The Township of the Blue Mountains is well known for its four-season playground from skiing to golfing, relaxing on the beach to snowshoeing, there’s something here for everyone all year round. Not only is a great place to own a seasonal or second property, it’s also a great place to live and work. It has a strong local business scene which receives tremendous support from locals and visitors and it’s close to larger urban centres like Collingwood for work.
Thornbury is the largest community within the Township of the Blue Mountains. It’s well known for its iconic waterfront which bustles with visitors and residents during the summer months and vibrant downtown core showcasing a variety of local shops, restaurants, and artisans.
Throughout the Blue Mountains township, you will find a variety of housing styles from cottages to single-family homes, condominiums, and farms. Thornbury is family oriented and provides a well-developed family and lifestyle suited housing. You will see many single-family homes built throughout the decades with average to larger sized lots as well as many farms. It’s a rapidly growing community with several new developments underway bringing more housing variety to the area. The BLU Thornbury development is a new semi and single development currently under construction in Thornbury. This new development will showcase moderns design and site features.
Although the Blue Mountains doesn’t have their own transit system residents can stay connected to nearby town of Owen Sound using the Grey Transit route. The Collingwood Transit system also connects Craigleith to Collingwood and Blue Mountain Resort.
Thornbury is a part of the Bluewater District School Board. The Beaver Valley Community School is the lone school local to Thornbury which serves students from junior kindergarten to grade eight. Students in high school will attend high school at the Georgian Bay Community School in nearby town of Meaford. French language catholic education for elementary school students can also be accessed by Thornbury residents at Ecole Elementaire Catholique Notre Dame de la Huronie in the nearby town of Collingwood.
As mentioned before Thornbury is a four-season destination and is known for its access to a numerous recreation activities. Thornbury Harbour features a full-service marina located on the beautiful shores of Georgian Bay. Launch your boat for a day on the water and when you return explore downtown Thornbury just minutes away. If you enjoy fishing the Thornbury Fishway near Beaver River is a natural passageway for migrating Rainbow Trout and Chinook Salmon. This is a popular place for residents and visitors alike as fish are
readily visible as they swim or jump over each of the steps and pass up through the pools of the main portion of the fishway.
Thornbury also has several different parks to enjoy, the Bayview Park is the towns most popular picnic area because of its beautiful scenery surrounding it. Enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfront while you picnic or while you play a game of tennis or volleyball on one of their courts. Moreau Park is another popular park for recreation. There’s a baseball diamond and skateboard park here for public enjoyment as well as a playground and off leash dog park.
If you like to go swimming, Little River Beach is a popular spot during the summer for swimming and lounging. There’s also a playground here and has plenty of greenspace to enjoy.
If you enjoy golfing whether you’re new to the sport or want to have a fun round the Tomahawk Recreation Complex has an 18-hole par three course. This course is great for beginning learning the sport or for those who are looking to have a fun, easy round. In addition to their golf course, you will also find three soccer fields and four pickleball courts here as well.
During the winter residents flock to the Beaver Valley Arena for public skates, hockey, and figure skating lessons. The Georgian Shores Minor Hockey League operates out of the Beaver Valley Arena providing organized recreational hockey leagues for the Blue Mountains Township as well as the Beaver Valley Athletic Association offers a variety of figure skating and learn to skate programs.
If you’re in Thornbury you must check out their Apple Pie Trail experience which showcases a variety of local orchards, breweries, apple inspired art, and seasonal and sweet menus. Stops include Grey & Gold Cider, Thornbury Bakery Co, Loft Gallery Inc, and so many more. Locals and visitors take part each year especially during apple season to enjoy seasonal offerings and events.
Thornbury is known for their amazing local restaurants run by world class chefs. If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy a date night, we recommend the Mill Café. What could be better than a view of the Falls as you dine with the one you love. Fabbrica is another popular restaurant for families or if you’re just looking to enjoy a casual night out with some great food. They’re known for their wood fired pizzas but also host a variety of pasta dishes. If you’re looking for a great place to have your morning cup of coffee or work, the Good Grief Coffee Roasters serves a great cup of coffee and the staff are great.
As you can see Thornbury is a great place to live and work, or own a seasonal property. Thornbury provides many recreation opportunities as well as entertainment from live music events to great local restaurants.