20 Amazing Things to do in Collingwood: The Best of Southern Georgian Bay

What if I told you one of the coolest places in Ontario was once called Hens and Chickens Harbour? While its name is now Collingwood, that ode to the past can still be found along one of the town’s trails. Set on the picturesque shores of Georgian Bay and flanked by the Blue Mountains, Collingwood is a scenic destination in Ontario with a wealth to offer visitors. You’ll find a host of things to do in Collingwood and Southern Georgian Bay. There are plenty of adventures to be found all year round, from skiing in the winter to hiking in the summer, as well as a charming downtown to explore. There’s something here for everyone!

How to Get to Collingwood?

Depending on where you’re travelling from, Collingwood Ontario is easy to access. Located within Simcoe County, on the edges of Grey County, you can arrive into town via Highway 26 or from County Road 42 or 124. Considered the gateway to The Blue Mountains, Collingwood is flanked by the mountains to the west, Georgian Bay to the north and the scenic rolling hills of both Grey and Simcoe County to the south.

Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip from Toronto or a great stop on an Ontario road trip, Collingwood is a perfect location. Toronto to Collingwood is approximately two hour and from Niagara Falls it’s approximately three hours north if you’re driving. You can also fly into Collingwood from the Toronto Pearson International Airport, the Toronto Island Airport, the Hamilton Airport, and the Waterloo Region Airport. The Collingwood Regional Airport is only ten minutes from downtown.

3 Reasons Why You Should Visit

There is endless reasons to travel to Collingwood! It may be famous for skiing, the epic Scenic Caves and one of the most beloved pottery companies in Canada, Blue Mountain pottery, but this incredible town has so much more to offer! Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend away or a fun family destination then let me help you plan a Collingwood getaway!

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Nature at Your Fingertips

Collingwood and the surrounding area of South Georgian Bay is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll find endless outdoor activities all year long that range from beautiful hiking trails to lovely rivers to paddle and some of the best skiing in Ontario.

Small Towns Nearby

Another big reason to visit Collingwood is that it’s surrounded by so many incredible small towns. Whether you’re looking for cute boutiques to browse or just like wandering charming small towns then you’ll love all the gems in the area.

Some of the Best Restaurants

Calling all foodies! There are a ton of amazing restaurants in Collingwood that range from casual dining to incredible international cuisine and you’ll even find some fun food trucks too! So, no matter what your diet says or your belly craves you’ll find some fabulous fare in Collingwood.

10 Best Things to do in Collingwood

Explore all the best that Collingwood has to offer! For day trippers and those looking to plan a longer stay, there are so many great things to do in Collingwood. Enjoy all the amazing outdoor adventures that are at your fingertips or throw on your walking shoes and enjoy all the best that Collingwood’s downtown has to offer.

Explore Downtown

Collingwood has one of the best downtowns in Ontario! It’s full of incredible architecture, cute cafes and shops, and fabulous restaurants and art. And a great way to explore any downtown, including Collingwood’s, is to take a walking tour. You’ll find a host of self-guided walking tours for Collingwood including three that share its history. You’ll find a range of architectural styles from Beaux-Arts to Venetian.

The main drag of Collingwood’s downtown can be found along Hurontario Street between First and Fourth Streets. This stretch is home to so many great shops and boutiques like Clerkson’s Home Store and Cottage Friends. You’ll also find a second-hand book shop, which is a must for any downtown in this book lover’s opinion! On the corner of Second and Pine Streets, you’ll find the Downtown Collingwood Farmers’ Market. Running every Saturday from the Victoria Day long weekend until Thanksgiving it’s a great place to stop for some fresh produce and other local goods.

Downtown Collingwood is also full of inspiring art! Along with all of the murals and art pieces throughout Collingwood, you’ll also find a couple of great galleries. One of which is the Butter Gallery that showcases contemporary Canadian painters and artisans. So be sure to pop in!

Waterfront Trail

Collingwood is home to over 60 kilometres of trails that are great for walkers, cyclists and skiers alike. So, if you’re looking for activities in Collingwood, one great trail to enjoy during your visit is the Waterfront Trail. This trail is actually part of the Great Lake Waterfront Trail that stretches for over 3000 kilometres around Ontario’s lakeshore communities. The fragment running through Collingwood is 17 kilometres long and made up of various terrain, from pavement to gravel path.

