Whether you are an experienced trekker who is looking for a healthy challenge or just want to enjoy a pleasant and leisurely stroll through nature with friends and family, Collingwood, Ontario and the surrounding Blue Mountains have something to offer all types of hikers, regardless of skill level and age.

Here of some gorgeous trails around the Collingwood areas that hiking enthusiasts of all flavours will not want to miss out on. Remember, you don’t need to be a hiker to check out Collingwood’s gorgeous Georgian Trail that traces the breathtaking Georgia Bay coastline for no less than 23 stunning kilometres.

Easy – Eleventh Line Loop Trail

This 3.2 kilometre Collingwood classic is accessible for all skill levels and is not just limited to hiking. Residents and visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, road biking and snowshoeing, depending on the season. That said, spring is a perfect time to enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll down this scenic tree-lined trail.

After a short incline, walkers and hikers can enjoy a mostly flat terrain all the way through that is perfect for a group of family-style adventure. Just be sure to bring a pair of waterproof shoes since it is not uncommon to encounter a few puddles along the way in the springtime.

Medium Difficulty – Loree Forest Loop Trail

Just a short drive from Collingwood, a bit of climbing through a heavily forested area is more than worth it to take in the scenic views at the lookout point. While considered medium difficulty, this trail is gentle enough to still be easily accessible to children.

Keep in mind that 5.3-kilometre loop is a little longer than some of the others on the list, so you want to be sure to leave nice and early and be sure to bring proper hiking shoes lest you encounter some muddy conditions. Dogs are allowed as well, as long as they are kept on their leashes.

Slightly Challenging – Singhampton Caves Trail

Located just a quick hop from the nearby town of Clearview, this short 2.3-kilometre loop is open year round is a big favourite for its scenic cave views and a spectacular array of local wildflowers. This trail is conveniently accessible year round, and dog owners can even bring their four-legged friends along for the adventure as long as they are kept on a lease.

The difficulty level and considered moderate and therefore is not appropriate for anybody with reduced mobility or totally inexperienced hikers. If it is your first time, you may want to save this one for later, especially since the trail can get a bit muddy in the spring. Be sure to bring along proper hiking shoes in order to tackle some potentially slippery crevices and steep rock faces. Proper hiking poles can definitely come in handy on this one as well!

1. Enjoy Unforgettable Outdoor Adventures Year Round

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, there couldn’t be a better place to call home than Collingwood, Ontario. This beautiful community is ideally situated between the Georgian Bay and the picturesque Blue Mountain range. Here, mind-blowing outdoor getaways and adventures are never more than a short few minutes away.

Spring and summer fun includes chilling at one of Collingwood’s many gorgeous rock or sand beaches, hiking or cruising down an epic BMX adventure trail; the fun never stops in the natural wonderland that is Collingwood.

And once winter rolls around, who said anything about hibernation? Collingwood and the surrounding Blue Mountains are home to some of Ontario’s best downhill and cross country skiing and other winter sports options.

2. The Perfect Place to Raise Your Children

With a population of just over 20,000 people, Collingwood is a not too big, not too small – just the perfect size to raise a young family.

This friendly town not only has a wide variety of great schools to choose from but boasts a burgeoning youth center where youngsters and teens can meet other kids their age and get involved in a wide variety of local events and activities.

3. An Ideal Location

Everybody needs a getaway every now and then, and Collingwood’s convenient location means that getting out of town for a few days or even just an afternoon never has to be a hassle.

Anybody wanting a taste of the big city can easily cruise out to nearby Toronto to take in a big game or catch a concert. There are also a never-ending plethora of idyllic small towns and nearby communities to take in and explore.

4. The Thriving Local Art and Culture Scene

If there is one thing that Collingwood residents are especially proud of, it is Collingwood’s flourishing local arts and craft scene.

Whether you are a theatre enthusiast, a visual artist or just love taking in a good museum, Collingwood has something to satisfy almost any type of creative inkling. The town also hosts an annual art competition to encourage the kids to get involved.

5. Get a True Sense of Community

There is really no replacement for choosing to live in a place where you truly feel like you can belong. Collingwood has always thrived on a proud sense of community spirit that fuels everything from it’s many locally owned businesses and creative ventures to its bustling weekly farmer’s market.

When you choose to live in Collingwood, you can just count on getting to know your neighbours, but feeling like you are really part of something wonderful.

There is truly no better way to take in all the magnificent sights that Collingwood and the Blue Mountains have to offer than to get a real-life bird’s eye view while enjoying the one of a kind exhilarating and eye-opening experience that is a Collingwood area helicopter tour.

However, some people may feel a bit nervous about flying before they take off, especially if you have never had the chance to enjoy riding in a helicopter before. Don’t worry! A few jitters are perfectly normal and can easily be soothed by taking a few steps to prepare before the ride begins.

