The Town of Collingwood, nestled on the southern shore of Georgian Bay, has earned a reputation as both a recreational paradise and a thriving business center. Recently honored as the happiest place to live in Ontario by Statistics Canada, this community serves as the gateway to the South Georgian Bay Region, attracting residents and visitors alike with its natural beauty and economic vitality.
A Community Built on Lifestyle and Entrepreneurship
Mayor Yvonne Hamlin emphasizes Collingwood's unique appeal. "Collingwood offers something rare. It's a waterfront community with a strong downtown and year-round recreation," she says. "We find people come for the outdoor lifestyle but stay for the sense of community. We still have a small-town feel and people like that."
Located approximately 90 minutes from Toronto, Collingwood boasts about 26,000 full-time residents and 6,000 part-time residents, many of whom spend several days each week in the town. The community's entrepreneurial spirit remains strong, having been ranked the Top Entrepreneurial Community in Canada by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business in 2016 and consistently maintaining a position among the nation's top ten.
"Many of the residents who come here choose to start businesses and we have a great support network for our entrepreneurs," Hamlin notes. This network includes a small business development center, one of the largest co-working spaces in Ontario, and a population dedicated to supporting local enterprises.
Tourism and Development Initiatives
A Premier Destination
Surrounded by the Blue Mountains and Georgian Bay, Collingwood ranks as Ontario's third most visited destination, trailing only Toronto and Niagara Falls. The town welcomes an impressive five million visitors annually, drawn by attractions like Wasaga Beach, the world's longest freshwater beach, and premier skiing facilities.
"Then we have an awesome heritage downtown with award-winning restaurants and a great live music scene," Hamlin adds. "A lot of things are happening here that people come to take advantage of, not the least of which is our almost 70 kilometres of trails." A newly launched Tourism Master Plan will guide municipal efforts in tourism management, development, and marketing in the coming years.
New Residential Projects
While new construction has slowed across Ontario, Collingwood continues to see innovative developments. The Victoria Annex Homes by Georgian Communities represents a notable infill project in the historic downtown core. This development features fourteen luxury single and semi-detached homes arranged around a heritage-designated 19th-century schoolhouse, which will eventually be converted into two semi-detached residences.
Justin Bock, a real estate agent with Bosley Real Estate involved with Victoria Annex, highlights the project's appeal. "The Victoria Annex residences appeal to those who appreciate their 'walkability factor,'" he says, noting their proximity to restaurants, coffee shops, and other amenities. The homes are designed to blend seamlessly into the downtown's classic red brick architecture.
Real Estate Market Trends
The Royal LePage Winter Recreational Property Report forecasts a seven percent increase in median prices for single-family detached homes in Southern Georgian Bay's recreational property market during 2026. This growth follows a 3.9 percent year-over-year increase to $886,000 in the first nine months of 2025, while condominium median prices decreased 6.1 percent to $589,000 during the same period. Total sales in the region rose 18.8 percent year over year.
Desmond von Teichman, broker at Royal LePage Locations North, describes the market's recent behavior as "very, very unpredictable," with sales not following traditional seasonal patterns. He anticipates a return to normal trends this year, with a slow winter market giving way to increased spring activity, a summer dip, and a "small peak" in the fall.
Buyers from the Greater Golden Horseshoe area continue to drive demand. "While interest rates typically have a limited impact on recreational buyers – who tend to be less rate-sensitive than those in the residential market – the recent rate cuts have boosted buying power for many, motivating more people to make a purchase," von Teichman explains.
"The draw is that South Georgian Bay is a four-season community," he adds. "It doesn't have all the amenities of the city. You're not going to the opera up here, but you have really good access to Toronto. People are active up here: they're hiking, they're biking, they're golfing, they're skiing. People want that active lifestyle."
Collingwood's blend of natural amenities, entrepreneurial energy, and community spirit solidifies its status as a standout destination in Ontario, offering residents and visitors a high quality of life supported by both recreational opportunities and business success.
