Any season in Southern Georgian Bay sure is sweet. Rolling hills of rich colours offset by the bright greeny-blue waters of Georgian Bay make a visit to the region a must-do.
If you are unfamiliar, Georgian Bay is the northeastern offshoot of Lake Huron in Ontario, Canada, and home to the world’s largest freshwater archipelago. The residential area known as Southern Georgian Bay is just that: a collection of quaint little towns that line the southern shore of Georgian Bay — a diverse stretch of land home to the world’s longest freshwater beach, the highest point of the Niagara Escarpment, and the heart of Ontario’s apple county.
Located just 90 minutes north of Toronto and connected by a series of rural roads and rolling hills, the area has also become affectionately known as Ontario’s four-season playground.
Downhill skiing (Blue Mountain‘s a favourite) and snowmobiling dominate the winter months, with a number of beautiful trails scattered throughout the area that are excellent for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat biking.
Spring brings the bounty of new growth, racing rivers, wine touring, and farmer’s markets, when the spa and wellness destinations mentioned below are the perfect choices for a spring clean.
In the summertime, days are spent swimming, boating, hiking, cycling, caving, kayaking or enjoying the number of cultural festivals that take place around the region. And then there’s late summer and early autumn, a spectacular season that has become almost sacred to some.
The pace becomes slightly more laid-back than the bustle of summer, but warm weather lingers in the September sun. Come October, a colourful panorama of glorious maples, sumacs, oaks, and aspens bound the escarpment, cascading into the valley and yielding a sight that is so exceptionally beautiful it will take your breath away.
In addition to a mutual appreciation for the beautiful landscapes, the people who call Southern Georgian Bay home have developed a close-knit community bond like no other. Local residents, business owners, artists, and entrepreneurs alike work together to make life better for everyone, every day; becoming a truly regenerative tourism region is the goal.
In recent years, the area has also become home to a thriving wellness culture – from the latest spa treatments, fitness offerings, and holistic therapies, to preeminent places to eat, stay, relax and retreat.
So whether you love being outdoors and are looking to embrace a more active lifestyle, want to immerse yourself in one of Canada’s most entrepreneurial communities, or simply indulge in delicious seasonal, locally-sourced and sustainable libations, Southern Georgian Bay offers countless places, pursuits and products so that you can live well, eat well, and travel well — even before or long after summer has come and gone.
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LIVE WELL:
DESTINATION WELLNESS
A haven for year-round outdoor adventure, Southern Georgian Bay is the perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure junkies alike. From an expansive network of trails to hike, rivers to paddle, waves to surf, caves to spelunk, rocks to climb…you name it…and some of the best skiing in all of Ontario, there is an endless list of activities available all year long — no matter what your skill level is or where your interests lie.
Pursuing a healthy outdoor lifestyle and spending more time in nature has become a priority for many in recent years, and no shortage of it can be found in the beautiful communities that make up Southern Georgian Bay.
To accompany this thriving, active lifestyle, local wellness entities for health optimization, performance and recovery have opened around the region dedicated to helping those who live, work and play in Southern Georgian Bay maintain a strong connection to their mind, body, and beyond.
So whether you are looking to unwind after an afternoon of adventure, spa at Scandinave in the Blue Mountains, pamper yourself with holistic treatments and natural esthetics, experiment with a new yoga class or connect more deeply with your inner self, Southern Georgian Bay has something for you.
Vortex Wellness Studio
If a gym, a yoga studio, and a spa had a wild night in the self-help section of a bookstore, the product would be Vortex Wellness Studio: a new, state-of-the-art wellness facility in Collingwood. Locally owned and operated by husbands Daniel James and Steve McCrea, Vortex is inspired by the West Coast wellness vibes of California and offers nine unique sessions for health optimization, fitness recovery, and innovative self-care in a cozy, luxurious atmosphere. Vortex aims to make you feel awesome, elevate your energy, and allow those good vibes to ripple out into your community.
Everlove
A hub for healing, inspiration, community, movement, and bodywork, including massage, craniosacral, reiki and more, Everlove Healing and Yoga is one of the area’s newest wellness hubs. Founders Dan and Ariana always dreamed of opening a space where their guests feel so taken care of that they can just melt into their practice and move closer to the highest articulation of themselves. Everlove offers different movement memberships and healing options, as well as a variety of events and community gatherings rooted in connection.
