One of the most common questions guests ask before booking a chalet at Blue Mountain is whether they can have a campfire. The answer depends on the property, the season, and local bylaws. Here is the complete picture so you know exactly what to expect.
Short Answer
It depends on the property and the time of year. The Town of The Blue Mountains has specific bylaws governing open burning, and fire bans are common during dry summer months. However, every Blue View Chalets property has a gas fireplace inside, and some properties have approved outdoor fire pits for recreational fires.
Town of The Blue Mountains Fire Bylaws
What the Bylaws Require
The municipality regulates all open burning within town limits. Here are the key rules:
- Burn permits — Open burning may require a burn permit from the municipality. Check with the Town of The Blue Mountains fire department for current requirements
- Approved fire pit or outdoor fireplace — Fires must be contained in an approved fire pit or outdoor fireplace structure. Ground fires and makeshift fire rings are not permitted
- Fire bans — The municipality issues fire bans during dry periods, which are common in July and August. When a ban is in effect, all outdoor burning is prohibited, including in fire pits. Fire ban status is posted on the town's website and social media
- Supervision — Fires must be attended by a responsible adult at all times. You cannot light a fire and go inside
- Fuel restrictions — Only clean, dry firewood is permitted. No treated lumber, construction waste, painted wood, garbage, or yard waste
- Setback requirements — Fire pits must be a minimum distance from structures, fences, and property lines as specified in the bylaw
- Extinguishing — Fires must be fully extinguished before you leave the area or go to bed. Drown the embers with water, stir the ash, and confirm there is no heat remaining
Penalties
Violations of fire bylaws can result in fines. If the fire department responds to a complaint about your fire, you may be responsible for the cost of the response. Follow the rules — they exist to protect you, your neighbours, and the surrounding forest.
What Blue View Chalets Offers
Indoor Gas Fireplaces
Every single Blue View Chalets property has at least one gas fireplace. Several chalets have two. These give you the warm, cozy ambiance of a fire without any of the hassle or regulatory concerns. Turn it on with the flip of a switch, enjoy the warmth and glow, and turn it off when you are done. No smoke, no ash, no permits required.
The gas fireplaces in our chalets are genuine centrepieces — they are large, produce real heat, and create the kind of atmosphere that makes a chalet feel like home on a winter evening.
Outdoor Fire Pits
Some of our properties have approved outdoor fire pits for small recreational fires. Check the individual chalet listings on our website for details on which properties include outdoor fire pit access. When outdoor fire pits are available:
- Use only clean, dry firewood
- Keep the fire at a manageable size
- Have water or a fire extinguisher nearby
- Supervise the fire at all times
- Fully extinguish before going inside
- Respect any active fire bans
Alternatives to Traditional Campfires
Gas Fire Pits
Gas fire pits provide the outdoor fire experience — warmth, light, gathering point — without smoke, sparks, or the need for firewood. They are clean, consistent, and typically not subject to the same restrictions as wood-burning fires during fire bans (though always confirm with the municipality during active bans).
Indoor Gas Fireplaces
As mentioned, every chalet has at least one. On a cold evening, the combination of the indoor fireplace, a good bottle of wine, and the hot tub outside is hard to beat. You do not need a campfire to have a cozy night.
Fire Table Options
Some outdoor dining setups include fire tables — dining tables with a built-in gas fire element in the centre. These create ambiance without the restrictions of a full fire pit.
S'mores Without a Campfire
Let us be honest: half the reason people want a campfire is s'mores. The good news is that you do not need a campfire to make excellent s'mores.
Methods That Work
- Gas fireplace — Hold your marshmallow on a long skewer near the gas fireplace flame. It works perfectly and gives you the same toasted result
- Kitchen torch — A small butane kitchen torch (available at any kitchen supply store for $20 to $30) gives you precise control over your marshmallow toasting. This is actually the method many chefs prefer
- Portable butane burner — A small camping-style butane burner on the deck provides a controlled flame for roasting marshmallows outdoors. These cost $20 to $35 at Canadian Tire or similar stores
- Oven broiler — Place marshmallows on a baking sheet under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully. They puff up and brown beautifully
S'mores Supplies
Pick up graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows at the Zehrs or Metro in Collingwood on your way in. For an upgraded version, grab artisan chocolate from one of the shops in Blue Mountain Village or Collingwood's downtown.
Where to Get Firewood
If your chalet has an approved outdoor fire pit, you will need firewood. Here are your options:
- Local hardware stores in Collingwood carry bundled firewood, especially during the summer and fall seasons
- Gas stations on Highway 26 between Stayner and Collingwood often sell bundles of firewood, particularly during peak tourist season
- Seasonal roadside vendors — You will spot signs for firewood along rural roads in the area, especially in autumn
- Kiln-dried firewood is the best option — it produces less smoke, lights more easily, and burns more efficiently than green or air-dried wood. Look for the "kiln-dried" label when purchasing
Important: Do not transport firewood long distances. Ontario has regulations about moving firewood to prevent the spread of invasive insects like the emerald ash borer. Buy local firewood near your destination.
Fire Safety at the Chalet
Whether you are using a fire pit, a gas fireplace, or a kitchen torch for s'mores, fire safety matters:
- Fire extinguishers — All Blue View Chalets are equipped with fire extinguishers. Know where yours is located when you check in
- Clear the area — Keep the space around any fire pit free of leaves, debris, paper, and other combustible materials
- Never leave a fire unattended — This applies to both outdoor fire pits and indoor fireplaces, though gas fireplaces are designed to be left on during the evening
- Avoid windy conditions — If it is windy, skip the outdoor fire. Sparks can travel surprising distances
- Smoke detectors — All chalets have smoke detectors. Do not disable them for any reason
Enjoy the Warmth
Whether you end up gathered around an outdoor fire pit under the stars or curled up next to the indoor gas fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate, the chalet experience at Blue Mountain delivers the cozy warmth that makes a mountain getaway special. Browse our chalets at [Blue View Chalets](https://booking.blueviewchalets.com/) and find the perfect setting for your next fireside evening.
Or call us at (416) 203-2057
