Whether you are a long-time resident, new to town or just passing through to delight in all the summertime fun that this wonderful community has to offer, golfers can delight in the fact that Collingwood offers up some of the most gorgeous golf courses in the province.

Blue Mountain Golf and Country Club

Golf enthusiasts living near Collingwood won’t want to miss out on an opportunity to invest in a membership at the renowned Blue Mountain Golf and Country Club.

Conveniently located just a few minutes from Collingwood’s bustling downtown center, this semi-private club capitalizes on the natural wonders of the Niagara Escarpment to provide Collingwood residents with a natural oasis right inside their community. The best part is that great feeling comes from sharing a common interest, and you can count on that sense of warmth and belonging that comes with seeing familiar smiling faces each and every time your visit.

Cranberry Golf Course

This course is a part of the Cranberry Resort that is nestled near the picturesque Georgian Bay. The stunning beauty of this surrounding natural landscape sandwiched between the crisp waters of Lake Huron and the haunting backdrop of the blue mountains alone makes this course well worth the flexible membership and trial rates.

That said, Cranberry Golf Course also boasts an impeccable reputation for keeping their courses in fantastic condition and going out of the way to provide a one-of-a-kind customer service experience.

There is a pro-shop on-site, gift cards are available for purchase and members also get to enjoy access to Collingwoods largest outdoor patio and lots of great exclusive events.

OslerBrook Golf and Country Club

This fully private club is perfectly situated on a 230-acre patch of land that encompasses stunning views of the Georgia Bay and the dazzling beauty of the Niagara Escarpment alike.

For those golfers who love a bird’s eye view, OslerBrook Golf and Country Club is the Collingwood area golf club to beat. One of the course’s most notable features is a 260-foot elevation change that gives members unrivalled access to some of the blue mountain’s most stunning vistas. That said, access to all the wonderful amenities like a patio service, fine and casual dining all served up in a stunning timber clubhouse doesn’t hurt either.

Monterra Golf Club

As part of the family-friendly Blue Mountain Resort, the Monterra Golf Club is fully open to the public. This makes this stunning course the perfect place for visitors and Collingwood residents alike to test out their chops on a challenging array or ravines, bunkers, creeks, water and all the other wonders that the natural beauty of the Collingwood area landscape provides.

Don’t hesitate to take the whole family for a day packed with summertime fun. Until September 3, one junior per paying adult can golf for free!

Explore a Whole New World

When it comes to summertime fun in Collingwood and the nearby Blue Mountains, there is no shortage of things to do.

Visitors and locals alike love to take in Collingwood’s nearby beaches, hit the trails on foot or by bike and check out one of the many fantastic golf courses. Not to mention, Collingwood is home to many festivals and events. With so much to do in and around town, it is easy to forget that summer is also the perfect time to partake in one of the most exciting adventures: caving in and around the Niagara Escarpment.

The Niagara Escarpment actually marks the edge of an ancient lakebed. The Ontario portion of the stunning rock face that stretches on for 725 kilometres through the province runs right by Collingwood and shapes the landscape of the natural paradise that is the Blue Mountains.

In addition to being home to a host of natural wonders and a mecca for wildlife, flora and fauna, the Niagara Escarpment near Collingwood also boasts an awe-inspiring underground cave system that is just waiting to be explored!

The Best Cave Tours Near Collingwood

You don’t have to be a professional spelunker (the official name for a caver) to check out the awe-inspiring caves near Collingwood. There are many great options for local tours, that offer all-age adventures for all types of skill sets and will take care of all the necessary equipment and training for you.

With that in mind, here are some of the best cave tour companies to check out in the area!

Eagle Adventures

Eagle Adventures operates year-round and specializes in providing customized outdoor adventure packages, including corporate getaways. It is a great option for anybody who wants to check out a full range of outdoor experiences.

Free Spirit Tours

Free Spirit Tours offer three-hour all-ages caving tours of Metcalf Rock that includes equipment and training, all for just $75. These compact tours are a great way for beginner cavers to get a taste of a real hands-on spelunking adventure.

Scenic Caves Nature Adventures

Access to the cave trails is included with general admission to the Scenic Caves Nature Adventures Parks. This outdoor natural playground located in the nearby community of Blue Mountains, Ontario. No experience or training is required to take a self-guided the cave trails, although you want to be sure to bring proper footwear like hiking or running shoes.

