There is a village 25 minutes south of Blue Mountain that most visitors never hear about. Creemore, Ontario, has a population of roughly 1,300 people, a single main street lined with heritage buildings, one of Canada's most beloved craft breweries, and absolutely zero chain stores. It is frequently called Ontario's prettiest small town, and for good reason.
If you are staying at Blue Mountain and want a half-day or full-day escape from the resort atmosphere, Creemore delivers something genuinely different — a quiet, walkable village with real character, excellent food, and a pace of life that feels like stepping back several decades.
Getting There
The drive from Blue Mountain to Creemore takes approximately 25 minutes via Highway 26 to County Road 124 South. The route itself is part of the experience — you will pass through rolling farmland, small crossroad communities, and some of the prettiest agricultural landscape in southern Ontario. In autumn, County Road 91 from Collingwood through Duntroon to Creemore is one of the finest fall colour drives in the province.
There is free parking throughout the village. You will not have any trouble finding a spot, even on weekends.
Creemore Springs Brewery
The History
Creemore Springs Brewery has been operating since 1987, and it remains one of the most respected names in Canadian craft beer. The brewery was founded in the village specifically because of the quality of the local spring water, and that commitment to ingredients and process has never wavered. Their Premium Lager is a Canadian classic — a clean, traditional lager that has won over beer enthusiasts for nearly four decades.
Visiting the Brewery
The brewery offers tours that take you through the production facility and explain the brewing process. Check their website or call ahead for the current tour schedule, as times vary by season. The tours are free and typically last about 45 minutes.
The tasting room is the highlight for most visitors. You can sample the full range of Creemore Springs beers, including seasonal and limited releases that are often unavailable outside the brewery. The merchandise shop sells branded glassware, clothing, and gift packs that make excellent souvenirs.
What to Try
- Creemore Springs Premium Lager — The flagship beer and the reason the brewery exists. Clean, balanced, and endlessly drinkable.
- Creemore Springs Kellerbier — An unfiltered lager with more body and complexity than the Premium.
- Seasonal releases — The brewery produces rotating seasonal beers that are always worth trying.
Mill Street: Ontario's Prettiest Main Street
Mill Street is Creemore's main street, and it genuinely lives up to its reputation as one of the prettiest in Ontario. The entire strip is lined with well-preserved heritage buildings, most dating from the late 1800s. What makes it special is the complete absence of chain businesses — every shop, restaurant, and gallery is independently owned and operated.
Shopping
The shops on Mill Street lean toward artisan and handmade goods. You will find pottery studios, local art galleries, antique shops, and specialty retailers that carry items you simply will not find in a mall or big-box store. The browsing is genuinely enjoyable because the shopkeepers are friendly, the goods are interesting, and the atmosphere is unhurried.
The Creemore Echo
One of Creemore's most charming institutions is the Creemore Echo, which holds the distinction of being Canada's smallest independent newspaper. Published since 1884, this weekly paper covers village news, local events, and community stories with a warmth and attention that perfectly reflects the village itself. Pick up a copy — it is a wonderful keepsake and a window into small-town Ontario life.
Where to Eat
Creemore punches well above its weight in the dining department. For a village of 1,300 people, the quality and variety of food is remarkable.
Station on the Green
This is the restaurant most visitors remember. Housed in a beautifully converted heritage train station, Station on the Green serves elevated Canadian cuisine with seasonal menus that feature local ingredients. The patio overlooks the village green and is one of the loveliest outdoor dining spots in the region. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.
Mad River Bakery
If you arrive in the morning, start at Mad River Bakery. Their fresh bread, pastries, and baked goods are made daily, and the quality is exceptional. The cinnamon buns are legendary in the area. Grab a coffee and something warm from the oven — it is the perfect way to begin a Creemore day trip.
The Old Mill Restaurant
Set in a restored mill building, this restaurant offers hearty, well-prepared meals in a historic setting. The menu changes seasonally, and the atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming.
