Usually neglected 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’ve got spent a variety of time in Collingwood in all seasons and have explored each inch of the encircling space. It was our snowboarding hang-out within the winter and biking location in the summertime. If you wish to go to the close by cities on Georgian Bay or just wish to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of Blue Mountain, learn on to see all the highest Collingwood points of interest so as to add to your checklist.
Finest Issues to Do in Collingwood Ontario
Collingwood, Ontario, is situated only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Toronto on the southern shores of Georgian Bay. It’s 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 within the surrounding highlands, together with snowboarding, snowboarding, mountaineering, 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 Customer’s Centre and Collingwood Museum to seek out out what’s occurring within the space. Positioned in an 1873 practice station, the 2 share a constructing, so you may discover the historical past and ship-building tradition of Collingwood whereas discovering out what occasions are taking place in Collingwood at present.
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.
Guests can take pleasure in a wide range of water-based actions resembling 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 Store.
2. Benefit from the Waterfront Path
The Nice Lakes Waterfront Path passes by means 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 Nice Lakes and St. Lawrence River. In Collingwood, Ontario, the Waterfront Path is part of this expansive community and we usually pack our bikes however you may hire bicycles and e-bikes from the likes of Little Ed’s Ski & Bike Store.
The phase of the Nice Lakes Waterfront Path that passes by means of Collingwood showcases among the space’s most lovely landscapes and waterfront views. Because the path weaves by means of Collingwood, it permits for straightforward entry to a number of key points of interest within the city, together with parks, marinas, and historic websites. The Nice Lakes Waterfront Path offers a serene and picturesque expertise with views of Georgian Bay.
Alongside the best way, interpretive signage offers perception into the native wildlife, making the path not solely a leisure journey but in addition an academic expertise. With ample alternatives to identify wildlife and take within the beautiful views, the Waterfront Path is a must-do for nature lovers and out of doors lovers.
3. Sundown Level Park
This family-friendly park has ample area for picnics, a pebble seashore for wading, and playgrounds for youngsters. The park is a group hub the place folks come collectively to benefit from the nice outside, whether or not it’s cooling off within the splash pad on a sizzling summer time day or having fun with a leisurely stroll alongside the water’s edge. The pure magnificence and serene surroundings make Sundown Level Park a cherished spot for each locals and guests.
Very best for picnics and swimming, Sundown Level Seaside Park is situated on Nottawasaga Bay and provides beautiful sundown views over Georgian Bay. A large Inukshuk stands proudly overlooking Georgian Bay honouring the Indigenous Folks 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 automobile on the lodge.
4. South Georgian Bay Trails
Hike or bike alongside quite a few trails that supply scenic vistas and connect with the Niagara Escarpment, together with the Georgian Path and the Bruce Path. The Georgian Path 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 lovers with an array of landscapes to discover, from shoreline routes to forested pathways. These trails are excellent for mountaineering, biking, and in the course of the winter months, snowshoeing or cross-country snowboarding.
They provide a beautiful alternative to expertise the world’s pure magnificence, observe native wildlife, and get a breath of recent air. Every path offers a singular expertise, whether or not you’re looking for an off-the-cuff hike or an bold trek by means of the various terrain of the South Georgian Bay space.
5. Collingwood Arboretum
The Collingwood Arboretum is a botanical haven, showcasing a various assortment of bushes and plant species that flourish in Southern Ontario’s local weather. It’s a tranquil place the place guests can wander by means of fantastically organized landscapes, uncover varied thematic gardens, and benefit from the altering seasons.
Academic applications 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 in addition 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 provides a serene escape with its panoramic views of the water and the distant Blue Mountains.
Households typically flock right here to benefit from the well-maintained playgrounds and picnic areas, whereas health lovers respect the strolling trails that meander by means 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 within 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 major avenue is lined with historic buildings, artisan outlets, and comfy cafés, inviting guests to wander and discover. The city is a cease on the Apple Pie Path which is a good self drive tour of the world.
