Wasaga Beach
Wasaga Beach is Ontario’s quintessential summer spot for swimming, soaking in the sun and playing in the sand. The beach at Wasaga stretches over 14 km of South Georgian Bay shoreline, making it the longest freshwater beach in the world.
The popular strip along the main beach features all things ‘beachy,’ including ice cream shops, food trucks, a mix of boutique beachwear and kitschy souvenir shops. There’s plenty of variety of accommodation, so take your pick of cottages, cabins or vacation rentals.
Beyond the main drag, explore quieter beaches, recreational trails for hiking and cycling in Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and great canoeing opportunities along the winding Nottawasaga River.
To learn more about all there is to see and do in Wasaga Beach, scroll down or visit the city's tourism website.
Where is Wasaga Beach?
The town of Wasaga Beach sits on the shore of Nottawasaga Bay, an southern inlet of Georgian Bay in the centre of Simcoe region. The meandering Nottawaga River flows through the town to its mouth at Georgian Bay.
Wasaga Beach is under a two hour drive north of Toronto following Highway 26 west from Highway 400. Wasaga Beach Transit operates two routes in town, while Simcoe County LINX connects Wasaga Beach to Collingwood.
Things to Do in Wasaga Beach
Renowned for its long, sandy shoreline, your visit to Wasaga Beach would not be complete without hitting the beach and splashing in the water. But that’s not all Wasaga Beach has to offer. Discover paddling, cycling, hiking and cultural attractions beyond the beach.
Wasaga’s beach is actually a string of six beaches, each offering a different experience. Beach 1 and 2 are the busiest with volleyball courts, shops and restaurants closeby. The dog friendly area at Beach 3 is perfect for you and your four legged friend, while the playgrounds at Beach 4 and 5 are great for families. The designated no swimming zone beyond Beach 6 means kite surfers can safely ride the wind and waves.
The Nottawasaga River is great for canoeing, kayaking or stand up paddleboarding (SUPing). Check out the dramatic sand dune systems along the river banks, or cycle or hike the surrounding trails and footpaths through wetlands and woodlands in Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. Birders will be pleased to learn of the comeback in population of the Piping Plover, an endangered local shorebird.
View the remains of the shipwrecked British schooner, H.M.S. Nancy at Nancy Island Historic Site. There’s also a museum, theatre, lighthouse and gift shop with visitor information on the island.
Keep the kids active and engaged at the Oakview Woods Outdoor Complex on Mosley Street. It features a skateboard and BMX park, playground, bark park and outdoor skating on artificial surface in winter with heated changeroom, night lighting and music. Find more family fun at the Wasaga Beach Adventure Park with paintball, laser combat, archery tag and escapes rooms, or play a round of mini putt at Skull Island Adventure Golf or Cedar Grove Mini Golf.
Things to Know About Visiting Wasaga Beach
Whether you’re still in the planning stages or you’re already on your trip to Wasaga Beach, it’s nice to learn what the locals know.
When to visit
The liveliness of the town increases with the temperature — cottage life thrives in Wasaga Beach over the warm summer months.
Hidden gem
Two Storybook Trails are designed to encourage families to read, exercise and explore together. The first starts from 40th Street to Meadowlark Boulevard and the second from Silverbirch Avenue to Bush Crescent.
Little-known fact
Wasaga Beach entered history's headlines in 1934. It was the site of departure for the first overseas flight from mainland Canada across the Atlantic to England. A plane called the Trail of the Caribou used Wasaga Beach's long, flat, sandy beach as a take-off strip. On August 28, 1958, a stone cairn (a mound of stones) commemorating the historic flight was unveiled with due ceremony at the entrance to Nancy Island Historic Site.
Don’t Forget to Pack
Swimwear, sunglasses and sunblock.
Last updated: June 1, 2022
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