Rest assured that helicopters are totally safe for anybody in generally good health, and those few butterflies are very likely to start to disappear and turn to sheer joy once you realize that this is truly an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime.

Here are three smart ways to combat any nervousness before your helicopter tour.

Talk to the Pilot About Your Concerns

If you are feeling a bit nervous about going up, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Don’t be afraid to express that you are feeling some anxiety to the pilot. Aside from needing a little break to focus on landing and taking off, it is the pilot’s job to help ensure that the passengers are comfortable, relaxed and enjoying every minute.

They will usually be more than happy to take it easy and avoid any sharp turns in order to make the trip as smooth as possible so that you will find it easier to kick back, chill out and let yourself be immersed in the spectacular views that Collingwood has to offer.

Dress for Comfort

One of the best ways to ensure that you do not feel uneasy or distracted during your tour is to make sure that you are properly dressed. Show up in something comfortable like long pants or trousers and a light jacket or sweater. If you have long hair, be sure to pull it back securely into a ponytail and leave any accessories like sunglasses, hats and jewelry behind.

White or light-coloured clothing has a pesky tendency to reflect off of the windows and ruin those perfects shot, so always wear dark clothing.  A small bottle of water and some gum to chew on during takeoff are both good things to have on hand.

Know What to Expect

Many find the movement of a helicopter much more pleasant than airplanes. It will probably feel a lot like being in an elevator, except one that moves from side to side. It will be pretty noisy, but not so much that you won’t be able to hear fellow passengers or the pilot.

Don’t forget that helicopters are incredibly safe, so no need to stress. Just mind the pilot’s instructions, sit back and enjoy all those gorgeous views of Collingwood!

One of the reasons that people flock to Collingwood year round is that its wealth of natural resources provides such a carefree and relaxing escape from the stresses of urban living.

When you are in Collingwood, the wonders of nature are never more than a five-minute drive away, and the exceptional golf courses that this area has to offer its residents and visitors provide a great way to get together with the buddies and take in some of the provinces best kept and well-maintained greens. In fact, Collingwood is home to some of the top ranked golf courses in the country, and the plethora of courses to choose from means there is something for every type of golfer out there.

It’s no surprise that Collingwood has had the honour of playing host to both the Ontario Ladies Junior and Senior Golf Championships, in addition to having been home to an impressive roster of celebrated professional golfers.

So while we wait for spring to really spring, what are some at home-strategies that golf enthusiasts can do to prepare for the 2019 Collingwood Golf Season? Read on to find out.

1. Train Your Core

Want to take the power of your swing to the next level this season? It’s time to start training your core. Strong abdomen and back muscles are the key to a loaded backswing, and great core muscles can be a Collingwood golfers secret weapon, especially on a more challenging course.

Stomach crunches are an easy way and effective to get those abs ready for golf season in a hurry.

2. Focus on Flexibility

Many people underestimate the importance of flexibility when it comes to golfing. After all, anybody spending a chill day on a Collingwood green can generally not expect to have to tie their body in a pretzel for any reason. That said, any muscle tightness in key areas like the shoulders, back and hip can seriously restrict an otherwise powerful swing.

A good way to ensure that you head into the Collingwood golf season swinging is to take some local yoga classes. Yoga is a great way holistic approach to improve flexibility, not to mention build strength. There is no need to jump right into power yoga. Traditions like Iyengar yoga are designed to work with all types of bodies, seniors included.

3. Tone Those Muscles

Many golfers don’t realize that leg strength is almost as important as arm strength when is coming to grounding your swing. This is why getting those quads Collingwood course ready can be a great way to surprise your buddies with a certain “je ne sais quoi” when you hit the course with a little extra edge this summer.

A great way to tone the legs and get some added cardio to boot is to hop on that stationary bike. Or maybe you prefer to dust off your BMX and get muddy on one of Collingwood’s scenic trails.

With the snow melting and the birds slowly starting to chirp, spring and summer are definitely in the air. Do you know what that means? It means it is almost time to pull out that patio furniture and BBQ and dust it off. It’s like a Canadian tradition to see who can be the first one to have the backyard set up and ready to go. Here are a few tips to spruce up your outdoor space for extra enjoyment after that long Collingwood winter.

Add a Fire Feature

You will have to check with your local by-laws first, but adding a fire feature is one way to instantly make your outdoor space feel luxurious. It is also a great way to extend the season. You will be able to enjoy your outdoor space from early spring to late fall with the heat of an enclosed fit pit. This is a relatively inexpensive addition to the conversational patio space and is a great focal piece.

