Top 10 Things to Do in Collingwood, Ontario: Hiking Trails, Shopping, Waterfront Views & Nearby Small Towns

Our relaxed, early morning travel style is something we love, so much so, we wrote a blog and 2 free downloadable travel guides on it, “Your Daily Slow Travel Planner + Bonus Slow Morning Blueprint” request your free copies at the top of the page or through one of our pop ups.

For more on Collingwood, checkout our upcoming posts “5-Day Itinerary for Collingwood, Ontario: Hiking, Shopping, Villages, & Beaches” (July 7^th), and “Travel Guide to Collingwood, Ontario: Where to Stay, Eat, & Essential Tips” (July 14^th).

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Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a booking or purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend places, experiences, and products that we have personally used or genuinely believe add value to a trip.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction to Collingwood
2. 10 Top Things to do in Collingwood
3. References
4. The Wrap Up

1. Introduction to Collingwood:

Nestled along the southern shores of Georgian Bay, Collingwood is one of Ontario’s most charming four-season destinations and only about 2 hours north of Toronto. Known for its stunning waterfront, outdoor adventures, vibrant downtown, and proximity to Blue Mountain, Collingwood offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to spend your days hiking scenic trails, skiing, browsing local boutiques, enjoying small-town charm, or simply soaking in breathtaking views of Georgian Bay, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Having visited Collingwood multiple times over the years, we’ve discovered that some of the best experiences aren’t always the most obvious. Beyond the popular attractions, you’ll find hidden caves, quiet trails, historic landmarks, and neighbouring communities that are well worth exploring. Here are our top 10 things to do in and around Collingwood.

2. Top 10 Things to do in Collingwood:

1. Shop Along Historic Downtown Collingwood-

Downtown Collingwood is one of the most walkable and picturesque shopping districts in Ontario. The historic main street (Hurontario St.) is lined with beautifully preserved nineteenth-century buildings housing unique boutiques, home décor shops, wellness shops, bookstores, art galleries, and specialty food stores.

Unlike larger shopping centres, downtown Collingwood offers a truly local experience where you can discover one-of-a-kind gifts, meet local business owners, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon browsing. Be sure to stop into one of the many cafés or bakeries while you’re exploring. A couple of our favourite shops to visit are Blue Mountain Tea, and the Body Bar Apothecary & Wellness Studio, they offer all kinds of relaxing treatments and sell wonderful skin care products, we had a hand scrub while we were there, which we really enjoyed, worth the stop.

2. Go Hiking and Explore the Local Trails-

If you love the outdoors, Collingwood is a fantastic base for hiking adventures. One of the most popular routes is the Georgian Trail, a 34-kilometre multi-use trail that follows a former railway line between Collingwood and Meaford. The trail offers beautiful views of Georgian Bay, peaceful forests, wetlands, and charming small towns along the way. It’s perfect for walking, cycling, and photography throughout the year.

For those looking for something a little more adventurous, Scenic Caves Nature Adventures offers a network of trails winding through forests, caves, and dramatic lookouts overlooking Georgian Bay. There suspension bridge provides one of the best panoramic views in the region and is particularly beautiful during the fall colours.

Another lesser-known gem is the Singhampton Caves area, located a short drive south of Collingwood. These unique limestone caves and surrounding trails offer a quieter hiking experience and a chance to explore the geological history of the Niagara Escarpment.

Closer to town, the Collingwood waterfront trail system provides a relaxing walk along the bay with beautiful views, public art installations, and access to several parks and beaches. It’s especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.

3. Visit the Terminals-

The Collingwood Terminals have become one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks. Originally built as grain terminals in the 1930s, the massive concrete structures served as an important part of Collingwood’s industrial waterfront and shipping history. For decades, ships transported grain and other goods through Georgian Bay, helping support the local economy.

Today, the Terminals stand as a reminder of Collingwood’s maritime and industrial heritage. While redevelopment plans continue to evolve, the site remains a popular photography subject and an iconic feature of the waterfront. Many locals view the Terminals as an important symbol of the town’s past and a connection to generations of shipbuilders, workers, and families who helped shape Collingwood. Located in Millennium Park, between the Arboretum and Sunset Point Beach, also another great place for sunrise/sunset watching.

4. Experience Sunrise/Sunset at Sunset Point Park-

Sunset Point Park is one of the most beautiful waterfront parks in the region. Located right along Georgian Bay, the park offers open green spaces, walking paths, picnic areas, and spectacular views of the water.

As the name suggests, it’s one of the best places in town to watch the sunset. On clear evenings, the sky often lights up with brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple that reflects across Georgian Bay, but it is also a great place for a beautiful, quiet sunrise. It’s a favourite gathering place for both visitors and locals.

5. Explore the Collingwood Arboretum-

Tucked along the waterfront near Sunset Point Park, the Collingwood Arboretum is a peaceful place to enjoy nature. The arboretum features walking paths, mature trees, gardens, and beautiful views of Georgian Bay.

