Blue Mountain Resort – Summer Getaway
This is a sponsored post and all opinions are 100% mine.
Get your outdoor play on this summer at Blue Mountain Resort. Less than a two hour drive from Toronto and near the shores of Georgian Bay, once you check in, it’s easy access to accommodations with over forty restaurants and shops and endless options for outdoor activities.
Blue Mountain Resort invited our family to a media event and set the itinerary for us. If it’s your first time exploring Blue Mountain resort during the summer, I highly recommend following the agenda below for families and groups of adults. FYI – we found out we were the only family at the event on the morning of and I was a little apprehensive that the boys wouldn’t be able to keep up, but they were troopers!
PLAY ALL DAY PASS
We’re the outdoor play, all day every day kind of family. Get the Play All Day Pass which gives you unlimited attraction use, explore at your own pace and you have the option to go back to the attractions you love over and over again.
Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster – of all the attractions, this is the fam fav! The Ridge Runner is a two-person, cart-and-track rollercoaster which zigzags through the trees, zips you down the mountain and you get to control the speed. It was the boys’ first intro to riding a roller coaster type of ride and because they weren’t old enough to ride on their own, my husband and I paired up with them. This being our first activity of the day, it gave us that adrenaline rush and got the kids pumped up! FYI – remember that technology is your friend, no need to stand in line, sign up through their virtual line and register for a timeslot.
Canopy Climb Net Adventures – think tree house and trampoline of dreams all rolled into one with the bonus of being surrounded by Mother Nature! This was the boys’ second fav activity and as we made our way up, they immediately took off in opposite directions. So, think climb .. jump .. slide down … repeat! And with kids, that means chasing after them. So prepare yourself for being mentally and physically active. One thing to note, if your child is over the age of 6, you can supervise them from the ground level. Also, before heading out to your next adventure, make sure you make your way to the top deck which has a beautiful view of the Georgian Bay.
Woodlot Low Ropes – another physical activity great for kids (6-12) and first-timers (kids of all ages). They have three self-guided courses that include 25 different aerial elements. You’re allotted an hour to complete all three courses with each course becoming more challenging. I gave it a go with the boys and we completed the first course which boosted our confidence. My son Brandon was comfortable staying on the first course and Maxwell and myself went ahead to complete the second one. I was a little hesitant splitting up, but I was able to watch both boys and to be honest, this mama has got to let go and let them be free! The second course was higher and bit more challenging for Maxwell (and me, not going to lie!). He got stuck on crossing the large log beam and wanted to call it quits. One of the staff members was making his way up to help him and the other kids that were there started clapping and encouraging him. That gave him the push and he completed the course. We were so proud of him. A couple of things to note: if you’re over the age of 13 and want to try a more challenging course, you should check out Timber Challenge High Ropes. Both courses can be reserved through their virtual line. Also, these activities are not part of the All Day Play Pass. It is considered an add on activity.
Gondola Ride and Lunch with a View – you worked up an appetite after a very active morning and it’s now time for a scenic ride to the top of the mountain for lunch with a spectacular view. The open air gondola comes with a beautiful view of trails and the village. The ride is relaxing and not bumpy so it gives you lots of time to take pics and videos. I would love to come back in the fall to check out all the beautiful colours. Up at the top is Summitview Pavilion and starting June 17th, they’ll have lunch and dinner available.
Trails – so your belly is full and you’re ready to take on the afternoon! The trail we walked through was at the top of the mountain called Time Line Hiking Trail. An easy walk after a busy morning and an appreciation for Mother Nature. Our guide also took us to a beautiful waterfall, I don’t recall the name, but dropping the link to several ones in case you’re into chasing waterfalls!
Mill Pond Activity Centre – I like big bikes and I cannot lie! That was the first thing that came to mind when I saw these massive tires on what they call water trikes. A picturesque backdrop of the village as you trike along the pond. Depending on your skill level and your mood, you can either cruise along or if you’re my family, it becomes competitive. We definitely had to pair up with a child, but for families with toddlers, there are paddle boats available. NOTE; there are live bands that play throughout the summer and restaurants and bars are lined at the edge of the pond.
Cascade Putting Course – the boys still had energy at the end of the media event, so the whole family played 18 holes at the putting course. Landscaped beautifully with the mountain backdrop, it was the perfect way to end off the day.
Now, let’s talk accommodations, shops and restos, because you can’t just come up for the day. You need to stay on site because it’s convenient and the village is just so pretty!
ACCOMMODATIONS – we stayed at Weider Lodge in a two bedroom suite. Newly renovated with a cozy feel, our suite was spacious and came with a full kitchenette. If you’re staying for more 3 nights, bring groceries and cook up a storm. But if it’s a short stay, have breakfast on hand and grab a bite to eat in the village for lunch and/or dinner.
THE VILLAGE– so much to do in the village and we never get tired of exploring the shops and trying out the restos. Linking our favourite spots below.
- Happy Valley Candy Company – the boys’ (includes hubby) favourite spot for candy. They have jelly beans, ol’ skool nostalgic candy and a slushie machine
- Royal Majesty – it’s an espresso bar bakery. It’s cute with pretty tiles and I come for the desserts.
- Starbucks – steps from the Weider Lodge
- Jozos Bar – casual dining with great food. Smash burgers and kids chicken fingers were a hit.
- Beavertails – it’s so Canadian and a must every time you visit. Puff pastry topped with fruit or spread
- Oliver & Bonacini Cafe Grill – the best mushroom soup and a fav for kids of all ages, mac n’ cheese.
Thank you so much Blue Mountain for hosting us and setting up an itinerary for the whole family to enjoy. There is so much to explore with everything at your fingertips!
Canadian summers are short, so get out there and play!
Until the next adventure,
Sunshine XO