Trails
Trails
The Collingwood Trails Network encompasses over 60 kilometers of recreational trails for cyclists, walkers, joggers, cross country skiers and snowshoers. There is a trail leading to every major point of interest in the Town including the George Christie Nature trails, the shoreline of Sunset Point Park, the scenic lookout at Millennium Park, the tranquil gardens of the Arboretum, the Labyrinth, the Museum and Historic Downtown Collingwood. Granular, concrete, asphalt, wooden boardwalks and natural surface trails join cycling routes to help you get around Town. Most surfaced trails are flat terrain and generally accessible for the physically challenged. Snowmobiles have access only on signed local access trails. No other motorized vehicles are permitted.
Engaging in outdoor activities is a great way to improve both mental and physical health. The trails make it easier for everyone to be physically active and travel seamlessly to their destination. In addition to its ever-expanding network of recreational trails, Collingwood is also expanding its cycling routes, bike parking stations and safe crosswalks to promote and encourage active transportation and alternative modes of travel in the area.
Trail Etiquette
The Collingwood Trails are a multi-use accessible trail system for pedestrians, dog-walkers and cyclists - and in winter - snowshoers, cross-country skiers and snowmobiles (snowmobiles on designated trails only). A pleasant and safe experience for all trail users depends upon everyone showing courtesy to others and following some basic rules, such as the basic etiquette items below.
• Pedestrians always have the right of way.
• Stay to the right of the trail.
• When overtaking other, pass on the left and sound a warning by bell or voice.
• Do not block the trail.
Please remember that within the Town of Collingwood all dogs must be on a leash and under your control.
Please stoop and scoop after your pet and put the pet waste in a proper waste receptacle. Do not leave pet waste or pet waste bags on the ground. Numerous pet waste bag dispensers are located along the trails. Lastly, please ensure that your music and personal entertainment devices aren’t so loud that you cannot hear cyclists and others who may be warning they are passing.
Safety on Trails
Most of Collingwood Trails are close to homes and businesses and trail users are clearly visible from the street; however, there are locations where users are somewhat isolated. For your own personal safety always be accompanied by a buddy, let people know where you are going and when you expect to return, and carry a cell phone with you. Emergencies can happen when you least expect them.
Active Transportation
Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods through human powered activities. These activities may include walking, cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding as well as mobility aids such as wheelchairs and scooters. Since 2015 Collingwood has been steadily expanding its active transportation infrastructure to include a network of on-road bicycle facilities, shared cycling facilities and multi-use pathways. Providing identified routes for various purposes such as, adults and children commuting to work and school, contributes to a healthier lifestyle as well as reduces emissions, saves energy, saves costs and contributes to making Collingwood a cleaner, healthier and more livable community.
E-Bikes
Since all trails in Collingwood are multi-use trails, at any time you may encounter hikers, bikers, dog walkers, inline skaters, runners, and others. In order to provide a safe environment for all users, it is critical that all users be courteous and “Share the Trail” – and for cyclist please ensure that you control your speed. Please remember that motorized vehicles are prohibited on the Collingwood Trails with the exception of personal mobility devices and a specific type of E-Bike.
E-bikes are allowed on the trail when the following provisions are met:
a) It is similar in appearance to a standard bicycle.
b) It has steering handlebars and is equipped with pedals
c) It is engaged by the use of muscular power and equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches 32kph. These E-bikes are commonly referred to as a “Pedelecs” or “Pedal Assisted bicycles, or Class 1 E-bikes.
A huge variety of E-bikes and alternative electric vehicles are becoming widely available in the marketplace. If you are looking to purchase one of these vehicles and wish to find out if they are allowed on the trail network and your local roads, please contact Customer Service at 705-445-1030 or by email townhall@collingwood.ca
Projects Planned for 2023 (subject to budgets and timing)
- Reinstate the Hen & Chickens bridge and boardwalk plus extend the Cranberry boardwalk.
- Resurface/widen an additional 3000 meters of stone-dusted trails.
- Pave selected sections of key Active Transportation trail corridors.
- Complete the upgrading of the George Christie Nature Trails for four season access.
