Often missed in favor of Blue Mountain, Collingwood, Ontario, is a city that has loads of enjoyable issues to do in its personal proper. Nestled between Georgian Bay and the UNESCO biosphere reserve, the Niagara Escarpment, Collingwood makes for the right weekend getaway in Ontario. We have spent quite a lot of time in Collingwood in all seasons and have explored each inch of the encircling space. It used to be our snowboarding hang-out in the winter and biking location in the summer season. If you need to go to the close by cities on Georgian Bay or just need to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of Blue Mountain, learn on to see all the highest Collingwood points of interest to add to your listing.
Best Things to Do in Collingwood Ontario
Collingwood, Ontario, is positioned only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Toronto on the southern shores of Georgian Bay. It is a part of Simcoe County and is located northwest of Toronto, offering a scenic backdrop with the Blue Mountains to the north and huge expanses of pure magnificence surrounding it. The city is thought for its proximity to leisure actions, each on the bay and in the encircling highlands, together with snowboarding, snowboarding, climbing, and water sports activities. Collingwood serves as a gateway to the Blue Mountain Resort and is a part of the Georgian Triangle space, making it a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers year-round.
When in Collingwood, go to the South Georgian Bay Visitor’s Centre and Collingwood Museum to discover out what’s occurring in the world. Located in an 1873 practice station, the 2 share a constructing, so you possibly can discover the historical past and ship-building tradition of Collingwood whereas discovering out what occasions are occurring in Collingwood in the present day.
1. Collingwood Harbour
Collingwood Harbour serves as a hub of aquatic exercise and is a major a part of the city’s nautical heritage. It’s a spot the place boaters and sailors congregate, with its marinas and docks offering the right launching level for a day on the water.
Visitors can get pleasure from quite a lot of water-based actions corresponding to kayaking, and paddle boarding. The harbor additionally options trails and parks alongside its perimeter, which permit for picturesque walks with views of the bustling waterfront exercise, historic shipyards, and the serene waters of Georgian Bay. There are kayak and SUP leases at Southwinds Marine and Little Eds Ski and Bike Shop.
2. Enjoy the Waterfront Trail
The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail passes by Collingwood and it is a perfect path for cyclists, joggers, and walkers of all ability ranges. The path stretches over 3000 kilometers (about 1864 miles) alongside the Canadian shores of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. In Collingwood, Ontario, the Waterfront Trail is part of this expansive community and we usually pack our bikes however you possibly can hire bicycles and e-bikes from the likes of Little Ed’s Ski & Bike Shop.
The section of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail that passes by Collingwood showcases among the space’s most stunning landscapes and waterfront views. As the path weaves by Collingwood, it permits for straightforward entry to a number of key points of interest in the city, together with parks, marinas, and historic websites. The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail supplies a serene and picturesque expertise with views of Georgian Bay.
Along the way in which, interpretive signage supplies perception into the native natural world, making the path not solely a leisure journey but additionally an academic expertise. With ample alternatives to spot wildlife and take in the beautiful views, the Waterfront Trail is a must-do for nature lovers and out of doors lovers.
3. Sunset Point Park
This family-friendly park has ample house for picnics, a pebble seashore for wading, and playgrounds for youngsters. The park is a neighborhood hub the place folks come collectively to benefit from the nice outside, whether or not it’s cooling off in the splash pad on a sizzling summer season day or having fun with a leisurely stroll alongside the water’s edge. The pure magnificence and serene setting make Sunset Point Park a cherished spot for each locals and guests.
Ideal for picnics and swimming, Sunset Point Beach Park is positioned on Nottawasaga Bay and gives beautiful sundown views over Georgian Bay. An enormous Inukshuk stands proudly overlooking Georgian Bay honouring the Indigenous People of this land.
Paid parking is in impact right here. Parking charges are $10/hour with a every day max of $50 so we propose exploring the world by bicycle and leaving your automotive on the resort.
4. South Georgian Bay Trails
Hike or bike alongside quite a few trails that provide scenic vistas and join to the Niagara Escarpment, together with the Georgian Trail and the Bruce Trail. The Georgian Trail is a 34 km coastal path that runs from Collingwood to Meaford. Pack some meals and drinks and journey this path all day.
South Georgian Bay Trails are a community of paths that present out of doors lovers with an array of landscapes to discover, from shoreline routes to forested pathways. These trails are good for climbing, biking, and through the winter months, snowshoeing or cross-country snowboarding.
They supply an exquisite alternative to expertise the world’s pure magnificence, observe native wildlife, and get a breath of contemporary air. Each path supplies a novel expertise, whether or not you’re looking for an informal hike or an formidable trek by the varied terrain of the South Georgian Bay space.
