Framed by Georgian Bay on one side and the Niagara Escarpment on the other, Collingwood is made for being outside. It鈥檚 about two-and-a-half hours from 海角社区官网but feels further, in the best way. Trails start close to town, the air smells like pine, and the bay breeze cuts the heat.
The historic core is small and walkable, with a mix of art galleries, cocktail bars and indie shops, all set against a backdrop of handsome red-brick buildings. Beyond the downtown, the surrounding area offers plenty of ways to slow down, or raise your heart rate 鈥 the thrills of聽Blue Mountain are just about 15 minutes away.
Here are some of the best things to do in and around town:
Do a self-guided gallery crawl.聽Known for its creative streak, Collingwood throws a each September, but its galleries are worth visiting year-round. Start at , where the well-curated collection ranges from vibrant ski-scene paintings by Steve Tracy to earthy, wheel-thrown porcelain by Susan Card. A short walk away, features boldly coloured Canadian landscape paintings and abstract sculptures. For a behind-the-scenes experience, visit ; the street-level gallery shares space with a dozen working artists upstairs in the historic Tremont building.
Tap into small-town spa culture. Collingwood鈥檚 wellness scene is rooted in its surroundings, with a focus on simplicity, stillness and fresh air over flash. At , the Nordic-style circuit invites you to alternate between a steamy sauna and icy plunge pools. In summer, the studio hosts movement classes on a well-tended lawn, with space to move, sun on your skin, and nothing but the sound of the breeze. Or head to , where treatments such as red light therapy and immersive meditation pods are offered in a cosy, community-focused space.
Endswell Beer and Later Pizza are located under the same roof, so you can pair聽the small-batch beers with a Brooklyn-style pie.
Kianna SunshinePair a craft pint with a slice. Whether you come for hops, carbs or both, 鈥檚 wood-accented taproom is a welcoming spot to refuel. Expect approachable, small-batch beers such as English ales, crisp lagers and easy-drinking pilsners. The brewery shares space with , a Brooklyn-style outfit known for chewy crusts and playful toppings like marinated zucchini with chimichurri. Grab a table inside or snag a picnic bench on the patio.
Nicky鈥檚 Doughnuts & Ice Cream offers desserts in flavours you鈥檙e unlikely to see elsewhere.
Nicky鈥檚 Doughnuts & Ice CreamTreat yourself to inventive desserts. 础迟听, the pillowy handmade doughnuts come in flavours both classic and creative. Past hits include the orange hibiscus and the ube glaze, while聽a mainstay is the pink-iced Homer, which is reminiscent聽of an old-school sprinkle doughnut. The house-made ice cream is equally original, with flavours you鈥檙e unlikely to see elsewhere, such as turon (made with banana and jackfruit like the Filipino dessert) and sweet corn blueberry cream cheese. Stroll over to nearby Optimist Harbourview Park to enjoy your treats while taking in bay views.聽
Go for a therapeutic nature hike.聽Hiking here feels especially meditative, particularly on a forest therapy walk led by local outfitter . Their gentle treks, from 90 minutes to three hours, wind through woodlands like the George Christie Nature Trails or Metcalfe Rock, while focusing on mindfulness, breath work and tuning into your surroundings. Prefer to go solo? The 3.4-kilometre George Christie loop is also easy to navigate on your own and offers a peaceful dose of nature just minutes from downtown.
Kettlewells Vintiques & Florals is the spot for eclectic antiques.
Kettlewells Vintiques & FloralsHunt for one-of-a-kind finds. Collingwood鈥檚 vintage and thrift scene is small but full of character. Browse the fashion racks at聽, where you might chance upon labels such as Gucci. Continue north on Hurontario and you鈥檒l hit , where thrift meets curated vintage in a cheerful, boho-style space (think: everything from chunky 鈥90s jewelry to ethically made handbags from brands like Pokoloko). Within a short drive, is worth the detour for its mix of fresh-cut blooms and eclectic antiques, like salvaged corbels, wrought-iron patio sets and weathered wood tables.
