If you want to enjoy lake life, Collingwood in Ontario, Canada, is one of the best places you can be. It’s set along Nottawasaga Bay, which is a subbay of Georgian Bay, providing ample opportunities to get on and in the water while you create fantastic memories.
Mere blocks away is the VanderMarck Boutique Hotel, offering luxury accommodations for visitors searching for Collingwood hotels near many water activities and fantastic restaurants. Whether you’re ready to get on or in the water during your vacation, you’ll love the selection of water activities in the area.
View Nottawasaga Lighthouse
Constructed in the mid-1800s, the Nottawasaga Lighthouse is a charming piece of maritime history. While you unfortunately cannot currently visit its interior, you can kayak or SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) to its location and appreciate its beauty from the water. Take in the peaceful setting while enjoying the complete clarity of the waters of the bay.
It takes approximately 2 hours round trip via kayak when you leave from Collingwood Harbour. The VanderMarck Boutique Hotel is one of the hotels in Collingwood that is less than a three-minute drive or a slightly longer bike ride to the harbour.
Take a Sunset Cruise
If you don’t feel like kayaking to the Nottawasaga Lighthouse, consider taking a sunset cruise with Collingwood Charters. This 1.5-hour adventure takes you beyond Nottawasaga Lighthouse and into the beautiful waters of Georgian Bay, and then back to the harbour. Bring your camera to capture the beautiful colour changes of a sunset over the water.
Catch Some Fish on Georgian Bay
Whether you’ve booked a hotel in Collingwood to go on a freshwater fishing tour or charter or prefer to head up your own private adventure on the Georgian Bay, any angler is bound to have a fantastic experience. Collingwood Adventure Voyages has fishing charter packages available if you prefer not to head out on your own.
Bass season is from early June to late November, and trout season runs from early April to late September. The muskie season is from early June to mid-December. There are two seasons for pike. You can fish from early January to the end of March or early May to the end of December. A valid fishing license is required. And we’re always recommending you check yourself to see what fish are in season!
Paint in Nature
Book an extended stay at the VanderMarck and take a plein-air outdoor painting course at the Blue Mountain School of Landscape Painting. If you enjoy the water but prefer to keep your feet dry, this one’s for you.
You’ll have the opportunity to paint a landscape of a water scene or a sandy beach, depending on which class you take. Classes do book up, so we recommend reserving your spot in advance.
Take a Picnic at Millennium Overlook Park
Located in Collingwood Harbour, Millennium Overlook Park is a lovely place for a picnic. Just a five-minute drive from the VanderMarck Boutique Hotel, the setting provides the perfect place to relax, unwind, and take in the view of Nottawasaga Bay. There are multiple stores and restaurants in between the hotel and the park where you can pick up food for your afternoon or evening picnic. It’s great a sunset, too.
Go Swimming at Sunset Point Beach
Sunset Point Beach in Collingwood, Ontario, is less than 10 minutes away from the hotel, whether you’re driving or riding a bike. Or enjoy a scenic 30-minute stroll down to the beach. Paid parking is required for non-residents for approximately half the year during the busy season.
Explore the amazing newly built kids’ playground, taking inspiration from the Nottawasauga lighthouse and tows rich shipbuilding history. Also offering 3-4 sand volleyball courts.
Go Jet Skiing
There are few things more exhilarating for a water lover than to go flying across the water (safely) on a jet ski. You can rent a jet ski in Collingwood and head out with your favourite folks or take a guided tour. Your guide will show you some of the best areas to visit on Georgian Bay and keep you entertained along the way.
The Best Time to Visit
While some outdoor water activities are only available (or recommended) for part of the year due to temperatures, staying in the area is always a unique experience, no matter what time of year you visit. Of course, the summer is the best time to book your stay if you want to take advantage of all the water activities our town has to offer.
Temperatures can range significantly throughout the year in Collingwood, Ontario. The average low in July is 17 degrees Celsius (62 degrees Fahrenheit), with the high being 24 degrees Celsius (76 degrees Fahrenheit). In January, the average low is -9 degrees Celsius (16 degrees Fahrenheit), and the average high is -2 degrees Celsius (29 degrees Fahrenheit).
Water reflects the weather! The bay starts to warm up in May and is bearable in June. July, August, and early September are your best bet for comfortable temperature water sports in Georgian Bay.
Reserve Your Suite at the VanderMarck
There’s no better time than now to book your stay at the VanderMarck Boutique Hotel in Collingwood, Ontario, to start enjoying all the beauty and water activities the area offers.
With only nine luxury suites, our hotel provides a very private experience with an exclusive feel. It’s a lovely blend of simplicity, charm, and convenience to exceptional restaurants and local activities.
Check-in is wireless, which lends an even more private vibe. Parking is free for guests. If you’ll be interested in cooking during your stay, please check out our suites that have a kitchen. There are several places nearby to purchase ingredients, including the Collingwood Downtown Farmers’ Market, which is open every Saturday morning from Victoria Day weekend until Thanksgiving. It’s only a three-minute walk from our front door.
Make your reservation today for a studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom suite at the VanderMarck Boutique Hotel. We look forward to welcoming you and being a part of your experience in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada.