Category: Collingwood things to do

Where to Stay in Collingwood This Summer

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

If you are planning a summer holiday in Collingwood this year, you are in for a real treat. From the incredible array of outdoor patios, to the calendar of exciting events and activities, to simply being by the Bay or in the mountains, there is no shortage of reasons to make Collingwood your summer destination.  And when you do, you’ll need a place to stay. Here’s what we recommend:

Hotel Style

When you’re visiting a new area, you can’t go wrong with classic hotel accommodations.  Complete with all the amenities, excellent locations to make it easy to walk into town, and of course, exceptional guest services that are reflective of the exceptional service of the city itself, your vacation is sure to be a complete success from the moment you set down your bags.  Check out this list of hotel options which may be just the perfect fit for your needs.

Cottage Style

With views of the Georgian Bay and the Blue Mountains, not to mention incredible skies at night for gazing, Collingwood is the perfect place to rent a cottage and experience an authentic rustic-style accommodation. Many of these types of accommodation options are in the Blue Mountain area, acting as ski huts in the winter and then allowing you perfect mountain views when you stay in the summer.  Set a budget for your stay and then start searching!

Family Style

Collingwood is a great place to choose for a family vacation. Many of the community locations are kid friendly, there are lots of opportunities for the kids to be outside, soaking up the sun and running around. Of course, we have a whole kid-friendly line up of community events and festivals. But that is only as fun as a good night’s sleep the night before! Having well rested kids is critical to make the most of your Collingwood time, and we have just the answer. Start with the Blue Mountain Inn, offering mountain views and lots of room, or go more hotel style with the Days Inn.

Couples Style

If you are choosing Collingwood as your destination for a couples’ getaway weekend, you will no doubt want to put some thought into the accommodation to make sure it matches all of the other special weekend plans the two of you have together.  You could start with considering this bed and breakfast option, which not only gives you food as well, but is small and intimate, free from noise and lots of crowds.  Alternatively, take it a little more rustic with this eco-friendly B&B which boasts organic food and plenty of nature!

Whatever your Collingwood summer plans are, there is an accommodation style to match your needs.  Just be sure to start looking now and book soon, as Collingwood is a popular destination in the warmer months and you won’t want to miss out!

Collingwood for Kids

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

With the weather starting to warm up and the kids soon ready to be out of school for the summer, you may be starting to wonder, what are they going to do? There’s no need to have them underfoot in the house or sitting in front of the computer! The community of Collingwood offers lots of kid-friendly activities and locations and there are a lot of opportunities to keep your child entertained right here in the community.  Read on to find out how you can capitalize on Collingwood for the kids!

Activities to Do

It is the perfect season to get outside and get active, and Collingwood has the ideal line up of activities to help you do this.  Visit the Collingwood museum on a rainy day to learn about the history and culture of the city, and then spend a warm day taking in the Blue Mountains’ Scenic Caves.  Offering opportunities all year long, including winter hikes and Southern Ontario’s longest suspension bridge, a stop here isn’t going to disappoint.  Top this off with a trip to the theatre, an afternoon spent bowling at Georgian Bowl, or simply trying a new weekend event, and you’ll be sure to make memories and support the community at the same time.

Events to Take Part In

Start teaching your kids about the value of supporting their community by attending local events and activities as a family.  There is an extensive array of events offered on most holidays in the city, many of which are kid-friendly. Each weekend sees the community farmer’s market, where you can take the kids to learn about the importance of eating healthy food and supporting local farmers, while the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts is incredibly supportive of youth talent and bringing it forth to the people of the area.  Encourage your children to take part in the art show, or simply visit the show to view local talent.

Places to Visit

One of the best things you can do for your child is help them to explore their own community and see everything that it has to offer.  Collingwood is a unique location, offering the beautiful Blue Mountains and the Georgian Bay, with a supportive and progressive city centre in between. Take the kids to the mountains any time of the year, whether you end up skiing, hiking, or just getting to the top to enjoy the view.  Walk along they bay, or stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a snack while you enjoy the fresh air. There is the John Munger trail to get active, and explore Collingwood’s beautiful nature scene, while you can’t forget the city centre complete with its unique shopping experiences and boutique style small businesses.

With so much to do and a community that is so supportive of families, the hardest part will be deciding what to do first.  Use the Calendar of Events to plan your next kid-friendly activity and we can’t wait to see you out in the community with your family.

