Collingwood, Ontario, nestled along the shores of Georgian Bay and surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the Blue Mountains, offers a vibrant mix of activities and events that capture the essence of summer. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a culture seeker, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Collingwood has something for everyone.
Outdoor Adventures
For those who love the great outdoors, Collingwood is a paradise of natural beauty. The South Georgian Bay Trails are perfect for hiking or biking, offering breathtaking views of the Niagara Escarpment and Georgian Bay. A visit to the Scenic Caves Nature Adventures allows you to explore ancient geological formations, traverse the suspension bridge, and even zipline over the forest canopy. If you prefer water activities, consider kayaking or paddleboarding along the Nottawasaga and Beaver Rivers, or take a boat tour of Georgian Bay, which includes options like sunset cruises and shipwreck explorations.
Events for Outdoor Adventurers
- Blue Mountain Rock Fest (August 9-11)
- Rock music festival held outdoors at Blue Mountain Village – more info.
- Free Community Yoga (Weekly)
- Outdoor yoga sessions held every Saturday morning.
- Concert Under the Stars
- Enjoy live music in the evening under the stars at various outdoor venues, such as Black Bellows.
- Wasaga Beach Paddlefest
- A weekend of paddleboarding, kayaking, and other water activities at Wasaga Beach – more info.
- Tropical Vibes Golf Tourney (August 23)
- Support a local cause and have some fun with this 9 Hole Showdown on the gorgeous hills of Duntroon Highlands – more info.
Activities for Outdoor Adventurers
- Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
- Explore caves, zipline, and walk across the suspension bridge.
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding
- Rent gear or join guided tours on the Nottawasaga and Beaver Rivers.
- Hiking and Biking on Georgian Bay Trails
- Enjoy trails with stunning views of the Niagara Escarpment and Georgian Bay.
- Beach Day at Wasaga Beach
- Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports at one of the longest freshwater beaches.
- Georgian Bay Boat Tours
- Take a sunset cruise or explore local shipwrecks on a guided boat tour.
- Cycling the Apple Pie Trail
- Cycle through scenic routes with stops at orchards and cideries.
- Canoeing the Nottawasaga River
- A serene paddle through the Nottawasaga River, surrounded by nature.
Cultural and Historical Experiences
Collingwood’s rich history and artistic spirit are on full display during the summer. The Collingwood Museum offers insights into the town’s maritime and railway history, while the Tremont Studios in the historic downtown area showcase local art and creativity. For a quirky slice of history, a short trip to nearby Creemore will let you visit Ontario’s smallest jail, dating back to 1892.
Events for Culture and History Enthusiasts
- Woodstock Revival (August 16)
- A tribute to the iconic Woodstock festival with live performances of 60s and 70s hits – more info.
- Collingwood Comicon (August 17)
- A celebration of comics, toys, and cosplay, perfect for history and pop culture fans – more info.
- Collingwood Historical Society Lecture Series
- Regular talks on local history topics, including maritime history and the town’s shipbuilding past.
- Canadian Festival of Old Cars (August 24-25)
- This two-day event is open to all enthusiasts of automobiles predating 1933 – more info.
- Summer Theatre at the Historic Gayety Theatre
- A variety of live performances ranging from classic plays to contemporary shows – more info.
- Tremont Studios Art Exhibitions
- Seasonal exhibitions showcasing local artists in a historic setting – more info.
Activities for Culture and History Enthusiasts
- Collingwood Museum Visit
- Explore exhibits on maritime history, the shipbuilding era, and the development of skiing in Ontario.
- Tremont Studios Art Tour
- Visit working studios and an art gallery in one of Collingwood’s historic buildings.
- Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Collingwood
- Guided tours of the town’s Victorian-era architecture and significant landmarks.
- Visit to Creemore’s Tiny Jail
- See Ontario’s smallest jail and explore the historic village of Creemore.
- Harbourview Park Labyrinth Walk
- A meditative walk through a labyrinth made from historic bricks.
- Shopping on Hurontario Street
- Explore boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores in Collingwood’s historic downtown.
Festivals and Events
The summer calendar in Collingwood is packed with events. Blue Mountain Village, just a short drive away, hosts a variety of festivals, including the Blue Mountain Rock Fest and Blues at Blue, offering live music in a picturesque setting. For those who appreciate craft beer, a brewery tour of various locals or one-offs at the Collingwood Brewery or Side Launch Brewing Company is a must. Both breweries provide tastings and tours that highlight the local craft beer scene.
Events for Music and Festival Lovers
- Blue Mountain Rock Fest (August 9-11)
- A rock music festival featuring live performances from various bands – more info.
- Blues at Blue (August 23-25)
- A weekend of live blues performances in Blue Mountain Village – more info.
