Often ignored 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 plenty 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 time. 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 checklist.
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 understood 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 preferred 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 happening in the realm. 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 take pleasure in quite a lot of water-based actions comparable 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 way of Collingwood and it is a perfect path for cyclists, joggers, and walkers of all talent 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 lease bicycles and e-bikes from the likes of Little Ed’s Ski & Bike Shop.
The phase of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail that passes by way of Collingwood showcases among the space’s most lovely landscapes and waterfront views. As the path weaves by way of 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 in addition an academic expertise. With ample alternatives to spot wildlife and take in the gorgeous views, the Waterfront Trail is a must-do for nature lovers and out of doors fanatics.
3. Sunset Point Park
This family-friendly park has ample area for picnics, a pebble seashore for wading, and playgrounds for kids. The park is a neighborhood hub the place folks come collectively to benefit from the nice open air, whether or not it’s cooling off in the splash pad on a scorching summer time 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 provides gorgeous sundown views over Georgian Bay. A large 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 realm by bicycle and leaving your automobile on the resort.
4. South Georgian Bay Trails
Hike or bike alongside quite a few trails that supply 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 trip this path all day.
South Georgian Bay Trails are a community of paths that present out of doors fanatics with an array of landscapes to discover, from shoreline routes to forested pathways. These trails are good for climbing, biking, and in the course of the winter months, snowshoeing or cross-country snowboarding.
They provide an exquisite alternative to expertise the realm’s pure magnificence, observe native wildlife, and get a breath of recent air. Each path supplies a novel expertise, whether or not you’re in search of an off-the-cuff hike or an formidable trek by way of 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 way of superbly organized landscapes, uncover numerous thematic gardens, and benefit from the altering seasons.
Educational applications and guided excursions can improve the expertise, offering insights into the area’s horticulture. The Arboretum isn’t just a feast for the eyes but in addition a peaceable retreat for these in search of 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 provides 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 fanatics admire the strolling trails that meander by way of the park. The park’s proximity to the Collingwood Terminals offers 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, an enthralling hamlet only a brief drive from Collingwood, is famend for its quaint ambiance and vibrant arts scene. The city’s primary road is lined with historic buildings, artisan outlets, 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 realm.
Thornbury additionally boasts a picturesque harbour and is known for its apple orchards, with the annual apple harvest competition being a spotlight. Whether it’s sampling cider at a neighborhood cidery or shopping by way of distinctive galleries, Thornbury provides a pleasant retreat into small-town sophistication and pastoral pleasures.
8. Suspension Bridge and Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
Explore pure caves and crevices, take pleasure in Ontario’s longest Suspension Footbridge, or partake in seasonal actions like zip-lining and snowshoeing.
The Suspension Bridge and Scenic Caves provide an exhilarating encounter with Collingwood’s pure magnificence. The Suspension Bridge, the longest of its sort in Ontario, sways gently over a lush valley providing panoramic views which are significantly awe-inspiring in fall when the foliage is a blaze of colour.
After crossing the suspension bridge, you enter the Scenic Caves for an underground journey, taking guests again in time by way of geological formations carved out hundreds 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 fanatics will discover a particular spot at Collingwood Brewery, the place the artwork of brewing is well known with a neighborhood twist. This boutique brewery prides itself on creating small-batch beers utilizing the best elements and conventional strategies.
The taproom permits guests to pattern a spread of their crafted brews, from basic lagers to revolutionary ales, in a heat and welcoming ambiance. Behind-the-scenes excursions may also be loved, providing insights into the brewing course of and the eagerness behind creating the right pint.
10. Side Launch Brewing Company
If you need to proceed with the brews, Side Launch Brewing Company is known as after the distinctive methodology of ship launching in the city’s historic shipyards. This brewery has garnered popularity of its wide selection of meticulously crafted beers. Visitors to the brewery can take pleasure in a tour of the power to see the brewing course of first-hand, adopted by a tasting session in the taproom. With a range 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 elements, showcasing the flavors of the area. The Collingwood provides 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 vigorous and rustic setting, mixed with the pleasant workers, creates a heat and welcoming setting the place mates can collect for a terrific 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 domestically 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 primary road 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 recognized 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 be taught 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 business.
Inside, you too can discover the area’s First Nations historical past, the event of the railroad, and the influence of each World Wars on the area 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 outlets 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 attraction, housing an array of companies that promote every little thing from trendy attire to handcrafted jewellery and residential decor. Shopping on Hurontario Street isn’t just concerning the purchases—it’s about having fun with the vigorous ambiance, the pleasant locals, and the small-town attraction that Collingwood is well known for.