 

Spring in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

Entering into a new season, it’s a lovely time to be in Collingwood.  The days get longer, the sun shines more often, and of course, the temperature slowly starts to come out of the negatives and gets warmer! And with all of that happening, it’s important to take full advantage of what the city has to offer in this spring season.  Some things just aren’t to be missed!

Get Outside

As the snow melts away, the opportunities to be outside and take advantage of many outdoor activities becomes far more accessible.  Collingwood is home to not only the Georgian Bay, where you can take in the fresh air by the water, hang out with friends sipping coffee or iced tea, but also an impressive trails network that you can run, bike, or walk any time you would like.  The Georgian Trail begins at Collingwood’s Harbourview Park and then runs along the shore of the Bay.

Visit the Market

If walking the trails isn’t quite what you had in mind, what about walking the farmer’s market? Beginning in May, the market will re-open and will be all set with fresh spring produce and cheerful weekend vendors to bring you delightful food for healthy spring cooking. Cruise through to get some food to take home, but also treats to eat on the go, such as delicious baked goods, freshly brewed coffee, and a healthy, filling breakfast.  And it’s not just food – vendors also offer crafts and artwork for you to purchase and enjoy – for yourself or as a gift!

Head into the Community

With spring being a popular time for many people to tackle spring cleaning and a bit of re-decorating, maybe you want to head to the Georgian Bay Home and Lifestyle Show? Learn about the new home trends for the year on the last weekend in April, followed by testing your luck for a bargain at Collingwood’s 29th annual Mother of All Yard Sales.  And in fact, that weekend will be a busy, with the Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival occurring on April 28. A fundraising event led by volunteers in the community, this is where you can learn about how syrup is made, visit local arts and crafts vendors, take in some live entertainment, and take part in many contests and information sessions.  And of course, test some syrup on pancakes served at the all-day breakfast.

Whether you are itching to get outside on the trails, ready to head to the bay, or just waiting patiently for market opening day and all the spring produce, Collingwood has something to offer you in this upcoming season.  Get ready to get out into the community and enjoy!

Collingwood Youth Centre

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

Whether you are new to the community, or you have lived here for a long time, the Collingwood Youth Centre definitely needs your attention. Not your attention as in something is wrong, but your attention as in let’s take some time to look at this wonderful asset to the city of Collingwood and celebrate what it does, see what it offers and understand how you can take advantage of all that is the Collingwood Youth Centre.

Why is it here?

The main objective of the Collingwood Youth Centre is to help youth, ages 10-16, “build the skills that will take you where you want to go.” Whether that is skills in social interaction, skills in specific jobs and training, or specialized skills in personal development, the centre seeks to act as a place to meet all of these needs. Designed to help the city invest in its youth, it acts as a safe and welcoming hub for the youth of Collingwood, and a place that offers both work and play, in an educational environment. The are opportunities to develop employable skills to allow individuals to go out in the community and find a job; there are activities and events to encourage youth to get involved in the community; and perhaps most importantly, there are resources for alternative choices when it comes to offering help to you youth who spend time on the streets or tend to get in trouble with the law.

What does it do?

The centre offers a selection of programming including a technology centre and recording studio, a teaching kitchen, and lots of open space for educating, facilitating and learning. The goal of the programming is to allow for a balance of fun and socialization, while still encouraging youth to pursue personal development, learn life skills and gain training in specific job-based skills. In addition, there are regularly scheduled special events and field trips, and of course, you can always just drop in and come hang out with fun people on comfy couches! Drop in is held weekdays from 3:30 to 9pm, Saturdays 12-8pm and Sundays 12-6pm.

Can I get involved?

Please do! Come drop in and say hi any day of the week. If you are looking for specific resources, such as help with employment, would like to talk to an open, willing-to-listen adult, or are interested in options related to improving your health and wellness, visit the website to learn more. In addition, you can find out how you can volunteer and help out at CYC, or just get some more information about this amazing place that is a mainstay of the Collingwood community.

 

Welcome to the The Collingwood Youth Centre: another amazing component that makes up this great city we get to call home.

Welcome to Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

As a new Collingwood resident, know that you have come to a great part of the world, and we are so excited to welcome you into our town. From skiing and snowboarding on the slopes in the winter, to sitting along the beach in the summer, Collingwood is a year round delight and offers lots of opportunities for families, kids, millennials, and everyone in between. As you get settled into your new home, take advantage of some of the amazing features that Collingwood has to offer.

