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Top Beaches in Collingwood
If you’re planning a summer weekend getaway to Collingwood and Blue Mountain in Ontario, the sparkling waters of Georgian Bay will definitely entice you.
Here’s an extensive guide to the best beaches in the area, complete with my personal reviews.
About the Beaches of Southern Georgian Bay
The region of Southern Georgian Bay, especially around Collingwood and Blue Mountain, is a fantastic summer destination characterized by its diverse landscapes, clear waters, and numerous outdoor activities.
This is exactly why my husband and I decided to call this place home.
Located roughly two hours north of Toronto (traffic can be a nightmare), this stunning area features a mix of bayside scenery, from sandy beaches to rocky coastlines.
Main Beaches
The three main beaches in the area are Sunset Point Beach in Collingwood, Northwinds Beach to the west, and Wasaga Beach to the east.
Hidden Gems
Alongside these popular spots, there are numerous lesser-known beaches that offer a tranquil vibe, making them excellent alternatives to the big three, especially on busy sunny weekends.
Best Spots to Unwind from Wasaga to Thornbury
This guide details the beaches along Southern Georgian Bay that are within a comfortable walk, bike ride, or drive from Collingwood and Blue Mountain Village.
The beach listings extend from Wasaga, east of Collingwood, to Christie Beach, located west of Thornbury.
Don’t miss out on other exciting activities at Blue Mountain!
Important Information About Collingwood Beaches
- The waters around Collingwood are generally shallow.
- Except for Wasaga, most beaches consist of sand, shale, and pebbles (it’s not the Caribbean, but it’s what we have).
- Beaches are typically unsupervised, so exercise caution.
- Tents and similar structures are often not permitted on many beaches.
- In recent years, parking fees have been introduced almost everywhere, so be ready to pay or park farther away.
- If the waves are high and the water is murky due to wind, it’s best to stay out of the water.
- Sunsets at these beaches can be truly breathtaking.
Sunset Point – The Top Beach in Collingwood
If you’re searching for a beach right in Collingwood, look no further than Sunset Point Beach.
This picturesque spot is situated across from some of the town’s most elegant homes and is immensely popular with both locals and visitors.
There’s a sandy section in the middle that is ideal for families, and the Sunset Point Chipper snack bar is famous for its delicious crispy fries.
My favorite spot is the grassy area at the west end of Sunset Point, where you can find some benches, picnic tables, a small playground, and a much quieter atmosphere. Although it’s a bit rocky at this end, the water is clear, and you can often catch me lounging here with a book during the weekday (not that this is a particular draw).
On summer weekends, Sunset Point Beach becomes quite crowded, and parking can be difficult, but the beach itself is large enough to accommodate everyone.
It features well-maintained accessible restrooms and a beachfront promenade.
If you’re not a Collingwood resident, parking across the street costs $10 per hour, with a daily maximum of $50, and spaces fill up quickly on weekends.
Where is Sunset Point Beach? It’s located at 79 St Lawrence St, Collingwood.
Craigleith Provincial Park
Keep your eyes peeled for fossils on the beach’s fractured shale at Craigleith Provincial Park, where the 400-million-year-old rocks hold fascinating secrets from the past.
Day use rates are available at this somewhat unconventional beach, where you’ll often see campers and day-trippers picnicking, paddling, or relaxing in lawn chairs with their feet dipped in the water.
Entry fees are quite reasonable, averaging around $15 for the day, though this can vary.
Where is Craigleith Provincial Park? The campground runs along a thin strip of land between Highway 26 and the waterfront.
Northwinds Beach at Craigleith
Northwinds is the most recognized beach in the Town of Blue Mountains (which is actually a municipality that includes Thornbury and Blue Mountain Village).
Just off Highway 26 at the bottom of Grey Road 19, Northwinds beach is the closest to Blue Mountain Village, making it a favorite among visitors staying at local hotels.
A Relaxed Atmosphere
When my husband and I were searching for a home near Blue Mountain, we rented a condo right across from Northwinds Beach for three months, and we quickly fell in love with its laid-back vibe.
This beach has a more natural feel compared to the urban park-like atmosphere of Sunset Point Beach. It features both shady and sunny areas, restrooms, a small playground, and grassy spots to relax on.
It’s also an ideal location for launching stand-up paddleboards or kayaks.
Sandy or Rocky? Northwinds Offers Both
There is some sandy area, but depending on where you enter the water, it can be rocky, so water shoes are advisable.
While parking is available at the beach, it fills up quickly. You might find it easier to park at the nearby Craigleith Heritage Depot across the street.
Travel Tip: Exercise caution when crossing the highway and only do so at designated lights; traffic can be heavy, and accidents have occurred.
Where is Northwinds Beach? It’s located 10 km west of Collingwood on Highway 26 and is also a great resting point on the Georgian Trail for hikers and cyclists.
