Thornbury Ontario Visited
by Judi McWilliams (aka “Scoop” McWilliams)
“Oh Canada Eh! Game video ~ Video and photos taken during our visits to Thornbury”
“The Township of Thornbury was incorporated on April 23, 1833. The source of its name is somewhat controversial. Some historians claim it was inspired by the wild thorn berries that grew along the Georgian Bay shoreline. Others deduce that the settlement was named after three Thornburys from England.” Source – http://www.thornbury.ca/history.php
“The Georgian Peaks”
Most people, when they visit Thornbury, travel west on Highway 26 from Collingwood. If they do, they pass the Georgan Peaks. This is not only a well-known ski area, but marks the passage to the community of Thornbury, part of the town of The Blue Mountains.
“Welcome to Thornbury”
Thornbury is a “four seasons” community. In the spring it’s the start of apples or should I say “apple blossoms“. If you can the timing right, to sight of thousands of apple trees blossoming is spectacular! The Georgian Bay area is renowned for its apple orchards! Spring also brings Rainbow Trout to Thornbury’s Fishway. You can always tell when the fish are running because the bridge over the Fishway is filled with spectators leaning over the railing watching the trout making their way up the Fish Ladder. In the summer, it’s Georgian Bay and water activities ~ sailing, boating, swimming, sunbathing, jumping off the town pier and much more. It’s Apple Harvest time in the fall! Plump red and green apples hang from the apple trees. Apple Orchards open their doors as visitors pick and purchase baskets of apple. During Thanksgiving the aroma of Apple Pies fill the air. Like in the spring, the Beaver River become alike with fish! This time it’ the Chinook Salmon, maddly trying to climb the Fish Ladder to lay their eggs. And there is winter, where most towns slow down, but not Thornbury! On weekends the town comes alive with winter enthusiasts! The “hills are alive” with the sound of skiers and snow boarders!
“Looking down Bruce Street to the Thornbury Harbour.”
Downtown Thornbury shops line Bruce Street. Visitors and residents alike explore and discover what each unique store has to offer. Coffee and goodies are available during the “search“! After the “exporing” is over, visitors can awaken their taste buds at one of the many local restaurants!
“Stately homes”
Thornbury is a combination of older stately home, large private residents and numerours condominium properties.
“Snow cover residential street”
Yes, it does “snow” in Thornbury, sometimes lots of snow!. The difference between Thornbury snow and many southern Ontario communities is that our “snow” stays enjoyable! It’s hard to explain unless you’ve lived in both environments, but having lived in both, I prefer Thornbury’s winter snow!
“The Georgian Trail”
The Georgian Trail runs eastward from Collingwood, through Thornbury, to Meaford. The Trail is one of the many trail that are traveled by visitors to the Georgian Bay area.
“The Beaver River running out to Georgian Bay.”
The Beaver River flows northwards towards the waters of Georgian Bay. On its downward journey, it runs through Clarksburg and then onto Thornbury. Before it reach Georgian Bay, it passes over the Thornbury Fish Ladder.
“Thornbury Marina”
The Thornbury Harbour and Marina really comes alive in the summer-time. Boaters of all “stripes” moor their boats there, Sail and motor boats share the harbour equally.
“Coming into the harbour”
Gary and I love to go down to the harbour to watch as the boats (sail and motor) leave and enter the harbour.
“One of Thornbury’s waterfront park”
One of my favourite passtimes is to visit one of Thornbury’s waterfront parks. In the summer, Gary and I set up our folding chairs and relax as the sounds of the water lap the shore. While there, I’ll walk the beach looking for perfect stones to paint on!
“Waves on Georgian Bay”
You never know what to expect! One day Georgian Bay can be as smooth as glass (not often) and another day the furry of the waves crash heavily against the Thornbury shores. It doesn’t matter what the season is, the waves have a mind of their own and play their own tune! Watching them and listening to them is truly “magical“!
“Beaver River in the fall”
It’s fall in Thornbury and eager fishermen and women flock to Thornbury and line the shores of the Beaver River to catch “The Big One“. The Chinook Salmon run the river from late August to late October.
“The Georgian Peaks”
The winter season brings skiers and snowboarders to Thornbury. Many own or rent home so that they can enjoy the full season! The Georgian Peaks offers its members private skiing, while the Blue Mountain Resort is open to everyone.
“Canada Day in Thornbury”
If you are in Thornbury on Canada Day, you can watch the parade twice! One Canada Day, Gary and I traveled to Clarksburg for the start of the Clarksburg/Thornbury Canada Day parade. While in Clarksburg we enjoyed a pancake breakfast and the start of the parade. Once the parade had started, we “raced” to Thornbury’s downtown to watch the parade again as it march downwards. What a great day… Welcome to Thornbury!
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