Collingwood is an Ontario gem tucked away in the southern part of Georgian Bay. This area is full of rich history—how it was the location of a battle site between the Wyandot people and the Haudenosaunee, how Europeans settled here in 1835, or how the name itself commemorates an admirable of the Royal Navy who fought as Lord Nelson’s second-in-command at the famous Battle of Trafalgar. But, the remarkable history aside, we want to share the best times to visit Collingwood. Is it in the winter months when you can conquer the Blue Mountains, or is it when you can see the picturesque Collingwood Harbour in the summertime?
Winter in Collingwood
Collingwood is home to Ontario’s largest ski resort—Blue Mountain. Outdoor enthusiasts come from all over to make the Woodview Mountaintop Skating loop, perform a frozen slip and slide on frozen chutes at Hike N’ Tube, go on a hike on the Snowshoe Trails, or relax in the heated pools at the Plunge! Aquatic Centre. Of course, there are 365 acres to ski on, with 30 out of 42 runs lit for night skiing. If skiing isn’t for you, you can always explore the village that has everything you’ll ever need.
Collingwood is also home to fabulous wineries and orchards. Take a tour of a winery, a cidery, and a brewery and enjoy cool-climate wines and some ciders to warm you up on a snowy day. It’s an excellent area for a girls’ weekend away, an important date to celebrate or a family holiday.
Take your snowshoes and trek across the suspension bridge if you’re feeling more adventurous. It’s 420 feet long and suspends 82 feet above the forest. Once you’ve crossed it, you can boast to all your friends that you’ve walked across the longest suspension bridge in Southern Ontario. Afraid of heights? There’s still a lot to see in this 200-year-old forest, including winter owls, rabbits, and other wildlife, to fill up your wildlife bingo cards.
Summer in Collingwood
If the warmer weather is your beacon, Collingwood is calling you home! Visiting Scenic Caves means visiting one of Canada’s UNESCO biosphere reserves. A biosphere reserve is a dedicated place where people can sustainably share space with nature. At Scenic Caves, you’ve got beautiful vistas and geological features carved millions of years ago by glacial ice. Do you want that perfect summer selfie? Visit the suspension bridge and get a full view of Georgian Bay.
The people of Collingwood have fully embraced their heritage and have received awards for their work of restoring certain heritage buildings. As you walk down these historic streets, plan a stop at Collingwood Harbour, where tall ships visit every summer. Of course, the Bluenose is probably Canada’s most known Tall Ship due to its place on the dime, but experience the majesty of other tall ships each summer. Then, faster than a time machine, climb aboard a modern boat and enjoy the beauty of Georgian Bay from beyond the shore.
Anytime is a good time to Visit Collingwood
We sometimes have to shrug about the best time to visit whenever we are asked. Is there a best time to visit this beautiful town, rich with activities and heritage? The best time to come is anytime because Collingwood has so much to offer its visitors or buyers looking to purchase a home here, whether it’s the snow falling to create the perfect skiing and snowshoeing experience or whether the sun is high in its zenith as you walk down the historical paths of this well-established town. Whether it is Winter, summer, spring, or fall, there is something for everyone when you visit Collingwood.