How to Explore Collingwood and The Blue Mountains like a Local

By Tamara Moore

For leisure travellers, Collingwood and the Blue Mountains offer a perfect four seasons escape. In the Summer, the beach is the perfect destination for kitesurfing and watersports, not to mention wine tours. In the Fall, there is no better place to see the beautiful changing colours of the trees and go apple picking. In the winter, ski enthusiasts flock to the slopes at Blue Mountain or one of the many private clubs that grace the escarpment and Spring is the ideal time for golfers to try their luck at one of the breathtaking courses, Lora Bay Golf Resort, or Georgian Bay Club come to mind. For cyclists there are a multitude of winding trails to explore on mountain bikes.

Here, in her own words, Ascent Behave owner Tamara Moore, who’s one of Canada’s leading experts in luxury travel and lifestyle public relations shares her favourite recommendations for visitors

Blue Mountain<br />

You can swing through the trees, challenge gravity and reconnect with your sense of adventure at Blue Mountain. Family friendly Blue Mountain Village offers a plethora of outdoor activities, biking trails and an adventure park to keep active families busy and engaged. It also includes many eatery options for every budget. The Westin is my favourite property there, with an O&B restaurant, lively bar and beautiful outdoor pool. I love to tire the kids out and then….I hire a babysitter and head to the most romantic restaurant in town, the Tremont Cafe.

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Penny’s Motel

The trendy new kid on the block is the newly revived Penny Motel and Apres Snack Bar. This stylish boutique motel recently opened its doors and is getting accolades from guests and locals alike. It has an epic patio and cozy bar that also doubles as our check in and lobby area. You can get your morning coffee here and our lunch and dinner menu is always evolving with the seasons. www.pennysmotel.ca

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VanderMarck Boutique Hotel<br />

VanderMarck is the perfect place to stay if you’re a minimalist who loves boutique hotels and adults only. Steps away from Collingwood’s vibrant downtown, shopping, restaurants, the theatre, and year-round festivals, it’s a great place to stay for the full experience and just a short drive to Blue Mountain, Scenic Caves, Wasaga Beach, The Bruce Trail, and world-class golf courses. The neighbourhood also features some great restaurants, coffee shops and breweries, all of which are steps away including the aforementioned Tremont Café.

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Georgian Bay Hotel & Conference Centre<br />

When I have the kids in tow, Georgian Bay Hotel and Conference Centre, part of Trademark Collection by Wyndham, is one of our favourite spots to stay. This resort, with its large rooms and suites with full kitchens, is also a fabulous golf destination. It is situated in one of Canada’s most spectacular natural landscapes. This all-season retreat puts you in a great position to explore everything the Georgian Bay area has to offer. The resort also has its own standout steakhouse and spa! www. georgianbayhotel.com

Living Water Resorts

A beautiful resort and spa with standout service, Living Water Resorts is the perfect place to take a break, be pampered and unwind. After a day here, you’ll leave with a rejuvenated mind, body and spirit. It’s also home to the only aquapath in Ontario. livingwaterresortandspa.com

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Tremont Café<br />

This café is an absolute date night must, offering Collingwood’s best five-course tasting menu and a fabulous brunch. Open Wednesday to Sunday reservations are essential. Their rooftop patio is beautiful and has been the site of at least one proposal! www.thetremontcafe.com

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Coffin Ridge Winery

Overlooking the crystal blue water of Georgian Bay, in the shadow of the Niagara Escarpment sits Grey County’s first winery, Coffin Ridge. Wine tastings will delight the most discerning palate and the views don’t disappoint. www.coffinridge.ca

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Georgian Hills Winery

If you want to stick closer to town, this winery is a favorite for destination weddings and bachelorette parties, with seasoned winemakers at the helm. georgianhillsvineyards.ca

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Staying Fit

When I need a weekend away with the girls, I’ll opt for one of the area’s beautiful rental properties and I stay on track from a diet, fitness and general health perspective, thanks to Heather Abbott and Fuel Well, Feel Well Nutrition, A holistic nutritionist and whole food advocate, Heather is a menu-planning pro and her recipes are delicious. She will curate the perfect girls weekend away menu. In addition, Heather Pirie Coaching will help you stay balanced and focused on your goals, while helping you achieve renewed joy, vitality and peace. And, for the days when you want to feel the burn check out Blue Mountain F45 led by owner, Chris Brakel.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tamara Moore is a luxury lifestyle expert with more than 15 years working with Hollywood elite. The CEO of Ascent Behave and star of NBC’s highly rated TV program Apres Ski has garnered a reputation as one of Canada’s leading authorities in luxury travel. Ms Moore is also an advocate for family law reform and ending domestic abuse.