Category: Collingwood things to do

Collingwood in the Winter

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do / Uncategorized

If the colder temperatures, snow-covered ground, and icy roads have you feeling like you just want to hibernate inside, think again! Collingwood has an amazing winter scene.  There is so much to see and do here at this time of year, you’ll be sad that you missed it if you wait out the winter inside.

 

Play in the Snow

Located as the gateway to the Blue Mountain Ski Resort, a Collingwood winter isn’t complete until you go play in the snow.  Take advantage of Collingwood’s proximity to the mountains and stay in town by night, visiting the mountains to ski by day.  If skiing isn’t quite your thing, there are still lots of snow playing opportunities around town.  There are many hiking trails, which go along Georgian Bay for you to explore – by foot or on snowshoe.  Pack a thermos of hot soup and make a day of it.  If you are interested in some old-fashioned snowman building and rolling in the powder, head to Harbourview Park where kids and adults alike can play. In addition, although a bit colder, the beaches are still a great winter destination and create the perfect landscape for a nice weekend walk or afternoon out with the dogs.

Go to Events

If you can’t get the family out walking outdoors in the winter, it’s a wonderful time of year to get them together and go to some local community events.  The winter market happens on Saturday mornings, and is a great way to support local farmers as well as stock up on healthy food for the week. There are several Santa Claus Parades coming up in early December, and you can take the kids to visit Santa and his Reindeer every Saturday all month long! And don’t forget to look into upcoming Christmas craft and gift markets.  These happen most weekends around the town and are the perfect opportunity to tick some shopping off your list or find a unique gift for that hard to buy for person.

See the Town

Once you’ve done your shopping, it’s time to take a little stroll around town.  You may have spent plenty of time strolling around Collingwood under the summer sun, but have you seen it in it’s snow-covered glory? The town takes on a completely different life when you walk around under starlit skies, seeing rooftops laden in freshly fallen snow, and houses glowing with Christmas lights.  Instead of ice cream, stop in to one of our lovely cafes and get a hot chocolate or warming tea to walk around with, and finish the evening staring up at the gorgeous Blue Mountains or sitting on the waterfront.  It might be a bit chilly, but you’ll appreciate the town that little bit more for its ability to be a delight in all four seasons.

 

Don’t let Old Man Winter fool you and keep you inside.  There is lots happening around town over the winter months and you’ll be sure to find something you enjoy.  And even if it is a little colder than sitting inside by your fireplace, it will totally be worth it.

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Collingwood Santa Claus Parade and Other Festivities

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

Whether you were elated or depressed by the sign of that white stuff falling from the sky this week in Collingwood, the first signs of winter are definitely here. And with winter inevitably comes Santa Claus, right down the streets of Collingwood, for the annual Collingwood Santa Claus Parade.

The festivities get started on November 18th at 5pm for this night parade and you truly don’t want to miss the fun.

There will be a tree lighting downtown on this day, where the city will be magically lit and stay that way for the rest of the year. Fireworks will complete the night. Who doesn’t love fireworks!

This year’s Santa Claus theme is Christmas in Canada, which is very timely during the year of Canada’s 150th birthday.

Not only will Santa be making his way down the streets during the parade, there will be much more to see and do. Many of the downtown merchants will be having open houses and you can start doing your Christmas shopping at many of the unique shops and of course stop for a bite to eat before the parade. There will be carolers serenading the crowds and dancers and clowns will delight all of the little kiddies while they await Santa’s arrival. Storefronts will feature unique Nutcracker dancers along Hurontario Street before the parade, from 3pm until 5pm.

You don’t have to wait until evening to join the fun. Head to the Town Hall between 12:30 and 3:30 that day so kids can visit with Santa’s reindeer in training.

The parade itself will feature floats from all over the community, as it makes its way down the downtown streets of Collingwood. Find a spot anywhere along Hurontario from Hume to First Street, but get there early for the prime spots. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony will happen at the end of the parade. The fireworks will happen at the harbour and your best spots for viewing will be by the Sidelaunch Basin Ampitheatre.

There is still time to register your float and there is a chance to be judged in three categories to win prizes.

