Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a first-time trailblazer, this guide will equip you with the essential knowledge and safety information you need to enjoy your day on the trails at Blue!

Be Prepared

Don't Forget the Essentials
A man wearing a pair of black hiking shoes and yellow socks.
Proper Footwear
Wearing appropriate footwear, such as hiking boots or shoes, plays a big role in ensuring your safety and comfort on trail. Hiking specific footwear provides better ankle support, traction on slippery or rocky surfaces, protection from sharp rocks and thorns, stability, and water resistance.
A man is using an atm machine in front of a building.
Enough Water
When hiking, its important to stay hydrated. Remember to bring enough water for the length of your trek. Do your part for the environment and fill a reusable bottle at the Columbia Hydration Station. Bottled water is also available for sale at Grand Central Eatery at the base or the Coca-Cola Concession near the top of the Open-Air Gondola.

Know Before You Go

Everything you need to know about Blue Mountain trails so you can hike or bike with confidence
Two women pointing to a map at a park.
Trail Heads

These signs represent the starting point for one or multiple trails, provide details about these trails, and may also list connected trails.

Two women walking down a trail in the woods.
Confirmation Points
These signs exist on-trail at crossings to provide details about direction, distance, and elevation gain.
A man sitting on a bench in a wooded area.
Blazes
Blazes are rectangles of paint, usually about 15cm high and 5cm wide located on trees, fence posts, or rocks. These blazes provide confirmation you are still on the trail between points.

Blaze Colours at Blue Mountain

The trail network at Blue Mountain Resort is marked with different colours according to what type of trail you are hiking. These colours are indicated on maps, in blazes and on Confirmation Point signs.
Two friends enjoying a hike in a forest during autumn.
Blue
Multi-Use Trails

These trails can be used for biking and hiking, use caution and share the trail.

Purple
Main Hiking Trails

These trails are exclusively for hiking and are point-to-point hikes. Plan to hike back along the same trail, complete another trail on your way back, or take the Open-Air Gondola to return.

Yellow
Side Trails & Connecting Trails

These trails connect two or more other trails together.

Orange
Hiking Loop Trails

These trails form a loop where the start of the trail is also the end point.

White
Bruce Trail

The Bruce Trail is Canada's oldest and longest marked hiking trail. The entire trail is more than 890km long with over 400 associated side trails and stretches from the Niagara River to the top of the Bruce Peninsula in Tobermory, Ontario. A 2km section of this trail cuts along the top of Blue Mountain.

Decoding Blazes

Paying attention to blazes provides critical information to help you find your way along a trail.
Trail Start
Trail Start
Three blazes forming an upward pointing arrow indicate the start of the trail.
Straight Ahead
Straight Ahead
A single blaze indicates that the path is straight ahead.
Left Turn
Left Turn
A double blaze with the top marking to the upper left indicates that the trail will turn left.
Right Turn
Right Turn
A double blaze with the top marking to the upper right indicates that the trail will turn right.
Intersection
Intersection
Two stacked blazes with a single blaze to the left or right of the stack indicates a trail intersection.
Trail End
Trail End
Three blazes forming a downward pointing arrow indicate the end of the trail.
A group of people walking in a forest.
A group of people walking in a forest.

Staying on Trail

If the path is straightforward, blazes may be spaced further apart. If the path ahead is not obvious, blazes will be visible one after another. while most blazes are painted on trees and fence posts, you may find some blazes on wood stakes when crossing open spaces. If you lose the trail, return to where you last saw a blaze and look carefully for the next blaze. Always follow proper blazes and stay off closed sections of trail.

Trail Designation

Explore Park Trails at Blue Mountain share the meaning of their designations with ski runs. The steeper the trail, the rougher the terrain, the harder it is to hike or bike.
A family with a young boy walking on a trail.
A family with a young boy walking on a trail.


Green Circle: Beginner

These trails are considered easy to walk, hike or bike and are beginner and family friendly. These trails may be paved, are mostly wide, and have limited changes in elevation and terrain.



Blue Square: Intermediate

These trails are considered moderately difficult to hike or bike for an adult with a moderate level of fitness. There will be some sections with steep or rocky terrain with moderate changes in elevation.

Two women hiking through a forest in kenya.
Two women hiking through a forest in kenya.
A woman hiking in the woods with a backpack and hiking poles.
A woman hiking in the woods with a backpack and hiking poles.


Black Diamond: Advanced

These trails are considered challenging to hike or bike for an adult with a moderate level of fitness. Trails may be rough and steep throughout and may be rocky and muddy. Suitable hiking shoes or boots are recommended.


Get to Know
the Trail

Blue Mountain has five mountain areas: Orchard, South, Village, Valley, and North. While hiking, you will either be travelling in the direction of the mountain base/bottom or the summit/top in one of these areas.

