Trails
The Collingwood Trails encompasses over 60 kilometres of recreational trails for cyclists, walkers, joggers, skiers, and snowshoers as well as adults and kids commuting to work or school. There’s a Trail leading to every major point of interest in the Town including the beaches of Sunset Point, the scenic lookout at Millennium Park, the tranquil gardens of the Arboretum, the new Labyrinth, the historic Station Museum, and Collingwood Downtown.
We all know that a little outdoor activity is a great way to improve our health. Collingwood’s extensive Trails network is making it easier for all of us to step out and discover just how good it feels.
The well-marked Trails can get us around town safely and quickly. They also give good reason to pause along the way, take a deep breath, and come back to linger.
As it turns out, what’s good for each of us is good for all of us. By reducing emissions, saving energy and getting back to a more active lifestyle, we help make Collingwood a cleaner, healthier and friendlier place to live. Active Transportation to work and school reduces traffic and pollution and using our Trails promotes the conservation of our natural environments and wildlife habitats.
Find your trail!
Learn more about the Collingwood Trails with our short video
Completed in 2018
- Two new "Features of the Trail" stations were installed, One for Smart Brothers Farm Operation on the corner of High St. and Poplar Side Road (at the round-about) and one for Crone's Brick works on Hurontario at The Hamilton Drain Train crossing
- Taylor Creek Trail added 600 metres between Black Ash Creek and the 10th Line
- Nottawasaga Bay Trail, Section A, Pretty River Parkway to Marine Drive, a 3 metre concrete pathway on the north side as part of the new construction of the Parkway
- Using funds provided by the Ontario Government, a Cycling Plan was prepared by our consultants which is to be presented to Council in 2019
- Although not part of the trail system, the new Awen Gathering Place in Harbour View Park is a shining link to our indigenous heritage
Special Notice for the Summer of 2019
- A section of the Sunset Point Trail West of the Harbour plaque (feature 22 on the trails map) is subject to washout due to high water from the strong northwest or northeast winds. Caution is required through this area
- The bridge is out service at the start of the Hens and Chickens Trail due to the high water level this past winter
- The Boardwalk Trail west of the Labyrinth is closed due to a fire (a complete reconstruction of this trail will occur)
Projects Planned for 2019 (subject to budgets and timing)
- Widen and upgrade 100 metres of the River Trail north of Hume St to improve safety
- Rebuild the section of the Boardwalk destroyed by fire (between the Labyrinth and Black Ash Creek)
- Harbourview Park; Create a formal trail east of the Labyrinth along the waterfront
Trails Newsletters
There is a trail for you!
The trails are four-season, multi-use paths for walkers, joggers, cyclists, skiers, and snowshoers. Crushed stone, concrete, wooden walkways and dirt-paths join street bicycle routes to help get you around town. Most surfaced trails are flat terrain and generally accessible for the physically challenged. Snowmobiles have town access via specially marked trails. No other motorized vehicles are permitted.
Again, the trails provide access to every major point of interest in town. Drop into the Collingwood Museum and the Georgian Triangle Tourist Association at The Station. Enjoy the lakefront view and the amenities of Sunset Point Park. Wander through the Arboretum and enjoy a moment of contemplation at the Labyrinth. View the Harbour from Millennium Park or the boardwalk on the Hens and Chickens Trail. Check out the downtown stores. Visit the facilities at Central Park. Explore the Nature Trails in the Eleventh Line area. Follow the Heather Pathway, a series of Town trails linked together from Millennium Park to The Hen & Chickens Boardwalk that gratefully acknowledges a very generous anonymous donation toward trail development. And if you are looking to travel further afield, you have direct access to the Georgian Trail to Thornbury and Meaford or the Train Trail to Stayner.
So park your car, put on your hiking shoes, jump on your bike, or get out those snowshoes. There’s a trail for you.
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
- PRC Department Office, 55 Ste. Marie Street
- The Station Museum, 45 St. Paul Street
- Collingwood Public Library, Ste. Marie Street & Simcoe 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.
For further information contact:
Collingwood Parks, Recreation & Culture at 705 444-2500
Click here for the trails map
Explore Collingwood's history, features on the Trail
In order to preserve the rich history of Collingwood, we are using the trails to locate natural and historical sites by installing interpretive panels at important locations. The Trail Maps highlight the names and location of all these panels.Travel the trails and expand your knowledge of Collingwood history.