Creemore Kitchen
For farm-to-table dining that showcases the best of Grey County agriculture, Creemore Kitchen delivers a thoughtful menu built around local, seasonal ingredients. The cooking is straightforward and focused on letting quality ingredients speak for themselves.
Arts and Culture
Creemore has attracted a small but talented community of artists, potters, and craftspeople over the years. Several studios and galleries are open to visitors, and you can often watch artisans at work. The village hosts occasional art walks and studio tours — check local listings for upcoming events.
Pottery is particularly strong in Creemore and the surrounding area. The local clay and the rural setting have drawn ceramicists for decades, and several studios welcome visitors to browse and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces.
Purple Hills Lavender Farm
Located just outside Creemore, Purple Hills Lavender Farm is a seasonal destination that is worth the short detour. During the growing season (typically June through September), you can walk through rows of blooming lavender, shop for lavender products, and enjoy the peaceful rural setting. The farm produces oils, soaps, sachets, and culinary lavender. It is a beautiful and photogenic stop, especially in July when the fields are in full bloom.
Seasonal Highlights
Fall Colours
The drive to Creemore in October is spectacular. County Road 91 and the sideroads through the Mulmur Hills and Duntroon area offer some of the best fall colour viewing in Ontario. The sugar maples turn brilliant shades of orange and red, and the rolling landscape provides long views that make every turn scenic.
Christmas in Creemore
The village hosts Christmas events that transform Mill Street into a holiday scene. Local shops offer special promotions, carolers stroll the street, and the whole village takes on a warm, festive atmosphere that feels completely authentic.
Purple Hills Country Music Festival
Held in summer, this festival brings live country music to the rolling hills near Creemore. It is a well-organized event with a loyal following and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Nearby Attractions
Mad River Glen
A small, independent ski area near Creemore with a distinctly local character. It is not Blue Mountain — it is smaller, quieter, and has a loyal community of regulars who prefer the laid-back atmosphere. Worth knowing about for a change of pace.
Nottawasaga River
The Nottawasaga River winds through the countryside near Creemore and offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in the warmer months. The river valley is beautiful and largely undeveloped.
Mulmur Hills
The hills south and west of Creemore are some of the most scenic terrain in southern Ontario. Winding sideroads through the Mulmur Hills make for excellent driving, cycling, or simply exploring.
The Perfect Creemore Day Trip
Here is how to structure a perfect day trip from Blue Mountain to Creemore:
- 9:00 AM — Leave your Blue View Chalet and enjoy the scenic 25-minute drive south through the farmland
- 9:30 AM — Arrive in Creemore. Park on or near Mill Street
- 9:30 - 10:30 AM — Coffee and pastries at Mad River Bakery, followed by a stroll along Mill Street
- 10:30 - 11:30 AM — Browse the shops, galleries, and studios at your leisure
- 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM — Brewery tour at Creemore Springs (check schedule in advance)
- 12:30 - 1:30 PM — Lunch at Station on the Green
- 1:30 - 2:30 PM — Final shopping, pick up bread from the bakery, visit Purple Hills Lavender Farm if in season
- 2:30 PM — Drive back to Blue Mountain via the scenic route through Duntroon
You will be back at your chalet by 3:00 PM with the rest of the afternoon and evening free for mountain activities, a hot tub soak, or simply relaxing on the deck.
Your Creemore Day Trip Base at Blue View Chalets
Blue View Chalets puts you just 25 minutes from Creemore and all the charm of Ontario's prettiest small town. After a day of exploring the village, tasting craft beer, and browsing artisan shops, return to your private chalet with a hot tub, full kitchen, and all the space you need to unwind. Our chalets sleep 10 to 14 guests, making them ideal for groups who want to combine Blue Mountain adventure with the quieter pleasures of the surrounding countryside. Book your stay at [booking.blueviewchalets.com](https://booking.blueviewchalets.com/) and discover why the area around Blue Mountain is just as rewarding as the resort itself.
Or call us at (416) 203-2057
