Thanksgiving Events in The Blue Mountains, Ontario | Cottages at Blue
Looking for things to do this Thanksgiving weekend in Blue Mountain, Ontario? Thanksgiving is one of the best times of year to visit The Blue Mountains and surrounding area. The leaves are changing colour, local farms are celebrating the harvest, the village is full of autumn charm, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy a memorable long weekend with family and friends.
From the annual Apple Harvest Festival at Blue Mountain Village to the Thornbury Turkey Trot, local farmers' markets, scenic hikes, and Thanksgiving dinner, there is something for everyone.
Whether you're planning a family getaway, a couples' retreat, or a long weekend with friends, Cottages at Blue is the perfect home base for exploring the region. Here's our guide to the best Thanksgiving events and fall activities in Blue Mountain and the surrounding communities.
1. Apple Harvest Festival at Blue Mountain Village
When: October 9–12, 2026
Where: Blue Mountain Village
The highlight of Thanksgiving weekend is the annual Apple Harvest Festival at Blue Mountain Village. This fall celebration brings together seasonal entertainment, family activities, live music, and the atmosphere that makes autumn in Blue Mountain so special. The festival is scheduled throughout the Thanksgiving long weekend. Check the official festival schedule before heading out.
Expect a festive village atmosphere with activities for families, seasonal decorations, entertainment, and opportunities to explore the village shops and restaurants. It's an excellent way to spend a few hours outdoors while enjoying the fall scenery.
Don't miss:
- Live music and family entertainment
- Seasonal apple-themed activities
- A stroll through the colourful pedestrian village
- Local shopping and seasonal promotions
- Food, drinks, and restaurant patios, weather permitting
The Apple Harvest Festival is a great choice for families visiting with children, but couples and groups of friends can enjoy the village atmosphere, too.
2. Join the Thornbury Turkey Trot
When: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Where: Thornbury
Looking to work up an appetite before your Thanksgiving dinner? The Thornbury Turkey Trot is a family-friendly Thanksgiving weekend run and walk organized by the Thornbury-Clarksburg Rotary Club.
The 2026 event offers several distances, including a 21 km run, a 10 km run or walk, a 5 km run or walk, and a free 1 km children's run. Check the Town of The Blue Mountains events calendar for event details and registration information.
Whether you're an experienced runner or simply looking for a fun way to get moving, it's a great opportunity to enjoy the community spirit of Thornbury.
After the event, explore Thornbury's shops, grab a coffee, or enjoy a meal before heading back to your cottage.
3. Visit the Collingwood Farmers' Market
When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Downtown Collingwood
The Collingwood Downtown Farmers' Market is another great stop during Thanksgiving weekend. The October 10 market is listed as the final regular-season market for 2026, making it an especially good opportunity to pick up seasonal ingredients and locally made products. Confirm details with the Town of Collingwood.
Browse the stalls for locally grown produce, baked goods, preserves, handmade products, and other regional specialties.
If you're staying at a Cottages at Blue property with a full kitchen, pick up a few local ingredients and prepare a Thanksgiving-inspired meal at your cottage. You could even put together a charcuterie board featuring local cheeses, fresh apples, and baked treats.
It's a lovely way to support local producers while enjoying a taste of the region.
4. Explore Local Farms, Orchards & Apple Country
Fall is harvest season throughout The Blue Mountains and Grey County, making Thanksgiving weekend an ideal time to explore the countryside.
The surrounding region is known for its apple orchards, farm markets, and scenic rural roads. Depending on what's available during your visit, you may find fresh apples, pumpkins, squash, cider, baked goods, and other seasonal treats.
Make a leisurely afternoon of visiting local farm stands and exploring the communities around Thornbury, Clarksburg, and Meaford.
A few ideas for your fall farm outing:
- Pick up fresh apples and seasonal produce.
- Browse local farm shops for preserves, baked goods, and gifts.
- Take a scenic drive through the countryside.
- Stop for photos among the colourful trees and rural landscapes.
- Bring home ingredients for a Thanksgiving meal at your cottage.
Farm activities and picking availability vary throughout the season, so check individual farms before making a special trip.
5. Go Hiking and Enjoy the Fall Colours
One of the biggest reasons to visit Blue Mountain during Thanksgiving is the autumn scenery. The Niagara Escarpment, wooded trails, and Georgian Bay shoreline offer beautiful places to enjoy the crisp fall air.
If the weather cooperates, set aside a morning or afternoon for a hike.
Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
Scenic Caves is a favourite for its forest trails, dramatic rock formations, suspension bridge, and elevated views over Georgian Bay. It is a particularly memorable destination during fall colour season. Check seasonal operating hours before visiting.
