Guitar Trail Music Festival
Guitar Trail Music Festival returns to Blue Mountain September 11 and 12 for a two-day celebration of Canadian songwriting, live collaboration, and unforgettable performances in unexpected places.
Featuring 20+ artists across multiple stages, Guitar Trail offers a unique way to experience live music, with performances woven throughout the Village and Mountain. At the heart of the weekend is the 1.3 km Village Way Guitar Trail, lined with talented musicians performing acoustically along the route. Guests can choose to hike the trail in either direction, creating a 2+ km musical journey, or take the gondola with the appropriate pass and experience the music from a different perspective.
The festival kicks off Friday with Behind the Music: Sunset Sessions, an intimate and immersive evening set against the backdrop of a breathtaking mountain sunset. Hosted by award-winning songwriter Conor Gains, the session brings acclaimed artists Tony Dekker (Great Lake Swimmers), Skye Walker and Sam Polley together on stage for the very first time. Guests can hear stories, favourite songs and spontaneous collaboration unfold as the artists build on each other’s energy in an evening of creativity and connection. Tickets must be purchased in advance for this special Friday evening experience.
On Saturday, Guitar Trail comes alive across three animated stages throughout Blue Mountain Village, bringing together live performances, artist collaborations, and unexpected musical moments. Guests can wander between stages, explore the Village, and take in panoramic views of Georgian Bay while experiencing an unforgettable day of Canadian music. A highlight of the day is Canadian Roots Collective - Hosted by Conor Gains, the event brings together a world-class house band featuring musicians who have performed with legendary artists including Les Paul, Bahamas, Blue Rodeo, David Wilcox, Matthew Good, Daniel Lanois, and The Glorious Sons, alongside acclaimed guest artists Tony Dekker (Great Lake Swimmers), Skye Wallace, and Sam Polley.
"Guitar Trail is about experiencing music differently,” says Elisa Barron, Events Manager at Blue Mountain Village. “This year’s lineup takes guests on a musical journey around the world, with artists drawing from global rhythms, roots, blues and contemporary sounds, while bringing together an incredible range of talent and generations, from seasoned Canadian musicians to our youngest performer on the mountain, who is just 14 years old. It’s the kind of weekend where you can discover something completely unexpected, hear music in extraordinary settings, and witness the legacy of tomorrow being created right in front of you."
Beyond the trail, the weekend brings live music throughout Blue Mountain Village, along with opportunities to dine, shop and make a weekend of the experience. Special lodging rates are available for Guitar Trail, making it easy for visitors to turn the festival into a mountain getaway all within steps of the Village.
Whether you come for the music, the adventure or the scenery, Guitar Trail offers a one-of-a-kind festival experience where the journey is part of the show.
Guitar Trail Music Festival takes place September 11 and 12, 2026, in Blue Mountain Village and across the mountain. For more information, tickets and special lodging rates, visit bluemountainvillage.ca/guitar-trail.