The length of a trail at Blue is measured between decision points. The distance between these points is indicated in kilometres. Most trails are between one and two kilometres in length but may connect to other trails before reaching the summit or base.

The time to hike each section will vary based on trail difficulty and hiking speed. Hiking at an average speed, you should plan for around one hour of hiking to cover 5km of distance.

Elevation gain is the vertical gain or loss from the start of the trail to the end. At Blue Mountain, vertical gain or loss is indicated on trail head signs and on-trail on confirmation signs. The higher the number, the steeper the trail.

Local Fauna

Blue Mountain is situated in a diverse natural environment that supports a variety of wildlife. This includes various birds, insects, mammals, amphibians and reptiles.
    • Deer



      White-Tailed Deer


      Keep an eye out for these mammals grazing in open fields or moving through the forested areas. Be quiet and give them space so as not to spook them.

      White Tailored Deer
      White Tailored Deer

      Always give wildlife enough space and do not attempt to approach, touch, hold, or feed animals. Report any aggressive or concerning animal presence or behaviour to Mountain Patrol.

    • Fox



      Red Fox

      Blue is home to a number of red foxes. While shy and elusive, the best place to spot them is near Woodview Activity Centre. Their distinctive red fur and bushy tails make them stand out.

      Red Fox
      Red Fox

      Always give wildlife enough space and do not attempt to approach, touch, hold, or feed animals. Report any aggressive or concerning animal presence or behaviour to Mountain Patrol.

    • Racoon


      Racoon

      Nocturnal and highly adaptable, raccoons are common in both urban and natural environments. During the day, you may see them sleeping in the trees.

      Racoon
      Racoon

      Always give wildlife enough space and do not attempt to approach, touch, hold, or feed animals. Report any aggressive or concerning animal presence or behaviour to Mountain Patrol.

    • Squirrel


      Eastern Gray Squirrel

      A familiar sight in the region, gray squirrels and chipmunks are arboreal rodents often seen darting through trees or foraging for food on the forest floor.

      Eastern Gray Squirell
      Eastern Gray Squirell

      Always give wildlife enough space and do not attempt to approach, touch, hold, or feed animals. Report any aggressive or concerning animal presence or behaviour to Mountain Patrol.

    • Rabbit


      Cottontail Rabbit

      These rabbits are well adapted to life in this region. They are often seen in meadows eating and along the edges of wooded areas and are mostly active between dusk and dawn.

      Cottontail Rabbit
      Cottontail Rabbit

      Always give wildlife enough space and do not attempt to approach, touch, hold, or feed animals. Report any aggressive or concerning animal presence or behaviour to Mountain Patrol.

    • Snake


      Eastern Garter Snake

      Non-venomous and harmless, garter snakes are black with yellow stripes and commonly found in the region. They play a crucial role in controlling insect populations.

      Eastern Garter Snake
      Eastern Garter Snake

      Always give wildlife enough space and do not attempt to approach, touch, hold, or feed animals. Report any aggressive or concerning animal presence or behaviour to Mountain Patrol.

    • Hawk


      Red-Tailed Hawk

      Look to the skies see raptors including Red-tailed Hawk soaring overhead. They often perch on high vantage points, such as utility poles or trees, while searching for prey.

      Red-Tailed Hawk
      Red-Tailed Hawk

      Always give wildlife enough space and do not attempt to approach, touch, hold, or feed animals. Report any aggressive or concerning animal presence or behaviour to Mountain Patrol.

    • Turkey


      Wild Turkey

      Wild Turkeys are large birds with a distinctive fan-shaped tail and a bare, wattled head. These social birds often form flocks, and you may spot them in open spaces and along the tree line.

      Wild Turkey
      Wild Turkey

      Always give wildlife enough space and do not attempt to approach, touch, hold, or feed animals. Report any aggressive or concerning animal presence or behaviour to Mountain Patrol.

    Stay Clear of These Plants

    It's essential for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to be aware of potential poisonous or noxious plants. To ensure a safe hiking experience, familiarize yourself with the appearance of these plants and exercise caution when exploring natural areas.

    Stay on trail and wear long pants and/or sleeves to avoid contact with these plants. If you come into contact with any potentially harmful plant, wash the affected area thoroughly and seek medical attention if necessary.