5. Collingwood Arboretum
The Collingwood Arboretum is a botanical haven, showcasing a various assortment of timber and plant species that flourish in Southern Ontario’s local weather. It’s a tranquil place the place guests can wander by superbly organized landscapes, uncover varied thematic gardens, and benefit from the altering seasons.
Educational packages and guided excursions can improve the expertise, offering insights into the area’s horticulture. The Arboretum is not only a feast for the eyes but additionally a peaceable retreat for these looking for a second of solitude or a quiet spot for contemplation amid nature’s magnificence.
6. Harbourview Park
Nestled alongside the shores of Georgian Bay subsequent to the Collingwood Arboretum, Harbourview Park gives a serene escape with its panoramic views of the water and the distant Blue Mountains.
Families typically flock right here to benefit from the well-maintained playgrounds and picnic areas, whereas health lovers respect the strolling trails that meander by the park. The park’s proximity to the Collingwood Terminals provides it a historic edge, the place guests can glimpse the remnants of the city’s wealthy maritime historical past, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls and soaking in the tranquil waterfront ambiance.
7. Thornbury
Thornbury, a captivating hamlet only a brief drive from Collingwood, is famend for its quaint ambiance and vibrant arts scene. The city’s fundamental avenue is lined with historic buildings, artisan retailers, and comfortable cafés, inviting guests to wander and discover. The city is a cease on the Apple Pie Trail which is a superb self drive tour of the world.
Thornbury additionally boasts a picturesque harbour and is legendary for its apple orchards, with the annual apple harvest pageant being a spotlight. Whether it’s sampling cider at a neighborhood cidery or looking by distinctive galleries, Thornbury gives a pleasant retreat into small-town sophistication and pastoral pleasures.
8. Suspension Bridge and Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
Explore pure caves and crevices, get pleasure from Ontario’s longest Suspension Footbridge, or partake in seasonal actions like zip-lining and snowshoeing.
The Suspension Bridge and Scenic Caves supply an exhilarating encounter with Collingwood’s pure magnificence. The Suspension Bridge, the longest of its form in Ontario, sways gently over a lush valley providing panoramic views which can be notably awe-inspiring in fall when the foliage is a blaze of coloration.
After crossing the suspension bridge, you enter the Scenic Caves for an underground journey, taking guests again in time by geological formations carved out 1000’s of years in the past. Exploring these caves and crevices is an journey in itself, revealing the rugged great thing about the Niagara Escarpment up shut.
9. Collingwood Brewery Tour
Craft beer lovers will discover a particular spot at Collingwood Brewery, the place the artwork of brewing is widely known with a neighborhood twist. This boutique brewery prides itself on creating small-batch beers utilizing the best substances and conventional strategies.
The taproom permits guests to pattern a variety of their crafted brews, from traditional lagers to modern ales, in a heat and welcoming ambiance. Behind-the-scenes excursions can be loved, providing insights into the brewing course of and the fervour behind creating the right pint.
10. Side Launch Brewing Company
If you need to proceed with the brews, Side Launch Brewing Company is called after the distinctive methodology of ship launching in the city’s historic shipyards. This brewery has garnered approval for its big selection of meticulously crafted beers. Visitors to the brewery can get pleasure from a tour of the ability to see the brewing course of first-hand, adopted by a tasting session in the taproom. With a variety that ranges from wheat ales to darkish lagers, there’s a taste for each palate.
11. Northwinds Brewery
Northwinds Brewery brings the artwork of beer crafting to life in Collingwood with its spectacular lineup of handcrafted beers. Each beer is made with native substances, showcasing the flavors of the area. The Collingwood gives a Seafood Raw Bar.
The brewery’s restaurant serves up hearty, beer-infused dishes that pair completely with the in-house brews, from ales and IPAs to stouts and porters. The energetic and rustic setting, mixed with the pleasant employees, creates a heat and welcoming setting the place buddies can collect for an important meal and wonderful beer.
12. See the Tiny Jail of Creemore
Creemore is most well-known for the Creemore Springs Brewery, the place guests can tour and style regionally crafted beers however whereas in Creemore, don’t miss visiting the smallest jail in Ontario. It dates again to 1892 and homes 3 cells in its small footprint of solely 4.5 X 6 meters.
The village’s fundamental avenue options historic Nineteenth-century structure, distinctive boutiques, and alluring eateries that serve up native fare. A cease in Creemore is like stepping again in time, providing a peaceable break from the hustle and bustle of recent life.
Creemore is a pleasant village steeped in custom and identified for its large coronary heart and small-town hospitality.