Thornbury additionally boasts a picturesque harbour and is known for its apple orchards, with the annual apple harvest pageant being a spotlight. Whether or not it’s sampling cider at a neighborhood cidery or shopping by means of distinctive galleries, Thornbury provides a pleasant retreat into small-town sophistication and pastoral pleasures.
8. Suspension Bridge and Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
Discover 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 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 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 means of 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 components and conventional strategies.
The taproom permits guests to pattern a spread of their crafted brews, from basic lagers to progressive ales, in a heat and welcoming ambiance. Behind-the-scenes excursions will also be loved, providing insights into the brewing course of and the fervour behind creating the right pint.
10. Aspect Launch Brewing Firm
If you wish to proceed with the brews, Aspect Launch Brewing Firm is called after the distinctive technique of ship launching within the city’s historic shipyards. This brewery has garnered popularity of its wide selection of meticulously crafted beers. Guests 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 within 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. Every beer is made with native components, showcasing the flavors of the area. The Collingwood provides a Seafood Uncooked 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 full of life and rustic setting, mixed with the pleasant workers, creates a heat and welcoming surroundings the place buddies can collect for an amazing meal and glorious 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 major 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 contemporary life.
Creemore is a pleasant village steeped in custom and identified for its massive coronary heart and small-town hospitality.
13. Collingwood Museum
Delve into Collingwood’s historical past together with its maritime previous and its position within the improvement of snowboarding in Ontario. The Collingwood Museum is situated in a fantastically 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. Guests can study in regards to the well-known Collingwood Shipyards, which for over a century have been a cornerstone of the group and an integral a part of Canada’s maritime trade.
Inside, you too can discover the area’s First Nations historical past, the event of the railroad, and the affect 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 Avenue 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 appeal, housing an array of companies that promote all the pieces from trendy attire to handcrafted jewellery and residential decor. Buying on Hurontario Avenue is not only in regards to the purchases—it’s about having fun with the full of life ambiance, the pleasant locals, and the small-town appeal that Collingwood is widely known for.
15. Take a look at the Stay Music Scene
The dwell music scene in Collingwood is vibrant and numerous, with a wide range 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 dwell 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 a wide range of dwell reveals, together with music performances. The theatre’s schedule typically options live shows starting from classical to rock and tribute bands.
The Harbour Avenue Fish Bar: That is the place to go for music lovers. They provide a daily lineup of dwell music acts and serve up a menu of scrumptious eats to associate with the tunes each Friday and Saturday.
Blue Mountain Village: Though not in Collingwood correct, it’s very shut by and hosts a wide range of dwell music occasions all year long. Throughout the summer time months and varied festivals, the village typically has free out of doors live shows. Each Friday evening, KAYTOO Restaurant & Bar hosts DJ KAOS Move Fridays.
16. Spend a Day at Wasaga Seaside
Only a brief drive away, spend a day at one of many longest freshwater seashores on the planet, well-known for its shallow waters and delightful sand.
17. Meaford Museum
The Meaford Museum offers you a historical past of the world the place you may discover reveals behind their partitions. We stopped right here on the Apple Pie Path and it was an amazing begin to the day as we had a greater understanding of the world once we street to see the precise areas the place the gadgets within the museum got here from.
It helped us to plan our route higher and reminded us to decelerate and benefit from the trip. Because the curator of the museum stated “Folks want to provide themselves time to cease. Don’t merely make a b-line from one place to a different, the villages throughout the Blue Mountains have some fascinating hidden gems.” We agree!
18. Camp at Craigleith Provincial Park
That is our favorite tenting spot in close to Collingwood. Positioned immediately on Georgian Bay, it makes for an amazing base to discover the Blue Mountains for mountaineering and mountain biking. However it is usually a vacation spot unto itself.