    Poison Ivy
    Poison Ivy
    Common along trails, poison ivy is known for its three shiny leaves. Contact with its sap can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.
    Wild Parsnip
    Wild Parsnip
    Wild parsnip is characterized by its yellow flowers and can be found along roadsides and in open fields. The plant produces a sap that, when in contact with the skin and exposed to sunlight, can cause burns and blisters.
    Giant Hogweed
    Giant Hogweed
    Although less common, giant hogweed is a highly toxic plant that can cause severe skin burns and even permanent scarring. It has large, umbrella-like clusters of white flowers and can grow quite tall.
    Stinging Nettle
    Stinging Nettle
    While not poisonous, stinging nettles can cause skin irritation upon contact due to tiny hairs on the leaves that release irritating chemicals. Wearing long sleeves can help prevent contact.
    A group of people hiking up a hill.
    Trail Etiquette
    Show courtesy to fellow trail users!

    Hike to the least experienced hiker's ability.

    Leave what you find. Do not remove natural resources from the trails including rocks, fossils, nests, and other such items. Let other people enjoy them as you do.

    To prevent damage to vegetation, stay on marked trails at all times.

    Leave no trace. Pick up what you pack in to the trails including disposable cups, water bottles, wrappers and more. Garbage and recycling bins are located at the top and bottom of Blue Mountain for your use.
    Two hikers walking through a forest with backpacks.
    Leave No Trace
    Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints. When hiking, carry out any trash, leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Clean your boots or shoes between hikes to avoid introducing or transporting seeds, insects, and non-native species. Avoid digging holes or building structures and stay on trail to prevent erosion and damaging wildlife habitats and plant life.
    Group of three hikers navigating rocky terrain, with one person offering a helping hand to another.
    Safety
    Check the Mountain Conditions Report prior to heading out for current trail status, weather, and conditions.

    Tell a reliable person where you are going and when you expect to be back.

    Dogs must be on-leash at all times.

    Study trail descriptions and maps. Choose a trail suitable for the least experienced hiker in your group.

    Stay on marked trails.
    If you experience an on-trail emergency, call Blue Mountain Patrol at 705-445-0231 x52900

    Two individuals using a smartphone to navigate a map application while outdoors. Two individuals using a smartphone to navigate a map application while outdoors.

    Maps on the App

    Before you hit the trails, download the Blue Mountain App. With interactive trail maps and the ability to keep tabs on your group with location sharing and messaging, you'll also earn great badges for completing hikes when you track them with the app.
    Download the App
    FAQs

    You will need a day ticket or season pass to access the trails at Blue. Purchase in advance and pick up at a ticket pickup kiosk or Guest Services. You can also purchase tickets in person. Once you have your ticket, you can access the trails from any Trail Head at the base or top of the mountain. You can access the Mountaintop via the Open-Air Gondola or by hiking up.


    To locate a Trail Head, look for a the numbers with a white circle in a black square on your map. Some trail heads may be hard to find so keep an eye out for well worn dirt paths and the large map signs.

    To purchase a paper map of the Explore Park, please visit Guest Services.

    If you experience an on-trail emergency, call Blue Mountain Patrol at 705-445-0231 x52900.


    An on-trail emergency may include a medical emergency, missing person, serious injury or accident, or inability to return to base. Please hike within the ability level of your group and avoid dangerous situations.


    If you are lost but your situation is not an emergency, retrace your steps or use the Blue Mountain App to navigate back to the base or Open-Air Gondola.


    To avoid getting lost, stay on marked trails. If you do not have a map, consider taking a photo of the map at the Trail Head. If you are unsure you are still on-trail, look for a blaze and go to it, continuing following the blazes to the end of the trail.

    Here are some things you can do to prepare for a hike at Blue:

    1. Wear appropriate hiking shoes/boots and comfortable, weather appropriate clothing
    2. Purchase a day ticket or season pass
    3. Download the Blue Mountain App for trail maps and to track your hike
    4. Bring a water bottle and snacks
    5. Wear a backpack or fanny pack to carry out any garbage
    6. Stretch and hike within the ability of the slowest person in your group

    Forgot something? You can purchase hiking footwear, clothing and accessories in the Blue Mountain Village at Columbia Sportswear and other great stores.

    Trails begin at a Trail Head sign and end at another Trail Head sign. On trail, you will see frequent blazes and signs to indicate you are still on trail. You will find Confirmation signage at intersections where you can continue on the trail you are on or follow another trail to the base or summit.


    The location of Trail Head and Confirmation signs are indicated on all maps using the number on the tops of these signs. To know your exact location on a trail, download the Blue Mountain App and track your hike.

    Finishing your hike at the Mountaintop? We recommend an ice cream or cold drink from the Coca-Cola Concession or a sit down meal at Summitview Restaurant before an Open-Air Gondola ride down to the base.


    Finishing your hike at the base? Use your day ticket to access attractions in the Adventure Park or enjoy an ice cream or cold drink from Chill Seeker Snack Bar. Visit the shops and restaurants in the Blue Mountain Village or cool off with a swim at Plunge! Aquatic Centre.

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