural wonders of The Blue Mountains and Sauble Beach, this itinerary promises an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. For additional resources, read the
Destination Ontario blog article: EV road trips in Ontario.