Collingwood is best known for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, but it's a great destination year round. Golfing, hiking, snowshoeing, swimming, spas, and luxurious hotels are all big draws.
However, Collingwood is also pretty small, and small towns are always a concern for vegans worried about what to eat. While it may not be the vegan oasis that many large cosmopolitan cities are, Collingwood still has plenty to offer plant-based diners.
Here are ten options for the next time you're in Collingwood.
1. Copper Blues
Copper Blues is one of my personal favorites. They usually have 1-2 protein-packed mains on the menu as well as a few appetizers. Mains are often marked vegan but if you're not sure about something it should be easy to check with the server. What I really love about Copper Blues is sitting on their patio on a warmer-than-usual afternoon following a morning on the slopes.
2. Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill
Oliver & Bonacini restaurants are known for accommodating for vegans, which is why the Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill made the list. Although I haven't had a great experience there, many other vegans have so it's possible my experience was a fluke. Call ahead for best results but you should be able to walk in and have your server talk you through menu options.
3. PIE
Although it's not on the menu, sources tell me you can get vegan pizza and pasta at PIE by subbing for non-dairy cheese. A few of their appetizers can likely be made vegan too if you're looking to round out your meal. This place is not directly in Blue Mountain like many others on the list so you might need a car depending on where you're staying.
4. Firehall Pizza Co.
Firehall Pizza is another great pizza option, right in Blue Mountain. They have non-dairy cheese listed directly on the menu and notably, it's not Daiya. Several of their appetizers can be made vegan as well, including nachos. This is a great spot for a cozy meal when it's cold out.
5. Mile High Poutine
Mile High Poutine doesn't have vegan cheese, but they do have vegan gravy. This makes me happy because I love fries and I love them even more with gravy. They also have other goodies you can add like green onions or pickles. This is a great option for a quick load of cards while taking a break from the slopes (or perhaps snack after one too many drinks).
6. Pita Pit
It's not my top choice but Pita Pit is a solid option for a quick, healthy lunch. The pitas themselves are vegan, as are all the veggie base options. Add whatever veggie toppings you want and top it off with a vegan sauce. If you're wondering which sauces are vegan you can check their Allergen Guide.
7. BeaverTails
BeaverTails is my favorite breakfast option in Collingwood. The batter is naturally vegan, as is the oil they fry in. Ask for yours with no butter—I like the one with cinnamon sugar and lemon juice.
8. Starbucks
If you do opt for a BeaverTail for breakfast, you can add a little protein by pairing it with a soy latte from Starbucks. Starbucks is also getting better about stocking vegan snacks—and marking them vegan. Bananas, bagels, oatmeal, and crackers with hummus are all common.
9. Bent Taco
Vegan tacos have finally landed in Collingwood. Check out Bent Taco for a plethora of vegan options. Although the vegan options are not explicitly marked, rumor has it one of the owners is vegan and staff will be more than happy to help you order. I'll definitely be checking this one out on my next trip to Blue Mountain. If you're not staying in Blue Mountain, you'll probably need access to a car to visit Bent Taco.
10. Sol Kitchen
Sol Kitchen, a casual quick-serve establishment in Collingwood, has plenty of marked vegan options on the menu including pasta, curry, soup, and salad. The breakfast menu is not as vegan-friendly as lunch and dinner so plan to go later in the day. Since it's located outside of Blue Mountain you may need to drive or take a cab depending on where you're staying.
11. Rusty's
While it hasn't always been friendly, I'm happy to report that Rusty's now has several marked vegan options on the menu including vegan poutine, vegan empanadas, and a vegan cheeseburger. The Rusty's patio, situated right next to the base of Blue Mountain, is iconic so finally being able to order food there is a game changer.
12. Cold Truth Camino
If you're looking for dessert, Cold Truth Camino is another alternative to BeaverTails. They serve coconut-based vegan soft serve through the side window of Camino Tacos. The best part? They only offer vegan soft serve! No dairy ice cream here.
13. Camino Tacos
While not strictly vegan, Camino Tacos offers a number of marked vegan options right in the Village. They also offer tropical drinks, such as margaritas and pina coladas—a rarity in Northern Ontario—so I recommend dining in.
14. Royal Majesty
When you just need a snack or a hot beverage to warm up, Royal Majesty is a great option in Blue Mountain Village. They often have vegan options like smoothies and hot chocolate, including coconut whip.
15. Kaytoo
Kaytoo, rated one of the top ten ski restaurants in Canada by the Food Network, has several vegan options including chilled spring rolls, a veggie burger, and cauliflower steak. All options are clearly marked on the menu.
Bonus: Scandinave Spa
This one is only applicable if you go to the Scandinave Spa. It's lovely so definitely squeeze it in if you can. While outside food is not permitted inside, there are usually a few vegan options for both sweet and savory snacks. The staff have ingredients lists for everything so if you're unsure about something just ask.
Cook Your Own Food
Ok, I know you're on vacation and you don't want to cook but hear me out. Collingwood has many hotels and accommodations that come with full or partial kitchens. Planning to cook a couple meals yourself can make the trip a lot more enjoyable. If you want to be lazy about it, you can bring prepared meals with you instead (we usually pick up from Through Being Cool in Toronto). Personally, I love cracking a bottle of red wine, pulling together a simple meal, and cozying up by the fire after a long day of skiing.
Notice something missing? Please let me know and I'll happily add it to this list!
Image: jeff_sch