
The Southern Georgian Bay area of Ontario is a highly sought out region that attracts so many because of its four-season appeal. Communities such as Collingwood, Thornbury, Blue Mountain Village, Grey Highlands, Clearview, and Wasaga Beach provide inspiration, opportunity, and possibilities for those seeking greener pastures. With proximity to larger cities, such as Toronto and the Kitchener-Waterloo region, these communities promise beautiful natural scenery and a plethora of year-round outdoor activities, great food, opportunities for career and business, and more affordable housing. Residents of the Southern Georgian Bay area love living here and those who visit hate to leave. The region offers something for everyone and once you set foot here, you can’t help but to reimagine what your own life could look like if you lived here.
In Collingwood, people are drawn to the beautiful nature and unexpected opportunities available in the town. Downtown Collingwood is bordered by Georgian Bay to the North, where you’ll find locals and visitors strolling along the waterfront trails, viewing romantic sunsets, sailing, taking in a play or concert at the waterfront Amphitheatre, or enjoying a day at Sunset Point Beach. Collingwood offers an impressive 60 kilometres of recreational trails that are available for use all year round whether you prefer walking, running, hiking, biking, cross country skiing, or snowshoeing. No matter what mood you’re in, Collingwood is a community that entices locals to get out and enjoy the nature that surrounds them.
For those seeking local artisanal shops and restaurants, downtown Collingwood is where it’s at! A place where old meets new, the downtown core is a federally recognized historic district that comes fully loaded with tons of amazing local businesses, trendy boutique shops, and superb restaurants and cafes. The community also boasts a lively arts scene and is an amazing place for those who have an entrepreneurial spirit, since Collingwood ranks as one of the best places in all of Ontario to start a new business. It is also a favourite spot among active retirees. The opportunities that are available in this community are endless!
The town of Thornbury is another hidden gem along Southern Georgian Bay. Echoing the nature and town vibe of Collingwood, just 20 minutes away, Thornbury offers locals great shopping, dining, boating and beach experiences. In this walkable community, locals can spend their time outdoors doing activities such as walking and cycling, yoga on the pier, or spending a leisurely day at the beach.
If you’re a person you who loves to ski or snowboard, another popular destination in the area is Blue Mountain, southern Ontario’s number one ski resort. Located just 10 minutes from Collingwood, locals from all over southern Ontario flock to Blue Mountain’s ski hills and lively Village to enjoy the year-round activities and fun. When you aren’t enjoying the ski hills and trails, Blue Mountain Village allows you to pass the time browsing the boutique shops and dining at one of the many local restaurants. Even when the snow stops flying, you’ll never be bored here – Blue Mountain Village offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as mini golf, ziplining, Ridge Runner mountain coaster, hiking, and biking, rope courses, Segway tours and more!
If you’re attracted to vista views, open spaces, hiking trails and trees, the communities of The Grey Highlands and Clearview won’t disappoint. With close proximity to private ski clubs like Beaver Valley, Devil’s Glen and Osler Bluff, here you’ll enjoy the peace and comfort of nature in your own back yard, with charming shops and restaurants to discover.
For those seeking sun, sand and fun, Wasaga Beach is the ideal place for you. Boasting the world’s longest freshwater beach, locals and visitors alike appreciate a sunny day strolling along the waterfront or exploring sand dunes in the area. You’ll love to pass the time outdoors here golfing, fishing, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
And at the end of day, having a great quality of life in the Southern Georgian Bay area is attainable. Although the housing market here has experienced a boom in recent years, there are still plenty of affordable options available, especially for those leaving larger centres. A great area in which to invest in a second property, many savvy buyers enjoy the benefits of a vacation home with the option to offset expenses with seasonal rental income before committing to a full time move.
Full of unexpected opportunities, the Southern Georgian Bay region is an area that offers the peace and comfort of beautiful nature, along with all the conveniences. Once you visit, it will capture your heart. If you can work from anywhere, why not here?