Cedar + Sage
Located downtown Collingwood, Cedar and Sage is a premier float, massage, and yoga studio. Founders Deanna Harris and Jessica Racioppa combine their love of holistic living, movement and the human body to create a unique wellness experience where people can come together to learn, grow, and prosper. It is the only wellness centre of its kind in Southern Georgian Bay and provides acupuncture, registered massage therapy, hot yoga and restorative float therapy to encompass a many-sided approach to health and wellness.
Lemonade Collective
‘Making lemonade’ is the concept of taking something sour and making it sweet. That is exactly what Melissa Goldmintz & Gautam (G) Shah were looking to do when they bought the old sports club in the Blue Mountains and transformed it into Lemonade Collective. The fitness and events centre is on a mission to inspire a healthier, happier and confident community and is home to a boutique gym, saltwater swimming pool, dry sauna, squash court, fitness studio, and lululemon retail store. Plus, lemonade stands are always welcoming—and so are they: Lemonade Collective prides itself on embracing guests of all fitness levels, ages, and genders.
Amie Young Bespoke Wholistic Care
The minute you enter Amie’s space, your shoulders soften—you have arrived at a place where you can feel safe, heard, and more connected to your inner wisdom. As a Reiki master, reflex therapist, and holistic nutritionist, Amie blends her expertise and intuition to create personalized healing experiences that bring clarity, connection, and trust. Located in Singhampton, Ontario, her practice helps clients step into their greatest life by exploring healing on all levels and supporting heart-led living.
EAT WELL:
BOTTLED BY THE BAY
It’s no surprise that a region known for its abundant orchards and apple production also produces some of the finest ciders in the country — but it doesn’t stop there.
Southern Georgian Bay has a rich history of local shops and makers and, in recent years, has seen an abundance of craft beverage producers popping up around the region, crafting everything from wine and whiskey to gin, vodka, cider, seltzer, and small-batch beer.
These passionate and creative local distillers make exploring Ontario’s four-season playground a whole new adventure and allow your inner alchemist to shine.
Big-name brands are fading in popularity as these producers continually find innovative ways to incorporate new and local ingredients and experiment with different and traditional styles in their creations.
If you want to be part of something that is locally made, inspired by the area and strives to make you feel good, there is a nearly endless amount of breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries scattered throughout the region that promise to entice your taste buds and offer a healthier and more sustainable option to a traditionally harmful industry.
The Collingwood Brewery
Co-founded in 2014 by Chris Freeman and partners he picked up along the way, The Collingwood Brewery recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade as one of Collingwood’s original craft breweries. Known for crafting balanced, approachable beers that appeal to both newcomers and craft beer enthusiasts, The Collingwood Brewery has become a staple in the local community. The brewery also hosts a variety of events in its taproom and beer garden, fostering a sense of connection while showcasing their passion for quality brewing.
Spy Cider House + Distillery
Spy Cider House + Distillery combines a passion for organic principles with a dedication to crafting high-quality ciders, spirits, and a welcoming hospitality experience. Nestled in the countryside of the Blue Mountains, the distillery offers a place where the community can gather over quality food and drink, creating memories in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. The operation is grounded in sustainability, from sourcing handpicked organic apples to using environmentally conscious methods in every step of production. Known for its crisp, refreshing ciders that capture the essence of each season, Spy has expanded into small-batch distilling, producing handcrafted spirits like apple brandies and botanically-infused gin and vodka. With 78 acres of orchards to explore and a commitment to excellence, the new owners, Darcy Hagerman and Ian Smith, aim to continue Spy’s legacy while inviting visitors to be a part of its ongoing journey.
Duntroon Cyder
Purchased in 2003 by the Schneider Family, Dunridge Farms is a product of love for the environment and a desire for real, sustainable change. The production of their flagship cyder follows that same farm philosophy at Duntroon. Crafted from only hand-picked heritage apples, without any added ingredients, slow-fermented and aged, then blended to perfection, their cyder embodies traditional English cyder-making expertise and techniques and earns Duntroon Cyder House its “Y.”
Creemore Hills Winery
One of the newer wineries in the region, Creemore Hills Winery is making a name for itself by crafting extraordinary, small-batch wines using sustainable practices. It all started in 2007 when Catherine Morrissey and Stephen Loewy purchased a farm property in Creemore, Ontario that reminded them of Italy’s fabled Tuscany region. Together with their wine master, David Eiberg, they embarked on a journey to produce the finest quality terroir-driven wine in a way that enhances their environment and community.