The Waterfront Trail doesn’t have to be completed in one go, though it easily can by bicycle or during a long distance hike. The great part about the trail is that you can break it up into sections and use it to explore parts of Collingwood and its awesome parks like Sunset Point Beach, Millennium Park and Harbourview Park. Along the trail that runs through Harbourview Park you’ll find one of the most scenic boardwalks in Ontario. Winding through forest and marshland, the trail also takes you out to a gazebo with sweeping views of Georgian Bay and the iconic Collingwood Terminals.

Blue Mountain Village

One of the top attractions in Collingwood is the charming little village of Blue Mountain. Located 15 minutes west of Collingwood, Blue Mountain Village is where you’ll find adorable shops, fabulous restaurants and plenty of things to do all year long. Blue Mountain is also home to the largest mountain resort in Ontario, making it the perfect place to stay.

There is so many things to do in Blue Mountain Village, you can easily spend the entire day there. You can wander the colourful buildings, browse the shops – including a Christmas one, enjoy lunch and dinner at one of the great restaurants and even pop into one of the spas for a little pampering. During the summer there are also a bunch of great hiking trails, lookouts and adventure activities in and around the Village. A few other things you’ve got to add you’re your itinerary include; getting pampered at Scandinave Spa, try the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster and enjoy the views from the open-air gondola.

Address: 156 Jozo Weider Blvd, The Blue Mountains, ON

Collingwood Museum

If you’re looking for a little history fun or things to do in Collingwood indoors then be sure to pop into the Collingwood Museum. The museum is located right downtown in an incredible reconstruction of the original train station from 1873. There is a range of exhibits within covering everything from the area’s shipbuilding history to paintings from a local artist with a connection with the Group of Seven. There’s so much more, like statues, a bill from a sawtooth shark as well as interactive displays.

Don’t forget to explore the grounds of the Collingwood Museum too! Right beside the museum you’ll find Memorial Park as well as one of Collingwood’s hiking trails. The Trail running past the museum is the Collingwood Train Trail running along part of the old railway line. It’s 12 kilometres and stretches to Clearview.

Address: 45 St Paul St, Collingwood, ON

Bike the Georgian Trail

Another must Collingwood activity is hopping on a bicycle and traversing the Georgian Trail. While you can walk the trail it’s a popular cycling route. And jumping on a bike is a great way to explore Collingwood and the area. The Georgian Trail is 34 kilometres and runs from Collingwood’s waterfront to the charming small towns of Thornbury and Meaford. The trail runs along the old Northern Railway line that stretches next to the incredible Georgian Bay shoreline.

The Georgian Trail is packed with scenic opportunities and things to do along the way. Along with exploring the areas it runs through you can also access beautiful sandy beaches, parks and a host of great food stops like Surf Café and Thornbury Village Cider and Brew House. You’ll find numerous viewpoints, cross bridges and there are a bunch of access points if you don’t feel like tackling the whole trail at once.

Watch the Sunset at Sunset Point Park

Collingwood is home to so many great parks. One that should be on your list is Sunset Point Park which’s located right along the waterfront. The park is located on Nottawasaga Bay and is a popular spot for windsurfers, bicyclists passing through and others looking for a beautiful and relaxing spot for a stroll or a picnic. The park is home to The Chipper which is a local favourite fry stand.

There are two things that Sunset Point Beach Park is known for. The first is, yes, you guessed it, the sunsets! Many flock to the park for that picture-perfect sunset over the bay. Another icon of the park and Collingwood is the Inukshuk. Inukshuks are manmade stone landmarks originally made by the Inuit and other Indigenous people from the Arctic region of North America. This large one stands along the shoreline.

Address: 35 St Lawrence St, Collingwood, ON

Collingwood Arboretum

Another beautiful park in Collingwood is the Collingwood Arboretum. Found with Harbourview Park, the Arboretum is full of a wide range of tree species, all of which are tagged and named. The park covers over five acres and has winding trails that are perfect for a casual stroll or to enjoy on bike. Wandering through the Arboretum you’ll see the various indigenous species to the area and North America as well as learn about the area’s past.

Along with the over 170 trees planet in the Arboretum there are a few other gems. Like the Friendship Gardens and one of the newest features, the Awen’ Gathering Place. This sacred spot was created to recognize the First Nations people who have called this area home since time immemorial. It’s meant to aid in the Seven Grandfather Teachings that help guide the Anishinaabe in living a good and peaceful life. Be sure to spend some time here and appreciate the land and those who have nourished it before us.

