Best Places to Hike in Collingwood

Wondering where to hike in Collingwood? You’re spoiled for choices! One of the greatest benefits of living in Collingwood is its natural beauty. What better way to take in this town’s gorgeous landscape than with a hike?

There are many family hikes in Collingwood that are entirely kid-friendly. There are also some more moderate and difficult options if you’re interested in challenging yourself. Not sure where to start? Here are a few of the best hikes in the Collingwood area, along with their length, difficulty, and unique features!

Collingwood Circuit

Collingwood Circuit is an 8.2-kilometre loop trail that takes you around downtown Collingwood and by the lake. It’s partially paved, kid-friendly, and suitable for all skill levels. For those who’ve just moved to the area, the Collingwood Circuit is a great way to get to know the area. If 8.2 kilometres seems too long, you can easily modify its length to suit your needs.

Loree Forest

Loree Forest is a 5.3-kilometre loop trail that takes you through the beautiful Len Gertler Memorial Loree Forest. This is a moderate hike. If you bring children, make sure they have proper footwear. This popular trail is just a short 20-minute drive from downtown and is accessible year-round. Though frequently used for snowshoeing in the winter, it’s a favourite of hikers, runners, and mountain bikers the moment the snow begins to melt. There are so many amazing viewpoints where you take in the surrounding Blue Mountains and the majestic Georgian Bay.

Collingwood Arboretum

The Collingwood Arboretum is a lovely park located by Harbourview Park. As a botanical park, the Collingwood Arboretum is home to countless coniferous and deciduous trees, shrubs, and other plants. There are many paved and natural trails for you to choose from, whether you intend on biking or hiking with the family.

Sunset Point Park

Just a 5-minute drive from the Collingwood Arboretum is Sunset Point Park. The park’s primary hiking trail, the Sunset Point Trail, is 1.8 kilometres and is suitable for all skill levels. It’s best used between April and October, partly because this is when you’ll get the most picturesque views of the Georgian Bay shoreline.

The Georgian Trail

The Georgian Trail runs approximately 34 kilometres between Collingwood and Meaford. The trail runs along the stunning southern shore of the Georgian Bay and has a hard-packed and granular surface. The hike has so much to offer, including multiple bridges across the area’s prettiest creeks, wilderness, and rural and urban views. There are distance markers and over 30 access points. Most people living in Collingwood find it easiest to start at the trail opening on Balsam Street in the northwest corner of town. The terrain of the Georgian Trail is pretty kid-friendly, though you may need to plan for a much shorter route.

Blue Mountain Cascade Trail

The Blue Mountain Cascade Trail is a 3.5-kilometre trail by The Blue Mountains, just a 15-minute drive from Collingwood. This trail offers the ultimate nature escape, with the surrounding Blue Mountains offering a tranquil and unforgettable experience. Please note, that you will need to purchase a pass to explore this trail and many others in the Blue Mountain trail network.

Need Any More Reasons to Move to Collingwood?

Collingwood’s many hiking trails are a feature many families cite when leaving the city for this friendly town. It’s truly a wonderful place to settle down and enjoy the outdoors without completely giving up on the amenities you’d find in the city. With Collingwood’s many restaurants, stores, and other entertainment venues, you’ll never run out of things to do.

If you’re interested in moving to Collingwood, or anywhere else in the Georgian Bay area, there are experts here to help you. A professional Ontario real estate agent can use their negotiating skills and connections to keep everything running smoothly from beginning to end.