The beautiful shale rock shoreline is the right spot for out of doors actions like kayaking and SUP (rise up paddleboarding). The Georgian Path cuts proper by means of Craigleith so pack your bike and go biking alongside Georgian Bay. Learn Extra: 25 of the Finest Locations to Camp in Ontario, Canada
19. Discover Blue Mountain Village
This all-seasons resort provides snowboarding and snowboarding within the winter, and in the course of the summer time, actions like mountain biking, mountaineering, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, and the Open Air Gondola. Take a look at: The Finest Locations to Hike in Ontario
Blue Mountain Resort is the cornerstone of winter sports activities in Collingwood, boasting a big selection of slopes to swimsuit 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. Yr-round actions resembling mountain biking, {golfing}, and zip-lining make sure that the joys of journey is all the time alive. The resort’s village provides an additional layer of appeal 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 swimsuit 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 if you wish 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. Yr-round actions resembling mountain biking, {golfing}, and zip-lining make sure that the joys of journey is all the time alive. The resort’s village provides an additional layer of appeal 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
Expertise 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 provides a wide range of massages and coverings, making certain 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 good cease to get a style of the area’s greatest recent produce and artisanal items. Working seasonally, usually from Might by means of October, the market is historically held on Saturdays, offering a wonderful begin to the weekend.
On the Collingwood Farmers’ Market, consumers can discover a big selection of merchandise. Native farmers supply recent 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.
Past the recent meals, the market is a hotspot for artisanal crafts and items. Bakers promote a pleasant number 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 take pleasure in a tasty snack or breakfast as they peruse the stalls.
23. Biking 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 amazing trip exterior Collingwood.
There are loop routes starting from 40 to 100 km. We beloved using out to Creemore the place there’s an amazing place for espresso or a beer. However there are many routes to select from. If you would like an extended route, attempt the Collingwood to Kimberly route.
24. Go Climbing within the Blue Mountains
There are many mountaineering trails within the Blue Mountain and Collingwood space. You don’t even have to go away the village to go for an amazing hike. The slopes of Blue Mountain are stuffed with nice nature hikes and you’ll go away immediately out of your lodge room. Positioned on the Niagara Escarpment, Blue Mountain Resort is within the coronary heart of among the greatest mountaineering in Ontario.
However if you wish to get out additional to discover extra of Georgian Bay and the Escarpment, the Bruce Path is close by, with numerous loops to get you exterior.
- The Loree Forest Loop is likely one of the extra well-liked brief routes that supply distinctive views. It’s solely 5.3km so it’s nice for novices.
- The Bruce Path Beaver Valley Route is a superb hike
- The Georgian Path is one other best choice.
Once you get a day cross to Craigleigh Provincial Park, your automobile allow is nice for Wasaga Seaside.
The place to Keep in Collingwood
Collingwood, Ontario, has a wide range of lodging, together with a number of boutique motels and inns that supply a extra customized and intimate expertise in comparison with bigger lodge chains. Listed below are among the greatest boutique motels and distinctive stays in and round Collingwood the place you may take pleasure in a cushty and classy go to:
- Residing Water Resort & Spa – Residing Water offers a boutique expertise with a give attention to 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 Resort – Positioned within the coronary heart of downtown Collingwood, The VanderMarck Boutique Resort is simply steps away from outlets, eating places, and leisure. The lodge is housed in a fantastically restored historic constructing and provides a spread of luxurious suites, every with distinctive decor and trendy facilities.
- Craigleith Manor Mattress & Breakfast – This upscale B&B on the outskirts of Collingwood provides a peaceable retreat with beautiful views of Georgian Bay and the Blue Mountains. With fantastically appointed rooms and a connoisseur 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 motels, as they’ll refill shortly, particularly throughout peak vacationer seasons. Moreover, some properties might supply seasonal packages or particular charges, so it’s price inquiring immediately with the lodge for the very best offers and experiences.
There’s much more to do than simply chill on the seashore, there are many mountaineering trails, you may head over to the Nancy Island Historic Web site or you are able to do some chook watching at its protected wildlife habitat.