Covered Outdoor Living

If this option is available without construction, great! A nice, covered patio allows you to bring the inside outdoors, and really extend the living space of your home. You can splurge on nicer furniture without fear of it getting ruined by that early fall snow or crazy April rain. Combine your covered outdoor space with a fire feature, and you will really be able to extend the length of use.

Comfort

Your bedroom doesn’t have to be the only space that’s comfortable. Add lots of throw pillows and blankets to your love seats and lounges. This is the secret to a super comfy backyard. Extra comfortable outside seating can be a real competitor with your indoor furniture. Throw pillows and blankets are perfect for patios and decks, but you’d never know the super soft design was made specifically for outdoor use. Turn your backyard into the perfect spot for an afternoon nap in the sun or a newspaper and coffee on a Sunday morning.

Dining Under the Stars

Outdoor cooking and dining spaces have become increasingly popular. Why lug everything from the kitchen if you can do it all outside? A good newer model grill will have all you need to make a decent meal from start to finish. You can then serve it on your outside dining space. Another new trend is to move the cooking/dining area out into the middle of your backyard. You really can turn your backyard into a full living oasis.

With spring on the way here in Collingwood, it’s time to start thinking about that garden. Gardening is a great activity. You get lots of fresh air and can get back in touch with Mother Nature. Planning your garden can seem like an overwhelming task, especially if you are starting from scratch. Here are a few tips to get your garden growing in the right direction.

Know Your Layout

Take some time to walk around your garden and get to know the layout. Take note of where the sun falls and flows throughout the day. This will be important in plant and flower selection. It would also help if you did a rough sketch of the garden. Look for areas that need added soil. If you plan on planting any fruits and vegetables, it would be a wise idea to do a soil test for pH level. Lastly, list any current plants that are there.

Plan It Out

Determine what your style and garden goals are, keeping in mind the three Collingwood seasons your plants will have to weather. Your garden is going to change as the months pass by. Look up some images or create a Pinterest board for inspiration. Start to imagine how your ideal garden looks. Pick your favourite colours. The planning and daydreaming is the fun part!

Start Small. Add Later.

Daydreaming is fun, but when it comes time to actually dig the dirt, you need to stay in reality. Building your garden will take time, especially if it is large. You want to start with smaller plants initially to get you started. Once you’ve decided on your design, scale it back. Start with a few plants or vegetables. You can always add more next year.

Get the Right Tools for the Job

Having the proper tools will help make your gardening experience so much more enjoyable. But you don’t need to go overboard. Those gardening sections in the stores will have you think you need to take a second mortgage on your house! A few basics will do. You’ll need a shovel, gardening gloves, trowel and wedging tool, hose and spray nozzle, and a hand pruning tool. That should be enough to get you started.

Buy Your Flowers and Dig Away

When you shop for flowers, remember to have a good mix of annuals and perennials. You don’t want to have to redo the whole garden every single year. Mix and match different plant styles and colours, but stick to your original vision. Get Dirty. The really fun part is seeing all your hard work come to life.

With the weather starting to cool down and the days getting shorter, it’s easy to start to feel those early signs of winter blues coming in – a little harder to get up in the morning, a little less motivated at night, and the burning desire to cuddle up on the couch with a blanket and cup of tea. And while that is an option, there will be plenty of time for that in January and February. Instead, soak up the positive vibes of the city as you read about all the great things happening right in our own hometown!

Killarney Mountain Lodge

On October 10^th, the Killarney Mountain Lodge will play host to culinary greatness as they highlight food creativity from chefs in Michigan. The lodge will host chefs from the famous Riverside Inn in Leland Michigan, and the talented foodies will prepare a menu of pan-seared venison with coffee roasted carrots, parsnip puree and house-made demi-glace. Afterwards the chefs will come out to explain the inspiration and concept behind their food and meet with the dinner attendees.

Riverside Midrise

Wondering what is happening at Peel and Collings Streets? The city has a shortage of rental housing availability, and the need for property continues to grow. To answer the demand, Dunncap is developing an apartment complex at the precipice of these streets, and is targeting the upper end of the rental market. Dunncap president Larry Dunn, says the complex will “help with the shortage of product in Collingwood and surrounding area,” and he feels this is an ideal location due to its proximity to downtown, a park and trail, as well as on a bus line. This is just one of the projects Dunncap has put forward to try to help ease the rental issues within the city.

Ontario Public Library Week

The third week of October is Ontario Public Library week, a week encouraging residents of Ontario to take advantage of their local library and get involved in their community. In Collingwood, the week starts early, on October 12^th – 14^th, with the Big Book Sale. The largest annual book sale, most books are priced at $2 or less, making reading accessible for everyone. The week will seek to support local foodbanks as well, allowing library members to bring in a non-perishable food item and be forgiven their late fees in return. Finally, the week ends with a great book battle, and Georgian Bay Reads is back on October 20^th from 7-9pm at Meaford Hall.

