Solo Travel with Renee
A lifetime ago, in an alternative universe, I had planned a vacation to England for October 2020. We all know why I never made that trip. Instead, I booked a stay at Blue Mountain Resort, Collingwood, for some spa-like pampering and to view the spectacular fall colours.
One week before departure, the Resort called. Due to a broken water main, they were cancelling all reservations! I was frantic to find alternative accommodations – I had wrangled precious time off from my job in Healthcare, and already paid for a rental car. Everything on line was booked solid. In frustration, I began to widen the search to anything within a reasonable drive of the Blue Mountains.
Serendipity led me to Bowering Lodge – a spacious, alpine-style guest house with cozy rustic suites, fully equipped kitchens, comfy European style beds, updated bathrooms and a walkout to a deck overlooking acres of forest.
Situated on a secluded country road, it was just a short jaunt to Blue Mountain Village, with hamlets, wineries, bakery cafes and antique shops nearby.
In the winter, there is snow-shoeing and cross country skiing; the Lodge can provide bicycles in the warmer months. I was fortunate to arrive amidst fall’s bounty, with produce bursting from every farm, market and roadside stand and a delightful harvest of wines and ciders to sample at wineries and cider houses in the area.
Every morning I enjoyed breakfast on the deck overlooking a brilliant fall panorama. Afternoons, I would head out along 
the Apple Pie Trail, discovering hidden treasures and pleasures. Everything was close by and easily located.
The Blue Mountains region, part of Southern Georgian Bay, offers a myriad of activities from hiking, skiing, canoeing and kayaking, to touring wineries, feasting on meals featuring local ingredients and exploring the charming enclaves in the area.
There are photogenic waterfalls, caves for spelunking, small museums and artists’ studios; even axe-throwing lessons. I indulged for a day at Scandinave Spa with a pampering massage followed by relaxing in a thick bathrobe by a log fire, sipping herbal tea and watching bathers enjoy the outdoor hydrotherapy baths. Afterwards, I participated in a Forest Bathing exercise, leaving refreshed and renewed.
One important note is that most activities and businesses in the Blue Mountain area operate Wednesday/Thursday through to Sunday, so confirm by phone or on line before you head out. It can also be challenging to manoeuver the unlit country roads after nightfall, so give yourself lots of time to return to your accommodation before dark. I felt safe as a solo traveler, whether hiking along the Beaver Trail, picnicking at Beautiful Joe Dog Park or taking a stroll along the Country Road leading to Bowering Lodge in the dusk.
Wherever I ventured, the strictest protocols and pandemic safety measures were followed. People were welcoming, helpful and friendly, ensuring that my experience was memorable whether dining out, picking up a takeout meal or browsing in an artisanal boutique.
On my last evening, I witnessed a haunting half-moon rising in a violet sky as Swifts darted homeward. I too, would be heading out in the morning, but though I had filled my sunlit days to the brim, there remained a trove of things to do and places to discover in this patch of Paradise known as the Blue Mountains.
Note: Due to the Pandemic, check all websites for updates
Bowering Lodge – 608069–12th Sideroad,The Blue Mountains,Ontario N0H 2P0
Richard Bowering, owner and host extraordinare will welcome you heartily to his alpine-style Lodge, open year-round for totally awesome outdoor experiences. 12 klms from Blue Mountain Ski Resort, he offers snowshoeing, cave exploring, biking, rock climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding and more through ‘Eagle Adventures’. http://www.eaglemaxadventures.com/ www.boweringguesthouse.com
The Apple Pie Trail https://www.applepietrail.ca/
Taste the best of Apple Country as you discover its farms, markets, wineries and other culinary experiences.
Scandinave Spa – https://www.scandinave.com/
Experience a day of sublime pampering.
Georgian Hills Vineyards – https://georgianhillsvineyards.ca/
Stop by this winery that specializes in Wild Yeast Natural Fermentation. Tastings are held year-round and staff are extremely knowledgeable and eager to expand your palate.
Beaver Trail, Thornbury – https://southgeorgianbay.ca/listing/the-beaver-river-trail/
Hike along the Beaver River and be prepared to take lots of fantastic photos.
Fabbricca Thornbury – https://mcewangroup.ca/fabbrica-thornbury/
One of Mark McEwan’s upscale restaurants, right in Thornbury! Provocatively curated menu with an Italian theme, top-notch service, important to the solo diner. All pandemic protocols were fastidiously observed; a remarkable dining experience.
Blue Mountain Village – https://bluemountainvillage.ca/
A picturesque storybook village bustling with pubs, restaurants, bars, boutiques and accommodations. Perfect for a bit of nightlife amongst the tranquility of the Blue Mountains.