Blue Mountains

In the heart of winter, this one may already be the most prominent, but visiting the mountains, buckling into your skis and enjoying the snow and great outdoors is indeed one of Collingwood’s greatest offerings. Not just for the snow season though, you can take advantage of hikes, zip lining, and special events on the mountain at other times of the year. And their proximity to Collingwood makes it all that much more accessible!

Get Fit

If your preference for getting active isn’t tied to skis and slopes, there are several other options that you can try. Active Life Conditioning offers several opportunities for you to get fit, including Pilates, spin classes, group conditioning and new mom programs. If Crossfit is more your style, join Crossfit Mozomo and test your skills at the daily WOD or many of their other specialty programs and classes.

Ocean Views

While you are doing your Crossfit, you may notice that you are nice and close to the ocean! The city comes alive in the summer, offering several water based activities and events, as well as having a bustling waterfront with restaurants and special summer scheduling. Take a walk along the water and then check out the Collingwood Brewery for some delightful afternoon beverages!

Arts Scene

Another bustling area of Collingwood is the arts scene. Whether you are into music, theater, or visual arts, the city has lots to offer and there are constantly new and rotating events popping up on the calendar. Theatre Collingwood has an exciting line up for 2018, including a much-loved Elvis Festival, while the Collingwood Cinema Club also has a line up of festivals and special movie screenings for the year ahead.   Finally, if you’re more into viewing visual art and walking through galleries, check out The Press Gallery on Simcoe Street and enjoy their art exhibits in the months to come.

Collingwood is a great place to live, work and play: it has lots to offer, no matter what your preferences or interests. Start with these options to get you out the door to enjoy your new home. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with what you find!

 

Beat the Winter Blues

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

When January starts to come to a close, with February almost here, it’s easy to start to get excited by the prospect of warmer weather. “Spring is just around the corner,” you think, as the groundhog pops out to have a view, only to remind you of how much winter is left. If you’re starting to feel a bit of winter doom and gloom, suffering from a case of the winter blues, try some of these fun activities to get you through to sunnier days!

 

Arts and Crafts

Whether you have craft supplies already at home, or you go out and stock up on a few things like paint, brushes, paper, and glue, there are so many amazing craft ideas that you can do at home, that the whole family will love. You can purchase wooden letters and have everyone paint their initials; you can get a big canvas and have everyone contribute to a family mural. Buy a variety of beads and a spool of cord and make your own bracelets and necklaces. Or better yet, make them as friendship bracelets to share together. Let the winter be a chance to get creative and crafty and don’t let the weather dampen your spirit!

 

Baking Day

Perfect for families, or as a solo adventure, there’s nothing like warming up from having the oven on all afternoon while you by fill the house with the amazing smells of fresh baked treats. Choose your favourite recipes, or make this the time to try something new or take on a challenging dessert. Always wanted to try making baklava? How about homemade bread? Winter has us craving hearty, home-cooked food, and home baked goods fit perfectly into that category, making it the perfect time to try out all those new Pinterest finds. Plus, no one ever complained about having some delicious treats to share and enjoy with friends and family!

Home Theater

This one is the best for particularly cold and stormy weekend afternoons. Find your favourite movie, layer the floor in front of the TV with comfy cushions, blankets and pillows, and nestle yourself in for an at-home theater experience. You can pop popcorn, or make some special treats, hand around a carton of ice cream, and share a sneaky bag of Smarties or Starburst. Go all out: get all the treats you wouldn’t normally buy, before choosing a family-friendly movie and then settle in together for the afternoon.

While winter may still have some time to go, it doesn’t mean it has to leave you feeling down and blue. Instead, take advantage of the storms that lock you in to enjoy some fun indoor activities, and when the weather finally allows, get outside, breathe in the fresh air and run through the snow. You’ll be surprised to see just how happy you can be when you see the winter season as a new opportunity instead of just a long wait until spring arrives!

Collingwood in the New Year

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do / Uncategorized

As we enter into January, and the prime of the winter season, in many ways Collingwood is just starting to come alive.  The days may be short, and the darkness comes early, but there are lots of fun and exciting events to get you through the winter and into spring.  Not to mention, a great line-up of exciting things to come in the latter half of the year, and plenty of events to look forward to for kids and adults alike as we embrace a new year with new possibilities as a community.  Get out your calendar to mark down some dates and get ready to join in on the fun!