Low Down is an unpretentious bar with a sunny patio downtown.
Night Owl PhotoPeople-watch from the patio. nails the sweet spot between cool and unpretentious. This Simcoe Street bar serves sippable cocktails and a front-row seat to downtown foot traffic from its sunny patio. On the Asian-inspired menu, the Coco Loco Bowl hits all the right summery notes with coconut jasmine rice, charred pineapple and pickled chilies. Cocktails rotate monthly, but the minty, tequila-based Hotel Lobby is a reliable standout (and just $10 during Happy Hour).聽
A day pass at聽Blue Mountain Resort grants access to its adventure-park activities like the聽Wind Rider Triple Zips, shown.
Blue Mountain ResortHead to the kid-friendly attraction. Only about 15 minutes from Collingwood, isn鈥檛 just for skiers. A summer all-access day pass grants entry to more than a dozen activities, including the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster and the Timber Challenge High Ropes, a network of swinging bridges and zip lines. At the Mill Pond Activity Centre, rent a water trike and cruise across the pond. Prefer a slower pace? Hop on the gondola for dramatic views of Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment. (Pass pricing varies by guest age; book online in advance for better rates.)
If you stay: is a stylish, 10-room boutique property in a restored century home, with both vintage charm and modern comforts. Relax in the on-site thermal spa circuit, or wind down at Brooky鈥檚, the intimate wine bar.
WHERE CHEFS EAT: Chef Jeremy Austin鈥檚 favourites in Collingwood
Want more food and drink recommendations for Collingwood? The Star asked chef聽Jeremy Austin of聽the Pine聽to share some of his favourites.
Chef聽Jeremy Austin is the co-owner of the Michelin-starred Pine, right.
Frances BeattyAfter spending time cooking in Hong Kong, China and Italy, Austin returned to Canada. He opened in Collingwood in 2020 and quickly established a reputation for elegant tasting menus. Since then, his restaurant has moved to nearby Creemore 鈥 and earned a Michelin star 鈥 where he continues to serve a refined, multi-course experience shaped by local ingredients. When you鈥檙e in Collingwood, here are just a few of Austin鈥檚 go-to places to eat and drink.
: 鈥淚t鈥檚 a little Brooklyn-style pizza place. They have a wicked patio in the summertime. Everything is delicious. I always get the classic Bello Pizza, and my wife loves the mozza sticks. The gnocco fritto is really nice, too. They have great cocktails and it鈥檚 a nice, chill vibe.鈥
Austin鈥檚 recommendations include the Tremont Cafe inside聽the Dorchester Hotel.
The Tremont Cafe: 鈥淭hey do some really nice Wagyu if you鈥檙e looking to splurge. It鈥檚 part of the Dorchester Hotel, and the menu is sort of Lebanese-Italian fusion. It鈥檚 fine dining 鈥 great cocktails, great service and a beautiful atmosphere. The cocktails are fairly classic, so I鈥檒l usually get a Negroni.鈥
: 鈥淥ne of my favourite things about it is the location: You have to go down a brick alleyway to get to it, and it makes you feel like you鈥檙e part of a secret. They have nice coffee. I tend to do iced lattes in the summer and cappuccinos in the winter. They also source amazing wines from all over the world.鈥
The menu at Georgian Bay Surf Club includes must-have duck wings.
Jessica Crandlemire: 鈥淭hey have an interesting approach, doing 鈥榮urf鈥 cuisine from all over the world. The duck wings are a must, and the duck sandwich is amazing, too. The chef鈥檚 family owns King Cole Ducks, and what he does with ducks is pretty remarkable. The space is modern with beautiful interior design.鈥
Northwinds Brewery serves up聽Detroit-style pizza along with its beers.
Northwinds Brewery: 鈥淚t鈥檚 a local brew pub (with) a log cabin-like vibe, and I have a great meal every time I go. Their smash burger is delicious. They do Detroit-style pizza as well. It鈥檚 crispy on the bottom, almost like a focaccia pizza. I like their Nosy Parker Porter, although all the beers are good.鈥
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