Address: 6 Hickory Street #3E5 off, First St, Collingwood, ON

Scenic Caves

The biggest Collingwood attraction is Scenic Caves. The Scenic Caves is a year round adventure park that is full of fun things to do. Located just outside Collingwood, the park is set on part of the Niagara Escarpment which is home to some of the most incredible places in Ontario, like the Bruce Trail and a ton of waterfalls. Because of this landscape you’ll find amazing caves and caverns with which to explore. One of the biggest highlights at Scenic Caves is hiking through the caves and particularly “Fat Man’s Misery”, a slim cave path that is not for the faint of heart.

Another top attraction is the Suspension Bridge that is the longest in Ontario! Running 420 feet long and hanging over 80 feet above the forest floor the bridge offers an epic 360 degree view over a stunning 10,000 square kilometres. And there is more of fun activities to be enjoyed at Scenic Caves including over 15 kilometres of hiking trails, ziplines, a Children’s Adventure Playgrounds, Mini-Golf and Gemstone Mining. The park is also open in the winter for more snow-filled activities like cross country skiing, snowshoeing and you can even cross the bridge for a view of the area under a white blanket. And if you’re looking for awesome fall views be sure to visit to take in the incredible colours of autumn in Ontario!

Address: 260 Scenic Caves Rd, The Blue Mountains, ON

Hunt for Art

There are so many incredible artsy towns in Ontario, like Huntsville, Orillia, Stratford and Collingwood is on that list too! Throughout the downtown you’ll find a ton of great art in various forms, from murals to sculptures. Over the years there have been pop-up art installations like painted pianos and hand-painted Muskoka chairs. Just another reason to keep coming back! If you’re anything like me and always on the hunt for street art then you’re in luck in Collingwood. And if you’re looking for free things to do in Collingwood then this is for you!

Many of the murals can be found along Hurontario Street as well as along the side streets off of there. One of the oldest murals can be found just as you turn down Hurontario Street off of Highway 26, on the southwest corner. Here you’ll find Side Launch, a massive boat mural from 2000 that celebrates the area’s shipping history. Another stretch of murals can be found along Side Launch Way. There’s also a temporary run of murals along Huron Street created by local artists in 2000 to inspire hope and happiness during the pandemic.

For more information on the murals and sculptures, as well as a map on where to find them all, click here.

Related Post: Where to Find Street Art in Ontario

Explore Small Towns Nearby

There are so many great small towns in Ontario and a few gems can be found close to Collingwood. Two must-visit small towns to visit while in Collingwood are Thornbury and Meaford. Both are located just west of town and are also set along the shores of Georgian Bay. The closest, Thornbury is about 20 minutes west along Highway 26. This adorable spot has more to offer than you might think. Along with a bunch of great cafes, shops and parks there’s also part of the Georgian Bay Trail. Part of the even crosses the historic Thornbury Wooden Trestle Bridge.

The other must-visit small town is Meaford. Located approximately 35 minutes west of Collingwood, Meaford is also home to adorable shops and great restaurants like The Leeky Canoe. A wander through Meaford will charm your socks off with its historical buildings, beautiful trails like the Tom Thomson Trail and the beginning of the Georgian Bay Trail. There’s also a museum and just outside of town you’ll find an incredible view from Irish Mountain Lookout – a must-stop on any fall drive through the area.

More Collingwood Attractions

There are so many more attractions in Collingwood to add to your list of things to do when visiting. From amazing Ontario farm-fresh produce to incredible boat tours of Georgian Bay, there’s so much in store for a Collingwood getaway!

Labyrinth

Within Harbourview Park you’ll find one of the hidden gems in Collingwood! Made up of 27,000 bricks that were removed from historic downtown Collingwood during reconstruction, the Collingwood Labyrinth was created. Unlike the fun and carefree maze, a labyrinth is more meaningful and meant to allow for contemplation. This Labyrinth is based on the worth renowned Chartres Cathedral labyrinth in France and makes for a fun experience for kids or a meditative one for adults.

Visit Currie’s Farm

One of the best farms to visit near Collingwood is Currie’s Farm. This historic farm has been in operation for over 150 years in the same family and is located 5 minutes west of downtown. In 1957 they grew and started Currie’s Farm Market. Here you can purchase fresh Ontario-grown produce as well as other tasty goods like their pies and Raspberry Honey Jam. These conscientious farmers try to not let anything go to waste and also offer organic produce.