- Harbour Street Fish Bar Live Music (Fridays and Saturdays)
- Enjoy live music performances every weekend with great food – more info.
- Collingwood Music Festival (July 5-12)
- A multi-day event featuring classical, jazz, and world music performances – more info.
- Concerts at the Historic Gayety Theatre
- A variety of concerts from classical to contemporary music in an intimate setting – more info.
- Carnival North (August 17th)
- An afternoon and evening of colourful costumes and lively music, celebrating Caribbean families, their histories and their roots – more info.
Activities for Music and Festival Lovers
- Attend a Live Music Night at Northwinds Brewery
- Pair live music with craft beer and a delicious meal.
- Explore Blue Mountain Village’s Summer Music Series
- Free outdoor concerts in a beautiful setting throughout the summer.
- Dance at KAYTOO Restaurant & Bar’s DJ Nights
- Weekly DJ nights with great beats and a lively atmosphere.
- Visit Local Pubs with Live Bands
- Discover local talent at various pubs and bars offering live music.
- Join an Open Mic Night
- Participate or watch local musicians perform at open mic events around town.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re visiting with family, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Harbourview Park is ideal for a leisurely day out, complete with a labyrinth made from historic bricks—a perfect spot for kids to explore while parents enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The nearby Wasaga Beach, one of the longest freshwater beaches in the world, offers shallow waters perfect for a family swim.
Events For Families and Kids
- Free Community Yoga (Weekly)
- Family-friendly outdoor yoga sessions every Saturday morning.
- Collingwood Comicon (August 17)
- A fun event for kids and families with comics, toys, and cosplay – more info.
- Harbourview Park Family Picnic Day
- A community event with games, food, and family activities at Harbourview Park.
- Summer Camps for Kids
- Various camps offering sports, arts, and outdoor activities throughout the summer.
- Scenic Caves Family Day
- Special family-oriented activities and discounts at Scenic Caves – more info.
Activities For Families and Kids
- Day at Wasaga Beach
- Perfect for a family swim, building sandcastles, and enjoying the sun.
- Visit the Labyrinth at Harbourview Park
- A fun, contemplative walk that’s great for both kids and adults.
- Shopping and Treats on Hurontario Street
- Family-friendly shopping followed by a visit to a local ice cream shop.
- Mini Golf at Scenic Caves
- A family-friendly activity amidst the beautiful natural surroundings of Scenic Caves.
- Explore the Collingwood Museum
- Learn about the town’s history with interactive exhibits that are great for kids.
- Boat Tours of Georgian Bay
- A family-friendly adventure exploring the bay and learning about its history.
Shopping and Dining
A stroll down Hurontario Street in downtown Collingwood is a shopper’s delight, with its blend of chic boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores housed in charming Victorian-era buildings. After a day of shopping, relax at one of the local restaurants or pubs, many of which feature live music to complement your meal.
Events For Food and Drink Aficionados
- Collingwood Walking Foodie Tours
- Explore Collingwood with a friendly local guide and try some local dishes along the way – more info.
- Collingwood Poutine Feast
- A day for family-friendly food and fun – more info.
- Collingwood Brewery Tour and Tasting Events
- Special events featuring tours and tastings at Collingwood Brewery.
- Farmers’ Markets (Weekly)
- Visit local markets for fresh produce, artisan goods, and more, held every Saturday.
- Collingwood Craft Beer & Cider Trail
- A self-guided trail exploring local breweries and cideries with tastings along the way.
Activities For Food and Drink Aficionados
- Collingwood Brewery Tour
- Explore the brewing process and sample locally crafted beers.
- Side Launch Brewing Company Tour
- Tour the facilities and taste a wide range of beers at this popular local brewery.
- Dining at Northwinds Brewery
- Enjoy meals paired with locally brewed beers in a lively atmosphere.
- Apple Pie Trail
- Explore the region’s apple-growing heritage with stops at orchards, cideries, and markets.
- Visit Currie’s Farm
- Purchase fresh produce and local goods from a farm that has been in operation for over 150 years.
- Tasting Tours of Local Wineries and Cideries
- Visit nearby wineries and cideries to sample regional flavors and learn about the production process.
Unique Local Experiences
For something truly special, visit South Bay Fields Lavender Farm just south of Collingwood. This family-owned farm is a fragrant escape with fields of lavender and offers a taste of Provence in Ontario. Another not-to-be-missed experience is the Apple Pie Trail, which highlights the region’s apple-growing heritage with stops at orchards, cideries, and local markets.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, Collingwood’s mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and vibrant events make it a top destination for summer fun.
Find more local events…
For more information and to plan your summer in and around Collingwood, check out some of our favourite local resources:
