Somewhere Inn™ Collingwood
Somewhere Inn™ Collingwood - Guest Experience
It was an instant yes.
When I was asked to spend a few days checking out a new stay for hikers, roadtrippers, and everyone in between. When I heard the location - ouff, I think I jumped for joy a little.
You see, Somewhere Inn™ did it again.
They took an existing structure and made it into a magical stay for guests. First, in Calabogie and now in Collingwood.
Collingwood is outside the normal GirlGoneGood® range but how can you not go? It’s gorgeous, trendy, and packed full of incredible hiking trails. It reminds me of Perth or Almonte, but bigger. Bigger main street, bigger hikes, bigger sunset views over the lake. And maybe with more of that Toronto style flare without the hustle and bustle. It’s a special mix.
The Low Down
Located in Collingwood, Ontario (5 1/2 hr drive from downtown Ottawa).
Close to multiple provincial parks, conservation areas, and town trails for hikers.
Original century home renovated with scandanvian styled rooms.
Dogs are welcome.
Complementary wi-fi, no tv (I promise, you don’t need it)
Rooms are either the Signature King or the Luxury King with freestanding tub
Mini fridge, coffee bar, and treats for purchase in rooms.
There is a common area at reception that you can use.
Outdoor area and fire pit (hello smores!)
Centrally located and walking distance to the main street, restaurants, and lake.
Kind and incredible hosts and staff.
Book and more info: somewhereinn.ca/collingwood
To get a full sense of the vibe; “I want to escape the city and stay at a boutique hotel. I want to unpack my favourite sweater in my new home. I want to be excited about the things on the nightstand. I love it here. I want to follow the chatter to the lobby, maybe get a snack. I want to sip organic wine and feel part of something. I want to wander out Somewhere. Get to the top of Blue. See the trees, feel the wind. Calm. Later I’ll come back for a sauna, hot and cold. Repeat. I want to wake up with the light but stay in bed. No rush. I want to have a slow coffee and plan what’s next. I wish I could take the room home with me. I love this place. I want to visit again. I want to go to Somewhere Inn.” - Somewhere Inn™
The Road Trip Route
There are two mains ways to get to Collingwood from Ottawa and surrounding areas, if you’re in a rush or the weather isn’t the best, then stick with how Google Maps is going to direct you - by taking Hwy 7 near all the way down, then northwest to Collingwood.
But, if you’re like me, and the weather is good, then don’t shy away from taking the country route.
Because I started from Perth, this is the route I took:
Perth > Denbigh > Bancroft > Haliburton > Orillia > Collingwood
Yes, it’s longer. But the scenery driving through Canadian Shield terrain is gorgeous, there are some great cafes on route, and so-many-trails. Sure you know of Bon Echo Provincial Park, but along this route are other spots you may not have realized or enjoyed yet:
Silver Lake Provincial Park (hike)
Kennebec Wilderness Trails (hike)
Deerock Lake Conservation Area (paddle)
Rose Hill Nature Reserve (find the surprise dedication rock)
Egan Chutes Provincial Park (hike - included in Best HIkes: Ottawa-Gatineau!)
And I’ll be honest, I love stopping in Haliburton just so that I can fuel up at Castle Antiques and Cafe, then poke around at the infamous Haliburton Scupture Forest.
Scandinavian Inspired Design
Somewhere Inn™ Collingwood is modern simplicity meets century home with a 100 year history. It’s beautiful done.
Since I was there during the start of their soft launch, a few things were still be worked out as they get ready for the big launch of this fabulous new inn.
I stayed in one of the Signature King rooms. Walking is you notice the colour scheme of tans, blues, and deep greys. The soft warm lighting is calming. The original wood flooring has character. It feels like a spa, but is room format. There was everything I needed, from the coffee to the soaps to housecoats. There were even outlets design into the headboard so that I could plug in a write my mornings away. Or better yet, if you choose, stay unplugged form the world.
Looking out the window, I could even see the stars at night.
Recommendation: Bring a warm sweater/cardigan and comfortable footwear to enjoy the fire pit and s’mores outdoors in the evenings.
Your Gateway to Wellness
Collingwood is your wellness dream come true. I had all these grandiose plans to enjoy as many of them as possible - and didn’t manage a single one. The truth is that I was busy laughing at myself in nature, taking in the sunset, and writing. There will be a next time though!
