Collingwood

Collingwood offers a range of ways to shape your stay: waterfront walking trails, green spaces and opportunities for activities at the harbour sit alongside historic walks and ways to explore the town’s history. The accommodation that suits your trip therefore also depends on whether you’d most like to discover Collingwood on foot, with views of the harbour or through its history.

Trails and time outdoors

The Collingwood Trails Network includes more than 60 kilometres of multi-use recreational trails. The trails are for cyclists, walkers, joggers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. This range is useful for planning if you’re considering different activities during your stay. The George Christie Nature Trails also offer opportunities for hiking and cycling; in winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available too.

For a walk along the water, the Harbour Circle Route is one option: it is 4.2 kilometres long and follows the waterfront and boardwalk. The 5.8-kilometre East Circle Route passes through Sunset Point Park. The routes differ in length and in their described course. When planning your day, you can take into account both the distance and the character of each route.

Collingwood Arboretum is a park with paved and natural trails for hiking and cycling. Sunset Point is a waterfront destination with extensive green spaces, volleyball courts, access to waterfront trails, a snack bar area and washroom facilities. Those looking for views of Georgian Bay and Collingwood Harbour can find them at Millennium Park. The park also offers opportunities for picnicking, swimming and fishing.

The harbour and waterfront activities

The Port of Collingwood and the harbour area offer opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, fishing, hiking and paddling adventures. These activities add more options beyond the walking trails. When planning your accommodation, you can consider which of these interests you’d like to shape your stay;

Discover history and culture

More than 50 buildings in and around downtown illustrate historic milestones shaped by the railway, shipbuilding and agriculture. Collingwood’s Heritage Conservation District is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places. Four self-guided historic walks offer different titles and formats for exploring: Look Up Tour, Downtown Heritage Walk, West Heritage Walk and East Heritage Walk. The Discover Collingwood app can be used to explore the Heritage District.

The Collingwood Museum shares the community’s history through exhibitions, programs, events, archives and educational offerings. Its virtual First World War tour also features attractions on the museum grounds and in the historic downtown. Another virtual exhibition, “Hulls on Hurontario: Collingwood's Maritime Legacy,” focuses on Collingwood’s shipbuilding heritage and presents more than 100 photos, detailed text and audio content. These offerings provide different ways to explore the town’s history and maritime past.

Public art can also be part of your exploration: the town’s interactive map shows artworks throughout the community and lets you plan your own art tour. If you’re interested in local products, you can take a self-guided tour of craft beverages. Collingwood also offers locally produced, farm-fresh and artisan-made food and drink.

If you’d like to compare more places, you can also find Duntroon and Creemore here.

For the broader travel overview: Simcoe County.