Collingwood is a charming town packed with culinary delights and craft beverages, perfect for a foodie day trip or weekend getaway. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this itinerary offers the ultimate day of eating, drinking, and exploring so pack your cooler and designate a driver if you plan on partaking in several craft beverage stops and get ready for a day of fun and food!
Start Your Day with Breakfast and a Coffee
Kick off your foodie adventure with breakfast at MEK Breakfast House (65 Hurontario St.). This cozy spot serves up mouthwatering breakfast options that range from classics to creative spins on your favorite dishes. Whether you're craving something sweet or savory, MEK has something to fuel your day.
Before wandering the stores downtown be sure to stop at Espresso Post (139 Hurontario St.). This beloved café is a local favorite for its perfectly brewed coffee, delicious pastries, and welcoming atmosphere. Grab a beverage to go, to enjoy while you explore the downtown area and get your caffeine fix for the day.
Explore Downtown Collingwood
After breakfast and coffee, spend some time wandering around Collingwood's charming downtown. Here are a few foodie-approved stops you won’t want to miss:
- Collingwood Olive Oil Co.: (42 Ste. Marie St.) Browse an extensive selection of gourmet olive oils and vinegars. Perfect for food lovers who appreciate quality ingredients and they even offer delicious tasting experiences. Be sure to try the black garlic balsamic, it’s amazing!
- Blue Mountain Tea Company: (167 Hurontario St.) If you're a tea lover, you'll enjoy exploring the variety of loose-leaf teas, accessories, and gifts. I love the Earl Grey Cream and Coconut Oolong.
- Nicky’s Doughnuts & Ice Cream: (10 Third St.) Don’t miss out on the apple fritter – a crowd favorite that’s worth the indulgence.
- Dags and Willow: (25 Second St.) Discover local cheeses, charcuterie, and other gourmet goodies that make perfect snacks or gifts. Be sure to take home some of their famous Asiago dip and stop upstairs at The Willow Room for a cheese tasting.
- Gibson & Co.: (93 Hurontario St., Unit 3) Their bottle shop is a great spot to find unique wines to take home and they are also well known for their coffee, snacks and cocktails.
- Craig’s Cookies: (66 Hurontario St) Whether you're craving a classic cookie or something more decadent, Craig's Cookies has you covered.
- Crave the Chocolatier: (62 Hurontario St., #155) Treat yourself to handmade chocolates and artisanal sweets including fun, hard to find retro candy.
- Tesoro Mercato: (2 Schoolhouse Lane) An Italian market offering fresh pasta, sauces, and other Italian specialty foods that bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen.
- Collingwood Farmers’ Market: (Ontario St.) If you happen to be in town on a Saturday, don't forget to stop by the Farmers' Market, open seasonally from late May to October from 8am-1pm. Here you’ll find fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items from local vendors.
Options for Lunch
By now, you're probably ready for lunch. Head to Bent Taco (48 Pine St.) for a delicious meal inspired by modern Mexican cuisine. Their creative tacos are packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Pair your meal with one of their craft cocktails or a refreshing cerveza and if it’s nice out, be sure to get a seat on their adorable patio. Another favourite lunch spot is Minh’s (14 Balsam St.), a Vietnamese restaurant that also serves delicious Dim Sum. I love their “broken rice”, pho and vermicelli. Last but not least, Thonburi Thai (10 Keith Ave., Unit 406) is a wonderful Thai restaurant that is proudly female owned and serves a wide variety of authentic and mouth watering dishes. Be sure to try their Pad Thai and tasty coconut curries.
Explore Collingwood's Craft Beverage Scene
After lunch, it's time to dive into Collingwood's craft beverage scene. Be sure to designate a driver if you want to partake in beverages at multiple stops. Beginning that last week of September 2024, the Town of Collingwood is also excited to present a new “Craft Beverage Passport”. Following in the footsteps of Collingwood’s long history of brewing and distilling dating back to the 1800’s, this historic town is quickly becoming known as “Ontario’s Craft Beverage Capital”. Take a self-guided tour and collect 5 of the 7 stamps in your passport for a chance to win great prizes.
Here are a few of my favourite stops:
- Black Bellows: (40 Simcoe St) Located in the heart of Downtown Collingwood, Black bellows serves up beers and bites that are perfect for kicking off your Collingwood craft beverage experience.
- Georgian Bay Spirit Co.: (325 Raglan St., Unit 2D) Stop by their bottle shop or arrange ahead of time for a tour of the distillery. Known for their award-winning gin, vodka, and canned cocktails, this is a must-visit for any spirits lover and you can also get products that aren’t available at the LCBO!
-The Collingwood Brewery: (10 Sanford Fleming Dr) Check them out for a bite, a pint or a flight of their delicious beers! Their crisp and flavorful beers are perfect for relaxing during a day of exploring. They also often have live music on weekends to enhance your experience.
- Side Launch Brewing Company: (200 Mountain Rd., Unit 1) Enjoy a cold drink at Side Launch, one of Collingwood’s iconic breweries. Also be sure to check out Mamacita Tacoria food truck when you’re there!
A Couple of Stops on the Way to Blue Mountain
If you have time and want to explore a bit more, make a couple quick stops at:
- Saucy Pasta: (10 Keith Ave., Unit 205) A local gem where you can pick up fresh pasta and sauces to enjoy later.
- Heavenly Cafe: (10 Keith Ave., Unit 301) Pick up some sweet treats at this local cafe to enjoy at home after your day of exploring.
- Currie’s Farm Market: (736 Sixth St.) Open seasonally and located en route to Blue Mountain, this market is a wonderful spot for fresh, local produce and baked goods.
End Your Day with Dinner and Drinks
For dinner, make your way to Low Down (65 Simcoe St., Unit 5). This stylish eatery offers an Asian-fusion menu that will tantalize your taste buds with a variety of bold and creative dishes. Pair your meal with one of their craft cocktails for the perfect end to your foodie day. Another dinner option is Waldorf and Statler (10 Keith Ave 104A), a restaurant serving tapas style small plates of delicious and unique offerings, open Thursday to Saturday. If you’re feeling like something a bit more laid back, Northwinds Brewery (499 First St.) is another great option. Be sure to check out their moto Detroit style pizza, it’s amazing. It's also a stop on the craft beverage tour!
After dinner, swing by Sunday’s Ice Cream (166 Hurontario St.) for dessert. Their creamy, flavourful scoops are a sweet way to finish your evening in Collingwood.
If you’re still not feeling like the night isn’t finished, you can stop by Bar Gondola (209 Hurontario St.) whose ski themed ambiance is a fun way to end the evening.
Helpful Resources
For more inspiration on where to eat and drink in Collingwood, check out these helpful guides from The Town of Collingwood:
- Taste and Toast: A great guide to the local restaurants listed in this post and many more.
- Craft Beverage Tour: A guide to Collingwood’s Craft beverage scene.
Whether you’re indulging in local cuisine, craft beverages, or delicious desserts, Collingwood has everything you need for a foodie’s perfect day. Pack your cooler, bring your appetite, and get ready to savor the best eats and drinks in town!
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