The annual Santa Claus Parade is a great tradition that helps get kids and adults into the spirit of Christmas. The beautiful and historic downtown of Collingwood is always a delight to see at this time of year, so even if you can’t make the parade and all its festivities, be sure to take a walk downtown and revel in all its beauty.

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Halloween in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

Halloween is just a few days away and Collingwood is a fun place to be for all trick and treaters. Here are some great events that are happening in the area for Halloween.

Spirit of Collingwood

While this isn’t a traditional Halloween event by any means, you have the choice to wear a costume. Tickets are $100 and get you a super fun day of tastings and local spirits at a number of local spots. You are get on the hop on/hop off bus for a tour, then have dinner at the Bear Estate. There will be a silent auction as well. Some of the stops include:

  • Collingwood Brewery
  • Creemore Springs
  • Georgian Bay Spirits
  • Georgian Hills Wines
  • Thornbury Cider and Beer
  • Duntroon Cyder House

This event happens October 28th starting at 4pm.

Northwinds Halloween Party

On October 27th at 7pm, head down to the Northwinds Brewery for a night of fun, food and beer. There will be prizes for the best costume, live music, Halloween-inspired beer, food specials and scary movies too!

Halloween Hill Haunt

You definitely want to head to the Blue Mountain Village on October 28th and 29th and prepare to be spooked. There are a number of amazing events happening all weekend throughout the village with fun for the entire family.

Starting at 10am on Saturday, all mountain attractions are 50% off. There will be a spooky scavenger hunt, haunted hill hike, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin checkers, gourd decorating and a creation station. The ghoulish DJ party will happen on the Coca-Cola Stage from 12-4 on both days.

Black Harvest Festival

Also on October 28th, the Black Harvest Festival happens in downtown Collingwood. Starting at 11am along Hurontario Street there will be a number of great activities. These include creating your pumpkin, balloon creations, a costume contest and there will be special trick or treating at all of the downtown merchants. Wear your costume and look for the orange witch sign to know which merchants are giving out treats.

Of course, on October 31st, there will be kids trick or treating all throughout Collingwood. Be on the lookout for the kids on the road and be safe on this night!

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The New Woodview Mountaintop Skating Trail

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

Get ready to go skating on top of the mountain this winter! The Woodview Mountaintop Skating path will be a 1.1 km path located at the top of the ski hill in Blue Mountain. A very unique twist on traditional recreational skating, the path will meander through a tree-covered trail with gorgeous scenic views.

Construction has already begun on the skating trail, which will be located at the top of the Orchard Express and Southern Comfort chairlifts. The trail will open in January 2018, not long after all of the ski hills and chairlifts open for skiing and snowboarding at Blue Mountain.

Using the snowmaking equipment that Blue depends on during those winters when it just doesn’t snow enough to make skiing enjoyable, the skating trail will be flooded and then smoothed with a Zamboni machine.

There will also be a skating hut located at the top of the mountain, where visitors can purchase tickets, rent skates and lockers. It will also be a spot to warm up with a hot chocolate or a coffee while taking a break for skating.

After its grand opening, the skating trails will be open weekdays from 12pm until 5pm, Friday and Saturday from 10am until 8pm and Sunday from 10am until 5pm. On Friday and Saturday, the skating trail will be closed from 4 until 6pm for maintenance. After that, at 6pm, they will have tiki torch illuminated skating.

Two hours of skating will cost you $16 for adults and $13 for youth (kids 12 and under). Tack on skate rentals to that and adults will cost $22 and youth will cost $19. Helmets are required on the skating trail.

If skating at the top of the mountain doesn’t interest you, or you are wondering what other activities there are to do in Collingwood at Blue Mountain, there is so much to do this winter.

As always, there is also skating on Mill Pond in the village. Hike and Tube lets you sit and slide down the mountain. Snowshoeing is a great way to see the scenic Niagara Escarpment and there are guided tours if you need them. Bring your own equipment or rent snowshoes at the base of the mountain. Winter caving is also seriously cool and something that will make your holidays extraordinary. Discover all of the wildlife who live on the mountain this winter.

While we are having a beautiful and warm fall so far, the forecast is calling for a ton of snow this winter, which to some is a great thing. Winter will be here before you know it!