Side Launch Brewing Company
Based in Collingwood, Side Launch is known for its award-winning craft beers inspired by the town’s shipbuilding history. Recently celebrating 10 years in business, the brewery offers a wide range of brews, from lagers to their popular wheat beer. With a focus on quality and community, Side Launch provides a welcoming taproom for locals and visitors to enjoy seasonal offerings and signature beers. Their decade-long presence has cemented them as a key player in Ontario’s craft beer scene, embodying the adventurous spirit of the region.
TRAVEL WELL:
WANDERLUSTING IN SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY
Southern Georgian Bay is synonymous with both rest and relaxation, and experience and adventure.
At any time of year, Collingwood is a nature lover’s paradise, but in the late summertime, with deep, crystal clear waters, lush trails along the escarpment, and an abundance of festivals and events, a visit to the shores of South Georgian Bay is relaxing, memorable — and downright inspiring.
From serene to stimulating, this incredible area inspires creativity and connection and offers a long list of unique, experience-based and locally-inspired accommodations that serve as the perfect launchpad for your next adventure.
The towns and surrounding areas of Meaford, Thornbury, the Blue Mountains, Collingwood, Nottawa, Stayner, Creemore, Clearview and Wasaga Beach all have their own attractions and accommodations for you to explore and enjoy.
Plus, each season unlocks unique experiences you may not have at another time of year and is just another reason why if you haven’t been to Southern Georgian Bay, now is the time.
Whether you seek a much-needed R&R break, a collaborative work experience, a family getaway (or getting away away from kids and family), romance, adventure, or a deeper spiritual connection, there is something here for you.
Penny’s Motel
Originally built in 1974, Penny’s Motel and Après Snack Bar has been revitalized into a retro-inspired boutique motel, seamlessly blending modern amenities with a nod to its adventurous surroundings. Located just steps away from countless activities in the area, this 13-room motel features a welcoming courtyard with firepits, picnic tables, a bocce ball court, a heated patio, and a restaurant and bar offering room service. For added relaxation, guests can enjoy the on-site sauna. Penny’s Motel is your gateway to the ultimate Georgian Bay experience, partnering with local businesses to offer activities like stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, biking, yoga, golf, skiing and area tours.
VanderMarck Boutique Hotel
Located in Collingwood’s vibrant downtown, the VanderMarck is a boutique-style luxury accommodation housed in a beautifully converted Victorian mansion. Built in 1912, the house has a unique history. The hotel has since undergone extensive renovations and nine suites are now located over three floors, accessible only by the house’s original staircase. No two suites are quite the same and the hotel also boasts a beautiful outdoor common area where guests can relax and reconnect.
Tiny Home Regenerative Farm Stay
Escape the city and unwind in a private yard on a 37-acre regenerative farm in Creemore. Enjoy your evening with an intimate fire on your flagstone patio, read a book next to the singing frogs in your private pond or take a stroll past the berry patch and pick some strawberries. A hand-built “Gute” tiny home is the perfect place to get a deep country sleep in an intimate yet expansive setting.
Back Forty Glamping
Back Forty Glamping offers luxury geodesic dome accommodations near Meaford, Ontario, combining comfort with nature. Guests can choose between Forest Domes, set among the trees with private hot tubs and stargazer windows, or Meadow Domes, which provide expansive views and in-floor heating. Each dome is designed for a cozy, immersive experience, complete with propane fireplaces and private outdoor spaces. Ideal for a nature escape without sacrificing comfort, Back Forty’s domes offer a unique way to unwind and enjoy the scenic surroundings of the Blue Mountains region.
Somewhere Inn
Somewhere Inn offers a fresh take on boutique accommodation in the heart of South Georgian Bay. Combining historic charm with modern comforts, the recently opened hotel features vintage furnishings, original flooring, and moody ensuite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy amenities like a Thermal Cycle with a sauna and cold plunge, a communal fire pit, and a Lobby Bar that serves breakfast, snacks, and natural wines. Located on a tree-canopied lot, the inn offers a peaceful retreat while being just steps from Georgian Bay’s Sunset Point and a short drive from Blue Mountain Ski Resort, making it a convenient base for exploring the area.
Maddie is a storyteller at heart, driven by a passion for travel and the power of community. With years of experience as a journalist, she brings people together through her writing, hoping to inspire others to explore new places, connect with different cultures, and create meaningful shared experiences.