- Install pedestrian activated crosswalks at High Street & Findlay Drive plus Ontario Street & the Train Trail.
- Install trail hub furniture in Harbourview Park.
- Complete the revised Maple Street quiet street project.
- Mark and identify hard surface multi-use paths with painting and signage.
- Replace more catch basin grates.
- Create and distribute a 2023 edition of the Collingwood Trails map.
Projects completed in 2022
- Completed new additions to the trail system – River Trail, Peel Street Link, Cranberry boardwalk, and Fisher Field.
- Resurfaced/widened 5000 metres of existing stone-dusted trails.
- Paved the Shipyards Greenspace berm trail to provide AODA compliant berm access.
- Upgraded sections of the George Christie Nature Trails to improve four season access.
- Installed a new pedestrian activated crossing at Black Ash Trail and Sixth Street.
- Created a new trail hub in Harbourview Park with bicycle and watercraft rentals.
- Replaced several catch basin grates as the first phase of a replacement program.
- Secured Federal Active Transportation funding to study Cameron Street corridor.
- Created and distributed a 2022 edition of the Collingwood Trails map.
- Expanded our Social Media presence
Funding for these videos provided by:
Collingwood Trails Part 1:
Collingwood Trails Part 2:
Bike to the Park:
Explore Collingwood by E-Bike:
Skate Park:
Trail map locations
Comprehensive Trail Maps are available free (or if you are able, for a minor donation) at many locations around town.
Trail maps are available from
- Town Hall, 97 Hurontario Street
- The Collingwood Museum, 45 St. Paul Street
- Collingwood Public Library, 55 Ste. Marie Street
- Plus 100 businesses serving visitors throughout the Town
- Map boxes at strategic locations on the trail
Map boards
In addition, to make it easier for people to navigate the Collingwood Trails, map boards have been installed around town so that everyone can quickly determine where they are and plan a route to where they wish to go. Map boards are located at Sixth Street and Black Ash Trail, Poplar Sideroad and the Train Trail, Marine View Drive and Highway 26, and beside the bicycle Outdoor Repair Station in Sunset Point Park.
- 2023 Collingwood Trails map (PDF)
- George Christie Nature Trails map (PDF)
- Cycling Master Plan - Future Cycling Network (PDF)
For further information contact:
Collingwood Parks, Recreation & Culture at 705-445-1030
The Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC) program was launched in 2010 by Share the Road Canada to provide assistance and guidance to municipalities to actively support cycling in their communities. The BFC program evaluates cycling related achievements in four different categories: Engineering, Education, Encouragement, and Evaluation & Planning. To be eligible for an award (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond) achievements must be made in all four categories. Collingwood achieved the Silver level award in 2021 and is aiming towards gold in the future.
For more information on the Bicycle Friendly Community Award please visit the Bicycle Friendly Community Award Media Release
Find your trail!
Learn more about the Collingwood Trails with our short video
Which trails are groomed in the winter months?
- Recreational trails are not maintained in the winter except the trails within Harbourview Park and the Georgian Trail. These trails are groomed when there is adequate snow to pack down, they are not plowed or sanded.
- The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) maintains their snowmobile trails which include a portion of the north side of Poplar Sideroad (from Saunders Street to High Street) and the Black Ash Trail (from Chamberlain Street heading north to Canadian Tire). The OFSC also grooms the Harbourview Trail from Balsam Street to Birch Street. All OFSC trails are signed.
Town of Collingwood Trails Map 2022
Town of Collingwood Winter Groomed 2021-2022 Map
Are snowmobiles allowed to travel on trails?
- The Town allows snowmobiles along the Train Trail (from the OPP Station to Poplar Sideroad) and along the Hamilton Drain Trail (from the Train Trail west to Saunders Street). These two trails are for local access to the OFSC trails as per Bylaw 2015-095.
- Snowmobiles are required to follow the Highway Traffic Act when operating on the roadway and should not use pedestrian sidewalks.
Explore Collingwood's history, Features on the Trail
To preserve the rich history of the Town of Collingwood, we are using the trails to to highlight natural and historical sites by installing interpretive panels at important locations. Travel the trails and expand your knowledge of Collingwood history. To find the interpretive signs, check out the GPS coordinated below.
