Grey County: Winter Activities, Nature and Culture

For a winter getaway in Grey County, two different activities are worth considering: Blue Mountain Village offers skiing and snowboarding, while the Kolapore Uplands Wilderness Trails are used for cross-country skiing in winter. There are also trails, natural areas, museums, historic sites and markets. This lets you tailor your stay to the season and the interests of your travel group.

Winter Activities and Trails

Blue Mountain Village offers skiing and snowboarding in winter and cycling in summer. The Kolapore Uplands Wilderness Trails have a different seasonal focus: they are 60 kilometres long and are used for cross-country skiing in winter, and for hiking and mountain biking in other seasons. They are not suitable for snowshoeing. Their southern section runs through a forest in Grey County. As the trails are maintained by volunteers and conditions can change, check conditions before your visit.

The CP Rail Trail runs for 77 kilometres from Owen Sound to Dundalk. An agreement between Grey County and the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders allows some off-road motorcycles to use the section between Rockford and Dundalk. The arrangement applies to these motorcycles and the specified part of the trail. A short section of the Bruce Trail leads to Hogg’s Falls; in Grey County, the trail is open exclusively to hikers and snowshoers. In the wider region, the 33-kilometre, non-motorized Georgian Trail has 30 access points. It is used for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Nature and Getting Your Bearings Along the Way

The Eugenia Falls Conservation Area covers 23 hectares of the Niagara Escarpment, a river valley and upland forests. Big Bay makes a suitable stop for day-trippers travelling by car, motorcycle or bicycle. The two places offer different ways to orient yourself: a described natural area and a possible stop along the way.

In Springmount, the Owen Sound Transportation Building has a visitor service centre where travellers can buy tickets for the Chi-Cheemaun ferry. If the ferry is part of your travel plans, check the schedule in advance.

History, Art and Brewing Culture

Grey Roots Museum & Archives shares the human and natural history of Grey County by preserving and sharing collections, stories and memories. At Moreston Heritage Village, costumed interpreters bring the village to life in July and August, as well as during special events and programs. As this program is seasonal and dates may change, check event dates before your visit.

You can visit the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in Owen Sound. The Williamsford Mill in Williamsford is also open to visitors. Tom Thomson’s gravesite in Annan-Leith is a historic site. These places offer different experiences: art at the gallery, a visit to the mill and a historic site in Annan-Leith.

Neustadt Springs Brewery has been brewing beer since 1859. Its building is believed to be Ontario’s oldest original brewery building. Tours of the brewery, caves and original crystal springs are offered on weekends with advance booking. Booking in advance is required for the tour; check current visitor arrangements ahead of time.

Markets and Events

The Owen Sound Farmers’ Market takes place on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Producers, bakers, artisans and artists offer fresh flowers, seasonal fruits and vegetables, fish, meat, baked goods and handicrafts. The Keady Market takes place on Tuesdays and offers fruits and vegetables, deli meats, homemade baked goods, antiques and gifts. Livestock auctions begin at 9:00 a.m. The markets therefore differ in both their day of the week and their offerings. As market hours and details can change, check the latest information before setting out.

Ayton hosts Starfest, an event for observing the night sky. Holstein hosts Holstein Maplefest. If you plan to attend either event, check the dates before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Blue Mountains, Regional Municipality Of York, Simcoe County, Regional Municipality Of Halton, Hastings County.

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