There are many different ways to discover Collingwood: the Collingwood Trails Network includes more than 60 kilometres of multi-use recreational trails for cyclists, walkers, joggers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. There are also named walking routes, nature trails and parks. When planning a trip, you can choose between outdoor exercise, water activities and cultural attractions without having to explore everything in the same way.
Trails for walks and nature experiences
The Harbour Circle Route is a 4.2-kilometre walking trail along the waterfront and boardwalk. At 5.8 kilometres, the East Circle Route is longer; it passes through Sunset Point Park. These distances make it easy to compare the two trails, while their described settings offer different highlights: the waterfront in one case, the park in the other. The George Christie Nature Trails are suitable for hiking and cycling, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter.
The Collingwood Arboretum also has trails, with its own mix of paved and natural-surface routes. You can hike or cycle there. The options therefore range from walking routes with stated distances, to nature trails with winter activities, to a park with trails featuring different surfaces. If you’d especially like to experience Collingwood outdoors, there are several specific ways to get active rather than having to settle on a single route.
Waterfront, parks and activities on the water
The waterfront park at Sunset Point has extensive green spaces and volleyball courts; it also offers access to waterfront trails, a snack bar area and washrooms. At Millennium Park, you can enjoy views of Georgian Bay and Collingwood Harbour. The park also offers opportunities for picnicking, swimming and fishing. The two parks therefore have different highlights: Sunset Point combines green spaces with the listed facilities, while Millennium Park is described in terms of both its views and these recreational activities.
The Port of Collingwood and harbour area also offer opportunities for outdoor activities, including sailing, windsurfing, fishing, hiking and paddling adventures. Together with the walking trails and park offerings, these provide different options for days when you want to focus on being active or spending time by the water.
Explore Collingwood’s history at your own pace
The community’s history can be experienced in different ways. More than 50 buildings in and around downtown illustrate historic milestones shaped by the railway, shipbuilding and agriculture. The Heritage Conservation District is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places. Four self-guided historic walks are named the Look Up Tour, Downtown Heritage Walk, West Heritage Walk and East Heritage Walk. Check the tour materials before your trip.
The Discover Collingwood App can be used to explore the Heritage District. Another option is the Collingwood Museum’s virtual First World War tour, which includes points of interest on the museum grounds and in the historic downtown. If you’d rather learn about Collingwood’s past through museum materials, the museum also offers exhibits, programs, events, archives and educational resources about the community’s history.
Museum, art and local food and drink
The city’s shipbuilding heritage is showcased in the virtual exhibit “Hulls on Hurontario: Collingwood’s Maritime Legacy.” It features more than 100 photos, detailed text and audio content. For public art, the city provides an interactive map that visitors can use to explore artworks throughout the community and plan their own art tour. Both offerings complement the historic walks with ways to explore topics in greater depth at your own pace.
Food and drink can also be part of discovering Collingwood. A self-guided craft beverage tour offers one way to do so. There are also local foods and drinks that are farm-fresh and artisan-made. You can organize your stay around your interests: trails and parks for outdoor activities, museums and heritage for historical topics, and local products and craft beverages for culinary discoveries.
Discover more destinations: Barrie, Penetanguishene, Brechin, Port Mcnicoll, Innisfil, Stayner, Angus, Alliston
For the broader travel overview: Simcoe County.
