An aerial photo of Apple Orchards in the Blue Mountains.

Arts, Culture, and History

Our history runs deep—450 million years deep, to be exact. From the ancient fossils embedded in our shorelines to the vibrant artist studios of "Artsburg," the Blue Mountains is a place where the past and the present live side-by-side. Explore the heritage of the Petun people, uncover the stories of our early pioneers, or find inspiration in the local galleries that capture the dramatic light of the bay.

A photo of the Craigleith Heritage Depot in the summer.

Craigleith Heritage Depot

A Museum, an Archives, and a branch of The Blue Mountains Public Library located in an 1880s train station on the shore of Georgian Bay.

Learn More
Blue Mountains Public Library Exterior Shot.

Blue Mountains Public Library

Much more than books. The BMPL is a community hub comprised of a Gallery, Library, Archive and Museum with locations in Thornbury and Craigleith in the Town of the Blue Mountains.

Learn More
An image of one of the displays in the Sheffield Park Black History Museum.

Sheffield Park Black History Museum

Museum with exhibits & artifacts on cultural history & African-American pioneers & settlers. Come, learn, teach your children about a history of another culture and generation.

Learn More

Galleries and Studios

The dramatic light and rugged landscapes of Georgian Bay have long made this region a sanctuary for artists. Wander through the professional galleries and hidden studios of the valley to discover world-class fine art, photography, and sculpture.

An aerial photo taken from above of the Blue Mountains.

Indigenous Roots

Long before the orchards, this land was the ancestral home of the Petun (Wyandot) people. We invite you to honor the deep Indigenous heritage of our valley through curated exhibits and cultural research that tell the story of the First Nations who have lived in harmony with this landscape for millennia.

A close up photo of a bin of Apples in an Apple Orchard.

The Art of the Apple

In the Blue Mountains, our agriculture is our culture. The century-old orchards of the Apple Pie Trail are more than just a place to eat; they are a living history of the families and traditions that built the "Apple Capital of Ontario." Explore the heritage of our valley through the historic farmscapes and stories that make our region truly unique.