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 any of the maps for a larger view)
(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 Station 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. (see full trails map: here) |
(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. |
Trail maps can be picked up in the following locations:
- Town Hall, 97 Hurontario Street
- PRC Department Office, 55 Ste. Marie Street, 3rd Floor
- The Station Museum, 45 St. Paul Street
- Collingwood Public Library, Ste. Marie Street & Simcoe Street
- And over 100 businesses serving visitors throughout the area
- Map boxes at strategic locations on the trail
”Collingwood Trails” entrance at Minnesota & Manning, Collingwood, Ontario, Canada
Photography by Matthew Wells © 2012
In 2014 and energetic group got together and proposed that an 11 circuit Chartres Labyrinth be built In Harbourview Park on the Collingwood Trails system.
The Collingwood Labyrinth was built during 2015 on land donated by the Town of Collingwood. The cost to build the Collingwood Labyrinth was $165,000; all donated by generous citizens and visitors of the Town.
This site is a big draw during the summer and can make a restful and reflective stop on your tour around the Collingwood Trails. There is an interpretive sign at the site to explain about labyrinths and how to walk 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
Anukshuk
Photo credit: Doug Burlock
Awen Gathering Place
Photo credit: Dave West
The former Eleventh Line nature trail area has been 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, with many years of dedication to the trail 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 some snowshoeing 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.
DOG OWNERS
Leash your pet and maintain control. Pet waste bags are available in several locations, please pick one up and use it. Please put used bags in proper receptacle.
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 safe experience for all trail users depends upon everyone following some basic rules, such as those below.
 | Pedestrians always have the right of way. Cyclists should ring a bell or call out "passing left" when approaching pedestrians and if necessary, dismount. |
 | Stay to the right of the trail. |
 | When overtaking others, pass on the left and sound a warning by bell or voice. |
 | Do not block the trail. |
Trail Etiquette reminders
Collingwood’s 60+ kilometers of trails are popular with residents and visitors alike, but the Town of Collingwood wants to make sure that all trail users are familiar with common trail etiquette.
 |
| Manager of Parks Wendy Martin and Trails Committee Chair Murray Knowles exhibit two of the trail etiquette signs. |
“Generally trail users are respectful of each other, and everyone is able to enjoy the trails, whether they’re walking, cycling or jogging,” said Manager of Parks, Wendy Martin. “There are some occasions where users may not be sure of the proper way to pass pedestrians while on a bike, and we hope these signs will be a reminder to share the trail with all users.”
Four signs promoting different aspects of trail etiquette will be posted throughout the trail system and will be moved periodically to help share the message with all users.
The signs include the following four reminders of proper trail etiquette:
- Pedestrians always have the right of way
- Stay to the right of the trail
- Sound a warning
- Do not block the trail.
Safety on the 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.
Dog Walkers
Leash your pet and maintain control. Pet waste bags are available in several locations, please pick one up and use it. Please put used bags in proper receptacle.
No Motor Vehicles.
Motor bikes and e-bikes are NOT permitted on the Collingwood Trails. Pedelec bikes are allowed as the rider needs to use the pedals and the small motor is only an ‘assist’. (By-law 2015-077)
Joggers and Walkers
Please be sure your music and personal entertainment devices aren’t so loud that you cannot hear cyclists and others who may be warning they are passing on your left.
Collingwood Trails have a Donor Gift Program and we welcome donors who by their generosity will make a permanent difference to trail enjoyment. Donors will leave a legacy to cherish. It is a wonderful way to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, or to remember a loved one. A donor can make a gift to a specific area on the Collingwood trails.
One specific way to make a donation is by sponsoring a Features on the Trail historical interpretive panel. Sponsorship cost is $1,700.
All donors will receive a letter of appreciation and a charitable donation tax receipt from the Town of Collingwood. Major donations ($5,000 and up) can be recognized with an inscribed boulder adjacent to a trail. The members of our volunteer trail committee will work closely with you to help personalize your gift.
We would appreciate hearing from you. Contact the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department by phone 705-444-2500 or email prc@collingwood.ca.
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?
Sporting Goods Stores
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?
Click here for a map of the locations of the water refill stations