Two Day Itinerary on Ontario’s Apple Pie Trail

Apple Pie Trail

Disclaimer: This post was done in collaboration with Ontario Travel. All opinions expressed are my own. All information, offerings, and prices are accurate as of time of posting. Please refer to Ontario Travel for the most up to date information.

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Apple Pie Trail. Probably the most delicious thing I’ve ever heard. And no, it’s not a trail lined with apple pies (although I wouldn’t be opposed to that…).

What the Apple Pie Trail is though is an area in South Georgian Bay Ontario which includes Duntroon, Bluemountain Village & Craigleith, Beaver Valley, Thornbury & Clarksburg, and Meaford. There are 28 stops in total and it is completely self-guided, so you can take your time and do as many or as little of the stops as you like. The stops include everything from art, history, adventure tours, restaurants, cafes, wineries, orchards, cider houses, shops, farmer’s markets, and yes plenty of apple pies and apple treats. It’s also the only place in Ontario that has the perfect growing conditions to make wine, cider, and beer. Which means no matter what you like to quench your thirst, the Apple Pie Trail has got EVERYTHING covered.

Below I’m going to break down all the highlights to spend two day on the tastiest trail in Ontario.

Where to Stay

The Westin Trillium House Blue Mountain

The most picturesque place to stay in the area The Westin Trillium House Blue Mountain is located directly in Blue Mountain Village. Not only is it conveniently located (it’s located 20mins or less from each of the Apple Pie Trail Stops), but it has the most adorable views of Blue Mountain Village and sits right in between the Niagara Escarpment and Georgian Bay.

What to Do

Waterfall and Wine Tour

Take the Waterfall and Wine tour for scenic views and a tour of Georgian Hills Winery. You’ll be picked up directly from your location by Ace Transportation Group and chauffeured in a luxury vehicle complete with snacks and drinks. The tour includes visits to two waterfalls and then you’ll sample some wine or cider from Georgian Hills Vineyards. I highly recommend their Ida Red Ice wine!

Scenic Caves and Caverns

The Scenic Caves and Caverns is a self-guided tour of one of some breathtaking landscapes and scenery and is located inside of of Canda’s UNESCO sites. You can walk through 17 geological features which were naturally created by ice glaciers millions of years ago. Make sure to pack proper hiking boots or sneakers though, it’s definitely no stroll and requires you to be in shape with good mobility.

At the same site there’s also Southern Ontario’s longest suspension bridge which gives you 360 degree views of the Niagara Escarpment. You’ll also find tractor rides, zip lining, mini golf, and a beautifully landscaped pond which acts as the perfect backdrop for a picnic.

Apple Orchards

Since this area is known for their ideal climate conditions for growing apples it is only fitting that you visit some apple orchards of course. But I can tell you that the apple orchards here are no ordinary apple picking orchards. They’re totally unique and I’ll let you know the best ones here:

TK Ferri Orchards

TK Ferri Orchards is a beautifully landscaped area of apple trees. But those perfectly coiffed trees are not just for aesthetics. They use dwarf apple trees that have been pruned to have a minimal amount of wood so that the apples grow naturally to a larger size and have a taste that is fresher and crisper than most. It’s also what gives their apple orchards their perfect symmetry. Be sure to stop by their on-site market where you can do an apple tasting and taste all the apples side by side. You’ll also want to pick up some of their in-house fresh pressed cider!

The Farmer’s Pantry

The Farmer’s Pantry is not your typical apple orchard. In addition to having acres with 15 varieties of apples they also have raspberry picking and pumpkins when in season. The property also houses a petting zoo, outdoor activities, and an on-site market selling locally produced goods. Perfect for families it is a place you can spend an entire day or even a weekend with all the activities they have available.

Loft Gallery Art

Loft Gallery Art is located on the quaint Main Street of Thornbury and features large-scale landscape paintings from local artists. They also have two on-site resident artists that you can interact with directly as they paint. The space itself is of course beautiful and it is easy to get lost in thought amongst the gallery walls adorned with natural artwork.

Scandinave Spa

The Scandinave Spa in Blue Mountain is a true outdoors escape in the heart of nature. With unobstructed views of the UNESCO World Biophere Reserve Niagara Escarpment you truly feel like you’ve escaped to a zen retreat amongst the wilderness. I was lucky to visit in autumn where there was nothing but views of the fall foliage surrounding their renowned Scandinavian baths. It was the ultimate way to relax after flexing those muscles while apple picking.

What to Eat and Drink

When you have a name like Apple Pie Trail you had better believe there are going to be some damn tasty treats coming your way. And while there are plenty of apple pastries and desserts there’s also plenty of savoury options and of course the best beverages around.

Ravenna County Market

A local legend, Ravenna Country Market offers baked goods, gourmet meals to take home, and the best pressed sandwiches and soups. Their butter tarts are also some of the best I’ve ever had.

Goldsmith’s Orchard Market

Goldsmith’s Orchard Market is the place to go if you’re looking for something especially local. They specialize in selling produce they grow themselves and also offer in-house baked goods. They are of course famous for their Thornbury pie, but they also offer everything from apple, sour cherry, berry, and rhubarb. I took home one of their Thornbury pies and am still dreaming about it long after I licked the last crumb out of the box.

The Grey

The Grey in Thornbury serves up contemporary cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. The menu has Asian influences and changes regularly in order to reflect what ingredients are fresh and in season. A beautiful spot to dine it sits right by the water where you will also have spectacular views of the Georgian Bay.

Thornbury Village Craft Cider & Beer

Using old-world techniques Thornbury Village Craft Cider & Beer has been crafting small batch cider and beer using locally pressed apples since the 1920s. While their ciders and beers are available at various grocers and at LCBO, they do have special limited runs which are only available at the cider and beer house. I loved the wild blueberry & elderflower and their special spiced apple cider.

Thornbury Bakery Cafe

The Thornbury Cafe has been open for 80 years and is known for their cinnamon buns, Chelsea buns, and butter tarts. They also have a vast menu of vegan, gluten-free, and keto options so that everyone can have something delicious to eat. With everything made from scratch they also offer breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, and bowls so that you can round out those treats with a full meal as well.

Northwinds Brew Pub & Craft Beer

Northwinds Brewpub & Craft Beer store is located right on the water of Blue Mountain Village. Their brewery is located right on site just next to the restaurant so the beer is as fresh as it comes. As for the menu, it is all farm-to-table using locally sourced ingredients. You won’t regret ordering the wagyu beef burger or the pan seared tuna lettuce wraps. All with a nice pint of local craft beer of course.