Fall Colour Tour
Everyone marvels at the blazing autumn colours in the South Georgian Bay region come October. To see the most brilliantly-hued leaves per kilometre, it’s worth a drive through Pretty River Valley Provincial Park.
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Route
Start at Fisher Fields at the intersection of 6th Street and 10th Line on the outskirts of Collingwood. Head south on the 10th Concession for several kilometres and then turn right onto 33/34 Sideroad. This soon turns into Pretty River Road which winds through the hilly, thickly forested park (non-operating, with no staff or facilities). Pretty River Road veers southwest until it meets the Osprey-Blue Mountains Townline. Here is a T-junction where you either turn right to continue on Pretty River Road, or left in the direction of Nottawa and Collingwood. (If you turn right, you’ll find more hilly country.) Turn left on the Osprey-Blue Mountains Townline and stay on it until County Road 124—turn left again and you will soon reach the thriving village of Nottawa, just south of Collingwood. Here you can stop for lunch or dinner at Dornoch Tap & Grill, which boasts a heated patio for socially distanced al fresco dining.
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Stops
The Bruce Trail is the oldest and longest marked hiking trail in Canada. The Bruce Trail also holds numerous scenic lookout points. The Bruce Trail winds through the park – and the highest elevation point on the entire trail is found here. Maps can be found here.
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From seed, to field, to fork, Curries Farm Market takes care of it all! They sell high quality produce, prepared meals, and Curries Own products. Anything not grown on the farm is always locally sourced.
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The Dornoch Tap & Grill is located in the village of Nottawa just five minutes from Collingwood. They have some great local beers on tap such as Collingwood IPA and Dornoch Pale Ale. You can catch all your favourite sporting events live on their large HD screens. They offer tasty starters, have a lunch, dinner and kids menu. There is something for everyone.
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Pretty River Valley Country Inn
The Pretty Valley Country Inn sits on 125 acres. Two buildings comprise the Inn, the Log Main Inn and Home Farm the original farm from 1865. The Inn has 11 different accommodations all with wood burning fireplaces many with two person Jacuzzis. Guests are greeted by a menagerie of animals from a miniature horse, Icelandic horses, and reindeer. They also farm pigs, chickens, bees, mushrooms, apples, and maple syrup. A great way to finish your time in the Pretty River Valley Provincial Park.
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We hope you have a fun and safe time exploring South Georgian Bay! Share your memories with us by tagging @SGeorgianBay on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!
Planning to visit South Georgian Bay in the near future? Please contact individual businesses to confirm method and hours of operation and plan ahead by making reservations when possible. Visit our “Know Before You Go” page by clicking here.