Whether it’s good food, reading and education, or a bit of a cheers to increased available rental property, there’s no need to let the weather put a damper on your spirits. Quite the opposite: there is lots to get excited about in Collingwood over the next several months.

For anybody who has gone online and listened to a TED talk, you know how inspiring, raw, and uplifting they can be, speaking real truth from the heart that pushes into your own heart in return. And if you like what you hear online and finish every talk with a new outlook on life, imagine what it would be like to see it in person in your own community.

TEDx is a variation on TED talks which is constituted by an independently organized TED event. In other words, a particular area, town, organization or group decide they want to have a TED event and then organize it on their own, creating a unique TEDx experience.

The city of Collingwood first hosted and organized a TEDx event in 2017, to an overwhelming amount of support. The interest and enthusiasm from the residents of the city and from all across Ontario and further allowed thousands of people to come together to learn, support and educate each other through this powerful experience. The event showcased 13 speakers who presented on everything from money and rights, to tech startups, having less food and spending time in jail. The information was invigorating, the stories inspiring, and the interaction and support of a community rousing and stimulating.

And this year Collingwood will do it all over again.On October 5^th, taking place downtown at the Gayety Theatre, the city will play host to a growing number of speakers, including entrepreneurs, mental health experts, artists, performers and more. Organized by a group of three entrepreneurs from the city, these three go-getters are working to create a conference experience, open to everyone, that aims to “inspire conversation.”

The theme for the conference is Pause for Perspective, with the hope that the conference and theme will help advance entrepreneurial energy and support in Collingwood, boosting the entrepreneurial spirit. As entrepreneurs themselves, the three organizers know the hustle all too well, but indicate that as a curious, progressive city, that is always looking for new information, TEDx and a supportive theme present an incredible opportunity to inspire minds while supporting the community and it’s inspiring people.

While speaker applications have closed, there are still options to apply to be a volunteer at the event, and of course tickets are on sale for purchase. Book soon however, as the event is sure to sell out and is one you don’t want to miss.

If you aren’t familiar with the TED series, one inspiring talk later and you’ll be hooked. Start your TED journey by looking up videos to watch online, and then get ready to learn, grow, laugh and cry. Don’t delay: get your tickets now to attend the 2018 TEDx conference in the heart of Collingwood, supporting your community and learning at the same time.

While summer may be winding down, there’s nothing to be disappointed about with fall soon to follow. In fact, fall brings with it its own set of unique characteristics and exciting opportunities, not the least of which is delicious fall foods.  From apple pie to pumpkin soup, freshly roasted vegetables, and pear crisp. The season’s produce offering is delightful and it presents a great opportunity to support your local community and farmers, not to mention, to try something new.  Here are some of fall’s must try foods!

Kabocha Squash

You have likely heard of buttercup squash, and butternut squash, and are fully familiar with the decorative squash variety, more commonly known as gourds. But a less common variety, that you may be interested in trying is kabocha squash. It is distinctive from other varieties due to its orange skin, and when cut and roasted behaves very similarly to buttercup squash.  This makes it a great roasting option, as well as perfect to turn into puree for dinner or for desserts.

Kohlrabi

This firm, root vegetable, available in purple and white varieties has a similar texture to carrots and is high in fibre. It is ideal or enjoying raw, cut up into sticks, making it the perfect addition to your slew of raw veggies which you enjoy every week for lunch or snack.  You can cook it slightly in a stir fry, letting it gently sauté, but it is not at its best when boiled or mashed.

Brussel Sprouts

Perhaps not new, but have you tried these mini cabbage delights? Brussel sprouts get a bad rap, with many people assuming they won’t like them, and yet never giving them a fair chance! This season, make the new vegetable you try be Brussel sprouts! From the same family as kale, broccoli and cabbage, sprouts are full of fibre and B vitamins, and are a great addition to stir fries. They go well when coated in balsamic vinegar, salt, rosemary and a hint of maple, before roasting them in the oven. This season, before you dismiss the humble sprout, give it another chance!

Winter Greens

Getting adequate greens intake is important for iron levels, fibre, magnesium, Vitamin K, Vitamin B and much more. But Instead of relying on your typical spinach or lettuce, mix things up and opt for winter greens options instead. Kale is a hearty green that is great for salads, soups or to steam, while mustard greens are another option to add to a fresh salad with warm pumpkin and sweet potato. Make your own dressing, and serve on a large plate at a dinner party and everyone will be able to take full advantage of the goodness of flavour and health.

Each season presents a new array of vegetables and fruit to try, and choosing in season options is a great way to eat locally. Head to the farmer’s market and ask your local farmers what is in season and then use their advice and these suggestions to craft the perfect fall food selection.