Tremont Studios

Following the theme of the arts in Collingwood, another great place to visit is the Tremont Studios. If you’re looking to explore one of Collingwood’s historic buildings and looking for a little art too then this is the place. Located downtown, the Tremont Studios building dates back to 1889. It’s home to a number of working studios for artists as well as an art gallery full of incredible Canadian art.

Enjoy a Boat Tour

For those looking for a little adventure on the water then OSM Adventure Travel offers all the best tours in the South Georgian Bay area. And if you’re up for a boat tour they have some awesome options. If a guided fishing tour is something you’d like to try then be sure to book with them, they’re considered the best Collingwood fishing charters. For Collingwood date night ideas consider their Sunset Cruise. This 1.5-hour long cruise takes you around the bay, out to the lighthouse and regales you with stories of the area’s intriguing history. If you’re looking to dive right into South Georgian Bay waters then try their Shipwreck of the Mary Ward tour that takes you out the 140-year-old wreck where you can dive or snorkel this incredible wreck.

Seasonal Collingwood Things to Do

All year long there are awesome things to do in Collingwood but then there are those seasonal activities that are even more special because their time is limited. So, whether you’re planning to visit Collingwood in the winter, summer or during the fall, here are some amazing seasonal Collingwood things to do!

Go for a Paddle

Summer in Collingwood means getting out on the water and there are so many great places to paddle in the area. Beyond the obvious waters of Georgian Bay, you can paddle the Nottawasaga River and the Beaver River as well as a few other great little spots. And if you don’t have your own gear or are a novice and want to get a lesson or join a tour then you’re in luck. There are a bunch of great tour companies that offer rentals and tours, like Free Spirit Tours and Eagle Adventure Experiences. To discover all the info you need to plan your next paddle check out these amazing paddle routes.

South Bay Fields Lavender Farm

There are so many wonderful lavender farms in Ontario and one can be found in Collingwood! If you want to live out that slice of Provence in Ontario then a visit to a lavender farm is a must in the summer! Just minutes south of Collingwood you’ll find South Bay Fields. This lovely 18-acre family-owned and operated lavender farm is home to seven different varieties of lavender and some 4000 plants.

Apple Pie Trail

Fall in Collingwood means the apples are ripe for picking and eating! If you love anything apple flavoured, be it apple pie or apple cider, then you’ll love the Apple Pie Trail. The South Georgian Bay area is a long history with apple growing and every year you can explore the area and its apple goodies by following the Trail. The Apple Pie Trail consists of a variety of stops at local restaurants, orchards, distilleries and more to try their apple-inspired treats and experiences. There’s even an app and map to help you plan your Apple Pie adventure!

Fall Drive

There are so many great places to experience fall in Ontario and Collingwood is one of them! If you’re looking for some scenic fall drive destinations in the Collingwood area you’ll find them around every bend. There are a bunch of great routes for scenic fall drives in the area, like north along Simcoe County Road 124, Grey County Road 19 and Grey County Road 2. If you’re looking for a great fall lookout spot then head over to Irish Mountain Lookout, only a 35 minute drive along ON-26 northwest of Collingwood.

See the Holiday Lights

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Collingwood in December then head to Blue Mountain Village! Here, you’ll find one of the best light displays in Ontario! Every year Blue Mountain decks out the village with dazzling festive lights. Holiday Magic at Blue Mountain invites you to wander around the village and Mill Pond upon a magical path called the Holiday Light Trail! At one kilometre it’s an easy stroll for all ages!

Hit the Slopes

Winter in Collingwood is all about the slopes! Collingwood is one of the best destinations to plan a winter getaway in Ontario! Whether you’re looking to ski, snowboard or go tubing there are a bunch of great places to go skiing near Collingwood. A few places close by to beat the winter blues area Devil’s Glen, Georgian Peaks and the most popular – Blue Mountain Resort. At Blue Mountain Resort you can stay and play! There are nearly 30 kilometres of slopes with elevations of 230 and 450 metres. The season usually runs between mid-December and March, depending on the weather.

Things to do near Collingwood

With the perfect location right on the edge of Simcoe County and Grey County along Georgian Bay, Collingwood is surrounded by a wealth of incredible places. If you’re planning to spend a few days in town and looking for more things to do near Collingwood then you’ll find more great options below!

