Village Way Trail - Blue Mountain — Attraction in The Blue Mountains

Lovely View of Collingwood Valley and Lake Huron Okay, I am going to make a few clarifications as to why some folks were terribly disappointed because now this trail, The Bruce Trail) is part of Blue Mountain resort (but do not need to spend a single dime so long you do not use their facilities such as the gondola nor their playgrounds, etc). My family and I came to this part of Ontario on a road trip back in Aug 2022. Our only purpose was to walk the Bruce Trail located within the upper part of Blue Mountain Resort. Here’s the thing: we wanted to walk the scenic trail to enjoy the beautiful scenic view and NOT actually enter the resort itself. Walking the actual trail is supposed to be free. When we approached the staff and made them aware of this, they didn’t exactly prohibited us from entering. That's because I REMINDED THEM THAT BRUCE TRAIL IS SUPPOSED TO BE PUBLIC and FREE. They indicated we could use the trail off the main mountain road and so long we do not ‘indulge’ in their facilities (i.e. use of the gondola) we should be fine. They even let us use the adjacent parking for free. You have to ask politely though. Blue Mountain Resort itself requires a $30/person day pass and must be obtained from the bottom main gate. We quietly headed back to the van and once we packed everything we needed we walked from outside the premises on the main mountain road until we reached the thin border between the resort, the road, and trail itself. There wasn’t a clear sign where to access Bruce Trail. We just crossed over the small steel wire fence. It felt as if we were trespassing! BUT WE WEREN'T. The Blue Mountain staff didn't cause any trouble to us so long we stayed away from their facilities which is private property. The only exception was to use the washrooms...

We were almost struck by lightning there!! 😅 We went there two days ago when there was a thunderstorm. We registered at the office at 4:30pm, there was no storm then. After one hour the storm started and we had to hide right under the cable car tower (which was not very wise I guess, but I am from the middle east and have no idea how bad thunderstorms could be in Canada, and we did not want to hide under the wet trees to avoid thunderbolts). After a few minutes a thunder bolt STRUCK the cable cars making the cables flash for a second!! I was shocked and sooo scared. I immediately searched google for safety steps in a thunderstorm which was helpful. We waited for the storm to end, mainly thirty minutes after the last thunder we heard applying the 30/30 safety rule _ google it it is important. On our way back we saw a guard who was shocked to see us there, he thought we had sneaked into the area, but we told him we entered after paying at 4:30pm, and we complained about feeling abandoned on the mountain top which lacked clear road signs, open washrooms, emergency spots or safety maps and plans!! He said at 4:34pm the area was cleared coz of the storm, and we were unlucky to have been allowed to enter in such weather conditions in the first place!! After we entered the area at 4:30pm, the guards at the door should have followed us to stop us after they recieved the closure orders at 4:34pm, but they were lazy, or did not even see their messages coming from their bosses.

I really thought I was going to die! I spent the two following days thinking of my life and of the things I need to change 😅😅 **The photo was taken a few minutes before the thunderbolt struck the cable cars tower and the cables flashed and electricity current was visibly seen...

We drove to the top of Blue Mountain to check out the restaurant! We were immediately approached by a security person and advised that we needed a Day Pass or proof of Summitview Restaurant reservation! I understand that Ski hills suffered financially during the pandemic closure this winter, but we were stunned we couldn't even see the restaurant or take a photo from the top! It was already 4:00 p.m. so why should we pay for a Pass? Make sure to make a reservation for the restaurant at the top of the gondola ride if you want to see a view of Georgian Bay! Of course, we went a few more yards and I decided to try for a few pictures. This is the 1st year Blue Mountain has required Day Passes. So disappointing 😞 Prices for adult for an adult pass is...