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Picking Pumpkins in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

Thanksgiving weekend is a glorious time here in Collingwood. The trees are changing colour and losing their leaves and the scenery is just magnificent. Not to mention that harvest time is now here and it is the perfect time for reaping its benefits namely by means of picking pumpkins and apples!

Fernwood Farms

This farm and market is located at 7865 Hwy 26, just outside of Stayner between there and Wasaga Beach. You can’t miss the farm, as the barn has a big red roof on it. Not only can you pick pumpkins, they have so much fun for the entire family. You don’t want to miss the corn maze, which comes in at a cost of $5 per person. Afterwards, get some family photos in the pumpkin patch and then pick a few to take home. Prepare to come hungry, as the bakery features old-style donuts, soft pretzels, pies (which includes their famous pie in a bag) and so much more. They also serve Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream and have gift baskets, seasonal vegetables and pre-made entrees. This October the 21st, come out to see the Pumpkin Pyramid Lighting, where they’ll light up 546 pumpkins. Bring a flashlight.

Farmer’s Pantry

Located at 788030 Grey Road 13 in Clarksburg, The Farmer’s Pantry is just outside of Thornbury. You’ll want to check their site for directions so you don’t get lost among the trees! With all sizes of pumpkins, this is the perfect spot to get your fill. Not only can you pick a pumpkin, you can enjoy the Farmers Fun Fields, which includes mini-golf on a ¼ km trail through their orchard, a wildlife interactive center, mazes, petting zoo and picnic areas. You can spend the entire day there for only $7 a person. Afterwards, head to the market to get some preserves, local meat and cheese and check out the local artisan corner.

Round’s Ranch

If you want to drive a little further out, check out Round’s Ranch, which is located at 1922 Country Road 92 in Elmvale. Not only can you check out the Pumpkin Patch, there are a number of other family-friendly features of the ranch. In fact, your admission guarantees you a free pumpkin for your family! There are also crazy pumpkin games during their Pumpkin Mania event including pumpkin hockey, pumpkin toss, and a pumpkin pie eating contest.

Do you know of any other great spots to get a pumpkin in the Collingwood area this fall? Let us know!

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What’s Happening at the Collingwood Public Library this Fall?

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

It was once said that libraries were dead as people downloaded books and no longer needed to borrow them. But that is definitely not the case, as libraries have evolved and aren’t just about books anymore. The Collingwood Public Library is definitely a treasure in our town, with a historic downtown location. Opened for business in 1903, it serves the residents of Collingwood and beyond. Check out all of the great happenings and events there this fall (and ongoing).

Want to learn how to speak French?

The library hosts a free weekly French speaking class for adults. Every Friday from noon until one, join with a French language tutor in a comfortable environment and get learning how to parlez vous Francais. You do need to register for this one first.

Does your teen aspire to write?

Why not have them join with other teens for the teen fiction writers group. Weekly at the library from 4-5 on Fridays, they can drop in to discuss writing and get tips and advice from their peers.

Need some tech help?

Register for a free event that will tell you how to maintain your computer. Happening on Tuesday, September 12th at 7, you are sure to learn some great computer maintenance tips. Tech support hour happens every Wednesday from 4-5 and is a drop in that will allow you to ask and get answers for any tech-related question.

Want to understand your mind?

Check out Understanding Our Mind: a Buddhist perspective series put on by the Jampa Ling Kadampa Buddhist Centre. You’ll learn how to stop thinking negatively and replace bad thoughts with better ones, using teaching, Q&A and guided meditation.

What’s there for the littlest ones?

Toddlers and young kids love the library. It is a great place to go, relax, learn and play, especially for tired parents. Toddler tales happens on Wednesday mornings, where kids from age 1-3 will engage in stories, finger plays and more. Story Time is on Wednesday afternoon for the older ones from ages 3-5, with songs and crafts. On Thursdays, you can bring the littles to Baby & Me, where infants will hear songs, rhymes and where you can relax with all the other exhausted parents.

What is there for seniors?

While events change regularly, the library definitely caters to the seniors in the area. On Monday, September 11th, they’ve got a renewing your driver’s licence talk. Register for this free event.

You’ll want to check the calendar regularly, as besides the weekly events, the library puts on special events. One example is the Fall 2017 Author Talks and next Thursday the 14th, Cecily Ross will be there and this event is also free!

