We've been spending a lot of time in Beaver Valley, getting to know the area and eating at some incredible restaurants. We've been developing a true love for our quaint little village of Kimberley that is home to our newest motel...and we can't wait to show you why! For the purpose of this travel guide, we've covered a lot of ground with recommendations spanning from Thornbury to Collingwood and Blue Mountain, and everything in between. This is our first four season motel, so expect to hit the slopes or the spa in the winter and hike or canoe in the summer months. Either way, we encourage you to disconnect and play outdoors!
While we’ve done our best to curate a list of our favourite places and experiences that we've discovered so far, there are so many amazing local businesses that aren’t on this list. Also note that hours and opening days can vary a lot between seasons and days of the week, so always do a quick google search to find out current opening days and hours.
WHERE TO EAT
Eat your way through Beaver Valley! No seriously, the food scene is incredible in the village of Kimberley and beyond. We’re certain you won’t go hungry during your getaway. Keep in mind, we always recommend making reservations to ensure you're able to get a table at the spots you want to visit.
Lunch & Dinner
These are just a few of our favourite restaurants and cafes in the area:
Heart's
Kimberley
Named one of "Canada's Top New Restaurants in 2022" by Enroute Magazine, this is one of the meals that inspired us to buy a motel in Beaver Valley.
Justin's Oven
Kimberley
Charming and delicious! They have a cozy indoor space and a larger patio that is very happening in the summer months. We've been told that their Friday pizza night is an institution, and we can't wait to try it for ourselves!
Motelier Tip: Get the brisket sandwich, it's one of the best you'll ever have!
The Gate
Flesherton
A Mediterranean menu by celebrated chef Jonathan Gushue, this is one of the newest restaurant openings in Grey Highlands and it's an absolute must!
Motelier tip: Share a bunch of dishes so you can try all the flavours.
Marilynne
Markdale
A farm fresh restaurant in the heart of Beaver Valley, about 15-20 minutes from The June. The ambiance is warm and inviting and we can't wait to go back soon so we can try the entire menu.
Bruce County Wine Bar
Thornbury
They are known for wood-fired pizzas, seasonal, locally inspired entrees and sustainably sourced seafood, paired beautifully with house-crafted cocktails, Ontario craft beer and a sommelier-curated wine list. We haven't made it here yet, but it's on our list to try soon!
Bent Taco
Collingwood
Slingin' burritos, tacos and tequila. Need we say more?
Motelier Tip: They have an amazing patio for outdoor dining in the summer months.
Low Down Bar
Collingwood
Cocktails, snack menu with Vietnamese flavours and live music certain days of the week.
Motelier Tip: Get the Banh Mi Fries
The Alphorn Restaurant
Blue Mountain
With fondue and schnitzel on the menu, this is exactly the kind of restaurant you need to hit after a day playing in the snow.
Sumac & Salt
Grey Highlands
Unique ticketed dining experience on a farm, featuring local and sustainable wine and food.
Fast Casual / Takeout
Susan’s Delicatessen
Markdale
Incredible baked goods, coffee, sandwiches, empanadas and market goods to go.
Motelier tip: For breakfast, get a cinnamon bun, if you're there for lunch, get a hoagie!
Kimberley General Store
Kimberley
Fresh baked treats, sourdough loafs, in-house pies and a variety of local, homegrown produce whenever in season.
Pom Pom Ice Cream
Thornbury
A small-batch parlour serving plant-based and dairy ice creams.
We are obsessed with Susan's Deli! Get a hoagie!
WHERE TO SIP
What we love about this region is that you can go for a drive and sip your way through the region, while also discovering small Ontario towns that you might not have discovered otherwise. Be prepared to be charmed as you safely sip your way through!
Gibson & Co. in Collingwood, a great place to start or end the day
Caffeine
Savvy Coffee
Flesherton
Coffee, bottle shop and snacks. This is the perfect caffeine stop on the way to and from The June.
