In fewer days than I care to admit my two girls will be heading back to school. Two very different schools. One to Elementary School and the other to her very first year of High School. They may be setting off on two very different paths, but one thing will remain the same is the first days back the biggest topic of conversation will be; “What did you do this summer?”
Thanks to a whirlwind trip that had me pushed just a wee bit out of my comfort zone, my girls are going to have a LOT to talk about. This year the summertime fun extended beyond cheerleading, dance camp, incredible cottage time and lazy days at the pool. This year the fun also included Zip Lining, Cave Exploration, braving a Suspension Bridge, Gondola Rides, Ropes Climbing and tearing down the mountain on a coaster! WOW! Now we didn’t take some exotic trip to Costa Rica, or break the bank with a once in a life time European Vacation, nope, we simply got in the car and made the three hour drive to Collingwood and landed squarely in adventure that is Blue Mountain.
My family and I were invited to spend three fabulous days at the Westin Trillium House Blue Mountain. I expected to have a little quality time with my girls, I hoped to have a little giggle, what I found…was more family fun that I thought possible in one place. Stepping into the world of Blue Mountain was like stepping onto a movie set. I needed someone to pinch me, to tell me that this little slice of perfection was really only three hours from home? Why had we not been here before?
After hurriedly checking into the Westin Trillium House we stashed our bags and went to explore. The only problem, where to start. The numerous pools, the gorgeous main street and village, the gondola, hiking trails, mini-golf, rock climbing, rope courses, mountain coaster, pottery painting, the shopping? We only had three days, but we tried to do it all…and then some!
We checked out the Cascade Putting Course. We splashed in the really warm pools. I still dream about the fabulous hot tub. We conquered the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster. Ontario`s very first mountain coaster that allows you to control your own speed. You can go up to 42 km and hour! Trust me when I say this is a FAST was to whiz down a mountain!
My very brave daughters took on the Woodlot Low Ropes Course and impressed me with their agility and skill. This course features 25 different elements, including suspended logs, beams, ropes, cables, cargo nets and much more. Super challenging!
We all enjoyed the open Air Gondola ride up the mountain.
It`s kind of magical, especially if you take that ride at sunset.
One of the most jaw dropping parts of the mini vacation, a three hour tour of the Scenic Caves and trails. We took an entire morning and explored all that this area had to offer! This tour included:
- Scenic Caves and Trails
- Ontario’s Longest Suspension Footbridge
- Treetop Eco Tours
- Zip Line –The longest in Canada!
- Gemstone Mining
Then at night, there was the entertainment! Every single night at Blue Mountain you can wander to the centre of the village, kick back with your family and friends, and enjoy some of the entertainment they have planned for you. While we were there we had the pleasure of hearing both a live performer AND a “drive in” movie! So much fun. Have you ever sat under the stars and watched The Croods? I have! So much fun! I have to admit it, I kind of love everything about the village.
We spent our three days jumping from activity to activity, trying to pack in as much fun as possible. We laughed, we ATE, we giggled at each other and ourselves. Turns out I am quite a sight screaming down the side of a mountain on a zipline! Most of all, we made memories. I am so thankful for this time at Blue Mountain, the opportunity to show my kids that Mama is so much more than what they see at home, that the world is so much bigger then their backyard, and to have them remember this summer fondly as the summer they took on the Mountain and loved every second of it. Thank you Westin Trillium House Resort and Blue Mountain Village. We will be back!
Blue Mountain is fun! We did the scenic caves years ago but we should take the kids again, since it was a long time again.
Wow it looks like you had a great summer. It has gone by way to fast!
You had me at Mountain Coaster!! Looks like so much fun for everyone!
Wow it looks beautiful. Now I want to take a trip there! 🙂
You have been busy! Everyone looks like they had a blast and you are very brave to have conquered the suspension bridge!
Oh my gosh! I could never do that Ropes Course! I could get into the shopping and pool though! Now I’m wondering if I can get over there for the Labour Day Weekend!
My goodness – where is that – it looked like you all had a great time! So much fun. So many different things yet all in the same place! sandie
What an awesome adventure for you all….yep, they have a great story to tell this fall!
Wow, how fun! I would LOVE to do that rope course, but I’d probably end up chickening out LOL.
This trip was the highlight of my summer. Can’t wait to go back!
It sounds as if you had a fantastic time. Love the swinging bridge and a three hour tour of the caves would be so informative and fun. Not sure I’d be brave enough to try the Ridge Runner but I know our girls would love it. Next getaway I’ll be sure to look into this as a real possibility as it looks just about perfect for a family holiday.
This would be a fantastic multi-generational vacation. Everyone could have their own space, even go their own way and then meet up for dinner! One vote here for the Firehall. We had a fabulous dinner there!
http://www.bluemountain.ca/firehall.htm
Sounds lovely! Thanks for the detailed review 🙂
Sherrie-Mae
It really was lovely! Let me know if I can ever answer any questions!
We’re looking into someplace to take the grand children for a weekend and never considered this location, as we usually go to Niagara Falls. I see a change for us because I love the idea of everything there is for a family to do. I’m so glad I checked your blog to-day, as I do most days.
This would be a perfect place to take the Grandkids!! It’s one of those places where you can set your own pace and find a little something for everyone in the family. Plus, could you imagine how much a Grandparents “cool” factor would go up if they tried the Zip line or the Mountain Coaster!! “)
This place sounds absolutely fantastic. We had no idea that Blue Mountain offered so much! Hubby and I are planning a get away in the near future and will make sure we look into this as it sounds like it would be perfect for us.
Great review!
Isn’t it pretty!! (hot tip: there are some great specials on their website right now!)
I can’t believe you can do all of this at Blue Mountain? I thought it was just a place for skiers!
I felt the same way you did! I really had no idea there were so many summer time or fall season activities. We hope to return soon, it’s a great family getaway!