This is the perfect alternative for anybody who likes to move at their own pace or who is looking for an accessible way to visit the caves without having to physically climb.

There are plenty of good reasons for Collingwood residents to get smart about energy usage this summer.

Firstly, air conditioning isn’t exactly environmentally-friendly, so it is important to use it only when necessary. Of course, nobody should every sacrifice their own health in the name of energy conservation, but it is also important to question the habit of automatically turning to air conditioning when there are other effective ways to cool down available.

The second and most practical reason to use less air conditioning is to save money. Air conditioning units are costly to run and can easily rack up an energy bill. You will be surprised how much you can save just by trying out a few of these energy-efficient solutions to help cool your home.

With all that in mind, here are some handy solutions to help Collingwood residents keep their energy costs low and their house cool without having to turn to air conditioning as often for relief this summer.

Close Those Blinds

While it can be tempting to let all that lovely sunshine in, but unfortunately the sun’s rays are a major contributor to excess exergy usage during those hot summer months. The best policy to ensure that your home stays cool and comfortable without having to resort to cranking that air conditioning is to keep all those windows covered.

It can also be worthwhile to invest in fitting every window with a set of blackout curtains or blinds. Many of these window fixtures, particularly the blinds, integrate seamlessly with other types of window dressing so there is no need to scrap your interior styling just to keep the heat out.

The loss of natural light can easily be made up with the use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), which won’t generate heat. That said, always avoid using incandescent bulbs, which give off heat to run and are a major energy waster.

Get the Most Out of Your Fans

Before reaching for the air conditioning, it is a good idea to check in to make sure that a simple fan wouldn’t be effective enough to handle the heat. This includes making use of those integrated bathroom and kitchen fans to clear out excess heat generated from showering and cooking.

Some other nifty hacks include setting ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise and placing a bowl of ice water in front of a standing fan in order to generate a refreshing cool mist.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to open the windows when the air is cool. A good time to let some fresh air in is typically in the evening, overnight or just after a summer rain. The fans will help to circulate that cool fresh air all around your home in no time.

Change Your Body Temperature, Not the Room Temperature

Before jumping to change the temperature in the home, why not start at square one and focus on your own body temperature?

Keep a pitcher of iced lemonade handy in the refrigerator to cool your body from the inside out and replenish any lost electrolytes. Switch your sheets to light and breathable cotton to help you keep cool during the night.

Another ingenious way to lower your body temperature, and get your blood pumping is with a classic cold shower. If you find yourself continually overheating throughout the day, keep a bowl of cold or ice water around to periodically dip your feet into.

There are few things more fun than getting together with friends for a pizza on a warm summer evening in Collingwood.

These great joints have the atmosphere, sides and of course, mouth-watering pizza that Collingwood residents and visitors alike all crave.

So are ready to eat pizza like a Collingwood local?

Here is everything you need to know to find the perfect slice that you are looking for in Collingwood, Ontario.

Mountain Shores Pizza and Deli

582 Cameron Street

Mountain Shores Pizza features a great selection of pizza as pizza is made to be served – hot, fast and brimming with the freshest toppings. This one is a Collingwood local hot-spot for a reason. With a homemade thin crust and only the highest-quality ingredients, what is not to love?

Even better, this Collingwood classic is known for serving up generous portions at a great price. When it comes to grabbing the best slices in Collingwood, there is no need to let a tight budget hold you back.

Long-time owner Don Wilson prides himself on his delicious and affordable panzerotti, a Collingwood must-try.

The Crow Bar and Variety

18 Huron Street

This thriving restaurant and hip local venue is an offshoot of a popular nearby wine bar, and features some of the best snacks in town, including a modern spin on classic Italian style.

This is the perfect place to kick back with friends and enjoy a fantastic cocktail, a cold craft beer, and a great slice. Crow Bar is one of the best places to get a real taste of the eclectic flavours of Collingwood and take in some amazing local culture all in one.

Tesoro Italian

18 Schoolhouse Lane

Tesoro is a must-stop for all things Italian in Collingwood, and some of the best pizza in town is just one of the many menu fresh and authentic items diners can test out. Featuring a full selection of over a dozen carefully curated pies, including vegetarian and vegan options, this local gem has something for every palette.

