Why Wasaga Beach is a Four-Season Tourist Destination in Ontario, Canada

Author: Nick Deppe

Wasaga was once a wasteland. Farmers did not find the sandy soil for farming, nor were there any natural resources nearby that needed developing. But after an era of lumber trade, residents from nearby towns like Stayner and Elm Vale began to build cottages to spend their summers in Wasaga.

Today, Wasaga Beach is one of Ontario’s fastest growing communities. It is a relatively small town with a major modern tourist attraction – The world’s longest freshwater beach. The soft white sands of the 8 designated beach areas are replete with all the essential amenities of any modern beach destination. They have their own restrooms, parking, picnic tables and a picturesque boardwalk. The town’s population is only just approaching 20,000, yet Wasaga Beach hosts over two million visitors over the summer.

The beach is part of the Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. They have been awarded the prestigious ‘Blue Flag’ designation for its efforts to manage the shoreline according to international environmental standards. This is the primary reason behind the waters being warm and clean here. Many families and beach lovers choose Wasaga Beach as their favoured beach destination. Wasaga Beach defines all that a tourist looks for, featuring a fine example of a magnificent beach holiday. The beach carries a unique charm unlike no other.

Apart from the beach, the town and its neighbourhood have several other attractions that draw visitors. There are endless recreation trails for hiking, cycling, go-karting, golfing and more. Beach Area 1 has an active nightlife with nightclubs and restaurants.

There is so much to do in Wasaga Beach and the beach is just the beginning. The area around the town is home to three 18-hole golf courses and a mini golf course in the heart of town. Regular beach festivals Kite fest, Beach fest, Volleyball tournaments, Sandcastle competitions, along with weekly classic car shows mark the summer months. The fun does not stop with the end of summer. Winter is celebrated with a Sledge fest, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Other winter activities include downhill skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing, ice-skating, etc.

There are also options for tennis, water sports, kiteboarding, kayaking, paintball, fishing charters, boat cruises, canoeing, jet-skiing, cycling, hiking, go-karts, etc. You can have an equally fun and enjoyable time visiting the Nancy Island Historic Site, caves, and museums. The indoor water parks feature swimming pools with warm water even in winter. There are also Hummer tours, wakeboarding, horse riding, antiquing, sports fishing, etc.

The versatility and diversity of Wasaga Beach makes it a must-visit destination. It is the perfect location to take a break from the hectic schedules and routines and spend some time where you can enjoy the day, catch a spectacular sunset, enjoy an excellent dinner and retire to bed in a comfortable and cosy cottage inn.