Think I’m exaggerating about the wellness scene here? Check out these incredible spots that offer everything from yoga to cold plunge/sauna to somatic experiences.
Everlove (Yoga, cold plunge, and saunas right next door to Somewhere Inn™!)
Vortex Wellness (red light therapy, meditation pods, salt sauna, infrared, etc)
Scandinave Spa (thermal pools and saunas at Blue Mountain)
Seed Collingwood (holistic facials and skin care products)
Next time it’ll be nothing but spa days…who’s in?
Recommendation: Bring a bathing suit, shower sandals, and an extra towel to enjoy the spas, wellness centers, and beaches when warm enough.
Cafes, Wine Bars, Restaurants
What instantly made me smile? Seeing the sign for Gibson & Company. Gibson happens to be my nephew’s name, and I rarely see it anywhere. Yet here is was, the name of a trendy cafe and wine bar right in Collingwood, complete with stylish merch. Like any good aunt, I bought near all the hats/sweaters with Gibson on it, and plan on embarrassing the kiddo with my aunt pride in the near future.
Now, coffee and food is something I did enjoy in Collingwood and area. Here were the spots I stopped at and give my hearty five star review on:
Craig’s Cookies (the wildest and most delicious cookies you ever had)
Fig & Feta (my go-to for lunch takeout - try the Signature Fig and Feta salad!)
Gibson & Company (delicious lattes and perfect spot to do a little writing)
Brightside Deli and Baked Goods (the montreal smoked meat is always a win)
Nottawa General (incredible meals-to-go and a trendy cafe and wine bar)
Recommendation: When I travel, I tend to knock things down to two meals a day. In this case, it was trying out a cafe in the morning and then enjoying one of the restaurants in the afternoon. If you want to save, you can always walk to the Loblaws or Sobeys, use the in-room mini fridge, and enjoy one meal out per day.
Diverse Trails With Incredible Views
Ahhhh the good stuff! So, funny story about being a so called local hiking expert, which I definitely don’t consider myself to be but what media titles me. Even someone who knows all the trails and a good amount of hiking safety is humbled at times.
I was so distracted by capturing the right content for social media and this article, that I took a wrong turn at the very well-marked George Christie Nature Trails on 11th Line Rd. It cost me an extra 3kms of hiking and gave me a good amount of laughes.
Then, I headed to Devil’s Glen Provincial Park only to be faced with muddy inclines and a closed lookout. Yes, I slipped and got cover in mud.
Here’s important information you need to know about these spots and trails:
George Christie Nature Trails is a beautiful trail system on your way towards Blue Mountain. The trails are flat, wide, and mostly free of trip hazards. It is a very well marked system, that said, double check with the maps posted at the intersections, don’t get distracted and make a wrong turn like I did.
Sunset Point and Millinium Park is a beautiful spot to catch the sunset or enjoy a swim in the summer months.
Devil’s Glen Provincial Park is a non-operational park. The Somewhere Inn staff can give you directions to the trail head. The first section down the stairs and slope are a steep incline. In spring, proper hiking boots and poles are highly recommended. Runners won’t cut it. You’ll hike along the river until you get to the country club before heading to the lookout. The last section to the lookout is closed October to May annually, so if you hiking during those mostly, the country club is your turnaround point.
Nottawasaga Lookout Provincial Nature Reserve is a non-operating park and close to Devil’s Glen. I didn’t get the chance to hike this one and will update when I do.
Pretty River Valley Provincial Park is a non-operating park and a local favourite. Like many trails in the area, they are becoming more well-know from social media. Follow the insights and directions from this Ontario Parks blog post.
Areas that I would like to hike next time include Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area and Duncan Escarpment Provincial Park
Recommendation: Non-operating parks normally means that there are no facilities, sometimes the trails are not indicated nor maintained. Follow Leave No Trace Principles, pack the 10 essentials, and practice responsible recreation. Remember, if there is no room left in the parking area for me, then there’s no room on the trail - pick another hike to enjoy and come back another day.
Enjoy And Stay Connected!
Are you going to check out Somewhere Inn™ Collingwood? If so, tag @somewhere.inn and @girlgonegood with your adventures! I’d love to see what trails you enjoyed, which wellness spots, the sunsets, your stay with Somewhere Inn™ - all of it.