The restaurant prides itself on its friendly and informative service staff and a comfortable atmosphere. Guests can even choose to chill on the outdoor patio in the summer. Just be sure to book a table on the weekend because it can get busy!

Toppers Pizza

499 First Street

For classic delivery options and fast and friendly service, Toppers Pizza is the place to be in Collingwood.

Toppers has everything that you need to stock up for a classic pizza party or outdoor feast. Think warm breadsticks, crispy chicken wings, fresh guacamole dip, and of course a yummy selection of hot and gooey American style pizza. Easy online ordering makes stocking up on Toppers pizza a breeze.

The town of Collingwood couldn’t be more excited to be hosting a brand new world-class music festival this summer.

Founder and artistic director Daniel Wnukowski is a widely successful world musician who was raised in the Collingwood area. His goal is to carry on the legacy of the widely successful Collingwood Music Festival which ran from 2001-2011 in making high calibre classical music genres accessible to everybody.

This newer incarnation features a refreshing mix of classical, jazz and world music and tons of family-friendly fun. The festival takes place over eight jammed-packed days spanning the latter half of July and the early part of August. The festival kicks off on July 18 and officially wraps up on August 11th.

1. There is Something for Everybody

One of the main goals of the festival is to make high calibre classical and jazz music accessible to everybody.

With no less than twenty genres on display, including dance and theatre performances, there is literally something to discover out there for everybody. Age is not an issue. In fact, some of the performances are geared specifically toward families with young children.

With so much sound and creativity on display to explore and experience, almost anybody is guaranteed to find their niche.

2. So Much to Do

This year’s roster features a jam-packed schedule features over 100 amazingly talented artists and performers from both Canada and across the globe.

Highlights include the crossover-classical group Quartetto Gelato, renowned jazz duo Diana Brathwaite and Chris Whiteley, the South American Payadora Tango Ensemble and the Rolston String Quartet.

3. Learn Something New

The festival features widely accessible events geared toward educating anybody about the joys of music. Youth receive free admission providing they are accompanied by an adult.

There is no need to have any sort of musical background or specialized training in order to participate. All you need to bring is a sense of wonder and excitement.

4. Support a Great Cause

The founders of the festival have an explicit goal of reaching out to local youth by providing a platform to learn and interact with classical music.

The festival provides pre-season outreach to local schools in the Simcoe County Area through family-friendly concerts and activities. Meanwhile, the Emerging Artist Series and all-age workshops allow burgeoning young musicians to connect to and interact with world-class teachers and mentors.

Want to contribute to a great cause? With a $100 tax-deductible donation, you can lock down front-row seats and ensure the festival’s valuable place in the community of Collingwood for years to come.

It’s finally official. It’s summer, and this means that beach season in Collingwood has officially begun.

The fact that it is tucked away comfortably in the Georgian Bay of the shores of Lake Huron, the second largest lake out of all the Great Lakes in Canada, means that there is no shortage of fantastic beaches to go around in the Collingwood area. In fact, it is not uncommon for beaches near Collingwood to be voted amongst Ontario’s finest, not to mention as some of the best in the entire country.

Every beach in the Blue Mountain Area has its own flavour, so anybody living or visiting Collingwood this summer will want to be sure to leave lots of time to test out all of these fantastic options. It’s a tough job relaxing in the sun and catching all those clear blue waves, but somebody has to do it!

Wasaga Beach

Just a short twenty-minute drive from Collingwood, this beach is generally considered one of the top in the country and is usually the first stop for summertime travellers looking to leave the stresses of the big city behind and experience the natural wonders of this gorgeous province in full colour.

This beach is conveniently separated into six different areas, so there is literally something for everybody. Don’t worry about running out of space, at 14 km long, this is the world’s longest beach. Beach One is usually the main attraction, but anybody who doesn’t like crowds can feel free to stretch out on one of the other less crowded areas.

The beach has earned Blue Flag status for its dedicated commitment to environmental practices, and local attractions include shopping, dining, and even a beachside market.

Memorial Park Beach

Just down the road in nearby Meaford, you will find the serene Memorial Park Beach. This beach is known for its iconic “Two Sisters” boulders, which juts out picturequesly from the Georgian Bay shoreline.

The area is fully equipped for free family-friendly fun. In addition to 400 metres of gorgeous sandy beach, visitors can enjoy access to picnic tables, a playground, a stunning campground, bathroom facilities and mini-golf. One area of the beach is even reserved for dogs.

