Madame Marie’s Guide to Collingwood and The Blue Mountains: Where to Eat, Drink, and Explore
Whisk yourself away to this gorgeous four-seasons region just two hours north of Toronto to admire the azure waters of Georgian Bay, to climb or ski the rugged escarpments, and to dine at charming restaurants. To make your next trip a breeze, the best of the best is all right here.
EAT + DRINK
Restaurants and Cafés
The Pine
203 Hurontario Street, Collingwood
@the_pine
If you’re seeking an immersive dining experience in the heart of Collingwood, The Pine is a fabulous destination for epicureans. With only ten seats, the team prepares an elaborate tasting menus using local ingredients. It was named the ninth best restaurant on Canada’s 100 Best New Restaurants 2022 list.
The Tremont Café
100 Pine Street, Collingwood
@thetremontcafe
This is by far my preferred place to dine in the region, and you won’t be disappointed. The spotlight is given to local, fresh produce with plenty of inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine. I can’t give this establishment enough praise! When you dine here, you’ll know why.
Heart’s Tavern and Bar
235334 Grey Road 13, Kimberley
@heartstavern
Kimberley is a little village at the heart of many good things: the Beaver Valley and Bruce Trail, hiking, and, most recently, Heart’s Tavern and Bar. From the people behind Toronto’s Côte de Boeuf and Union restaurants, Heart’s incorporates the best of seasonal product to impress its diners in a casual setting. Venture off the beaten path for some home cooking in the county that will have you coming back for more.
Good Grief
28 Bruce Street South, Thornbury
@goodgriefcoffee
This downtown Thornbury shop has built a reputation for the best coffee in the area—and has some pretty rad branding. Beans are roasted on-site by owners, Jesse Keast and Alix Haddy, and they are also supplied to many shops around the area. The bright and airy space is perfect for stress-free hangouts, with attentive baristas. Grab a latte, a treat, some tie-dye merch, and some beans to go.
Bread & Butter Co.
45 Bruce Street South, Thornbury
@breadandbutter.cafe
This adorable coffee shop, located under a bike store, is a popular destination for cyclists passing through the area. Take in downtown Thornbury’s sights while enjoying a coffee and a healthy treat.
Low Down
65 Simcoe Street, Unit 5, Collingwood
@lowdown.bar
This downtown Collingwood restaurant and bar is known among locals for its flavour-bursting Asian fusion food and artisan cocktails. It always has a long line, and it’s not hard to see why.
Sõl Kitchen
19 Hurontario Street, Collingwood
@solkitchencollingwood
Fresh, flavourful food is what Sõl Kitchen is all about! The restaurant has a wide variety of internationally-inspired healthy dishes in a cozy setting. The Haloumi Salad and Pad Thai are musts!
Bent Taco
48 Pine Street, Collingwood
@benttaco
Hang out on Bent Taco’s gorgeous patio in Collingwood’s downtown core while stuffing your face with tacos, guac, and street corn. Plenty of vegan options available.
Thornbury Bakery Café
12 Bruce Street South, Thornbury
@thornburybakerycafe
Pop in early to avoid the long lines and get first dibs on fresh bread and pastries. The bakery is famous for its excellent gluten-free bread and treats, along with a full menu of delicious salads and sandwiches.
Pom Pom Treat Hut
6 Bruce Street North, Thornbury
@pompomtreathut
If you scream for ice cream, this is the destination for you. While it’s probably the tiniest ice cream shop in the region, they scoop delicious flavours from The London Ice Cream Company, such as Crouching Tiger, Moose Tracks and Salty Caramel. Pom Pom also makes homemade dairy free ice cream with daily rotating flavours.
Gibson & Company
93 Hurontario Street, Unit 3, Collingwood
@gibsonandcompany
This Collingwood coffee shop and bar is tucked away in a tiny alleyway, making it all the more charming when you finally enter its doors. Gibson & Company serves the best coffee in the neighborhood (beans from Pilot Coffee Roasters)—hands down—and has a selection of small plates on offer too. The shop is also fully licensed, so if you’re looking for a spot to grab a craft brew, wine or cocktail, it’s a great choice.