Bruce Trail
The Bruce Trail passes through some of the region's most beautiful escarpment landscapes. Choose a suitable section for your group's fitness level and enjoy the changing leaves along the way.
Metcalfe Rock
For a more adventurous outing, Metcalfe Rock offers rugged limestone scenery and access to the Bruce Trail. Wear suitable footwear and stay on marked trails.
Sunset Point Park in Collingwood
If you'd prefer a relaxing waterfront walk rather than a longer hike, Sunset Point Park is a wonderful place to enjoy Georgian Bay and watch the changing light over the water.
Local tip: Fall colours vary from year to year, and peak colour depends on weather conditions. Even if the leaves have started to fall, the escarpment and waterfront scenery are worth exploring.
6. Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner in Blue Mountain
One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is sitting down to a delicious meal with family and friends.
If you don't want to prepare the entire feast yourself, consider booking a table at a local restaurant. Blue Mountain Village, Collingwood, and Thornbury offer a variety of dining options, from casual pubs and cafés to more upscale restaurants.
For the latest restaurant offerings and seasonal menus, check individual restaurant websites and make reservations well in advance for the long weekend.
Prefer a more relaxed celebration? Staying in a cottage gives you the option of preparing your own Thanksgiving dinner, gathering around the dining table, and enjoying the evening without rushing between reservations.
Bring your favourite recipes, pick up ingredients from local markets, and make the meal part of the getaway.
7. Shop Fall Sales Before Ski Season
Thanksgiving weekend also marks the transition from fall into winter in Blue Mountain.
The village's seasonal programming includes shopping promotions, and the resort has advertised end-of-season sales as part of its Thanksgiving celebrations. Sale availability, participating stores, and discounts vary, so check current details before visiting.
It's a good time to browse for:
- Outdoor clothing and footwear
- Hiking and everyday apparel
- Seasonal gifts
- Ski and snowboard equipment as winter approaches
If you're planning to return for ski season, Thanksgiving is a useful time to start getting organized for winter.
8. Make Time for Thornbury & Collingwood
While Blue Mountain Village is the centre of Thanksgiving weekend activity, the surrounding communities are well worth exploring.
Thornbury
Enjoy a walk around the harbour, browse local shops, and stop for coffee or lunch. Thornbury's small-town atmosphere makes it a lovely place to spend a slower autumn afternoon.
Downtown Collingwood
Explore the historic downtown streets, independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. It's an easy addition to a weekend itinerary and a great option if you want a break from the busier village activities.
Georgian Bay Waterfront
The waterfront is beautiful in autumn, whether you're taking a peaceful walk, photographing the scenery, or simply enjoying the fresh air before heading back to your accommodation.
9. Extend Your Stay for Fallicious
If you're visiting after Thanksgiving weekend, there's another seasonal reason to return to Blue Mountain Village.
Fallicious runs from October 13 to November 13, 2026, with participating restaurants offering seasonal dishes, chef-inspired features, and special prix-fixe menus. Check the Town of The Blue Mountains events calendar for details.
It's a great excuse to plan a fall dining getaway after the Thanksgiving crowds have eased.
Autumn is also shoulder season in the region, when accommodation rates can often be more affordable than during peak summer and winter periods. If your schedule is flexible, consider a midweek stay to enjoy the area's restaurants, trails, and shops at a more relaxed pace.
Where to Stay for Thanksgiving Weekend: Cottages at Blue
A memorable Thanksgiving getaway starts with the right place to stay.
Cottages at Blue offers vacation rental properties in and around The Blue Mountains, giving families and groups a comfortable home base for exploring the area's fall events and attractions.
Instead of squeezing everyone into separate hotel rooms, enjoy the convenience of a cottage or chalet where you can spend time together, share meals, and relax after a day of exploring.
Depending on the property you choose, you may enjoy features such as multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, outdoor space, and pet-friendly accommodations.
Many local attractions are within a short drive, including Blue Mountain Village, Thornbury, Collingwood, hiking trails, and waterfront parks.
Browse our available properties at Cottages at Blue and find the right place for your fall getaway.
Plan Your Thanksgiving Getaway to Blue Mountain
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to experience The Blue Mountains. Between the Apple Harvest Festival, the Thornbury Turkey Trot, local farmers' markets, farm visits, fall hiking, and seasonal dining, there's plenty to fill a long weekend.
Whether you're travelling with children, planning a couples' escape, or getting the whole family together, the region offers a memorable mix of outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and autumn traditions.
Make Cottages at Blue your home base, explore at your own pace, and enjoy everything that Thanksgiving in Blue Mountain, Ontario, has to offer.
Ready to plan your stay? Explore Cottages at Blue and start planning your next autumn getaway.