Things To Do
in Clearview
Clearview Township is a semi-rural municipality in Simcoe County, Ontario, that blends small historic villages, rolling farmland and easy access to Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment. The area is known for village centres like Creemore and Stayner, a strong local craft-beer and food scene, and proximity to outdoor playgrounds including Scenic Caves and Blue Mountain. Visitors find a calm, community-oriented atmosphere with seasonal events, farmers' markets and family-run businesses.
Clearview is an attractive base for exploring nearby ski hills, beaches and trails while enjoying quieter small-town hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Clearview Historical Society, where you can delve into the rich history of the area. Join a guided walking tour that highlights the charming architecture and landmarks from the 19th century. As you stroll through the streets, enjoy a freshly brewed coffee from a local café.
After lunch at a quaint bistro, head over to the Clearview Museum to explore its fascinating exhibits on local culture and heritage. Spend some time at the nearby park, where you can relax and appreciate the beautiful gardens. Don't forget to take some photos of the stunning sculptures scattered throughout the area.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a restaurant that offers local cuisine with a modern twist. After your meal, take a scenic walk along the waterfront, where you can listen to live music performed by local artists. Finish your evening with a nightcap at a cozy pub that features craft beers from nearby breweries.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café before heading out to explore the Clearview Trails. The morning light is perfect for birdwatching as you walk through the serene landscapes filled with diverse wildlife. Bring along your binoculars and a field guide to enrich your experience.
After a refreshing hike, take a picnic lunch at a scenic overlook where you can admire the stunning views of the surrounding nature. Spend the afternoon exploring more trails or participating in a guided nature walk to learn about the local flora and fauna. Capture the beauty of the area with some photography along the way.
Return to town and enjoy a dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant that showcases seasonal ingredients. After dinner, participate in a stargazing event at a nearby observatory where you can marvel at the night sky. Wind down with a warm beverage at a local café, discussing the wonders of the universe.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚌Local bus or shuttle fare | $2.50-5 |
| ⛽Gas (per litre) | $1.20-1.50 |
| 🛏Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to outdoor recreation (hiking, skiing, beaches)
- Charming small villages with local food and craft-beer scene
- Lower crowds and a relaxed pace compared with larger tourist centres
- Convenient base for exploring Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment
- Limited late-night nightlife and entertainment options locally
- Public transport is sparse—a car is highly recommended
- Services and shops may have reduced hours in low season
- Weather can be severe in winter, affecting travel plans
Places to Visit in Clearview
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic karst, suspension bridge viewpoints and panoramic escarpment vistas—excellent for sunrise or late-afternoon light.
Charming heritage buildings, local shops and a small waterfall nearby—great for street and village photography.
Peaceful river scenes with reflections, seasonal foliage colors and rustic bridges ideal for tranquil landscape shots.
Long beaches and shallow water produce wide-open horizons, dramatic skies and sunrise opportunities.
Rolling fields, red barns and lanes lined with trees—classic cottage-country scenes, especially in autumn.
Food in Clearview
Clearview Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Ontario sweet: a flaky pastry tart with a gooey, buttery filling—available at bakeries and farmers' markets across the township.
Must-Try!
A beloved Ontario breakfast or deli sandwich, often found at diners and weekend markets; salty, meaty and satisfying.
Locally sourced freshwater fish, pan-fried or battered, served at restaurants and seasonal fish fries in nearby communities.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market with local produce, baked goods, preserves and artisan products—great for picnic supplies and tasting regional offerings.
Smaller weekly markets and roadside stands selling eggs, honey, baked goods and seasonal produce in the township’s villages.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are friendly and polite—greet shopkeepers, say please and thank you, and avoid loud or overly boisterous behavior in public spaces.
Much of the area is private farmland or cottage property—stay on marked trails, don't trespass and be mindful of livestock and posted signs.
Store food properly, maintain distance from wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles; ticks and bears are possible in rural areas—take precautions.
For tours, brewery visits and restaurants, bookings are appreciated—arrive on time and inform hosts if plans change.
Safety
Tipping in Clearview
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in restaurants is 15–20% pre-tax for good service; tip bartenders lightly for drinks, and round up taxi or delivery fares. Housekeeping and tour guides are typically tipped modestly when appropriate.
Cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted; Interac debit is common at shops. Cash is still useful for small vendors and farmers' markets; some rural vendors may be card-only or cash-only—carry a backup.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, busy and festival-heavy—expect crowded weekends at nearby beaches and ski-resort towns; ideal for hiking, swimming and outdoor dining with long daylight hours.
Crisp air and vibrant fall foliage make this a popular time for scenic drives, leaf-peeping and harvest festivals—temperatures cool and crowds thin after Thanksgiving.
Cold with snow and ice—excellent for snow sports (skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling) but roads can be icy; dress in layers and check local road/weather updates.
Variable weather with mud and budding landscapes; good for quieter hikes and spring markets but expect occasional chilly, wet days.
Clearview at Night
Hiking in Clearview
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Family-friendly trails, lookout points, suspension bridge and interpretive walks along the Niagara Escarpment—great for photography and moderate hikes.
Classic escarpment hiking with limestone cliffs, lookouts and varied terrain—sections near Clearview offer day hikes and panoramic views.
Stunning escarpment trails, boardwalks through wetlands and cliff-top lookouts—especially beautiful during fall foliage season.
Quiet river valley trails with mixed forest and open vistas—good for birding, spring wildflowers and gentle hikes.
Flat, accessible walks along the world’s longest freshwater beach with lots of shoreline photography and easy seaside strolls.
Airports
How to reach Clearview by plane.
Major international airport ~1.5–2 hours drive (depending on traffic) offering the widest range of domestic and international connections; car rental and shuttle options available.
Regional international airport to the southwest with some domestic and seasonal international flights; roughly 1.25–1.75 hours by car.
Toronto island airport serving regional flights—closer to downtown Toronto but longer overall travel time due to transfer into the city and ferry connections; useful for city-combining itineraries.
Small regional airport closer to Clearview for private flights and charters; limited commercial service—convenient for private or small-group travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing agricultural families and rural households make up a large portion of the population, contributing to local markets and farm-based businesses.
Some residents commute to Barrie, Collingwood or the Greater Toronto Area for work, attracted by more affordable housing and quality of life.
A significant retiree community and seasonal cottage owners add to quieter off-season periods and busy summer months.
The area sits on traditional Indigenous lands—local communities and regional history reflect Anishinaabe and other First Nations heritage; visitors should be respectful of local Indigenous culture and sites.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is a central part of community life in winter with local rinks, youth leagues and pond hockey culture.
Proximity to Blue Mountain and other ski areas makes downhill and cross-country skiing popular in winter.
Community curling clubs host seasonal leagues and social events—common in small-town Ontario.
Warmer months bring mountain biking, trail running and hiking on escarpment trails and conservation areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Clearview.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafés and restaurants offer vegetarian options; farmers' markets are good sources for fresh vegetables, cheeses and baked goods.
Vegan choices are available but more limited—calling ahead to restaurants helps; specialty bakeries and health-food sections in local stores carry staples.
Some bakeries and markets offer gluten-free items, but cross-contamination is possible—ask staff at restaurants about preparations and dedicated options.
Most restaurants are used to common allergies; inform staff clearly and consider bringing necessary medication or alternatives for remote days outdoors.