If you’re looking for an adventurous yet relaxing weekend getaway from Hamilton, Collingwood and Midland should be on your list. We recently spent three days exploring the scenic trails, beautiful beaches, and charming downtown areas of these lovely towns. Here’s a rundown of our trip and some tips to help you plan your own adventure.
Day 1: Scenic Caves, Collingwood
Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
We kicked off our weekend adventure with a visit to Scenic Caves Nature Adventures in Collingwood. Arriving around 11 am, we had plenty of time to explore this beautiful area. If you plan to visit, make sure to wear running or hiking shoes; the staff won’t let you enter without proper footwear. While you can purchase shoes on-site, they are quite expensive.
Tips:
- Wear proper shoes to avoid purchasing costly footwear on-site.
- All trails are unidirectional, so plan your route and stick to it.
The caves were a highlight of our visit. There’s an exciting section where you can squeeze through a cave opening that’s only 14 inches wide—quite the adventure! We followed this hiking route:
- Caves/Lookout Trail (1.8 km): This trail offered us a fantastic start with its thrilling cave exploration and scenic lookouts.
- Ridge Top Lookout Trek via Enchanted Forest Trek (4.4 km): The trek through the Enchanted Forest was magical, leading us to breathtaking lookout points.
- Suspension Bridge Loop (1 km): We ended our hike with a stunning view of Georgian Bay from the suspension bridge.
Duration:
- It took us about 3 hours to complete the above trails.
Post-Hike Relaxation: After our hike, we stayed for another hour in the park to enjoy our homemade packed lunch. The serene surroundings made for a perfect picnic spot.
Midland Harbour
We left the park around 4 pm and drove straight to Midland Harbour. The harbour was peaceful and provided a beautiful setting for a relaxing evening. With everyone around us enjoying ice cream, we couldn’t resist treating ourselves to a cone.
Dinner and Preparation for Day 2
Before checking into our Airbnb, we stopped by a local gyro place for dinner. We also got an extra meal to pack for our hikes the next day. The gyros were delicious and a perfect way to end our first day.
Summary:
- Scenic Caves Arrival: 11 am
- Hiking Duration: 3 hours
- Post-Hike Picnic: 1 hour
- Departure from Park: 4 pm
- Midland Harbour: Relaxing evening with ice cream
- Dinner: Gyro place in Midland
Our first day was filled with adventure and beautiful sights, setting a perfect tone for the rest of the weekend.
Day 2: Awenda Provincial Park
Morning in Midland
Our second day started with a delightful homemade breakfast provided by our Airbnb host. With full stomachs and a sense of excitement, we set off towards Awenda Provincial Park. The drive itself was a treat, offering picturesque views that perfectly complemented the sunny weather.
Hiking in Awenda Provincial Park
We arrived at Awenda Provincial Park at 11 am, ready to embark on our hiking adventure. Awenda is known for its diverse trails and stunning natural beauty, making it a hiker’s paradise.
Hiking Route:
- Bluff Trail (13 km): We began with the Bluff Trail, which offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is well-maintained and provides a mix of forested paths and scenic lookout points.
- Wendat Trail (5 km): Along the way, we also explored the Wendat Trail. This trail winds through dense forest and offers a peaceful hiking experience.
Duration:
- It took us about 4 hours to complete the 18 km hike.
Lunch Break: After our long hike, we returned to the parking lot for a much-needed lunch break. The meal we packed from the previous evening tasted even better after our vigorous trek.
Beach Trail: Next, we tackled the Beach Trail, a 4 km out-and-back trail that leads to Awenda’s beautiful beaches.
- Awenda’s Beaches: The park boasts four beaches, numbered 1-4. The fourth beach, located 2 km from the parking lot, is the most secluded and offers the greatest privacy. While we didn’t spend time on the beach today, we noted it for our plans the next day.
Exploring Little Lake Park
After finishing our hike, we headed back to Midland but made a small detour to Little Lake Park. This charming park is a favorite among locals, who bring their dogs to socialize and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
We returned to our Airbnb for a well-deserved rest. The day’s adventures left us tired but content, looking forward to another exciting day ahead.
Summary:
- Breakfast: Homemade breakfast at our Airbnb
- Awenda Arrival: 11 am
- Hiking Duration: 5 hours (Bluff Trail, Wendat Trail and Beach Trail)
- Lunch: Packed meal from the previous evening
- Beach Trail: 4 km out-and-back
- Little Lake Park: Relaxing evening stroll
- Dinner: Pizza take out
Day 2 was an incredible mix of challenging hikes and serene landscapes, making it a perfect day for nature lovers.
Day 3: Beach and Downtown Midland
Morning in Midland
We started our final day with another delicious homemade breakfast at our Airbnb. After checking out, we made our way back to Awenda Provincial Park, this time with a focus on relaxation.
Beach Day at Awenda Provincial Park
Returning to Awenda, we were ready to enjoy the park’s beautiful beaches. Here’s a quick tip for fellow beachgoers: you can borrow life vests at the registration office for day use by paying a refundable security deposit.
Choosing Our Spot:
- We initially planned to head to Beach 4 for a quieter experience but found Beach 1 to be very quiet since it was a Monday. This saved us a bit of a walk, and we set up our chairs on Beach 1.
- Tip: Bring water shoes as the shoreline is quite rocky.
The water was a bit cold but refreshing enough for a dip. We spent about 3 relaxing hours lounging on the beach, enjoying the serene environment.
Lunch in Midland
After our beach time, we headed back to Midland for lunch. We discovered a gem in the heart of downtown: a vegan restaurant called Mega Mindful Living.
Mega Mindful Living:
- We ordered the soup of the day, a grilled sandwich, and mushroom coffee.
- The meal was exceptional—light yet filling, with a generous portion of soup. It was one of the most delicious meals we’ve ever had, making it a memorable end to our trip.
Summary:
- Breakfast: Homemade breakfast at our Airbnb
- Awenda Beaches: Spent 3 hours at Beach 1
- Tip: Borrow life vests at the registration office and bring water shoes for the rocky shoreline
- Lunch: Mega Mindful Living in Midland (highly recommended!)
- Return to Hamilton: After a satisfying lunch
Conclusion
With our bellies full and hearts content, we made our way back to Hamilton, reflecting on a perfect weekend filled with adventure, nature, and relaxation.
Our three-day trip was a fantastic blend of hiking, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying great food. Collingwood and Midland provided the perfect backdrop for a memorable weekend getaway. Have you visited these places? Share your experiences and favorite spots in the comments below!
Happy Travels!
