The Beaver River flows north through the valley, emptying into Georgian Bay in the town of Thornbury.

It is a productive agricultural area, producing a significant portion of Canada's apple crop.

The Bruce Trail follows the perimeter of the valley passing several natural landmarks including Old Baldy, the Duncan Crevice Caves, and Eugenia Falls.

While much of the valley is heavily cultivated, it also contains several well-preserved natural habitats and is home to a number of locally and globally rare species, notably American Hart's-tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium var.

The valley is well known for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, as well as rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking in the summer.