Glorious Autumn in Grey County, Ontario!

Imagine this: biting into a crisp apple as you breathe in fresh autumn air; trekking through an enchanting natural region abundant with rare plants, wildlife and secluded waterfalls; taking in one of the most dazzling fall colour displays in Canada; savouring fine food made with local ingredients – all within a short drive from the Greater Toronto Area, Kitchener-Waterloo and London!

Welcome to amazing Grey County, Ontario, located on the crystal waters of Georgian Bay between Blue Mountain and the Bruce Peninsula. Home to the majestic Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Grey County features some of Ontario’s best autumn hiking, cycling, paddling, climbing and sightseeing. Here the Bruce Trail winds its way through spectacular cliffs, valleys, streams and meadows – all ablaze in stunning fall colour!

John Muir, famous naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club, spent some time in Grey County and was inspired to write, “Freshness and beauty are everywhere … Living sunlight is poured over all, and every thing and creature is glad.” Fall is the best time to explore Grey County’s seven beautiful waterfalls, now set against a stunning backdrop of brilliant reds, yellows and oranges. Don’t forget your camera. Take your best shot and enter the Fun in Focus photo contest for a chance to win a $5,000 Vacation Getaway. Click here for details.

Nature aside, there’s plenty to experience in Grey County during the autumn months. If you’re looking for fresh apples, you’ve come to the right place. Grey County apples are famous in North America and around the world. Blessed with a unique microclimate tempered by Georgian Bay and the Escarpment, our apple farms produce about 25% of Ontario’s apple crop. The busiest apple area stretches from Meaford, Thornbury and Clarksburg south through the Beaver Valley.

A number of excellent farms and markets offer u-pick and ready-picked apples, plums and pears, as well as freshly-pressed cider and freshly-baked apple pies. And, thanks to a longer growing season this year, some local vegetables like sweet corn, tomatoes, green onions, potatoes and beets are still available.

Another fall spectacle unfolds in Grey County during September and October. At the Owen Sound Mill Dam and the Thornbury Dam, thousands of Chinook salmon leap into the air to climb “fish ladders” that allow them to migrate upstream to spawn. It is truly a must-see event! How about a round of autumn golf? Grey County is quickly emerging as Ontario’s premier golf destination, featuring 17 excellent courses set amid brilliant fall colours with magnificent views of Georgian Bay.

Be sure to stop in to some of the pretty towns and villages in Grey County, each offering unique fall attractions including fairs and festivals. Hungry? Grey County is quickly establishing itself as a culinary destination, with many fine restaurants featuring local ingredients on the menu. Grey County is a mecca for local artists and artisans, and fall is a great time to browse a gallery or take in a studio tour.

With so much to see and do in Grey County, where do you begin to plan your Grey County getaway? Start by going to www.visitgrey.ca. Look for the Fall Colour Report featuring weekly photos of the fall colours from four Grey County locations. Download your Autumn Savings coupons good towards some of our finest attractions. Pack your camera, take a picture of your experience in Grey County at its photogenic best and enter it in the Fun in Focus photo contest.

As close as this weekend!