The Mill Café
12 Bridge Street East, Thornbury
@themillcafe
A charming spot that serves casual, local fare. Sit on the covered back patio for a delicious meal overlooking the Beaver River and Mill Pond.
The Dam Pub
72 North Sykes Street, Meaford
@thedampub
If you’re a whisky aficionado, you need to visit this quaint Scottish gastropub that has over 1,000 whiskies on its menu. Brimming with plenty of character, The Dam pub has a menu full of comforting pub food.
Ravenna Country Market
495972 Grey County Road 2, Ravenna
@ravenna_country_market
Don’t let the name fool you. This is more than just a general store with everyday conveniences, which is why it’s become a popular pit stop for cyclists and pie-lovers. It’s a full-scale catering operation and the store has a tempting menu of delicious baked goods and entrees, including butter tarts that fly off the shelves.
Goldsmith’s Market and Bakery
207600 Highway 26, Thornbury
@goldsmithsmarket
Located on the side of the highway, Goldsmith’s Market and Bakery is THE place to go for fresh produce literally picked from the surrounding farm land. Don’t forget to order a famous “Thornberry” pie—a mixed berry-bursting, crumble-top confection.
Wineries, Breweries, and Cider Houses
Thornbury Craft Cider & Beer
90 King Street East, Thornbury
@thornburycraft
Crafted in small batches and made from locally sourced apples, Thornbury Premium Craft Cider is the best-selling brand in Ontario. Sit on the expansive patio and enjoy a flight or two with friends.
The Roost Wine Company
415763 10 Line, Clarksburg
@theroostwineco
Go for the wine (the Red Wing Rosé is my favourite), stay for the incredible views.
Coffin Ridge Boutique Vineyard
599448 Concession Road 2 North, Annan
@coffinridge
This boutique winery is just outside of The Blue Mountains, but it’s too good to not include on this list! I could sit here for hours just soaking up the breathtaking scenery of the Niagara Escarpment. As for the wine, the 2018 Reserve L’Acadie Blanc is an example of the terroir’s potential. Enjoy a Vitner’s Plate with local meats and cheese and a tasting flight.
Spy Cider House and Distillery
808108 Side Road 24, Clarksburg
@spyciderhouseanddistillery
The organic ciders and spirits pay tribute to the Blue Mountains by using only the best local fruit. If you’re a cider fan, this is the best in the region.
Black Bellows Brewing Company
40 Simcoe Street, Collingwood
@blackbellowsbeer
Located in a restored heritage building in downtown Collingwood, Black Bellows Brewing Company is a fun spot to load up on comfort food, craft brew, and art.
Side Launch Brewing
200 Mountain Road, Unit 1, Collingwood
@sidelaunch
While the industrial location is void of any character, you’ll easily forget once you sip on the award-winning craft beer. Side Launch is well-known for its wheat beer. There’s truly something for everyone.
EXPLORE
The Georgian Trail
georgiantrail.ca
A former railway trail, The Georgian Trail runs approximately 34 kilometres along the magnificent southern shore of Georgian Bay between Collingwood and Meaford. Grab your running shoes or a bike and explore the sights.
Sunset Point Beach
79 St. Lawrence Street, Collingwood
Soak up the fresh air, Nottawasaga Bay breezes, and beauty from this Collingwood park.
Thornbury Harbour
41 Bruce Street North, Thonrbury
The Thornbury Harbour is the definition of summer from shore to shore. Walk to the end of the pier for stunning views of Nottawasaga Bay, and catch a sunset while you’re at it. Pop into nearby restaurant, Sterling’s, for a drink on the patio.
Scandinave Spa Blue Mountains
152 Grey County Rd 21, The Blue Mountains
@scandinaveblue
Pamper yourself with a day at the spa. From rejuvenating Scandinavian baths to relaxing massages, all your worries will vanish here. Open all seasons.
Loree Forest
visitgrey.ca/business/loree-forest
Loree Forest is a moderate five-kilometre loop trail located near Collingwood that’s perfect for hiking and cross-country skiing. Hike to the lookout at Georgian Peaks for breathtaking views of the escarpment.
Christie Beach
101 Sunset Boulevard, Thornbury
southgeorgianbay.ca/listing/christie-beach/
A quiet, sandy beach with sunsets that will take your breath away.
