The Blue Mountains, nestled in Ontario, Canada, are renowned for their distinct blue hue, especially visible from a distance. These mountains are part of the expansive Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve characterized by rugged cliffs and diverse ecosystems. Year-round, the Blue Mountains offer a plethora of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and snowboarding. The Blue Mountains are also home to popular tourist attractions like the Blue Mountain Village, offering a mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. This is where we spent most of our short time in the Blue Mountains.
Despite arriving a little later than planned, we were immediately enchanted by the picturesque Blue Mountain Village, where skiers glided downhill under the night sky. Blue Mountain Village was gorgeous, and we were yet again captivated by Canadian beauty. We strolled through the annual “Bluemination” display, admiring the dazzling lights and charming installations, especially the polar bears adrift on the water.
After taking in the nighttime sights, we grabbed some food and went back to our comfortable Airbnb, nice and warm by the crackling fireplace.
The following day, we returned to Blue Mountain Village to explore its shops and cozy firepits and watch some more skiing. Then we ventured up the mountain’s back, where we were introduced to Spy Cidery, a recommendation that was well worth the visit! Spy Cidery is a hidden gem with a charming outdoor seating area by a fire as well as a converted Airstream that offers a warmer indoor seating area. As an added surprise, I enjoyed every one of the ciders I sampled here – pretty impressive for a non-cider drinker like myself.
We rounded out our Blue Mountain Village exploration with a thrilling ride on the mountain roller coaster, zooming through tree-lined track faster than expected. It was cold, but well-worth it! After a mild adrenaline rush, we recharged ourselves with some French onion soup and concluded our Blue Mountain adventure with a visit to the Scandinave Spa.
Inspired by the Scandinavian tradition of hydrotherapy, this spa provides visitors with a tranquil oasis to unwind and recharge. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the soothing ambiance of the spa’s natural surroundings, which include serene forests and cascading waterfalls. One of the highlights of the Scandinave Spa experience is the Scandinavian Baths, which consist of a series of hot and cold water baths, as well as relaxation areas. This helps to stimulate circulation, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. How these cold plunges were harder for me than the polar plunge in Barrow, I will never understand! This therapeutic experience left us refreshed and rejuvenated, preparing us for the next leg of our journey to Quebec.
