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 numerous time in Collingwood in all seasons and have explored each inch of the encompassing 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 need to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of Blue Mountain, learn on to see all the highest Collingwood sights so as to add to your listing.
Greatest 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 understood 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 well-liked 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 prepare 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 occurring in Collingwood right this moment.
1. Collingwood Harbour
Collingwood Harbour serves as a hub of aquatic exercise and is a big 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 get pleasure from a wide range of water-based actions akin 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 Store.
2. Benefit from the Waterfront Path
The Nice Lakes Waterfront Path passes via 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 lease bicycles and e-bikes from the likes of Little Ed’s Ski & Bike Store.
The phase of the Nice Lakes Waterfront Path that passes via Collingwood showcases a few of the space’s most lovely landscapes and waterfront views. Because the path weaves via Collingwood, it permits for simple entry to a number of key sights within the city, together with parks, marinas, and historic websites. The Nice Lakes Waterfront Path gives a serene and picturesque expertise with views of Georgian Bay.
Alongside the best way, interpretive signage gives 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 fans.
3. Sundown Level Park
This family-friendly park has ample house for picnics, a pebble seaside for wading, and playgrounds for kids. The park is a neighborhood hub the place individuals come collectively to benefit from the nice outdoor, 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.
Superb for picnics and swimming, Sundown Level Seashore Park is situated on Nottawasaga Bay and presents beautiful sundown views over Georgian Bay. An enormous Inukshuk stands proudly overlooking Georgian Bay honouring the Indigenous Individuals of this land.
Paid parking is in impact right here. Parking charges are $10/hour with a every day max of $50 so we recommend exploring the realm by bicycle and leaving your automotive on the lodge.
4. South Georgian Bay Trails
Hike or bike alongside quite a few trails that provide scenic vistas and hook up 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 experience this path all day.
South Georgian Bay Trails are a community of paths that present out of doors fans with an array of landscapes to discover, from shoreline routes to forested pathways. These trails are excellent for mountaineering, biking, and throughout 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 contemporary air. Every path gives a singular expertise, whether or not you’re searching for an informal hike or an formidable trek via the various 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 via fantastically organized landscapes, uncover numerous 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 searching 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 presents a serene escape with its panoramic views of the water and the distant Blue Mountains.
Households usually flock right here to benefit from the well-maintained playgrounds and picnic areas, whereas health fans admire the strolling trails that meander via 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, a captivating hamlet only a brief drive from Collingwood, is famend for its quaint ambiance and vibrant arts scene. The city’s important 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 Path which is a good self drive tour of the realm.
Thornbury additionally boasts a picturesque harbour and is legendary 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 searching via distinctive galleries, Thornbury presents a pleasant retreat into small-town sophistication and pastoral pleasures.
8. Suspension Bridge and Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
Discover 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 provide an exhilarating encounter with Collingwood’s pure magnificence. The Suspension Bridge, the longest of its type 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 colour.
After crossing the suspension bridge, you enter the Scenic Caves for an underground journey, taking guests again in time via 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 fans 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 variety of their crafted brews, from basic lagers to progressive 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. Facet Launch Brewing Firm
If you wish to proceed with the brews, Facet Launch Brewing Firm is known as after the distinctive methodology 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 get pleasure from a tour of the ability to see the brewing course of first-hand, adopted by a tasting session within 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. Every beer is made with native components, showcasing the flavors of the area. The Collingwood presents 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 vigorous and rustic setting, mixed with the pleasant workers, creates a heat and welcoming surroundings the place pals can collect for an awesome 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 important 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 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 function within the improvement of snowboarding in Ontario. The Collingwood Museum is situated in a fantastically restored prepare station on the harbourfront. The museum’s displays 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 neighborhood and an integral a part of Canada’s maritime business.
Inside, you can even discover the area’s First Nations historical past, the event of the railroad, and the affect 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 Avenue is the bustling business 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 allure, housing an array of companies that promote every thing from modern 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 vigorous ambiance, the pleasant locals, and the small-town allure that Collingwood is widely known for.
15. Take a look at the Stay Music Scene
The stay 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 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 understood for internet hosting a wide range of stay reveals, together with music performances. The theatre’s schedule usually options concert events starting from classical to rock and tribute bands.
The Harbour Avenue Fish Bar: That is the place to go for music lovers. They provide an everyday 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: Though not in Collingwood correct, it’s very shut by and hosts a wide range of stay music occasions all year long. Throughout the summer time months and numerous festivals, the village usually has free out of doors concert events. Each Friday night time, KAYTOO Restaurant & Bar hosts DJ KAOS Circulate Fridays.
16. Spend a Day at Wasaga Seashore
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 exquisite sand.