This beach has everything you need for endless hours of fun in the sun.

Hibou Park Conservation Area

Seeking out something a bit off the beaten path? Hibou Park Conservation Area is for you.

This hidden gem is just a short drive from the town of Collingwood, and the small entrance fee is more than worth access to almost 500 metres of stunning, boulder smattered beaches and fantastic hiking trails.

It may have been a long spring, but summer is officially here in Collingwood. There is no shortage of natural wonders and fantastic outdoor activities to do in and around Collingwood, but why should all that natural beauty stop at home? Collingwood residents may have already planted their gardens, but these hot garden trends allow you to grow on what you already have going.

These tips are designed to help residents create their own little natural oasis right in their own backyards, gardens, or even balcony and patio spaces. Remember, when it comes to garden design there are no rules, so don’t be afraid to take this inspiration and run with it in your own unique way.

1. Bring the Convenience of Home Outdoors

Outdoor living has become increasingly popular over the past few years, and for good reason. More and more people are realizing that they don’t have to sacrifice all those conveniences that are typically associated with spending time indoors just to catch some rays.

This year, why not try to break down the interior/exterior borderline and bring some of your favourite comforts right into your outdoor area or garden?

If you have the space available, why not create a nifty outdoor kitchen area around your barbeque, complete with a mini-fridge, bar and all the cooking supplies you need to throw a killer patio party?

Your local patio furniture store has all the supplies, storage and protection you need to craft a killer outdoor kitchen space that will be all the motivation you need to spend more time outside this summer.

2. Get Creative With Hanging Plants

Hanging plants are in this year, and it is a great excuse to play around with layering texture and creating multidimensional green spaces both inside and out.

Many people assume that hanging plants are for indoor area and patio, but this is no longer the case. Feel free to park some hangers right in the middle of that flower bed to take your garden design to the next level, so to speak.

3. Add Some Enhanced Lighting

After spending all that time crafting such an inviting outdoor area, you are going to want to be able to enjoy it on those warm summer nights as well as during the day.

This is where outdoor lighting comes in. Have fun with hanging outdoor lights or lamps to create a gorgeous evening ambience.

Those long days of summer sun are just around the corner, and if you do one thing in Collingwood this summer, it should be to hit one of the Collingwood areas many gorgeous beaches!

Collingwood’s own Wasaga Beach is not only Blue Flag Certified for an ongoing commitment to environmentally sustainable practices but is also the longest freshwater beach in the world! But that’s not all. Visitors to the area won’t want to miss out on a chance to check out Memorial Park Beach and its legendary Twin Sister rocks or the quaint pebbled shorelines of Little River Beach Park. The nearby Hibou Conservation area has tons of great activities to check out, and Sauble Beach was recently rated as the top beach in the country!

Suffice it to stay that Collingwood has no shortage of killer beaches to check out this summer. That said, it is important to always keep sun safety in mind when enjoying those long summer days. In fact, it’s especially easy to end up with a sunburn when you are chilling near water, so you’ll want to be sure to take all the necessary precautions this summer to keep your skin safe.

With that in mind, here are 3 handy summer skin care tips for summer fun in Collingwood.

1. Break Out Those Sunhats

Sunhats are more than just a timeless summer fashion statement.

In fact, they are literally designed to provide an extra barrier of protection for your face and neck, which are two areas that are extra vulnerable to all those hot summer rays. So, pick out a bucket hat, straw hat, or outback hat you love and make good use of it!

2. Colour Matters

One thing that many people don’t realize is that those bright colours we tend to associate with beachwear actually absorb more UV rays, much like dark colours. This means that the safest bet is to stick to a light colour when it comes to picking out your beachwear. Colour lovers need not despair, wearing softer pastel hues still allow that outfit to pop without making you more prone to skin damage from the sun.

Don’t forget to wear loose fitting clothing and bring enough fabric to cover your arms and legs to give them periodic breaks from exposure. The denser the fabric, the better; so stay away from overly sheer cover-ups.

3. Slather on that Sunscreen

Last but certainly not least, a high-quality broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is essential for extended outdoor fun. Reapply every 40 minutes or right after coming out of the water and be sure not to skimp. Sunscreen is only effective if you use enough.