13. Collingwood Museum
Delve into Collingwood’s historical past together with its maritime previous and its position in the event of snowboarding in Ontario. The Collingwood Museum is positioned in a superbly restored practice station on the harbourfront. The museum’s reveals delve into the city’s marine heritage, showcasing Collingwood’s shipbuilding previous with artifacts, fashions, and interactive shows. Visitors can study concerning the well-known Collingwood Shipyards, which for over a century had been a cornerstone of the neighborhood and an integral a part of Canada’s maritime trade.
Inside, you can too discover the area’s First Nations historical past, the event of the railroad, and the impression of each World Wars on the local people. The museum boasts an array of artifacts starting from indigenous instruments and crafts to Victorian-era objects reflecting the every day lifetime of the city’s early settlers.
Hurontario Street is the bustling industrial coronary heart of Collingwood, providing a vibrant procuring expertise. From stylish boutiques and specialty retailers to artwork galleries and native craft shops, the road has one thing for everybody.
As you stroll down the historic downtown core, the Victorian-era buildings add a contact of allure, housing an array of companies that promote all the pieces from modern attire to handcrafted jewellery and residential decor. Shopping on Hurontario Street is not only concerning the purchases—it’s about having fun with the energetic ambiance, the pleasant locals, and the small-town allure that Collingwood is widely known for.
15. Check out the Live Music Scene
The stay music scene in Collingwood is vibrant and numerous, with quite a lot of venues internet hosting performances from native and visiting artists. From cozy cafes to bustling bars, there’s a wealth of spots to get pleasure from stay tunes starting from jazz and blues to indie and rock.
The Historic Gayety Theatre: This landmark venue in downtown Collingwood is thought for internet hosting quite a lot of stay reveals, together with music performances. The theatre’s schedule typically options live shows starting from classical to rock and tribute bands.
The Harbour Street Fish Bar: This is the place to go for music lovers. They supply a daily lineup of stay music acts and serve up a menu of scrumptious eats to associate with the tunes each Friday and Saturday.
Blue Mountain Village: Although not in Collingwood correct, it’s very shut by and hosts quite a lot of stay music occasions all year long. During the summer season months and varied festivals, the village typically has free out of doors live shows. Every Friday evening, KAYTOO Restaurant & Bar hosts DJ KAOS Flow Fridays.
16. Spend a Day at Wasaga Beach
Just a brief drive away, spend a day at one of many longest freshwater seashores in the world, well-known for its shallow waters and delightful sand.
17. Meaford Museum
The Meaford Museum provides you a historical past of the world the place you possibly can discover reveals behind their partitions. We stopped right here on the Apple Pie Trail and it was an important begin to the day as we had a greater understanding of the world once we street to see the precise places the place the objects in the museum got here from.
It helped us to plan our route higher and reminded us to decelerate and benefit from the journey. As the curator of the museum mentioned “People need to give themselves time to stop. Don’t simply make a b-line from one place to another, the villages all around the Blue Mountains have some fascinating hidden gems.” We agree!
18. Camp at Craigleith Provincial Park
This is our favorite tenting spot in close to Collingwood. Located immediately on Georgian Bay, it makes for an important base to discover the Blue Mountains for climbing and mountain biking. But it’s also a vacation spot unto itself.
The attractive shale rock shoreline is the right spot for out of doors actions like kayaking and SUP (get up paddleboarding). The Georgian Trail cuts proper by Craigleith so pack your bike and go biking alongside Georgian Bay. Read More: 25 of the Best Places to Camp in Ontario, Canada
19. Explore Blue Mountain Village
This all-seasons resort gives snowboarding and snowboarding in the winter, and through the summer season, actions like mountain biking, climbing, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, and the Open Air Gondola. Check out: The Best Places to Hike in Ontario
Blue Mountain Resort is the cornerstone of winter sports activities in Collingwood, boasting a wide selection of slopes to go well with each degree of skier or snowboarder. With its picturesque views and well-maintained trails, the resort is a winter wonderland providing way more than simply snowboarding and snowboarding. Year-round actions corresponding to mountain biking, {golfing}, and zip-lining be certain that the fun of journey is all the time alive. The resort’s village provides an additional layer of allure with its array of outlets, eating places, and spas, creating an ideal mix of motion and rest for guests trying to get pleasure from a quintessential Ontario getaway.
20. Hit the Slopes at Blue Mountain Resort
Blue Mountain Resort is the cornerstone of winter sports activities in Collingwood, boasting a wide selection of slopes to go well with each degree of skier or snowboarder. We used to all the time keep in Collingwood and go snowboarding at Blue Mountain for a day. Blue Mountain is seven kilometres or 10 minutes from Collingwood, so it’s very simple to drive and even take an Uber in order for you to get pleasure from Apres Ski.
With its picturesque views and well-maintained trails, the resort is a winter wonderland providing way more than simply snowboarding and snowboarding. Year-round actions corresponding to mountain biking, {golfing}, and zip-lining be certain that the fun of journey is all the time alive. The resort’s village provides an additional layer of allure with its array of outlets, eating places, and spas, creating an ideal mix of motion and rest for guests trying to get pleasure from a quintessential Ontario getaway.
21. Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain
Experience rest at its most interesting with Scandinavian baths, massages, and different wellness therapies amidst the tranquility of a pure forest setting. For a tranquil escape, Scandinave Spa presents a peaceable retreat set amidst a pure forest setting. It’s a haven for these looking for to rejuvenate with its Scandinavian baths expertise, which includes a cycle of heating the physique in sizzling baths or saunas after which cooling off in chilly plunges or rest areas. The spa additionally gives quite a lot of massages and coverings, guaranteeing guests depart feeling refreshed and renewed. Surrounded by nature and silence, Scandinave Spa is an oasis of wellness that captures the essence of rest.
22. Collingwood Farmer’s Market
The Collingwood Farmers’ Market is a superb cease to get a style of the area’s greatest contemporary produce and artisanal items. Operating seasonally, usually from May by October, the market is historically held on Saturdays, offering a superb begin to the weekend.
At the Collingwood Farmers’ Market, buyers can discover a wide selection of merchandise. Local farmers supply contemporary vegetables and fruit. The market additionally options distributors promoting natural meats, freshly caught fish, native cheeses, and free-range eggs, catering to these searching for healthful and sustainable meals choices.
Beyond the contemporary meals, the market is a hotspot for artisanal crafts and items. Bakers promote a pleasant collection of selfmade bread, pastries, and sweets, whereas native artisans supply handmade jewellery, crafts, and residential décor. The presence of ready meals distributors additionally means guests can get pleasure from a tasty snack or breakfast as they peruse the stalls.
23. Cycling Collingwood Loops
Collingwood has among the greatest biking in Ontario, with difficult routes. When coaching for Africa, we went up right here on a regular basis. The Scenic Caves Route was the hardest. There’s Dave in entrance of me, having fun with an important journey outdoors Collingwood.
There are loop routes starting from 40 to 100 km. We beloved driving out to Creemore the place there’s an important place for espresso or a beer. But there are many routes to select from. If you desire a longer route, attempt the Collingwood to Kimberly route.
24. Go Hiking in the Blue Mountains
There are loads of climbing trails in the Blue Mountain and Collingwood space. You don’t even have to depart the village to go for an important hike. The slopes of Blue Mountain are crammed with nice nature hikes and you may depart immediately out of your resort room. Located on the Niagara Escarpment, Blue Mountain Resort is in the center of among the greatest climbing in Ontario.
But in order for you to get out additional to discover extra of Georgian Bay and the Escarpment, the Bruce Trail is close by, with numerous loops to get you outdoors.
The Loree Forest Loop is likely one of the extra fashionable brief routes that provide distinctive views. It’s solely 5.3km so it’s nice for freshmen. The Bruce Trail Beaver Valley Route is a wonderful hike The Georgian Trail is one other best choice.
When you get a day cross to Craigleigh Provincial Park, your car allow is sweet for Wasaga Beach.
Where to Stay in Collingwood
Collingwood, Ontario, has quite a lot of lodging, together with a number of boutique accommodations and inns that provide a extra personalised and intimate expertise in contrast to bigger resort chains. Here are among the greatest boutique accommodations and distinctive stays in and round Collingwood the place you possibly can get pleasure from a cushty and trendy go to:
Living Water Resort & Spa – Living Water supplies a boutique expertise with a deal with wellness and rest. With a full-service spa and splendid facilities, this resort gives a rejuvenating stick with stunning views of Georgian Bay. The VanderMarck Boutique Hotel – Located in the center of downtown Collingwood, The VanderMarck Boutique Hotel is simply steps away from retailers, eating places, and leisure. The resort is housed in a superbly restored historic constructing and gives a variety of luxurious suites, every with distinctive decor and trendy facilities. Craigleith Manor Bed & Breakfast – This upscale B&B on the outskirts of Collingwood gives a peaceable retreat with beautiful views of Georgian Bay and the Blue Mountains. With superbly appointed rooms and a gourmand breakfast, Craigleith Manor is ideal for a romantic getaway or a restful escape.
When planning your keep, it’s all the time a good suggestion to verify the most recent critiques and availability for these boutique accommodations, as they will refill rapidly, particularly throughout peak vacationer seasons. Additionally, some properties could supply seasonal packages or particular charges, so it’s value inquiring immediately with the resort for the very best offers and experiences.
There’s much more to do than simply chill on the seashore, there are many climbing trails, you possibly can head over to the Nancy Island Historic Site or you are able to do some chook watching at its protected wildlife habitat.