There’s something about August in Collingwood that always feels a little bittersweet.
After waiting all winter for warm days on Georgian Bay, patio dinners, farmers’ markets and evenings that seem to stretch on forever, suddenly August arrives and the conversation starts shifting toward fall.
But not so fast.
There’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy in Collingwood — and, in my opinion, some of the best days of the season are still ahead. From time on the water to live music and local markets, here are a few ways to slow down, soak it all in and make the most of August in Collingwood.
Don’t Pack Away the Beach Bag Yet
August is one of the best months to enjoy Georgian Bay. The water has finally had all summer to warm up, the days are still long, and there’s nothing quite like cooling off with a swim after a hot afternoon.
Take the paddleboard or kayak out, plan a beach afternoon, head out on the boat or pack dinner and find a spot by the water. Even if you only have an hour at the end of the day, an evening swim or sunset walk along the shoreline can make an ordinary weekday feel like a vacation.
That’s one of the things I love most about living here: you don’t necessarily have to make elaborate plans to enjoy summer. Sometimes all you need is a towel, a good book and somewhere to sit by the Bay.
Eat What’s in Season
If there’s ever a month to eat local, it’s August.
Tomatoes, sweet corn, berries, peaches and more are filling farm stands and markets across the region. Saturday mornings are a great excuse to wander the Collingwood Downtown Farmers’ Market, pick up ingredients for dinner, grab something freshly baked and see what looks good that week.
There’s something wonderfully simple about planning a meal around whatever you happen to find at the market. And if you can’t make it downtown, our local farm stands are well worth a stop.
Catch Some Live Music
There’s still lots happening around Collingwood before summer winds down.
From August 13–16, Northbound Music Festival takes over Side Launch Brewing Company for four days of live music. With a mix of artists, cold drinks and that relaxed outdoor atmosphere Side Launch does so well, it’s an easy way to make the most of an August afternoon or evening.
The Live & Original Summer Concert Series is also continuing at the Shipyards Amphitheatre & Greenspace, with free outdoor concerts on August 15 and 22. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, settle in by the waterfront and enjoy some live music as the sun goes down.
Take Your Dinner Outside
There are only so many nights each year when eating outside feels this good, so use them.
Make a patio reservation somewhere you’ve been meaning to try. Pick up takeout and bring it down to
the water. Invite friends over for a barbecue. Pack a picnic. Or simply carry whatever you were already planning to eat out to the backyard.
Play Tourist for a Day
One of the funny things about living somewhere people travel to visit is how easy it is to put off exploring your own backyard.
So before summer ends, give yourself a day to be a tourist.
Walk or bike a trail you haven’t explored in a while. Head down to the waterfront. Grab a coffee and stroll downtown Collingwood without an agenda. Visit a local shop you’ve walked past a hundred times or finally try that restaurant or patio you keep saying you’ll get to.
Sometimes seeing a familiar place through fresh eyes is all it takes to remember why so many people choose to spend their vacations here.
Make Plans for Nothing
Finally, resist the urge to fill every remaining summer weekend.
Some of the best parts of August aren’t events at all.
Have your morning coffee outside. Read a book by the water. Go for an evening bike ride. Take the long way home. Sit around a fire with friends. Watch the sunset without checking the time.
Summer always seems to disappear faster than we expect it to, and maybe that’s part of what makes August feel so special. You know these days won’t last forever, which is all the more reason to notice them while they’re here.
There are plenty of reasons people choose to call Collingwood home, but this time of year has a way of reminding me of some of the best ones.