Additional potential sites have been identified, but in order to proceed with more Sign Sponsors and suitable historic images are required. If you wish to sponsor a sign or have historical pictures that could be useful, please refer to the Donor Gift Program on this website.
GPS Coordinates
For those interested in using a GPS, click here to view a table of Features on the Trails the coordinates.
Features on the Trail
Whites Bay Feature
Glory Whelan Parkette
(click on map for larger view) | Harbour Circle Route – 4.2 km (1+ hour walk)A serene route in the centre of town. Stroll along the waterfront, the boardwalk, the Arboretum, and the labyrinth. For an extra bonus, follow the trails to the top of the berm and enjoy a perfect view of the town, the Collingwood Terminals, and the ski hills at Blue Mountain. |
(click on map for larger view) | East Circle Route – 5.8 km (1.5 hour walk)
Our most scenic circle route takes you along the tree-lined Train Trail, the picturesque Pretty River, and through beautiful Sunset Point Park. Visit the Museum, Central Park, the Japanese Garden, and interpretive signs celebrating the history of the town. |
(click on map for larger view) | West Circle Route – 7.7 km (2 hour walk)A pleasant walk in the west end of town following the Georgian Trail and the Black Ash Creek. Drop into one of the resorts along the route for a beverage to enhance your trip. |
(click on image above for full trail map) | Heather Pathway – 20+ km (4.5 hour walk)Looking for a challenge? Follow the Heather Pathway around the entire town and experience all the sites that the town has to offer. |
(click on map for larger view) | George Christie Nature TrailsWant to rough it a little? Hike or bike these nature trails and experience the wilderness without leaving town. They are a fantastic place to snowshoe or X-country ski in winter. |
”Collingwood Trails” entrance at Minnesota & Manning, Collingwood, Ontario, Canada
Photography by Matthew Wells © 2012
In 2014 an energetic group of volunteers proposed an 11 circuit Chartres Labyrinth be built in Harbourview Park along the Collingwood trails network. They fundraised enough funds to construct the labyrinth in 2015 on lands donated by the Town.
This site is a big destination all year round and provides a place of reflection if needed. There is an interpretive sign on site to explain the purpose of labyrinths and how to use it in the most beneficial manner.
LOCATION
The Collingwood Labyrinth is on the Harbourview Trail near the Arboretum at the north end of Hickory St. (view map)
Photo credit: Geoffrey Belisle
Photo credit: Doug Burlock
Arboretum
Photo credit: Doug Burlock
Sunset Point Park
Photo credit: Doug Burlock
Inukshuk
Photo credit: Doug Burlock
Awen Gathering Place
Photo credit: Dave West
The former Eleventh Line nature trail area was renamed to the George Christie Nature Trails in recognition of George Christie and his passion for the Collingwood Trails. George is one of the original founders of the Collingwood Trails in the mid 1980’s. George has provided many years of dedication to the trails and their development.
Please be sure to check out the entire area. It is a beautiful wilderness retreat within the town limits and an outstanding location for a peaceful nature stroll or a snowshoe hike in the winter months.
As you will notice on the Trail Maps, the George Christie Nature Trails connect with the Georgian Trail in two spots and can be an excellent combination trail experience.
Do you walk the trails on a daily or weekly basis?
Do you hate seeing the trash lying on the sides of the trail?
Do you have an extra few minutes a week?
If you answered YES to any of the above then how would you like to join our enthusiastic crew of volunteers; Trail Captains, Map Distributors, keen Photographers or work parties
Trail Captains take ‘ownership’ of a small section of trail to keep the trail clean of refuse and report any hazards that you encounter along your section of trail. Map Distributors keep trail map boxes stocked. We welcome photographers to contribute photos of interest and periodically we have work parties for specific trail improvements
If interested contact the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department by email at prc@collingwood.ca or call 705-444-2500
Need accommodation in the area?
Collingwood Locations
Town of Blue Mountain Locations:
Cycling Clubs
Cycling tours/guided rides
Need to rent snowshoes? (Groups only)
Want to explore other nearby trails?
Water refill stations are available from May to October.