An easy drive from Toronto, set upon the serene shores of Georgian Bay, Collingwood is a true four-season destination. Indulge in popular outdoor activities, stroll through the town's cobblestoned core, or turn it up at the legendary après-ski parties. Collingwood cottage rentals are aplenty, and serve as an excellent base to explore the region.
Hearty Meals and High Spirits
Collingwood is full of quality food and drink. Tuck into the region's freshest produce, including delicious meats, cheeses, baked goods, and berries at the Downtown Collingwood Farmers' Market. With two locations at Collingwood and Blue Mountain Resort, the Northwinds Brewhouse & Kitchen is all about quality hand-crafted beers and chef-prepared delicacies. Clam chowder, bacon caesar salad, and meatloaf sandwiches are big favorites.
A Collingwood institution, the family-run Fish & Sips restaurant entices visitors with offerings like fresh-cut fries, hand-breaded calamari, homemade chowder, and Scottish meat pie. Cider aficianados should check out the bottling cottage at Duntroon Cyder House which produces classic, crisp English ciders, bottled and ready to take home. Finally, there's Jozo's Original Après, locally referred to as an original après hot spot. Catch the latest sporting event here, or make new friends at their high-energy après-ski parties.
Art in Historic Collingwood
Begin your cultural sojourn on Collingwood's main drag, Hurontario Street, whose buildings sport Edwardian and Victorian architectural elements. Trace the town's evolution from shipbuilding hub to the glamorous ski resort of today, at the Collingwood Museum, housed inside a 19th-century train station. Look for First Nations artwork here as well. Downtown Collingwood is also home to the 19th-century St Mary's Church. The stained glass windows are a sight to behold.
To satisfy your art fix, step into Tremont Studios, housed inside a renovated old hotel. The working artists are happy to engage with visitors, and the terrace café is a nice touch. On a similar note, Simcoe Street hosts over 25 art studios, in addition to vintage cafés, art galleries, a dance school, and black box theater. The Victorian Historic Gayety Theater, a fixture since 1911, makes for a fun evening out if you enjoy performances in an Art Deco setting.
Embrace the Outdoors
An all-weather destination, Collingwood has it covered all year round. Collingwood Charters offers fun waterfront tours where you can enjoy views of the harbour, the Nottawasaga Lighthouse, and the historic Escarpment. Active-minded visitors will love the Georgian Trail which runs 34km along Georgian Bay. The trail attracts casual joggers, bikers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers all year long. Also worth considering is a canoe trip to learn about the region's biodiversity and survival in the wild.
Winter is a fun time in Collingwood. Ontario's largest ski hill, Blue Mountain Resort offers 42 runs for downhill snowboarding and skiing, as well as the Woodview Mountaintop skating rink. Sip a hot chocolate or enjoy an après-ski party at the resort's charming base village. More fun awaits at the Wasaga Nordic & Trail Centre, where both new and experienced skiers can hit the slopes, with either skiing or snowshoeing. If golfing is your thing, stop by the stunning Cranberry Golf Course, set against a backdrop of snowcapped peaks and Georgian Bay. Come home to toasty Collingwood chalet rentals where you can recap the day's happenings.
Festivals and Parties—A Year-round Affair
The year kicks off in Collingwood with Winter Wonderland, where Blue Mountain Village is beautifully illuminated for visitors to stroll through the many shops, cafes, and bars. The LGBTQ-friendly Rainbow Ski Weekend in March is as fun as it gets with spirited performances, DJs, night long après-ski parties, and plenty of good music and food. Celebrate Canada's birthday every July at the Collingwood Festival for Canada, which plays out along the glorious harbour front. The family-friendly festival thrills visitors with its firework displays, live concerts and street entertainment.
Summer also features the Collingwood Elvis Festival, which attracts Elvis impersonators from all over the globe. You'd be forgiven for thinking that The King is well and alive! Mosaic World Music is a weekend event in August, jam-packed with music from different cultures, impromptu drumming sessions, fireworks, and scavenger hunts, among other activities. The year closes with the Collingwood Frozen in Time Festival, an absolute visual delight with its illuminated storytelling ice sculptures. Take an old-fashioned wagon ride through the downtown area, participate in an ice carving contest, or simply enjoy the music, food, and drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical availability of vacation rentals in Collingwood?
At the moment, there are 973 vacation homes from 11 different providers in Collingwood.
What are the most popular vacation home amenities in Collingwood?
When looking to book a vacation home in Collingwood, the most requested amenities include Pets allowed, Pool, and Internet.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Collingwood?
If you're travelling with a dog, over 28% of vacation rentals in Collingwood are pet-friendly.
What's the best month to book a vacation rental in Collingwood?
If you're looking for balmy weather, July and August are typically the hottest months in Collingwood with temperatures around 25 °C. January and February in Collingwood are the coldest, with -9 °C on average.