Celebrating Winter

As a town located at the foothills of the Blue Mountains, and spending much of the time in winter mode, there are still several months of snow and snow activities to look forward to as we kick off 2018.    The Skate Trail through Discovery Harbour will open on the weekends until (hopefully!) mid March, and this year, in addition to skating, will be offering a snowshoe trail and a snow tubing hill.  As has become an annual event, Locations North will host their annual Winter Blast fundraiser as a ski and snowshoe day in February.  Book your tickets now to enjoy a day of outdoor winter fun and support a good cause at the same time. And finally, for all the pie lovers and food connoisseurs in town, don’t miss out on the Apple Pie Trail Feest!  For an evening combining snowshoeing, wine, and pie, strap on your snowshoes and trek across moon-lit trails and stop at fire-lit cabins where you get to enjoy food and drink featuring local chefs and local products.  Definitely an evening not to pass up!

Take in the Arts

We have mentioned before about the amazing arts scene available in Collingwood, and this year will be no different.  With an exceptional line up of plays and on-stage performances happening at Theatre Collingwood, and Meaford Hall, and the Elvis Festival taking over the scene in July, if your heart lights up when you see shows on stage, you’re in for a delight in the year ahead.  The call for artists has gone out for the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts annual Juried Art Show, and awards will be presented on April 22.   Put your talent to the test and submit your artwork for the whole community to enjoy.

collingwood in summer

Let’s Do Summer

While there may be lots to love about Collingwood in the winter, things come alive in the summer too!  The prime location on the Georgian Bay means there are endless options for beach days, spending time with the kids building sand castles and swimming.  And don’t think that the mountains are only best when they are covered in snow.  In fact, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster is a summer-only activity in the Blue Mountains and is a must-do in the warmer months – if you dare!  While you’re there, go on a hike or enjoy a gondola ride, and then enjoy a beer at one of the many local breweries once you reach the bottom.  Summer has lots to offer and spending it out in the community in the sunshine is the best way to take it all in.

With 2018 just around the corner, start now to plan your year, book your vacation and secure your theater tickets.  Collingwood is sure to live up to your desires for a year of fun.

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How to Prepare for Snow Days this Winter

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do / Uncategorized

With winter officially here, and the New Year upon us, it will soon be time to start back up at school for the 2018 year.  And with those two combined, comes the threat of snow days, stormy weather and school cancellations.  Take these steps over the holiday break to prepare for the impending snow days in the New Year and know what to do so that you can initiate your action plan at a moment’s notice.

Get the Information

The most important thing when it comes to a snow day is to be informed.  This means to check the weather forecast and its predicted severity, as well as to inform yourself about what is closed or cancelled.  The local radio station is a good place to do this, and they will likely have regularly updating reports, as well as weather forecasts.  School websites typically post when school is cancelled on their website, and for other businesses or locations, visit their website as well to see if it has been updated.  In addition, social media options, such as Facebook and Twitter are great ways to see up to the minute information.  Finally, for school bus cancellations, you can view the Simcoe County Bus Information website.

Do something fun

Instead of seeing snow days as a cause of stress, or an unexpected burden, look at them as a chance to have some fun or do some things that you wouldn’t regularly get to do on a typical Tuesday or Wednesday.  If you have young kids, and are able to take the day off work, this will give you an uninterrupted day together, where you can do crafts, play games, bake treats, or maybe even play out in the snow if the weather subsides later in the day.  To set you up for this, get a container and create the “Snow Day Basket.”  In it, you can put things like arts and crafts supplies, a deck of cards, or a few board games.  You can also have a similar basket in the pantry so that you’re ready for snow day baking.  Keep a stock of the staples such as flour, baking powder, sugar, and vanilla.

Find a babysitter

If you know that it will be difficult for you to stay home and look after the kids on snow days, put a plan in place for what you can do for alternative childcare options.  For example, if there is a neighbor who could come over, a relative, or maybe there is a local student who is free certain days of the week.  Whichever option you are choosing, get in contact with these people and put a plan in place so that when the snow day arrives it can simply be put into action and you just have to make a call.

 

While snow days may be inconvenient for parents, and a celebration for the kids, there’s a way to meet in the middle and keep everyone happy.  Do a little planning, reach out for support, and make this the year that you all get to enjoy snow days together.

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Frozen in Time Festival

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

If you are looking for family fun over the holidays, be sure to add the Frozen in Time Festival to your calendar. Happening December 28th until the 30th, this completely free festival happens throughout downtown Collingwood.

