Usually 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 proper weekend getaway in Ontario. We now have spent quite a lot of time in Collingwood in all seasons and have explored each inch of the encompassing space. It was once 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 checklist.
Finest Issues 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’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 well-liked vacation spot for vacationers year-round.
When in Collingwood, go to the South Georgian Bay Customer’s Centre and Collingwood Museum to search out out what’s occurring within the space. Situated 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 taking place in Collingwood at the 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 proper launching level for a day on the water.
Guests can take pleasure in a wide range of water-based actions equivalent 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 by 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 by Collingwood showcases a few of the space’s most lovely landscapes and waterfront views. Because the path weaves by Collingwood, it permits for straightforward entry to a number of key sights 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 natural world, making the path not solely a leisure journey but additionally an academic expertise. With ample alternatives to identify wildlife and take within the gorgeous views, the Waterfront Path is a must-do for nature lovers and outside fanatics.
3. Sundown Level Park
This family-friendly park has ample house for picnics, a pebble seaside 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 season day or having fun with a leisurely stroll alongside the water’s edge. The pure magnificence and serene atmosphere make Sundown Level Park a cherished spot for each locals and guests.
Excellent for picnics and swimming, Sundown Level Seaside 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 Individuals of this land.
Paid parking is in impact right here. Parking charges are $10/hour with a each day max of $50 so we advise exploring the world by bicycle and leaving your automotive 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 journey this path all day.
South Georgian Bay Trails are a community of paths that present outside fanatics with an array of landscapes to discover, from shoreline routes to forested pathways. These trails are good 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 informal hike or an bold trek by 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 superbly organized landscapes, uncover numerous thematic gardens, and benefit from the altering seasons.
Instructional 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 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 provides 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 fanatics admire the strolling trails that meander by 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 environment 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 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 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 variety 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 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 fanatics 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 basic lagers to progressive ales, in a heat and welcoming environment. Behind-the-scenes excursions may also be loved, providing insights into the brewing course of and the fervour behind creating the proper 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 approval for its big 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 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 substances, 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 energetic and rustic setting, mixed with the pleasant workers, creates a heat and welcoming atmosphere the place buddies can collect for an ideal 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 large 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 positioned in a superbly restored prepare 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 concerning the well-known Collingwood Shipyards, which for over a century had been a cornerstone of the group 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 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 each day lifetime of the city’s early settlers.
Hurontario Avenue is the bustling business coronary heart of Collingwood, providing a vibrant buying 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 part from modern attire to handcrafted jewellery and residential decor. Purchasing on Hurontario Avenue is not only concerning the purchases—it’s about having fun with the energetic environment, the pleasant locals, and the small-town allure that Collingwood is widely known for.
15. Try the Dwell Music Scene
The reside 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 reside 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 reside exhibits, 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 a daily lineup of reside 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 reside music occasions all year long. In the course of the summer season months and numerous festivals, the village usually has free outside concert events. Each Friday evening, KAYTOO Restaurant & Bar hosts DJ KAOS Movement 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 earth, 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 ideal begin to the day as we had a greater understanding of the world after we highway 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 journey. Because the curator of the museum stated “Individuals 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. Situated immediately on Georgian Bay, it makes for an ideal base to discover the Blue Mountains for mountaineering and mountain biking. However additionally it is a vacation spot unto itself.
The beautiful shale rock shoreline is the proper spot for outside actions like kayaking and SUP (rise up paddleboarding). The Georgian Path cuts proper by 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 season, actions like mountain biking, mountaineering, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, and the Open Air Gondola. Try: The Finest Locations to Hike in Ontario
Blue Mountain Resort is the cornerstone of winter sports activities in Collingwood, boasting a wide 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 equivalent to mountain biking, {golfing}, and zip-lining be sure that the joys of journey is all the time alive. The resort’s village provides an additional layer of allure with its array of retailers, eating places, and spas, creating an ideal mix of motion and rest for guests seeking 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 wide 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 simple 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 equivalent to mountain biking, {golfing}, and zip-lining be sure that the joys of journey is all the time alive. The resort’s village provides an additional layer of allure with its array of retailers, eating places, and spas, creating an ideal mix of motion and rest for guests seeking 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, sometimes from Might by October, the market is historically held on Saturdays, offering a wonderful begin to the weekend.
On the Collingwood Farmers’ Market, consumers can discover a wide 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 in search of healthful and sustainable meals choices.
Past the recent meals, the market is a hotspot for artisanal crafts and items. Bakers promote a pleasant choice of do-it-yourself 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 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 ideal journey exterior Collingwood.
There are loop routes starting from 40 to 100 km. We liked driving out to Creemore the place there’s an ideal 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 depart the village to go for an ideal hike. The slopes of Blue Mountain are full of nice nature hikes and you’ll go away immediately out of your lodge room. Situated 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 exterior.
- 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 newcomers.
- The Bruce Path Beaver Valley Route is a superb hike
- The Georgian Path is one other best choice.
If you get a day cross to Craigleigh Provincial Park, your car 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 inns and inns that supply a extra customized and intimate expertise in comparison with bigger lodge chains. Listed below are a few of the greatest boutique inns and distinctive stays in and round Collingwood the place you may take pleasure in a snug and classy go to:
- Dwelling Water Resort & Spa – Dwelling Water offers a boutique expertise with a deal with wellness and rest. With a full-service spa and splendid facilities, this resort provides a rejuvenating stick with lovely views of Georgian Bay.
- The VanderMarck Boutique Resort – Situated 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 superbly restored historic constructing and provides 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 provides a peaceable retreat with gorgeous views of Georgian Bay and the Blue Mountains. With superbly 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 inns, as they’ll replenish rapidly, particularly throughout peak vacationer seasons. Moreover, some properties could 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 seaside, there are many mountaineering trails, you may head over to the Nancy Island Historic Web site or you are able to do some chicken watching at its protected wildlife habitat.
