Coastal Walk

“Camino” is the spanish word for “the way.” Let us share our South Georgian Bay with you. Slowing down and walking allows you to immerse yourself fully in our region — the gorgeous landscapes, the rhythms of country life, ancient forest and coastal trails, outstanding and varied local cuisine, wines and lodgings, a wealth of flora and fauna as well as the simple pleasures of everyday life. We have designed a 4-day tour for you along the shore of Georgian Bay. Start your trip by calling SummerBound Tours, who will deliver your luggage from stop to stop and return you back to your vehicle. Please park either at the Thornbury Harbour or Wasaga Beach Town lots. DAY #1 Stay near the Thornbury Harbour at the Royal Harbour Resort. Meander along the trail to the beautiful Thornbury Harbour and take a moment to enjoy one of the loveliest harbours on the Bay. After taking in the harbour head towards town along the River Walk to view the Thornbury Fish Ladder. Walk up to the bridge spanning the Beaver River, on Highway #26 and head West up to Bruce Street to shop and dine in beautiful Thornbury. Visit the wonderful village shops and continue to be impressed by the historic mansions of the village and peaceful neighbourhoods. Book your Adventure for Day 3 at your choice of Monterra Golf, Blue Mountain Resort (Mountain Biking) or Scenic Caves Nature Adventures.

Pick up a picnic lunch in downtown Thornbury from one of the many great shops and restaurants. Start your journey on the Georgian Trail. The Georgian Trail is a 34 km hiking, cross country skiing and cycling trail stretching from Collingwood’s Harbourview Park to the waterfront in Meaford. The Georgian Trail is a linear trail, a ribbon of green following the route of the old Northern Railway Line. This 34km Trail passes along the south shore of beautiful Georgian Bay with ample opportunity to stop, rest and swim during the summer months. You can pick up the Trail, just adjacent to the Resort. Follow Trail markers east to Collingwood. There are really great beaches in the Blue Mountains. So take your time to enjoy them all. Your first stop is Peasmarsh Beach. Further down the way is Council Beach. Enjoy the amazing rock ledges at Craigleith Provincial Park where the swimming is just incredible. A day-pass is required. Northwinds Beach is a great rest stop for lunch. Be sure to rent a kayak from Matt and the gang from Free Spirit Tours here and visit a real ship-wreck, the Mary Ward, just 2 km off the coast. The Craigleith Heritage Depot is across the road and set in a circa 1878 railway depot. It has been lovingly restored and now houses museum displays on the history of the Town of The Blue Mountains spanning back 445 million years. Display topics include the rich fossil history of the area, the 10,000 years of human occupation in the area, the early settlers, the ski industry, rail industry, and of course Sir Sandford Fleming who’s family once owned the property. “The Depot” also boasts a gift shop and a tourism information area. Take the road-side trail to the Village at Blue and enjoy the Pedestrian Village at the Base on Blue Mountain for dinner. Stay at one of the many amazing Village area Hotels including Blue Mountain Resort and The Westin Trillium House.

Wake up early for a great breakfast in the Village. Your day’s activities could include a Mountain Bike down Blue Mountain. Try out your Golf Skills at Monterra Golf, an amazing golf course with panoramic mountain views. Your afternoon thrill involves a journey up the Gondola at Blue (Admission required). At the top of the mountain follow the Bruce Trail to Scenic Caves Nature Adventures. Enjoy the 3 hour Eco-tour, the self guided caves and crevasse tour, or hike over Ontario’s longest suspension bridge. Follow Scenic Caves Road down the Escarpment to Mountain Road and pick up the 11th Line Trail to the Mountain Road Trail to our Visitor Centre at 30 Mountain Road. Be sure to pick up the Collingwood Trails Map here and any area maps for your continued journey. You will re-connect with the Georgian Trail, just adjacent to our Visitor Centre. Collingwood currently boasts over 70 km of trails spread out throughout downtown Collingwood and the outlying areas. Discover Collingwood’s waterfront pleasures and explore the waterfront trails, boardwalks and parks. View the Collingwood lighthouse, one of the most historic structures of the Great Lakes. Choice for hotels include B&Bs, Inns, Hotels and more. Check our Visitor Guide for complete listings to find an accommodation that meets your needs.

Start your journey with breakfast in historic downtown Collingwood. More than 375 shops and services featuring unique restaurants and foodie shops, fabulous fashions, accessories, shoes, home décor and gifts. The Beild House, Café Chartreuse and Dags and Willow offer amazing picnic lunches for purchase. Visit the Collingwood Museum and learn about the shipbuilding heritage. Journey to Millennium Park and discover the amazing plinths. This park has a memorial walkway lined with plaques as a memorial to the many shipyard workers who spent most of their lives building the huge grain carriers, which plied the Great Lakes. Journey along the Collingwood trail system until the Collingwood Trail ends at Georgian Manor Drive. Follow the Safe Bike Route until it ends at William Street. Follow through to Middlebrook to Hwy #26. Please stay well off to the side of Hwy #26 to ensure your safety for a short journey on this busy road. Turn left at Constance Blvd. Follow Constance until Thomas Street turning right. Turn left on Betty Blvd and follow the trail through to Shore Lane Road. Take the first path left through to the Beach. You can pick-up Wasaga Beach public transit on Mosley Street, if you are too tired and need to call it a day. This stretch of beach is amazing and can’t be missed. Wasaga Beach was the first provincial park in Ontario to be designated a Blue Flag Beach. Wasaga Beach Provincial Park has eight beach areas, each with washrooms, changing facilities, picnic tables, parkland, and two have playgrounds areas. During the war of 1812, the mouth of the Nottawasaga River was a supply route to Fort Michilimackinac. It was here that the battle with 3 American ships sunk the HMS Nancy, around which silt deposits created what we now know as Nancy Island. Be sure to visit the Island and spend the night at one of many accommodators listed in our Visitor Guide. There are so many great activities at Wasaga beach including canoeing the Nottawasaga, hiking, biking and more. Take another day to discover all Wasaga Beach’s treasures.