New to the area or up here from the city? These are my recommended Collingwood restaurants for 2024. These are so new, even most of the locals haven’t had a taste yet. Listed in alphabetical order. 

Daal Roti Indian Tadka House
Opened in 2023, this East Indian restaurant has dishes full with flavours you’ll savour. It’s also a good choice if you’re looking for vegetarian options in town.

Low Down’s Test Kitchen Pop-Up

Just next door from Low Down is their new pop-up restaurant which is opened for lunch on Friday’s and Saturday’s this winter. Check their social media for up to date info. 

Pho Simcoe 2

This is my new favourite restaurant for pho in Collingwood. But not just pho. They also have a full Vietnamese menu to explore. Dine in or take-out available.

Thonburi Thai Food Collingwood
They had a location in The Blue Mountains but now they just opened in the Cranberry Mews plaza in Collingwood. If you’re craving Thai curry, noodle or stir fry dishes, this is for you. We like our extra spicy.

Yes, we have good schools here as well. This is a quick rundown of Collingwood schools and a short description about what each has to offer. 

School bus routes and information: https://simcoecountyschoolbus.ca/

Admiral Collingwood Elementary School
Phone: 705-445-0811
Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8
15 Dey Drive
Collingwood, ON L9Y 4N9

Completed in 2023, Admiral is one of the newly built schools in Collingwood and located to the West of Hurontario Street. This school offers JK through to grade 8. It also has French immersion starting at grade 5. That means kids that start French immersion before grade 5 could attend Cameron Street Public School and take French there until they finish grade 4, then switch to Admiral. 

https://adm.scdsb.on.ca/

Cameron Street Public School
Phone: 705-445-2902
Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8
French Immersion - Grades 1-4
575 Cameron Street
Collingwood, ON L9Y 2J4

Home of the Cameron Street Comets, this elementary school also has YMCA before and after school programs and French immersion up to the end of grade 4. 

https://scdsboncacam.ss14.sharpschool.com/

Connaught Public School
Phone: 705-445-1241
Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8
300 Peel Street
Collingwood, ON L9Y 3W2

Home of the Cougars, this elementary school is near the Collingwood hospital and is a long beloved school in this town. 

https://scdsboncacon.ss14.sharpschool.com/

Mountain View Public School
Phone: 705-445-1501
Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8
300 Spruce Street
Collingwood, ON L9Y 3H1

Home of the Mountain View Mounties, this elementary school is close to The Centennial Aquatic Centre and fire hall. It has a yard with views to the mountains (Niagara escarpment), hence “Mountain View”.

https://scdsboncamtv.ss14.sharpschool.com/

St. Mary's Catholic School
Phone: 705-445-6132
Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8
18 Saunders Street
Collingwood, ON L9Y 0G2

One of Collingwood’s proud catholic schools that supports catholic virtues & values. These are: faith, hope, love, family, compassion, service, truth, justice and forgiveness.

https://smc.schools.smcdsb.on.ca/our_school

Collingwood Collegiate Institute
Phone: 705-445-3161
Grades 9 to 12
6 Cameron Street
Collingwood, ON  L9Y 2J2

Home of the Owls, this is Collingwood’s public high school and runs along Hurontario Street. CCI offers academic and co-curricular programs, such as French immersion, advanced placement, and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM).

https://scdsboncacci.ss14.sharpschool.com/

Our Lady of the Bay Catholic High School
Phone: 705-445-2043
Grades 9 to 12
160 Collins Street
Collingwood, ON L9Y 4R1

This is Collingwood's Catholic high school and has excellent sports and athletic clubs. The school also offers a variety of academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular programs, such as French immersion, arts and culture, and cooperative education. The school’s motto is “Faith, Excellence, Community”

https://olb.schools.smcdsb.on.ca/

Pretty River Academy
Phone: 705-444-5376
Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8
11521 Highway 26 West
Collingwood, ON L9Y 5E7

Pretty River Academy is a private school in Collingwood that just celebrated its 25th year. Its vision is to empower students to lead a life of purpose. The school offers small classes, co-curricular opportunities, and exemplary programs that challenge and inspire students to develop the skills and competencies they need to make a positive impact in the world.

https://www.prettyriveracademy.com/

People are moving to Collingwood for cheaper (affordable homes) homes, a more relaxed lifestyle and of course, to escape the city rat race. They’re swapping the time-sucking rush hour gridlock for westerly sunsets over Georgian Bay and traffic-free grocery runs. Not to mention the 8 minute drives to the ski hills of The Blue Mountains.

This is the attraction Collingwood has in 2024 for people throughout Ontario. But what's fueling this exodus from the urban jungle? Let's unpack the allure a little further:

Ontario’s Four-Season Wonderland: The Southern Georgian Bay area can keep you active all year round. Hike the Bruce Trail, paddleboard on Georgian Bay, run/bike along Collingwood’s trails or ski the slopes – all within minutes of your doorstep. It's like living in a National Geographic documentary, minus the pesky wildlife encounters (well, mostly).

Small-Town Charm: Picture this: friendly faces, community events, and a slower pace of life. In Collingwood, you're not just another number; you're a neighbor. Sip craft beers at local pubs and breweries, stroll through quaint shops, and soak up the genuine, small-town vibe. City stress? Not here.

Work-Life Balance Redefined: Remote work is the new normal, and Collingwood has embraced it wholeheartedly. High-speed internet, co-working spaces like The Foundry, and a truly thriving entrepreneurial scene make it easy to ditch the commute and embrace a flexible lifestyle. Gibson and Co. is another favourite meeting spot for Collingwood’s entrepreneurs. But have you ever had a business meeting while skiing/snowboarding? You could do that here.

Collingwood Real Estate Numbers Compared to Toronto: Now, let's talk numbers. The housing market in here is simmering, but not boiling over like its urban counterparts. The average Collingwood detached home price in 2024 now sits at around $850,000, compared to a whopping $1.2 million in Toronto. That's a cool $350,000 more breathing room for your wallet (and your lifestyle). And guess what? Prices are showing signs of stabilizing, making 2024 a prime time to snag your piece of paradise up here.

Insider Intel: So, you're tempted? Here's a bonus tip: consider a "try-before-you-buy" approach. Rent an AirBnb (SHORT TERM RENTAL) here for a month, immerse yourself in the Collingwood/Blue Mountains lifestyle, and see if it resonates with your lifestyle goals. Then go from there. You’ll have question and recommendation requests during that time and I’d be here to help with those.

Collingwood isn't just a place; it's a state of mind - truly. It's about trading the concrete jungle for a life filled with nature walks, a slower pace and a healthy dose of work-life balance. So, if you're yearning for a simpler, more fulfilling life, Collingwood might just be your calling.

And now for a special treat. Download my Local’s Guide to Collingwood here.