Visit Creemore

Another great small town near Collingwood that is a must-visit is Creemore. Located less than 25 minutes south, Creemore has a charming and historic downtown. This picturesque town is home to adorable cafes, cute shops, a brewery and some fantastic restaurants. But this small town has so much more! There are nearby walking trails as well as a few historic buildings – one of which is possibly Ontario’s smallest jail!

Chase Waterfalls

Don’t listen to TLC’s advice! I encourage you to go chasing waterfalls in Grey County! The area is home to at least a dozen waterfalls that range from cascades to river rapids. All of them are worth a visit! A few waterfalls near Collingwood that you should visit are Eugenia Falls, Hoggs Falls and Hilts Falls. All of these are close to each other and less than an hour away from Collingwood.

Head to the Beach

If you’re planning to visit Collingwood in the summer and need a beach day you’ll find a few great options! One of the top beaches in Ontario is Wasaga Beach. Just 20 minutes east of Collingwood, Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world! Set along 14 kilometres of the southern shores of Georgian Bay, Wasaga Beach is an ideal day trip from Collingwood to soak in the sand, sun and surf! A couple of other beaches near Collingwood are Northwinds Beach and the Blue Mountain Beach Club which is only for Blue Mountain Resort guests.

Hiking

While Collingwood is home to over 60 kilometres of trails there are so many more great places to hike nearby! One of Ontario’s best trails runs close to Collingwood! The Bruce Trail. You’ll find some of the best Bruce Trail day hikes nearby. A few great places to hike near Collingwood that’s under half an hour away are Loree Forest, Pretty River Provincial Park, Osler Bluffs and Nottawasaga Lookout Provincial Park. Other awesome parks that just a little further away that should be on your radar are Duncan Escarpment, Noisy River Provincial Park, Kolapore Uplands and Nottawasaga Bluffs.

Where to Eat in Collingwood

It doesn’t matter what your belly is craving because there are a ton of great restaurants in Collingwood to feed your craving! Many restaurants can be found downtown and range from fine dining to tasty pub grub. A few great restaurants include Black Bellows Brewing, 1858 Caesar Bar and the Tremont Café. If you’re looking to wet your whistle consider a visit to Side Launch Brewing Company or Georgian Hills Vineyards & Winery.

For those like myself who are fueled by coffee and sweet treats then you’ll love all the cute cafes and treat stops in Collingwood! Get your donut and ice cream fix at Nicky’s Doughnuts. For fabulous coffee shops add Summit Social House Coffee & Bites and Espresso Post & Gibson & Company to your list. And for those looking for one of the best funnel cakes in Ontario head over to Kiki’s Funnel Cakes FUN Fair Food Truck that’s located in the Canadian Tire parking lot seasonally.

Where to Stay in Collingwood

You’ll find a fabulous selection of places to stay in Collingwood! Whether you’re looking for a resort that has a wealth of things to offer or a cozy cabin on the water you’ll find it in and around Collingwood.

Blue Mountain Resort – One of the best resorts in Ontario, Blue Mountain Resort offers a range of accommodation options. One of which is the Westin Trillium House that has the option of one or two bedrooms, a kitchenette and a balcony with views of either the mountains or the village. There’s also an on-site restaurant, Oliver and Bonacini Café Grill.

Georgian Bay Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham – Another great resort near Collingwood is the Georgian Bay Hotel. Located a short drive from downtown and close to Blue Mountain Village this is a fabulous family-friendly resort. Amenities include an indoor pool, golf course, on-site spa (The Spa at Georgian) and a great restaurant, Gustav Chophouse. Along with beautiful rooms you’ll find tennis courts, a playground and an outdoor pool

Holiday Inn Express & Suites – If you’re looking to stay close to downtown Collingwood then book your stay at the new Holiday Inn Express. Located within walking distance to many of the downtown attractions and restaurants you’ll love the location and modern rooms. The hotel also has an indoor pool, fitness centre and offers a buffet breakfast.

If you’re looking for something different there are a variety of vacation rentals in Collingwood and the surrounding area. One of which is located in a stunning 1912 home that’s been converted to a boutique hotel. The Premium Studio is one of the incredible suites at the VanderMarck Boutique Hotel. Located right downtown, this beautiful open concept suite has a gas fireplace, kitchenette and a spa-like bathroom. For more options on where to stay in Collingwood click on the map below.

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