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Fall Activities in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

 

While ski lovers covet the winters in Collingwood and beach lovers covet the summer, fall could just be one of the best times to be here. With the colours of the trees and the abundance of fall activities, you won’t want to rule out a visit to Collingwood in the next few months.

Hike/bike the Georgian Trail

One of the best ways to see the leaves and all of the wildlife that come out once the weather cools is to take in the Georgian Trail. In the winter you can cross-country ski on it, but for now, use your two legs or your bike and check it out. Spanning 34kms from Collingwood to Meaford, this trail is definitely a fall must-do.

Sit on a patio

While patios seem to be relegated as a summer to-do, grab a sweater, a friend and enjoy the many outdoor patios that Collingwood has to offer.

Take in a show

Collingwood has some great theatre and the fall is one of the best times to catch a show. Theatre Collingwood will be putting on Dean & Jerry: What Might Have Been at the Historic Gayety Theatre from September 12th to the 16th. In October, you can watch the hit musical Alice’s Restaurant, which features music and stories from the 60s and 70s. This one starts October 19th until the 21st.

Go golfing

Fall is the perfect time to get in those last few rounds of golf before the snow hits. What’s great about golf in the fall is that the greens won’t be damp and cool like in the spring and it the weather won’t be sweltering like it can be in the summer. Everything will be perfect.

Have a spa date

Collingwood abounds with spas and whether you’re looking for a massage, a facial, or to spend the days relaxing in hot pools, steam rooms and saunas, Collingwood is the place to do it. Of course, our famed Scandinave Spa is perfect in the cool fall weather, allowing you to experience the pools without sweating or freezing when you get out. Imagine relaxing on a hammock under the trees watching the leaves fall around you, watching a bunny hop by with nothing but silence surrounding you.

Visit an art studio

On top of all of the other wonderful things to do in Collingwood, art studio visits are a must-do. The Tremont Studios is a beautiful, cultural and artistic place to visit and you can check out the lunch or brunch at the downstairs cafe.

Apples!

Collingwood is known for being a part of the famed Apple Pie Trail and fall is the best time to enjoy it as the bounty of apples gives you many more reasons to take it in. Last year there was a fantastic Apple Harvest Festival, which will hopefully be repeated for 2017!

What’s your favourite thing to do in the fall in Collingwood?

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The Moonlight Market

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood business / Collingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

With all of the hype over the solar eclipse this week, many in Collingwood may have forgotten about an important event – the Moonlight Market. This once-a-year event happens in downtown Collingwood and is just as magical as the solar eclipse. This year Moonlight Market will celebrate its fifth year.

Our very successful Saturday morning farmer’s market holds a special event every September called Moonlight Market. In addition to the morning market from 8:30am until 1pm, the vendors will be open and ready for business on Saturday, September 2nd from 6pm to 10pm in their usual location, which is located in the municipal parking lot at the corner of Second and Pine Streets.

Have dinner at one of Collingwood’s great restaurants or buy dinner at the market, then shop the other vendors for all the best in produce, meat, baked goods, artisanal foods, crafts and artwork. The market employs the 100-mile market mantra and all of the produce is grown within 100 miles of Collingwood.

The market isn’t just about shopping either! There will be a number of entertainers for adults and kids. Jimmy and the Extractions, a local Collingwood band favourite will be there to play rock, alternative, and folk music. The Stilt Guys (who you may have seen at the Collingwood Elvis Festival) will be there as well, in glow-in-the-dark attire, to keep both adults and kids entertained.  

U-Pick Parties will have some balloon twisting and face painting for the kids (and the adults if you dare). There will be free (healthy!) treats from The Healthy Kids Community Challenge, an initiative that helps kids move, drink water and up their fruit and veggie intake with a number of great activities. If that isn’t enough, kids can play at the Imagination Playground, a block-based creative play system that kids love. The Mobile Active Play Trailer will also be there, offering free recreational activities for kids of all ages.

The regular market closes down after Thanksgiving weekend, so there isn’t much more time to enjoy this seasonal delight. Get out next weekend and check out the Moonlight Market, and revel in this time of harvest before the snow puts a damper on it!

