Collingwood
First known as Hen and Chickens Harbour, Collingwood was renamed in 1854 to honour one of Britain's most noted naval heroes, Admiral Lord Cuthbert Collingwood, second in command to Admiral Horatio Nelson. By 1843 settlers had arrived and located on the shores of Georgian Bay near to where Collingwood is now situated.
Grain Terminals
This imposing structure can be seen for miles around Collingwood and symbolizes the twin engines of commerce in the early 1900s, agriculture and shipping.
Nottawasaga Island
The lighthouse, constructed in 1855-59, is one of the most historic structures of the Great Lakes. Visible from the shores of Collingwood, the island itself is called Nottawasaga Island. Locals call it Clark's Island or even Lighthouse Island.
The imposing limestone lighthouse soars 86 feet and serves as one of the few reminders of our bold and diverse marine heritage.
History of Blue Mountain
Development started in 1941, with the Weider family moving into an existing farm at the base of the escarpment and is a major destination for skiers from southern Ontario. On average, Blue Mountain sells more than 750,000 lift tickets per year, making it the third-busiest ski resort in Canada.
Mary Ward
On November 24th, 1872, the Mary Ward ran aground on a shoal 4 kilometres off Northwinds Beach in Craigleith, near Collingwood. That fateful night a dramatic story unfolded, of mystery, intrigue, heroism, and human failing in a disaster that left 8 people dead and the ship permanently entombed in the graveyard of the reef.
Scenic Beaver Valley
The Beaver Valley has formed over a period of several thousand years as the Beaver River cuts into the Niagara Escarpment. Today, the river continues to cut southward into the bedrock at Eugenia Falls. Gradual erosive processes have created a wedge-shaped valley with a width ranging from approximately 30 metres at the south end to 13 kilometres at the north end. The Valley and surrounding area are home to the quaint villages of Flesherton, Eugenia, Kimberly, Clarksburg and the Town of Thornbury.
The Beaver River plunges 80 feet into the valley below. Tours provide stunning views of the gorge with its spectacular autumn colours.
Eugenia Falls
Eugenia Falls is a fairly well known waterfall, marked on many road maps. The waterfall is tall, but fairly narrow, as it does not usually discharge a large amount of water. The development of a nearby hydroelectric power plant diverts much water away from the falls.
Wasaga Beach
An event of national significance occurred at Wasaga Beach on August 8, 1934, with the first successful overseas flight from Canada to England. This location was chosen due to Wasaga's long, smooth, hard-packed sand beach. The airplane was named the "Trail of the Caribou."
Nancy island Historical Site
On August 13, 1814, three American ships arrived at the mouth of the Nottwasaga River, and found The Nancy hidden up river. The Nancy was subsequently sunk and the mouth of the river was blocked with debris by the enemy, which shut down the supply route.
Christian Island
Originally, Christian Island was known by the Ojibwa as Gichi Minising (At the Big Island), but was also known for a brief period by the Hurons, as Gahoendoe. The three islands were, in the 19th century, collectively known as the Christian Islands: Beckwith Island was called Faith Island, while Christian Island, which is the largest of the three, was known as Charity Island.
Home to several ship wrecks - The Mapledawn, Lottie Wolfe, Michigan, Thomas Cranage, Marquette, Western Islands - Dive On a Lighthouse!
“"My mother purchased me a “learn to fly” gift certificate for the Collingwood Future
Air location for a flight lesson. I booked it with Robin and extended the flight to
one hour. The flight was literally one of the coolest experiences i have ever had in
my life. The views were unbelievable, the feeling of flying the plane was empowering
and exhilarating. We flew from Collingwood to Meaford and back-over Collingwood and Wasaga Beach. Robin was absolutely AMAZING!!! He recommended the one hour flight to have enough time to really see the area and he was totally right. He was very
thorough in his explanation of how to fly the plane and made me and my 2 passengers
very calm through the flight. We also had numerous laughs with him as he is a bit of a comedian. I cannot say enough good things about the experience."”
Brandon Keaveney