Blue Mountain Private Beach Club
If you’re open to paying for exclusive access, Blue Mountain Village offers a private white sand beach that’s among the finest in the area.
If you’re staying at the Village, check with your hotel to see if this access is included—it is definitely part of the Play All Day Pass.
Excellent Amenities
The beach club is equipped with various amenities, including a snack bar, a volleyball net, non-motorized boats (included with your admission), and cabanas (available for an additional fee).
Parking is limited, so if you’re a resort guest, consider taking the private shuttle from Blue Mountain Village. There are two accessible parking spots and restrooms available as well.
Where is Blue Mountain Beach? It’s just a 10-minute shuttle ride from the Village, located west of Collingwood past Craigleith.
Council Beach – A Hidden Gem
When the larger beaches become overcrowded, we often escape to Council Beach, identifiable by its large rock formation just offshore.
This beach has a swing set, a portable restroom, a couple of picnic tables, and some tree shade for those looking to cool off from the sun.
Where is Council Beach? It’s located just off Highway 26 at Lakewood Drive (Grey Road 40). There is limited paid parking, followed by a short path that leads to the beach.
Peasemarsh Conservation Area
Peasemarsh Beach is another quiet retreat located in a nature preserve just east of Thornbury, right off Highway 26.
This smaller, lesser-known beach is a blend of sand, rocks, and pebbles, making it a different kind of beach experience compared to Sunset Point or Northwinds.
Nestled in Nature
The surrounding Peasemarsh Conservation Area features a network of shady trails perfect for peaceful nature walks and is bordered by the gentle waters of Indian Brook.
While the beach itself isn’t large, it offers a pleasant off-the-beaten-path experience for those who don’t require extensive amenities.
There is a paid parking lot and basic portable toilet facilities available.
Where is Peasemarsh Conservation Area? It’s about 18 km west of Collingwood, just off Highway 26.
Little River Beach Park in Thornbury
Thornbury is an upscale Georgian Bay town known for inviting cafes, boutiques, and a beloved ice cream shop called Pom Pom.
The beach is conveniently located next to the pier, making it just a short stroll to the main street (great for ice cream!).
Amenities
The beach has decent washrooms, benches, and a lovely playground. There is also some parking available right by the beach.
Truth be told, my husband and I rarely visit this beach, likely because it was closed for renovations when we first moved to Collingwood, and we’ve just never formed the habit of going there.
When we find ourselves in Thornbury, we typically choose Bayview Park instead.
Where is Little River Beach? It’s located at 4 Harbour St, Thornbury.
Bayview Park in Thornbury
Although the small beach at Bayview Park may not stand out, the park itself is tranquil and spacious, offering ample grassy areas to lay out your towels, a waterfront path, and a sheltered picnic area with functional restrooms.
It’s located closer to Collingwood than Little River Park (a consideration for cyclists on the Georgian Trail) but is a bit farther from the shops on the main street.
Parking is available along the street near the park.
Where is Bayview Park Beach? It’s located at 60 Bay Street East, Thornbury.
Christie Beach
Located in the Blue Mountains region, Christie Beach features primarily sandy shores and is situated towards Meaford off Highway 26 at the end of Christie Beach Road. It’s a popular spot for locals.
This beach is family-friendly but can get crowded on weekends due to its manageable size.
Please note that the beach is bordered by private cottages—respect their boundaries and avoid trespassing.
Parking is available, but it is limited, and restrooms are provided.
Where is Christie Beach? It’s located 28 km west of Collingwood between Thornbury and Meaford.
Wasaga Beach – A Short Drive from Collingwood
Wasaga Beach is one of Ontario’s most famous beaches and is a destination in its own right—just a 20-minute drive away from Collingwood.
Stretching for 14 kilometers along Georgian Bay, Wasaga Beach holds the title of the longest freshwater beach in the world, featuring stunning sand and a vintage ambiance.
The beach is so extensive that it is divided into several areas, each offering a unique atmosphere.
Choosing the Right Area at Wasaga
While the best parking options are located at the busy Beach Area 1, it’s not my favorite spot due to its frantic atmosphere. However, it is the most commercialized, complete with restaurants, beach shops, paid parking, and public restrooms.
I prefer the quieter west end beach sections, although finding parking there can be challenging. Sometimes we ride our bikes from the paid parking lot at Beach Area 1 to reach those calmer spaces.
Where is Wasaga? It’s located 20 km east of Collingwood and about 150 km north of Toronto.
Are Collingwood Beaches Worth It?
A day at the beach on Georgian Bay offers a vastly different experience from the typical cottage country relaxation.
With a vast surface area of 15,000 square kilometers, this body of water presents an expansive horizon.
Whether it’s the mysterious blue hues energized by the waves or the inviting pale turquoise waters on sunny days, the bay is delightfully unpredictable.
Endlessly captivating, the beaches around Collingwood are among the best summer spots in Ontario.
