Eat, Drink and Explore Apple Country!

If the change of seasons conjures up thoughts of hearty fall fare, farmers markets and the smell of fresh baked pie, then an autumn trip to Blue Mountain and the highly-acclaimed Apple Pie Trail should not be missed. Culinary Tourism in our area is a big deal. From small scale artisans to large production organic farming, craft beer and cider to apple orchards and wineries, the foodie in you will be delighted by the variety of food & drink experiences.

 

Sip & Repeat

Discover the best culinary, drink and outdoor experiences in the region through the Apple Pie Trail in Southern Georgian Bay. Explore the Trail’s many local orchards and breweries, apple-inspired art, seasonal sweet and savoury menus, outdoor activities, and the history of apple country. Learn what inspires the local farmers, business owners, distillers, and artisans to live and breathe apple.

Apple country has it all, from cider to beer and wine. Make sure to visit the vineyards and breweries throughout the region as you travel the Trail. Learn how the Niagara Escarpment’s unique microclimate allows a diversity of fruit to be grown and made into your favorite beverages.


 

Cider Central

The cider farmers in apple country are uniquely skilled growers. They understand how to take advantage of the region’s unique microclimate to produce award winning cider, a taste you will remember long after you’re done sipping!

Thornbury Craft Co. was once a wooden apple storage building, and has now been converted into a large and successful brewing factory. Using traditional techniques, Thornbury Village Cider crafts award winning, small batch ciders from 100% fresh, local apples. Grey & Gold believes that their role as cider makers is to guide and facilitate the natural process of fermentation with minimal intervention. They don’t use sulphites or commercial yeasts, allowing wild, native yeasts to do their work and allowing the fruit to be the star. 
 

See more cideries.

 

Take the Route Less Travelled!

Grab a canoe, kayak or SUP and discover the Beaver River with Free Spirit Tours Paddling. On your two-hour paddle you may come across egrets, herons, cormorants, muskrat and turtles but you’re guaranteed to be greeted with beautiful scenery. Bring it all together with a Apple Pie Trail Paddle & WIne Tour! Enjoy a serene paddle along the Beaver River with a visit to the nearby Georgian Hills Vineyard.  Sample wine, cider or both! Self-guided tour with available paddling options.

Get an extra educational lay of the land, The Wild Edibles Experiences is a truly delightful and eye-opening adventure with expert forager, Brian McLellan-Tuck. Arrive at the Free Spirit Tours base for an incredible afternoon of exploration where you’ll learn how to identify, harvest and prepare common plants for food and medicine. You’ll end the experience with a wild beverage and new view of plants and their power.

 

Explore Apple Country on Two Wheels

If you like to earn your calories, explore the Thornbury Sticky Bun Loop by bike on a self-guided, heart-pumping adventure. Start at the Thornbury Bakery where you’ll fuel up with delicious sticky buns. Follow the 14 km loop to discover several more Trail Stops. Enjoy Thornbury cider, memorable views, beautiful art and delicious dining on this unique bike loop.

 

For a less challenging way to cycle through Apple Country, check out Georgian Trail E-Bike Rentals. Choose between one of two e-bikes with car-grade batteries designed to take you long distances on any terrain. The process is easy,  book your preferred time online with Georgian Trail e-Bikes for a 4 hour or 8 hour rental, they’ll provide you with a code to access the e-bikes in Thornbury and you’re on your way!


 

Take Your Pick

The diversity of apples in the region offers something for everyone. Flavors range from acidic to sugar-filled, alternating in color and richness, size and crispness. Try one of the memorable apple flavours when you visit The Farmer's Pantry – handpick Empire or Northern Spy, or enjoy a Silken selection from the fruit market. If you don't have time to pick yourself, you can always pick up farm fresh apples from T&K Ferri Orchards or Goldsmith's Orchard Market.

 

Sweet as Apple Pie!

There are countless ways to enjoy apples - as a dried snack; a refreshing juice; pureed as a side sauce - but, perhaps the most loved is taking a bite of a warm apple pie, fresh from the oven. That's where the Apple Pie Trail comes in! Explore the local bakeries, farmer’s markets and businesses for your next grocery shop and satisfy your sweet tooth with apple pies, tarts, turnovers, and more. Don't miss your chance to check out Blackbird Pie Co. this fall for their signature meat pies - they sell fast!

 

Discover More Adventures on the Apple Pie Trail