Typically 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 have now spent loads 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 sights so as to add to your record.
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 happening within the space. Situated in an 1873 prepare station, the 2 share a constructing, so you’ll be able to 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 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 means of 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 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’ll be able to lease bicycles and e-bikes from the likes of Little Ed’s Ski & Bike Store.
The section 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 sights within the city, together with parks, marinas, and historic websites. The Nice Lakes Waterfront Path supplies a serene and picturesque expertise with views of Georgian Bay.
Alongside the best way, interpretive signage supplies perception into the native wildlife, making the path not solely a leisure journey but additionally 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 fanatics.
3. Sundown Level Park
This family-friendly park has ample house for picnics, a pebble seashore for wading, and playgrounds for youngsters. The park is a group 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 scorching 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.
Very best for picnics and swimming, Sundown Level Seashore Park is situated on Nottawasaga Bay and affords 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 each 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 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 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 excellent for mountaineering, biking, and throughout the winter months, snowshoeing or cross-country snowboarding.
They provide a beautiful alternative to expertise the realm’s pure magnificence, observe native wildlife, and get a breath of contemporary air. Every path supplies a singular expertise, whether or not you’re searching for an informal hike or an formidable 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 timber and plant species that flourish in Southern Ontario’s local weather. It’s a tranquil place the place guests can wander by means of superbly 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 additionally 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 affords 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 fanatics admire 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, 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 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 realm.
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 looking by means of distinctive galleries, Thornbury affords 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 notably awe-inspiring in fall when the foliage is a blaze of shade.
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 fantastic 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 substances and conventional strategies.
The taproom permits guests to pattern a spread of their crafted brews, from basic 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 eagerness 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 technique 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 ability 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 substances, showcasing the flavors of the area. The Collingwood affords 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 employees, creates a heat and welcoming atmosphere the place buddies can collect for an excellent 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 welcoming 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 recognized for its huge 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 growth of snowboarding in Ontario. The Collingwood Museum is situated in a superbly 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 had been a cornerstone of the group and an integral a part of Canada’s maritime business.
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 each day lifetime of the city’s early settlers.
Hurontario Avenue is the bustling industrial coronary heart of Collingwood, providing a vibrant purchasing 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 appeal, housing an array of companies that promote every little thing from modern attire to handcrafted jewellery and residential decor. Purchasing 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 well known for.
15. Try the Dwell Music Scene
The dwell music scene in Collingwood is vibrant and various, 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 understood for internet hosting a wide range of dwell reveals, together with music performances. The theatre’s schedule typically 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 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. Through the summer season months and varied festivals, the village typically has free out of doors concert events. Each Friday night time, KAYTOO Restaurant & Bar hosts DJ KAOS Circulation 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 earth, 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’ll be able to discover displays behind their partitions. We stopped right here on the Apple Pie Path and it was an excellent begin to the day as we had a greater understanding of the realm after we street to see the precise places 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 “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. Situated instantly on Georgian Bay, it makes for an excellent base to discover the Blue Mountains for mountaineering and mountain biking. However 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 Path cuts proper by means of 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 affords snowboarding and snowboarding within the winter, and throughout the summer season, actions like mountain biking, mountaineering, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, and the Open Air Gondola. Try: The Greatest 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 way more than simply snowboarding and snowboarding. Yr-round actions equivalent to mountain biking, {golfing}, and zip-lining make sure that the fun of journey is all the time alive. The resort’s village provides an additional layer of appeal 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 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 way more than simply snowboarding and snowboarding. Yr-round actions equivalent to mountain biking, {golfing}, and zip-lining make sure that the fun of journey is all the time alive. The resort’s village provides an additional layer of appeal 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 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 searching for to rejuvenate with its Scandinavian baths expertise, which entails a cycle of heating the physique in scorching baths or saunas after which cooling off in chilly plunges or rest areas. The spa additionally affords a wide range 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 good cease to get a style of the area’s finest contemporary 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 contemporary vegatables and fruits. 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 contemporary meals, the market is a hotspot for artisanal crafts and items. Bakers promote a pleasant choice 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 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 an excellent trip outdoors Collingwood.
There are loop routes starting from 40 to 100 km. We beloved driving out to Creemore the place there’s an excellent place for espresso or a beer. However there are many routes to select from. In order for you an extended route, attempt the Collingwood to Kimberly route.
24. Go Mountain 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 excellent hike. The slopes of Blue Mountain are crammed with nice nature hikes and you’ll go away instantly out of your resort room. Situated on the Niagara Escarpment, Blue Mountain Resort is within the coronary heart of among the finest 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 likely one of the extra in style brief routes that supply distinctive views. It’s solely 5.3km so it’s nice for rookies. The Bruce Path Beaver Valley Route is a superb hike The Georgian Path is one other best choice.
Once you get a day go to Craigleigh Provincial Park, your car 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 lodges and inns that supply a extra personalised and intimate expertise in comparison with bigger resort chains. Listed here are among the finest boutique lodges and distinctive stays in and round Collingwood the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a snug and trendy go to:
Residing Water Resort & Spa – Residing Water supplies a boutique expertise with a concentrate on wellness and rest. With a full-service spa and splendid facilities, this resort affords 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 retailers, eating places, and leisure. The resort is housed in a superbly restored historic constructing and affords a spread of luxurious suites, every with distinctive decor and fashionable facilities. Craigleith Manor Mattress & Breakfast – This upscale B&B on the outskirts of Collingwood affords 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 test the newest opinions and availability for these boutique lodges, as they will replenish shortly, particularly throughout peak vacationer seasons. Moreover, some properties might supply seasonal packages or particular charges, so it’s value inquiring instantly with the resort for the perfect offers and experiences.
There’s much more to do than simply chill on the seashore, there are many mountaineering trails, you’ll be able to head over to the Nancy Island Historic Website or you are able to do some hen watching at its protected wildlife habitat.