Thanksgiving at Blue Mountain is one of those experiences that, once you try it, becomes a family tradition you look forward to every year. The fall colours are at or near their peak, the weather is crisp and beautiful, the summer crowds have thinned, and the area offers the perfect balance of outdoor activity and cozy indoor gathering.
Why Blue Mountain for Thanksgiving
Peak Fall Colours
Canadian Thanksgiving in mid-October coincides perfectly with peak fall colours in the Blue Mountain area. The Niagara Escarpment forests turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, creating a visual feast that enhances every aspect of your holiday weekend.
Ideal Weather
October weather near Blue Mountain is typically cool, crisp, and comfortable. Daytime temperatures hover around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius — perfect for hiking, exploring, and enjoying the outdoors without the heat and humidity of summer or the bitter cold of winter.
Fewer Crowds Than Summer
While Thanksgiving is a popular time, the area is significantly less crowded than peak summer weekends. Restaurants are busier than usual but manageable, trails are less trafficked, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried.
The Chalet Advantage
Thanksgiving is fundamentally about gathering, cooking, and eating together. A chalet provides the space, kitchen, and communal areas that make this possible in ways that hotels and restaurants simply cannot.
Planning Your Thanksgiving Menu
Cooking at the Chalet
Our chalets come with fully equipped kitchens that can handle a complete Thanksgiving dinner:
- Full-size oven for your turkey
- Multiple burner stovetop for side dishes
- Ample counter space for prep work
- All necessary cookware, baking dishes, and serving pieces
- Dining tables large enough for your full group
Menu Planning Tips
- <strong>Prep what you can in advance</strong>: — Make stuffing, cranberry sauce, and desserts at home and transport them. This reduces cooking stress on the day.
- <strong>Keep side dishes simple</strong>: — Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a salad do not require complicated recipes.
- <strong>Consider a smaller turkey</strong>: — An 8 to 10 kilogram bird feeds 8 to 12 people comfortably and cooks more evenly than a massive turkey.
- <strong>Assign dishes</strong>: — If your group involves multiple families, assign each family a contribution. One brings dessert, another handles appetizers, etc.
- <strong>Do not forget gravy</strong>: — Bring a small pot specifically for gravy and make it from the turkey drippings.
Shopping in the Area
Stock up on supplies at:
- **Zehrs or Metro in Collingwood** — Full-service grocery stores with everything you need, including fresh turkeys (order ahead for Thanksgiving weekend)
- **Farm markets** — Seasonal produce, local pumpkins, and fresh-baked goods
- **LCBO and Beer Store** — Stock up on wine, beer, and spirits for the weekend
Important: Order your turkey in advance from a Collingwood grocery store if you want a specific size. Fresh turkeys can sell out before Thanksgiving weekend.
Thanksgiving Weekend Activities
Friday (Arrival Day)
- Arrive and settle into your chalet
- Stop at the grocery store in Collingwood for supplies
- Light dinner at the chalet or at a local restaurant
- Evening walk around Blue Mountain Village to see the fall decorations
Saturday
- Morning hike to enjoy the fall colours (Scenic Caves or a Bruce Trail section)
- Afternoon exploring Thornbury or Creemore village
- Pre-prep some Thanksgiving dishes in the evening
- Board games or movie night at the chalet
Sunday (Thanksgiving Dinner)
- Morning apple picking at a local orchard
- Early afternoon: start the turkey and prep side dishes
- Late afternoon: Thanksgiving dinner at the chalet
- Evening: dessert, conversation, and relaxation
Monday
- Leisurely brunch with Thanksgiving leftovers
- A scenic fall colours drive before heading home
- Pack up and depart in the early afternoon to beat traffic
What to Bring
For Cooking
- Your favourite recipes (do not rely on memory under holiday pressure)
- Any special spices or ingredients not easily found at a regular grocery store
- A roasting pan if you prefer your own (chalets have them, but bringing yours ensures the right size)
- Serving platters or dishes for presentation
For the Weekend
- Warm layers for outdoor activities (the mornings can be cool)
- Comfortable indoor clothes for chalet time
- Board games, cards, or puzzles for evening entertainment
- Camera for fall colour photos
- A grateful attitude
Making It Special
Traditions Worth Starting
- **A gratitude walk** — Before dinner, take a group walk outside and share what you are thankful for
- **Fall photo session** — Use the stunning fall backdrop for family photos
- **Chalet cooking together** — Get everyone involved in meal prep rather than leaving it to one person
- **Outdoor bonfire** — If your chalet has a fire pit, an evening bonfire under the stars is unforgettable
For Kids
- Leaf collecting and pressing during hikes
- Pumpkin decorating at the chalet
- Helping with simple cooking tasks (mashing potatoes, setting the table)
- Outdoor scavenger hunts in the fall colours
Booking Your Thanksgiving at Blue View Chalets
Thanksgiving weekend is one of our most popular booking periods, and chalets fill up months in advance. Blue View Chalets offers properties that can accommodate families from 8 to 20 guests, making them perfect for multi-family Thanksgiving gatherings.
The advantages of celebrating Thanksgiving at one of our chalets include:
- Space for everyone to sleep comfortably without the expense of multiple hotel rooms
- A full kitchen capable of producing a complete holiday meal
- A large dining area where the whole group can sit together
- Hot tub for relaxing after a day of hiking and cooking
- Proximity to all the fall activities Blue Mountain has to offer
Do not wait too long to book. Contact us or visit our booking page to reserve your Thanksgiving weekend before your preferred chalet is taken.
Or call us at (416) 203-2057