There are so many great happenings going on in Collingwood this June. Whether you are a long-time resident, new to the town or coming through on a visit, you will want to be sure to save the date for all of these fun-filled community events happening throughout the month.

Paint Night Fundraiser: June 11th, 5:30 – 8:00 P.M.

Come out, meet some great friends, enjoy some delicious snacks and have a blast learning to paint, all for a great cause.

The Wasaga Beach Women’s Business Association is putting on a community fundraiser in support of mental health. The cost is $45, with snacks and supplies all included, and proceeds will be donated to the Rock to the Rockies, a foundation is dedicated to providing mental health education for youth through the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Ontario.

Community Day at the Blue Mountain Resort: June 9th, 10 A.M – 6 P.M.

Collingwood residents won’t want to miss out on this chance to celebrate spring with free access to all of the numerous exciting adventure-based attractions of the Blue Mountain Resort.

Meanwhile, visitors to the area have an opportunity to provide a lucky member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Georgian Triangle with a free base camp pass with their own purchase of a base camp ticket.

Author Talk Series with Alice Jane Hamilton: June 13th, 7:00 – 8:15 P.M.

History buffs will want to be sure to attend this intimate conversation with local writer Alice Jane Hamilton.

Her work centers around the life and times of famous Arctic explorer Dr. John Rae, the fated adventurer would accidentally stumble upon the final missing link of the Northwest Passage while on an expedition to map the Boothia Peninsula back in 1854.

Collingwood Festival for Canada: June 29th – July 1st, 10 A.M – 5 P.M.

Collingwood’s epic three day Canada day lead up is an event that locals and visitors alike will not want to miss. The highlights of the festivities include the famous pancake breakfast, a massive Canada Day birthday cake, a Citizen Reaffirmation Ceremony, live music and a July 1st fireworks show over the lake.

This epic celebration is the perfect opportunity to celebrate Collingwood and the country it calls home so be sure to come out, come meet local residents and enjoy fun for the whole family.

Technology for Beginners Series: Every Wednesday, 10:30 – 11:45 A.M.

This ongoing series will be running throughout the month of June right up until July 31, with a new topic being visited every week.

The free drop-in event is generously hosted by the Collingwood Public Library and provides a great forum to improve your tech skills and meet some friendly new faces while you are at it.

There is no better way to combine fun and education than visiting a local museum.

Not only do museums literally make you smarter, but they are appropriate for all ages; and therefore, offer a great outlet for some of the best high-quality family bonding time.

Fortunately, Collingwood has no shortage of museums and cultural centers that attest not only to the town’s rich history and artistic traditions but allows visitors the privilege of being transported to different places in different points in time.

Here are some of the top museums you won’t want to miss on your next visit to Collingwood.

The Collingwood Museum

Whether you are a connoisseur of the arts, interested in learning more about the Aboriginal nations that first inhabited the land, intrigued by Collingwood’s rich shipbuilding history or simply want to check out some of the carefully preserved wonders and treasures like metal from the Halifax explosion and even the bill of a sawtooth shark, the Collingwood Museum has got it all.

In addition, the museum is home to a meticulously maintained set of historical and photographic archives that is sought out by academics and researchers worldwide. They will be more than happy to accommodate access by appointment.

The idyllic exterior is an interpretation of Collingwood’s original 18th c. train station and makes for an unforgettable photo opportunity, not to mention serving as a fantastic access point to the nearby Georgian Bay trail system. Don’t forget to swing by the gift shop and grab a souvenir on your way out!

Bygone Days Heritage Village

Anybody who loves to really get involved in the action will not want to miss out on this immersive historical experience. The Bygone Days Heritage Village is actually a complete historical village, featuring about 30 19th century buildings brimming with authentic furnishings and historical artifacts.

The site features an extensive collection of antique farm equipment and is a popular destination for weddings, class trips and photography expeditions alike. After all, the best way to really get a taste of Collingwood history is to literally get right into it.

Sheffield Black History Museum

Enjoy a scenic 20-minute drive down the Georgian Bay coastline on your way to nearby Thornberry where you can visit the must-see Sheffield Black History Museum.

This center is a thoughtful and considerate tribute to the legacy of the numerous black slaves and their ancestors who escaped to the area to start a new life. The museum owner, Howard Sheffield has managed to bring together an array of valuable cultural artifacts that will help piece together an unforgettable journey back in time.