Gibson & Co.
Collingwood
Cafe and bar serving a curated selection of coffee and espresso, wine, whiskey, and beer. This place is full of good vibes! Perfect to start or end your day.
Good Grief
Thornbury
If you like the coffee we're serving in the Parlour, stop by Good Grief to grab a bag of local beans or specialty coffee for the road.
Wineries & Breweries
Lovebird Brewing
Thornbury
They specialize in locally crafted approachable beers, but they also have an amazing wine and snack menu.
Black Bellows
Collingwood
Craft brewery, restaurant and bottle shop. Built in the late 1800s, the Black Bellows brewpub was originally a blacksmith and carriage-making shop, and was later retooled as an auto body shop. By the time Black Bellows took over the building in 2018 it had been in the Dey family for over 140 years, making it the longest-running business in Collingwood history.
The Roost
Clarksburg
A Blue Mountain winery with stunning views of Grey Highlands.
WHERE TO PLAY
This destination is all about reconnecting with nature and playing outside all year long. We're only 25 minutes to Blue Mountain and Le Scandinave Spa, and have amazing trails out our back door in Kimberley. Being nestled in nature, right along the Beaver River, we're perfectly situation for enjoying a canoe or kayak experience.
Le Scandinave Spa at Blue Mountain is just a 20 minute drive
Spas & Wellness
Scandinave Spa
Blue Mountain
Transport yourself to a world of tranquility and embark on an immersive wellness journey in nature. Book the Thermal Journey experience or a massage treatment for ultimate relaxation.
Farms
Purple Hill Lavender Farm
Creemore
We're just 40 minutes to a magical lavender farm! Visit the farm for photoshoots, shop lavender products or book one of their amazing picnics in the field.
Skiing
Blue Mountain Ski Hill
Collingwood/Blue Mountain
Local ski hill offering day passes, seasons passes, snow school programs and a terrain park.
Motelier Tip: To skip the crowds, join us for a weekday and enjoy having the ski hill to yourself!
Beaver Valley
Kimberley
A private ski hill, about 10 minutes from the motel. If you're coming with a group during the week, we are happy to coordinate access to Beaver Valley Ski Club. Email us in advance!
Winter & Summer Hiking
Old Baldy
Kimberley
If you only have time for one hike, this is a must hit! This is moderate difficulty and will take on average 1.25 hours to complete. There's also a short-cut version where you drive to the top. Either way, the views are worth the sweat!
Nottawasaga Bluffs
Glen Huron
400-acres of conservation land, and an amazing year-round trail. If you're tackling this in the winter, we recommend spikes.
Loree Forest
Blue Mountain
This trail is marked easy and is on top of the escarpment with a lookout at the top of Georgian Peaks ski club. You can do a loop, half loop or straight up the middle to the lookout and back out again. Great year round and very popular spot for snowshoers.
Motelier Tip: This is close to Georgian Hills winery and Spy Distillery, so plan for an après!
Eugenia Falls
Eugenia
If you're looking for an easy walk with an incredible views of a waterfall, this is for you. The Eugenia Falls Conservation Area encompasses 23 hectares of Niagara Escarpment, river valley and upland forests. The hiking trail winds along the edge of 'Cuckoo Valley' with excellent views of the 30m high waterfall.
River & Lakes
Free Spirit Tours
Heathcote
Offering unforgettable adventures year round. In the spring, summer and early fall they offer kayak and canoe rentals. What's great is they will drop you off at one access point, you'll paddle to the next access point and they will pick you up and drop you back off at your car. In the winter they also offer snowshoe and wine guided trips.
Northwinds Beach
Craigleith
Northwinds Beach is by far the most popular beach in the area. Its large sandy beach waterfront and onsite non-motorized watercraft rentals make it an excellent choice.
Sunset Point Beach Park
Collingwood
Incredible location for a sunset picnic. Just grab your favourite takeout from Collingwood.
Happy exploring! Click here to book your stay with us.