It’s particularly lovely in spring and early summer when many of the trees and flowering plants are in bloom. The quiet atmosphere makes it an ideal place for photography, birdwatching, or simply taking a break from a busy day of sightseeing. We enjoyed watching and taking photos of the swans here.

6. Visit Blue Mountain Resort-

No trip to Collingwood would be complete without spending some time at Blue Mountain. Located just minutes from downtown, the resort is one of Ontario’s most popular year-round destinations.

During the winter, visitors come for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. In the warmer months, Blue Mountain offers hiking trails, mountain biking, golf, ziplining, and scenic gondola rides. The pedestrian village is filled with restaurants, shops, patios, and entertainment, making it a fun destination even if you’re not participating in outdoor activities. Some fun food stops we enjoyed are Beaver Tails, and the Greekery Café.

7. Treat Yourself to Norm’s Ice Cream-

A visit to Collingwood isn’t complete without stopping at Norm’s Ice Cream. A beloved local institution, Norm’s has been serving frozen treats to residents and visitors for generations. What began as a small family-run ice cream stand in Wasaga Beach has become a summer tradition for countless families visiting the area. Recently they added a second location in Collingwood, at 38 Pine St.

Known for generous portions, classic flavours, endless add-in possibilities, and a nostalgic atmosphere, making it very popular and busy on warm summer evenings. Whether you choose a simple cone or one of their specialty creations, it’s the perfect way to cool off after a day of exploring. We made 2 visits during our last week long trip, and look forward to our next visit. 

8. Take a Short Drive to Nottawa-

Just a few minutes south of Collingwood, Nottawa is one of those charming small communities that many visitors overlook. Despite its size, the village offers plenty of character and is worth a stop.

The Nottawa General Store has become a local favourite, offering a mix of groceries, baked goods, coffee, and specialty items, as well as a cafe. It’s fun to simply spend some time here and explore. Next door, you’ll find a delightful cottage-style bookstore that invites visitors to slow down and browse, if you’re a book lover this is the place for you. The peaceful rural setting and friendly atmosphere make Nottawa a perfect side trip from Collingwood.

9. Visit Wasaga Beach –

Only about twenty minutes from Collingwood, Wasaga Beach is home to the world’s longest freshwater beach. Stretching for 14 kilometres along the shores of Georgian Bay, it’s one of Ontario’s most popular summer destinations, but keep in mind that it can get quite busy in July and August.

The beach offers soft sand, shallow warm water, and plenty of space for swimming, walking, and relaxing. The sunsets here are spectacular, and the beach provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography throughout the year.

10. Explore Thornbury-

Located west of Collingwood along Georgian Bay, Thornbury is another charming town that deserves a place on your itinerary. Known for its boutique shopping, excellent cafés, art galleries, and a waterfront setting, Thornbury offers a slower pace and plenty of small-town charm. We had lunch at the Thornbury Bakery Café, a local landmark since 1901, and really enjoyed it.

The Georgian Trail runs directly through Thornbury, making it an easy destination to reach by bike or on foot. Spend an afternoon exploring the shops, enjoying lunch at a local café, or strolling along the harbour. It’s a wonderful place to experience the relaxed atmosphere that makes this region so special.

3. References:

For our Collingwood Travel Series, we created our top things to do, itinerary, and tips and recommendations from our own experiences we had through multiple visits to this beautiful area, as well as recommendations from locals, which helped shape our adventure. In addition, we like to explore the official tourism websites, (Collingwood.ca) attraction sites, public transportation resources when needed (like buses, and ferries), and a few local food blogs to see what local foods piques our interest. Google Maps for driving and walking distances, and tour apps for any activities, like Get Your Guide, Viator or Expedia. We hope you find these top things to do helpful when planning your own adventure to this beautiful Canadian Town.

4. The Wrap Up:

Collingwood offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, small-town charm, waterfront beauty, and local history. Whether you’re hiking the Georgian Trail, watching the sunset over Georgian Bay, enjoying a scoop from Norm’s Ice Cream, or exploring nearby communities like Nottawa, Thornbury, and Wasaga Beach, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences waiting to be discovered.

No matter the season, Collingwood continues to be one of Ontario’s most rewarding destinations. Its combination of natural beauty, welcoming communities, and endless opportunities for exploration keeps visitors coming back year after year—and it’s easy to see why.

Our relaxed, early morning travel style is something we love, so much so, we wrote a blog and 2 free downloadable travel guides on it, “Your Daily Slow Travel Planner + Bonus Slow Morning Blueprint” request your free copies at the top of the page or through one of our pop ups.

Plan Better. Travel Slower. Capture More.

Thank you,

Beth

Beth de Verteuil

Wild Meadow Studio

Plan. Travel. Capture.

www.wildmeadowstudio.com