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The historic core is small and walkable, with a mix of art galleries, cocktail bars and indie shops, all set against a backdrop of handsome red-brick buildings. Beyond the downtown, the surrounding area offers plenty of ways to slow down, or raise your heart rate — the thrills of Blue Mountain are just about 15 minutes away.

Here are some of the best things to do in and around town:

Do a self-guided gallery crawl. Known for its creative streak, Collingwood throws a each September, but its galleries are worth visiting year-round. Start at , where the well-curated collection ranges from vibrant ski-scene paintings by Steve Tracy to earthy, wheel-thrown porcelain by Susan Card. A short walk away, features boldly coloured Canadian landscape paintings and abstract sculptures. For a behind-the-scenes experience, visit ; the street-level gallery shares space with a dozen working artists upstairs in the historic Tremont building.

Tap into small-town spa culture. Collingwood’s wellness scene is rooted in its surroundings, with a focus on simplicity, stillness and fresh air over flash. At , the Nordic-style circuit invites you to alternate between a steamy sauna and icy plunge pools. In summer, the studio hosts movement classes on a well-tended lawn, with space to move, sun on your skin, and nothing but the sound of the breeze. Or head to , where treatments such as red light therapy and immersive meditation pods are offered in a cosy, community-focused space.

Pair a craft pint with a slice. Whether you come for hops, carbs or both, ’s wood-accented taproom is a welcoming spot to refuel. Expect approachable, small-batch beers such as English ales, crisp lagers and easy-drinking pilsners. The brewery shares space with , a Brooklyn-style outfit known for chewy crusts and playful toppings like marinated zucchini with chimichurri. Grab a table inside or snag a picnic bench on the patio.

Treat yourself to inventive desserts. ´¡³ÙÌý, the pillowy handmade doughnuts come in flavours both classic and creative. Past hits include the orange hibiscus and the ube glaze, while a mainstay is the pink-iced ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½r, which is reminiscent of an old-school sprinkle doughnut. The house-made ice cream is equally original, with flavours you’re unlikely to see elsewhere, such as turon (made with banana and jackfruit like the Filipino dessert) and sweet corn blueberry cream cheese. Stroll over to nearby Optimist Harbourview Park to enjoy your treats while taking in bay views. 

Go for a therapeutic nature hike. Hiking here feels especially meditative, particularly on a forest therapy walk led by local outfitter . Their gentle treks, from 90 minutes to three hours, wind through woodlands like the George Christie Nature Trails or Metcalfe Rock, while focusing on mindfulness, breath work and tuning into your surroundings. Prefer to go solo? The 3.4-kilometre George Christie loop is also easy to navigate on your own and offers a peaceful dose of nature just minutes from downtown.

Hunt for one-of-a-kind finds. Collingwood’s vintage and thrift scene is small but full of character. Browse the fashion racks at , where you might chance upon labels such as Gucci. Continue north on Hurontario and you’ll hit , where thrift meets curated vintage in a cheerful, boho-style space (think: everything from chunky ’90s jewelry to ethically made handbags from brands like Pokoloko). Within a short drive, is worth the detour for its mix of fresh-cut blooms and eclectic antiques, like salvaged corbels, wrought-iron patio sets and weathered wood tables.

People-watch from the patio. nails the sweet spot between cool and unpretentious. This Simcoe Street bar serves sippable cocktails and a front-row seat to downtown foot traffic from its sunny patio. On the Asian-inspired menu, the Coco Loco Bowl hits all the right summery notes with coconut jasmine rice, charred pineapple and pickled chilies. Cocktails rotate monthly, but the minty, tequila-based Hotel Lobby is a reliable standout (and just $10 during Happy Hour). 

Head to the kid-friendly attraction. Only about 15 minutes from Collingwood, isn’t just for skiers. A summer all-access day pass grants entry to more than a dozen activities, including the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster and the Timber Challenge High Ropes, a network of swinging bridges and zip lines. At the Mill Pond Activity Centre, rent a water trike and cruise across the pond. Prefer a slower pace? Hop on the gondola for dramatic views of Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment. (Pass pricing varies by guest age; book online in advance for better rates.)

If you stay: is a stylish, 10-room boutique property in a restored century home, with both vintage charm and modern comforts. Relax in the on-site thermal spa circuit, or wind down at Brooky’s, the intimate wine bar.

WHERE CHEFS EAT: Chef Jeremy Austin’s favourites in Collingwood

Want more food and drink recommendations for Collingwood? The Star asked chef Jeremy Austin of the Pine to share some of his favourites.

After spending time cooking in Hong Kong, China and Italy, Austin returned to Canada. He opened in Collingwood in 2020 and quickly established a reputation for elegant tasting menus. Since then, his restaurant has moved to nearby Creemore — and earned a Michelin star — where he continues to serve a refined, multi-course experience shaped by local ingredients. When you’re in Collingwood, here are just a few of Austin’s go-to places to eat and drink.

: “It’s a little Brooklyn-style pizza place. They have a wicked patio in the summertime. Everything is delicious. I always get the classic Bello Pizza, and my wife loves the mozza sticks. The gnocco fritto is really nice, too. They have great cocktails and it’s a nice, chill vibe.�

: “They do some really nice Wagyu if you’re looking to splurge. It’s part of the Dorchester Hotel, and the menu is sort of Lebanese-Italian fusion. It’s fine dining — great cocktails, great service and a beautiful atmosphere. The cocktails are fairly classic, so I’ll usually get a Negroni.�

: “One of my favourite things about it is the location: You have to go down a brick alleyway to get to it, and it makes you feel like you’re part of a secret. They have nice coffee. I tend to do iced lattes in the summer and cappuccinos in the winter. They also source amazing wines from all over the world.�

: “They have an interesting approach, doing ‘surf’ cuisine from all over the world. The duck wings are a must, and the duck sandwich is amazing, too. The chef’s family owns King Cole Ducks, and what he does with ducks is pretty remarkable. The space is modern with beautiful interior design.�

: “It’s a local brew pub (with) a log cabin-like vibe, and I have a great meal every time I go. Their smash burger is delicious. They do Detroit-style pizza as well. It’s crispy on the bottom, almost like a focaccia pizza. I like their Nosy Parker Porter, although all the beers are good.