There’s something in the air around here. Maybe it’s the lake effect, or the crisp escarpment light—but there’s no denying the kind of energy that lives in South Georgian Bay. It’s creative, it’s undeniable, and it’s wildly entrepreneurial.
By Maddie Johnson
There’s something in the air around here. Maybe it’s the lake effect, or the crisp escarpment light—but there’s no denying the kind of energy that lives in South Georgian Bay. It’s creative, it’s undeniable, and it’s wildly entrepreneurial.
Whether you’re walking through downtown Collingwood, pulling off the highway in Meaford, or stepping into a cider house in the hills above Thornbury, you’ll find that same spirit woven into just about everything: community-minded, beautifully built, and made with intention.
Some of the folks behind these businesses were born and raised nearby. Others found their way here—drawn by the water, the landscape, and a lifestyle that simply feels more like them. And almost all of them will tell you the same thing: starting a business here isn’t just about the business. It’s about building something you believe in.
Here are five makers, founders, and families who’ve done just that.
Back Forty Glamping
Hidden down a winding road just outside Meaford, Back Forty Glamping feels like a secret escape—though word has certainly gotten out. Founded by brothers Scott and Ben McIntosh and their wives, Elizabeth and Alyssa, the family-run retreat has become one of the most thoughtfully built glamping destinations in the province.
Originally drawn to Meaford for its proximity to adventure and slower pace of life, the couples behind Back Forty have since woven themselves into the fabric of the local community. From partnerships with other small businesses to curated experiences that spotlight the region—like local food add-ons, spa and hiking recommendations, and handcrafted extras—their vision has evolved into something more than a place to stay. It’s a springboard for exploring everything Grey County has to offer.
“We thought people would book Back Forty as a place to sleep while visiting the area,” says Elizabeth. “But it turns out, they come because of Back Forty, and fall in love with the region while they’re here.”
Lemonade Bay
Born out of sun-soaked summers on Georgian Bay and a desire to keep their young daughter safe while playing outdoors, Lemonade Bay is a Collingwood-based swimwear brand made for active little ones and the families who adventure with them. Founded by Becky and Adam Roberts, Lemonade Bay creates UPF 50 swimwear for kids that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
“We spend so much time outside—paddleboarding, hiking, beach days with our daughter—and we couldn’t find swimwear that matched our lifestyle,” Becky says. “So we decided to create it.”
What began as a side project quickly turned into something more. Today, Lemonade Bay is stocked in shops across the country, and each collection draws inspiration from local landscapes.
“Our goal is to help parents keep their kids protected while still enjoying every part of an active, outdoor lifestyle,” Becky says. “And doing it in a way that celebrates where we live.”
Spy Cider House and Distillery
Darcy Hagerman and Ian Smith weren’t cider makers when they bought Spy Cider House and Distillery. They were neighbours, living down the road in the Blue Mountains, who saw untapped potential when the local cidery became for sale.
“We wanted to create the kind of place we wished existed here,” says Darcy. “Somewhere you could bring your kids, your dog, your friends. Somewhere that felt like it belonged to the community.”
Spy was already known for its crisp, sugar-free cider made from Ontario-grown apples, but under Darcy and Ian’s leadership, it evolved into a true destination—one where live music and good company flow as easily as the drinks. With head cider maker Jonah Read at the helm, the lineup continues to grow, from Spy apple staples to creative small-batch blends like black tea with honey.
And while cider may be front and centre, Spy’s distillery program is growing fast, too, with small-batch spirits and seasonal liqueurs earning a loyal following.
Everlove Healing + Yoga
Tucked inside a beautifully restored heritage building in Collingwood, Everlove Healing + Yoga is more than a wellness studio—it’s a living, breathing space built on movement and community. Founded by partners Ariana Novak and Dan Fotopoulos, and co-owned with Justin Hyde, Everlove was born out of a desire to create the kind of space they longed for: somewhere to gather, to grow, to heal, and to feel at home.
We wanted to create something that felt intentional and inspired,” Ariana says. “A space where wellness is a shared value—and where we could bring people together in a meaningful way.”
Originally from the Kitchener-Waterloo region, the couple left behind their careers and their first studio venture to chase a different kind of dream—one shaped by their longing for a slower, more aligned lifestyle. They found it here. What started as a vision unfolded organically: two sunlit studios, treatment rooms, and a backyard-turned-workout space, now home to everything from yoga and strength classes to breathwork, cold plunges, a co-working space, and more.
“Every decision we make comes back to two questions,” Dan says. “Does this serve our village? And does it inspire?”
At Everlove, the answer is almost always yes.
Gingerbug
It all started with a low harvest and a few mason jars. Megan Silk was on her way to the Meaford Farmers’ Market with not enough vegetables to fill her table. So she grabbed a few jars of her family’s homemade fermented ginger beer—just one of the many gut-friendly concoctions brewed on the off-grid homestead she shares with her husband, Bren, and their five kids.
To her surprise, the fizzy, spicy drink sold out that day—and Gingerbug was born.
Rooted in fermentation traditions and inspired by the starter culture known as a “ginger bug,” the beverage quickly grew from a local market favourite to a national brand.
“We decided if we were going to risk everything—our farm, our savings—we were going to think as big as possible,” Megan says.
And they did. Within six months, Gingerbug was on shelves across Canada. The brand’s quick rise caught the attention of Dragons’ Den, where Megan and Bren pitched to a national audience. But even with that spotlight, they remain grounded in their Grey County roots.
“We started this business here, and we’ll always manufacture here,” says Megan, a fifth-generation Grey County local. She credits the early support of independent retailers—like Grandma Lambe’s, Goldsmiths, and the Kimberley General Store—with propelling Gingerbug into the national spotlight.