17. Meaford Museum
The Meaford Museum offers you a historical past of the realm the place you may discover displays behind their partitions. We stopped right here on the Apple Pie Path and it was an awesome 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 within the museum got here from.
It helped us to plan our route higher and reminded us to decelerate and benefit from the experience. Because the curator of the museum stated “Individuals want to present 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 straight on Georgian Bay, it makes for an awesome base to discover the Blue Mountains for mountaineering and mountain biking. However it’s also a vacation spot unto itself.
The beautiful shale rock shoreline is the right spot for out of doors actions like kayaking and SUP (arise paddleboarding). The Georgian Path cuts proper via Craigleith so pack your bike and go biking alongside Georgian Bay. Learn Extra: 25 of the Greatest Locations to Camp in Ontario, Canada
19. Discover Blue Mountain Village
This all-seasons resort presents snowboarding and snowboarding within the winter, and throughout the summer time, actions like mountain biking, mountaineering, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, and the Open Air Gondola. Take a look at: The Greatest Locations 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 stage of skier or snowboarder. With its picturesque views and well-maintained trails, the resort is a winter wonderland providing rather more than simply snowboarding and snowboarding. 12 months-round actions akin to mountain biking, {golfing}, and zip-lining be sure that the fun of journey is at all times 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 leisure 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 stage of skier or snowboarder. We used to at all times 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 if you wish to get pleasure from Apres Ski.
With its picturesque views and well-maintained trails, the resort is a winter wonderland providing rather more than simply snowboarding and snowboarding. 12 months-round actions akin to mountain biking, {golfing}, and zip-lining be sure that the fun of journey is at all times 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 leisure for guests trying to get pleasure from a quintessential Ontario getaway.
21. Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain
Expertise leisure at its best 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 searching 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 leisure areas. The spa additionally presents 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 leisure.
22. Collingwood Farmer’s Market
The Collingwood Farmers’ Market is a good cease to get a style of the area’s greatest contemporary produce and artisanal items. Working seasonally, sometimes from Might via October, the market is historically held on Saturdays, offering a wonderful begin to the weekend.
On the Collingwood Farmers’ Market, buyers can discover a wide selection of merchandise. Native farmers provide contemporary fruit and veggies. The market additionally options distributors promoting natural meats, freshly caught fish, native cheeses, and free-range eggs, catering to these on the lookout for healthful and sustainable meals choices.
Past the contemporary meals, the market is a hotspot for artisanal crafts and items. Bakers promote a pleasant choice 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 get pleasure from a tasty snack or breakfast as they peruse the stalls.
23. Biking Collingwood Loops
Collingwood has a few of 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 awesome experience outdoors Collingwood.
There are loop routes starting from 40 to 100 km. We cherished using out to Creemore the place there’s an awesome place for espresso or a beer. However there are many routes to select from. If you would like an extended route, strive the Collingwood to Kimberly route.
24. Go Mountaineering 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 awesome hike. The slopes of Blue Mountain are crammed with nice nature hikes and you’ll go away straight out of your lodge room. Positioned on the Niagara Escarpment, Blue Mountain Resort is within the coronary heart of a few of 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 outdoors.
- The Loree Forest Loop is without doubt one of the extra fashionable brief routes that provide distinctive views. It’s solely 5.3km so it’s nice for inexperienced persons.
- The Bruce Path Beaver Valley Route is a superb hike
- The Georgian Path is one other best choice.
Once you get a day move to Craigleigh Provincial Park, your automobile allow is nice for Wasaga Seashore.
The place to Keep in Collingwood
Collingwood, Ontario, has a wide range of lodging, together with a number of boutique resorts and inns that provide a extra customized and intimate expertise in comparison with bigger lodge chains. Listed below are a few of the greatest boutique resorts and distinctive stays in and round Collingwood the place you may get pleasure from a cushty and trendy go to:
- Residing Water Resort & Spa – Residing Water gives a boutique expertise with a give attention to wellness and leisure. With a full-service spa and opulent facilities, this resort presents 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 presents a variety of luxurious suites, every with distinctive decor and fashionable facilities.
- Craigleith Manor Mattress & Breakfast – This upscale B&B on the outskirts of Collingwood presents a peaceable retreat with beautiful views of Georgian Bay and the Blue Mountains. With fantastically appointed rooms and a gourmand breakfast, Craigleith Manor is ideal for a romantic getaway or a restful escape.
When planning your keep, it’s at all times a good suggestion to test the newest opinions and availability for these boutique resorts, as they’ll refill shortly, particularly throughout peak vacationer seasons. Moreover, some properties could provide seasonal packages or particular charges, so it’s value inquiring straight with the lodge for the most effective offers and experiences.
There’s much more to do than simply chill on the seaside, there are many mountaineering trails, you may head over to the Nancy Island Historic Website or you are able to do some hen watching at its protected wildlife habitat.
