Grocery Stores and Meal Prep Tips for Your Blue Mountain Cottage Stay

One of the biggest advantages of staying in a chalet rather than a hotel is having a full kitchen. With some planning, you can eat exceptionally well, save hundreds of dollars, and enjoy cooking together as a group.

Grocery Shopping in the Area

Zehrs (Collingwood)

The largest grocery store in the area on First Street. Full selection of produce, meats, dairy, bakery items, and household supplies. Open daily, typically 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Metro (Collingwood)

A solid alternative on Hume Street with a slightly different product selection. Good organic and specialty items section.

Specialty Stops

• **LCBO and Beer Store** for wine, beer, and spirits
• **Collingwood Farmers Market** (Saturdays) for fresh local produce and baked goods
• **Local butchers** for quality meats

Meal Planning Tips

Before You Leave Home

Plan your meals for each day and create a shopping list. Bring from home: coffee, tea, favourite spices, specialty or dietary items, and car snacks.

Shopping Strategy

Stop at the grocery store in Collingwood on your way to the chalet. One big shop plus one small mid-trip run for fresh items covers a typical 3 to 4 night stay.

Easy Cottage Recipes

Breakfast Ideas

• **One-Pan Breakfast Hash** — Potatoes, onions, peppers, sausage, and eggs in one skillet
• **Pancake Bar** — Big batch of batter with customizable toppings
• **Overnight Oats** — Prep the night before with milk, yogurt, fruit, and honey

Dinner Recipes

• **Slow Cooker Chili** — Brown meat, add beans, tomatoes, and spices. Cook low for 6 to 8 hours.
• **Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas** — Chicken and vegetables roasted at 400 degrees for 20 minutes
• **Pasta Night** — Jarred sauce enhanced with vegetables and Italian sausage
• **BBQ Night** — Marinated meats on the grill with corn and potato salad

Cost Savings

Restaurant dining for a group of 8 over 3 days can cost over $2,000. Chalet cooking with one restaurant dinner runs roughly $800 to $900. The savings of over $1,000 is significant, and many groups find cooking together is actually more fun.

Blue View Chalets Kitchen Amenities

Our chalets come with full-size ovens, multi-burner stovetops, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, all cookware, utensils, plates, glasses, and silverware for your full group. At Blue View Chalets, the kitchen is not just a convenience — it is part of the experience.