15. Check out the Live Music Scene
The reside music scene in Collingwood is vibrant and various, 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 take pleasure in reside tunes starting from jazz and blues to indie and rock.
The Historic Gayety Theatre: This landmark venue in downtown Collingwood is understood for internet hosting quite a lot of reside exhibits, together with music performances. The theatre’s schedule typically options concert events starting from classical to rock and tribute bands.
The Harbour Street Fish Bar: This is the place to go for music lovers. They provide an everyday lineup of reside music acts and serve up a menu of scrumptious eats to go together 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 reside music occasions all year long. During the summer time months and numerous festivals, the village typically has free out of doors concert events. Every Friday night time, 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 exquisite sand.
17. Meaford Museum
The Meaford Museum offers you a historical past of the realm the place you possibly can discover reveals behind their partitions. We stopped right here on the Apple Pie Trail and it was a terrific begin to the day as we had a greater understanding of the realm once we highway to see the precise areas 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 trip. As the curator of the museum stated “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 straight on Georgian Bay, it makes for a terrific 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 way of 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 provides snowboarding and snowboarding in the winter, and in the course of the summer time, 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 big selection of slopes to go well with each stage of skier or snowboarder. With its picturesque views and well-maintained trails, the resort is a winter wonderland providing far more than simply snowboarding and snowboarding. Year-round actions comparable to mountain biking, {golfing}, and zip-lining be certain that the joys of journey is all the time alive. The resort’s village provides an additional layer of attraction with its array of outlets, eating places, and spas, creating an ideal mix of motion and rest for guests trying to take pleasure in 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 big selection of slopes to go well with each stage 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 straightforward to drive and even take an Uber in order for you to take pleasure in Apres Ski.
With its picturesque views and well-maintained trails, the resort is a winter wonderland providing far more than simply snowboarding and snowboarding. Year-round actions comparable to mountain biking, {golfing}, and zip-lining be certain that the joys of journey is all the time alive. The resort’s village provides an additional layer of attraction with its array of outlets, eating places, and spas, creating an ideal mix of motion and rest for guests trying to take pleasure in a quintessential Ontario getaway.
21. Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain
Experience rest at its most interesting with Scandinavian baths, massages, and different wellness remedies 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 in search of to rejuvenate with its Scandinavian baths expertise, which includes a cycle of heating the physique in scorching baths or saunas after which cooling off in chilly plunges or rest areas. The spa additionally provides quite a lot of massages and coverings, guaranteeing guests go away 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 finest recent produce and artisanal items. Operating seasonally, usually from May by way of October, the market is historically held on Saturdays, offering a superb begin to the weekend.
At the Collingwood Farmers’ Market, consumers can discover a big selection of merchandise. Local farmers provide recent vegatables and fruits. 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 recent meals, the market is a hotspot for artisanal crafts and items. Bakers promote a pleasant number of home made bread, pastries, and sweets, whereas native artisans provide handmade jewellery, crafts, and residential décor. The presence of ready meals distributors additionally means guests can take pleasure in a tasty snack or breakfast as they peruse the stalls.
23. Cycling Collingwood Loops
Collingwood has among the finest 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 a terrific trip outdoors Collingwood.
There are loop routes starting from 40 to 100 km. We beloved using out to Creemore the place there’s a terrific place for espresso or a beer. But there are many routes to select from. If you need a longer route, strive 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 go away the village to go for a terrific hike. The slopes of Blue Mountain are full of nice nature hikes and you’ll go away straight out of your resort room. Located on the Niagara Escarpment, Blue Mountain Resort is in the center of among the finest 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 without doubt one of the extra fashionable brief routes that supply 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 move to Craigleigh Provincial Park, your automobile 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 inns and inns that supply a extra customized and intimate expertise in contrast to bigger resort chains. Here are among the finest boutique inns and distinctive stays in and round Collingwood the place you possibly can take pleasure in a cushty and classy 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 opulent facilities, this resort provides a rejuvenating stick with lovely views of Georgian Bay. The VanderMarck Boutique Hotel – Located in the center of downtown Collingwood, The VanderMarck Boutique Hotel is simply steps away from outlets, eating places, and leisure. The resort is housed in a superbly restored historic constructing and provides a spread of luxurious suites, every with distinctive decor and fashionable facilities. Craigleith Manor Bed & Breakfast – This upscale B&B on the outskirts of Collingwood provides a peaceable retreat with gorgeous 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 examine the newest opinions and availability for these boutique inns, as they’ll refill shortly, particularly throughout peak vacationer seasons. Additionally, some properties could provide seasonal packages or particular charges, so it’s value inquiring straight with the resort for one of the 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.