 

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Fun is For the Dogs in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

Is your best friend 4-legged with a furry body and an ever-wagging tail? If so, Collingwood is a great place to live, because there are so many dog lovers and fun places for dogs and the people they own to go.

Pawplar Park (also known as Dog Town)

Opened in May 2009, this off-leash dog park has been very successful in Collingwood. You can spend the day there, frolicking with your pups, meet other owners and let your dog get some off-leash socializing in. Located at the Train Trail on Poplar (“Pawpler”) Side Road, there is ample parking at the water pumping station. There is five-foot fencing all around the park, so your dogs can run freely without a chance of escaping the area. There is a double gate at the entryway so you can safely bring dogs in and out without any running out when you open it. Note that dogs are not allowed in the pond, as it is a water supply pond. You can use the area from sunrise to sunset and it is completely free to use!

The Bark Park

Located at 5 Elm Street, the Bark Park is a business that allows your pups to socialize and have playtime with other dogs in an open-concept setting. With 800 feet of indoor space and 1,000 feet of outdoor space, you can leave your dog in their doggie daycare for $15 – $25 a day and they also offer overnight care. When the weather is right, they even offer water play for the dogs who love to get wet!

On-leash spots

While many dogs love to roam and play, some love the comfort of walking on a leash beside their owner. Collingwood abounds with trails and places for you and your dog to walk, whether you are taking a quick 10 minutes or the entire day.

Heather Parkway

You can spend the entire day walking this trail that goes throughout the entire town. It is over 20 km, but you can make a number of stops along the way for drinks, food and rest.

West Circle Route

If you aren’t quite as keen as walking the entire town, how about 7.7 km? The West Circle Route follows the Georgian Trail and goes along the Black Ash Creek, so your dog can get a quick drink if needed.

East Circle Route

If you want a scenic route for you and your dog to enjoy, try the East Circle Route, which is 5.8 km and should take you about 1.5 hours. You’ll head along the Train Trail, the Pretty River and through Sunset Point Park. There are even interpretive signs that speak about history of the town, which is great for new residents or visitors of Collingwood.

Year-round there is fun to be had for humans and dogs in Collingwood.

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Collingwood Elvis Festival

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

Officially Collingwood’s biggest event, the Collingwood Elvis Festival is known around the world. Happening this weekend (July 28th to 30th), visitors and residents are in for an epically-good time!

Among the many performers who will be taking the stage this weekend, there are a number of other great events happening. With a huge street party that goes into the wee hours, there are many vendors, a beer garden, storyteller chat, gospel, dining with tribute artists, street dancing, and you can even channel your inner Elvis.

The list of tribute artists and impersonators is huge and the competition to be crowned the best Elvis is fierce. You don’t want to miss the grand champion showcase, where the top 26 competitors will compete. The Grand Finals happen on Sunday. Both events happen at the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena on the Showcase Stage and require tickets that start at $20. There are a number of other shows happening at the arena, which also require tickets. Other venues that require tickets include the Royal Canadian Legion at 490 Ontario Street, the Leisure Time Centre at 100 Minnesota Street, and the Historic Gayety Theatre at 161 Hurontario Street.

The beer garden is located at 32 Simcoe Street and is for ages 19+. There will be many Elvis Tribute performances during the day, where you can sit and watch while having a cold and refreshing beverage. The special free performances happening throughout the weekend will be at the Centre Stage on Hurontario Street, with free entry for people of all ages and at the Blue Mountain Village Stage, at the mountain. You also don’t want to miss a free performance at midnight called Elvis at Midnight, happening at the McDonald’s Restaurant on First Street on Saturday.

If you want to dine with a tribute artist, there are specific dates and times when the artist will be at one of Collingwood’s many local restaurants. Make your reservation or head in early to get a seat.

The Collingwood Elvis Festival began in 1995, held at the Georgian Manor Resort (then the Vacation Inn) and was known as the Canadian Elvis Tribute and Convention. As time went on, the festival grew larger and larger and in 2014, it celebrated its milestone 20th anniversary and Priscilla Presley was actually in attendance. The festival has seen many a VIP attending, many of which were friends of Elvis, including Joe Esposito, J.D. Summer, Christopher Ameruoso and so many more.

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