Thornbury in itself is not a very large town, but it is the home of or near several RCI resorts. What it lacks in size it makes up for to things to do and see in the area. Nestled at the bottom of the Blue Mountains,…Read More

Thornbury in itself is not a very large town, but it is the home of or near several RCI resorts. What it lacks in size it makes up for to things to do and see in the area.

Nestled at the bottom of the Blue Mountains, Thornbury is a community offering year-round pleasures whether you want to fish or ski, golf or curl, sail or cycle. Thornbury, also known as the Town of Blue Mountains, is in the heart of a vacation paradise. It is located in an area known as the Beaver Valley. The word is "Wow!" when you drive the roads of the scenic Beaver Valley. Every hill brings a rush, even without skis. From heights such as Epping Lookout to the valley bottom beside the rushing waters of the Beaver River, you'll see vistas of orchards and fields, rocky outcroppings, and tiny glens decorated in warmer months with wildflowers.

Come in the fall, and experience layers of color climbing to the Blue Mountains. Or visit in winter, when the waterfalls may be resting, but even the crisp air is alive with snow sports.

Known to birders, skiers, hikers, and canoeists, the Beaver Valley can even boast a short-lived, long-ago gold rush. The gorge below Eugenia Falls is still a treasure...one of the many blessings Nature has given to this part of Grey County.

Some of the more notable towns in the area are Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Midland and Meaford. Collingwood is home of several RCI resorts, the Elvis Rocks competition and the famous Blue Mountain pottery. Wasaga Beach boasts the worlds longest fresh water beach and is well worth the trip. This shallow beach allows you to wade out a long way. After relaxing on the beach take in the midway. At night there is lots to do. Of historical interest is Nancy Island National Park, home of one of the warships sunk by the Americans in the war of 1812.

Midland, a cultural and religious mecca, is home of the Martyr’s Shrine where miracles of healing have been witnessed and where the Pope once said Mass to thousands. Every year thousands of international visitors make their pilgrimage here. Across the road you’ll find Ste Marie among the Hurons, an authetic reproduction of a Missionary settlement complete with native longhouses. Visit the famous Wye Marsh for some spectacular bird watching. For the sightseer board a cruise of the 30,000 islands. Meaford won an award as the "Prettiest Town in Canada" in its class, as part of the National Communities in Bloom Competition.

Also in the area is the world famous Bruce Trail. The trail starts in Tobermory (see story), a scuba divers paradise. Or it can be accessed in several areas along its 800km route to Niagara. Several other trails can be found at one of the multitude of National Parks, Provincial Parks, Conservation Areas, or Nature Reserves.

One of the more famous parks is Bruce Peninsula National Park (see story) is only an hour and a half away.

The terrain of Grey County lends itself to all sorts of outdoor activities — from canoeing to photography to snowboarding and cycling — each in its season. And there are recreational pursuits for all seasons here, set against the backdrop of rivers and lakes, hills, and valleys.

Harbor facilities in Thornbury cater to sailors and powerboats. Fishing charters can be arranged for those who seek the big ones, and numerous fishing derbies reward the catch with some pretty nice prizes.

Golf courses in Grey County are plentiful and scenic. Only a few are private clubs, so visitors have plenty of opportunities to explore fairways and greens throughout the County. Several golf facilities offer other recreation activities, from mountain-bike trails to kids' programs—great for family day outings.

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