Travel the Niagara Escarpment

Explore the beautiful hills and valleys of one of the most scenic segments of the Niagara Escarpment. Beautiful at any time of the year, the region is particularly popular in its autumn splendour, typically from late September to mid-October.

From the village of Primrose, at the intersection of Hwy. 89 and Hwy. 10, to the charming town of Thornbury at the mouth of the River Valley, travel this 100 km route through Dufferin, Ontario's "high county" and Simcoe County's beautiful Nottawasaga Township, then through Blue Mountain down to the shoreline of Nottawasaga Bay. River Road

As you explore these uncrowded country roads you'll experience the unique landscape of the Escarpment in picturesque villages nestled in river valleys; a pioneer cemetery and shaded forest paths. Along the way you'll want to pause to explore or simply enjoy the view.

This is a journey of contrasts - expect the unexpected around every turn. You will travel along quiet roads that dip down into wide valleys where streams and rivers meander alongside, then climb to heights where breathtaking views unfold. Pause in ghost towns and busy resorts.

Pass by Victorian farmhouses and peaceful farmland lined with split rail fences. Stop at country stores where the coffee is always fresh and the pies are homemade. Explore hiking trails, trout streams and antique stores in the beautiful countryside of this scenic region of central Ontario.

Our tour ends on the shores of Nottawasaga Bay in the town of Thornbury. Here, in the heart of Ontario's apple country, Thornbury and its adjacent neighbour, Clarksburg, have interesting shops, restaurants and parks to visit.

Tour Directions:

Primrose to Whitfield: Beginning at Primrose lights at Hwys. 10 and 89, proceed east on Hwy. 89 for about 3 km.

At the first road, turn left onto the 1st Line EHS (East of Hurontario Street). As you travel north, the Boyne Valley Provincial Park is on your left.

The Bruce Trail passes through this natural, undeveloped park. Continue north on the 1st Line for about 7 km until you reach the stop sign.Turn left onto the County Road 17 and travel west.

Whitfield Church is on your right at the first crossroads. The church and the pioneer cemetery are all that remain of the once vibrant village of Whitfield.

Whitfield to the Pine River Valley: Leaving the Whitfield United Church continue west again to the next corner and turn right onto the 1st Line West.

Travel north for 2 km as the road drops into the valley.

Turn right at the stop sign onto River Road.

Kilgorie School, Mulmur S.S. No. 15 (1909). Now a private residence, the schoolhouse is one of Mulmur township's most treasured landmarks.

The Pine River Fishing Area is on your left. With its fish ladders and lake, this site is popular for fishing and picnicking.

Pine River Valley to Terra Nova: Continue on the River Road as it twists and turns along the valley and enters the hamlet of Terra Nova.

Terra Nova to Ruskview: At the Terra Nova crossroads, swing north onto the 2nd Line EHS. This road steadily climbs the Escarpment for 3 km to the Ruskview stop sign.

Turn left at the stop sign onto County Road 21.

Pull off the road to enjoy the scenery to the south and east (right).

Ruskview, settled in 1848, declined like Whitfield when larger towns became more accessible.

Little remains of the village but the view over the Pine River Valley and beyond is spectacular!

Ruskview to Dunedin: Proceed west on (Dufferin) County Road 21 for about 4 km. The road dips into a stream valley and then rises again. At the top of the rise turn right onto McNab. After travelling north for about 4 km you come to a stop sign marking the Simcoe/Dufferin county line.

In the 1880s this was the busy crossroads village of Lavender.

Today, the church, a former store and one time hotel crowd the quiet intersection.

Continue north on the same road as it drops down into the valley of the Noisy River. (The road name changes to Simcoe County Road 62)

After another 3 km or so you will come to a stop sign.

Turn right, as the road joins County Road 9 and enters the valley hamlet of Dunedin.

Dunedin to Glen Huron: Leaving Dunedin continue north on County Road 9 to the first stop sign. Turn left sharply up the hill onto County Road 62, following the directional sign for Glen Huron.

Proceed north for about 7 km as the road dips into the Mad River Valley and the community of Glen Huron.

Glen Huron to Devil's Glen: Continue on County Road 62 out of Glen Huron for about 2 km to the junction with Hwy. 124. Turn left onto the highway, following the directional sign for south and proceed for about 1 ½ km to the marked entrance to Devil's Glen Provincial Park on your left. This small, scenic park has camping, picnic sites, hiking trails and spectacular Escarpment scenery.

Devil's Glen to Pretty River Valley: Leaving the park, turn left again onto Hwy. 124 and proceed for about another 2.5 km, then turn right onto the 10th Line. Continue north on this road for 7 km to the junction with County Road 30 & 31. Turn left onto 30 & 31 and proceed west for about 6 km. Osler Bluff is to your right across the Pretty River Valley. When you reach the stop sign, turn right onto Grey County Road 31 which follows the valley, curling northeast. The Pretty River Provincial Park is on your left.

Pretty River to Osler Bluff: Travel along the valley floor to the first stop sign. This marks the county line between Grey and Simcoe. As you proceed through the stop sign, staying on the same road, it becomes Simcoe County Road 33. Continue east for another 2 km or so, then turn left onto Nottawasaga Concession 10. Head north for about 1.5 km then turn left at the first turn. This road heads toward Osler Bluff, then swings right around the base of the hill past the ski lifts and chalets. After about 5 ½ km on this road, turn left at the marked turn onto Grey County Road 19.

Osler Bluff to the Scenic Caves: Proceed west along Grey Road 19 for 6 km, past the Castle Glen Estates then turn right onto Concession Road 4. After 2 km, turn right again at the first turning. Travel along this quiet, shaded road for about 1 ½ km, then turn left. After another 2 km swing right at the T-intersection. The road curls left and then around the top of Blue Mountain with wide views of the hills and bay. The entrance to the scenic caves is on the right. The site also includes panoramic views, snack bar, playground and picnic area.

Scenic Caves to Craigleith: Leaving the caves' site, turn right and follow the road as it heads down the mountain. At the base of the hill, swing right to the stop sign, then left onto County Road 19. Proceed for about 6 km, past the Blue Mountain Ski Resort, until you reach the junction of Hwy. 26. Turn left onto the highway; the entrance to Craigleith Provincial Park is about 2 km along on the right. Situated on the bay, this provincial park has facilities for camping and picnics plus swimming and fishing in its clear waters.

Craigleith to Thornbury: Leaving the park, turn right onto the highway. As you continue northwest along the base of Blue Mountain, the Georgian Peaks ski area is to your left and the bay can be seen through the trees to the right. There are several roads leading off the highway to the right that will take you down to the shore. The town Thornbury is about 10 km along the highway. (Photo courtesy of www.thornbury.net)