Start by checking out the seemingly amazing ice sculptures around town. You will be wowed as you see what local ice sculptors can do with a chainsaw and ice! These sculptures are extra special too, because they will focus on Collingwood’s history and celebrate Canada’s 150th year. Be sure to download the map so you don’t miss even one! If sculpting ice wasn’t enough, these ice carvers will also do a battle! Each day at 1pm, check  out the carving skills of these talented people.

Thrill your kids or impress your loved one with a horse-drawn old-fashioned wagon ride around downtown. Leaving from Town Hall each day of the festival, the rides will be happening from 12pm until 4pm.

Don’t go hungry! There will be local vendors selling delicious baked goods, along with hot chocolate to warm you up, just in case you are frozen as well. Of course, you’ll want to dress warm, but there will be complimentary runny nose and chilly toes supplies being handed out for those who need a little extra. You can also stop in and warm up with soup, hot apple cider, wood-fired pizza and lattes from all of the best restaurants on Simcoe Street. The Tremont Café will be serving mulled wine and German sausage on their patio, where you can sit by the fire and enjoy. Another not-to-miss will be, Soco who will be cooking wood-fired pizza from their 1951 Mercury Truck.

There’s so much family fun to be had. Start with the brand new for this year, giant double ice slide! It is just as fun as it looks! Enjoy some giant classic family games like Jenga, Connect Four and Yahtzee. These are all compliments of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge. There will be spirited games of street hockey and free concerts and theatre too. Every day at 2pm, head to the Quarter Century Theatre for classic children’s stories told by interactive performers. The kid’s craft centre will be at the Collingwood Public Library and includes toy testing, baby and me stories and an imagination playground. Moving around is one of the best ways to keep warm and you can do this at the Living Water Celebration Stage where there will be high-energy performances each day at 3pm.

If you enjoy the arts, there is an open house at the Tremont Studios at 65 Simcoe Street. As well, the Simcoe Street Theatre will show free films, starting at 3pm.

If all of this impresses you, or if none of it does, be sure to warm up at the Fireside Lounge in the Winter Wonderland Village and just connect with family and friends. See you there!

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Community in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do / Uncategorized

The holiday season is the time of year where we catch up with friends, spend time with family, meet the neighbors for the annual neighborhood potluck, and take the kids into the town square for the tree lighting.  In essence, the holidays are about community and about cultivating connections.  They’re about coming together, uniting and celebrating. This holiday season – and in the New Year ahead – make every interaction count. Here are some fantastic ways to embrace your Collingwood community:

Support the Community

While many community events this time of year are holiday and Christmas themed, participating in any events organized by the community supports community mentality and of course, encourages community economic growth.  Head to the Collingwood Winter Farmer’s Market, where you can support local farmers and local small business owners. Happening every Saturday, it’s a great way to get out in the community, plus get some fresh food for the week ahead.  You can also take part in the local art scene. The Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts Annual Winter Gift Show and Sale is on until December 31st at the Arts Centre, and the Broadway Tenors are visiting Casino Rama on December 2nd.

Involve the Kids

The holiday season has an array of special activities and events that happen only once a year, and this is especially exciting when you’re a kid and have been waiting for it all year long. There is something special and heart-warming about being out in the community, surrounded by snow and seeing storefronts all aglow with their Christmas displays. It is the perfect setting to share with your family.  Head out to the streets for several Holiday Gift Market and craft fairs around town, or take in a performance of The Nutcracker.  You can visit Santa and his reindeer, or enjoy the Festival of Lessons and Carols.  All of these are kid-friendly events so they are a great chance to get the whole family out into the community as well as meet other families who live within the Collingwood bounds.

Relish in the Rich Culture

Whether you are learning about the history of the town, or attending culturally supportive events, holding onto culture and history is an important part of building a strong community.  You can think of it as building a foundation: when you understand the culture and seek to preserve it, this acts as the building blocks for a community everyone wants to support and maintain.  Support cultural awareness by attending events at the Simcoe County Museum, such as Christmas Past and Present or at the Meaford Hall Arts and Cultural Centre.  The cultural centre regularly has plays and concerts on, so be sure to check the schedule and get your tickets!

 

Despite the busyness of the upcoming weeks, put in an extra effort to show your support and get involved in the Collingwood community.  You’ll have fun, meet new people, and in the process, contribute to helping support this charming place we all love and call home.

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