Grey Bruce: Fall culture, culinary & cycling

Fall is the perfect time to experience Grey and Bruce Counties and cycling is a great way to link together the region’s best culinary and cultural experiences. With quiet roads, gentle rail trails and the fall harvest ripe for the picking, your Grey Bruce cycling adventure awaits.

In Grey County, you can choose from a variety of pre-planned cycling routes but The Blue Mountain Cycling Loop is a true fall gem. By taking the gondola up the ski hill at Blue Mountain (open daily from 12 to 6 p.m. until October 13) you can experience the view from atop the Niagara Escarpment without the leg-burning climb. Tour through The Blue Mountains and stop for a legendary butter tart or two at the Ravenna General Store, pick your own apples at The Farmer’s Pantry or sample local wine and cider at Georgian Hills Vineyard. After taking in the view from a series of quiet, paved roads, make your descent towards Georgian Bay and return to Blue Mountain via the Georgian Trail. Make a stop at the historic Craigleith Depot before you make the short climb to the resort. The award-winning “Apple Pie Trail” winds through the region with 37 apple-themed stops to choose from.

In Bruce County, The Beach Hop loop takes you from Southampton to Port Elgin. Along the way, you’ll view both the Southampton and Chantry Island Lighthouses. On this route, you can choose to ride on the road or the trail. If you choose to follow the Lake Huron shoreline, a paved path takes you past amazing views of Miramichi Bay. Alternately, the Saugeen Rail Trail offers a hard-packed, easy-riding option. Both Southampton and Port Elgin offer great culinary opportunities. Along High Street in Southampton, try the Elk and Finch Coffee Pub, The Walker House or Duffy’s Famous Fish and Chips. In Port Elgin, The Queen’s Bar and Grill serves great local food and there are plenty of options along Goderich Street such as The Garage Sandwich Shop, The Woodpecker and Rosina’s. Add some culture to your tour with a visit to the Southampton Art School or the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre. When you’re done your ride, considering heading to Smith’s Apples outside Port Elgin to experience fresh, crisp apples picked right from the tree. Feeling daring? Follow the Gore Drain Trail (located south of Port Elgin), this trail will take you through the Rotary Path towards MacGregor Point Provincial Park.