Are you looking for some cool things that you can do at Wasaga Beach? If so, then here we have put together more than 22 Best Things to Do in Wasaga Beach during Summer.
Without any doubt, Wasaga Beach is a popular tourist attraction, especially during the summer. It’s the longest freshwater beach, located at the south end of Ontario’s Georgian Bay which is about 2 hours of drive from Toronto (North).
Here we are going to cover everything that you can do at Wasaga Beach ranging from free things to the most exciting fun activities everything will be covered in this article.
Even from water sports to hiking, from sky diving to exploring Wasago Beach Adventure Park, you will find all things here. If you are planning to visit Wasaga Beach then you should Bookmark this post so that you don’t miss out on anything great.
Things to Do in Wasaga Beach
It doesn’t matter whether you are going just for a day or you are planning to stay, there are so many things that you can do in Wasaga Beach. So, we have made a list of about 22 things that you can do at Wasaga Beach and make the most of your summer vacation.
The beach is quite popular for water sports and believe me you don’t want to miss out on any of these activities. So, let’s begin with the list.
Skydiving at Wasaga Beach
What can be more exciting than Skydiving with a such fantastic view of the Beach? It’s the only beach in the entire Canada that offers the tandem skydiving experience. I can bet you will be amazed by the astonishing view of the Beach from hundreds of meters above the ground.
It is located at the Wasaga Sports Park which is about 10 minute drive from the main town. It’s a must experience that you absolutely need to have if you are visiting Wasaga Beach.
Wasaga Beach Adventure Park
This Adventure Park is a must that you can’t miss during your Wasaga Beach Trip. The park has almost everything that you can imagine like an escape room, axe-throwing, archery tag, paintball, and a lot more.
Practically speaking you can’t get bored if you have planned to visit the Wasaga Beach Adventure Park. It is just a 7-minute drive from Wasaga Beach and a must-place if you want some real adventure in your trip.
Tru Out Some Water Sports
Wasaga Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Ontario. The beach has so many water activities that you can do like Windsurfing, Kiteboarding, kite bugging, and the famous one Wavessurfing.
If you want you can bring in your own activity equipment like a surfing board or kayak otherwise you can rent it out from the nearby local store.
There are so many popular rental stores around Wasaga Beach from there you can rent any water sports equipment you want.
Wasaga 500 Go Karts
It’s a perfect place for those who are looking for some fun activities around Wasaga Beach. The track is around 1.6 km long which will make sure you have the ultimate go-karting experience.
Plus it’s just a 5-minute drive from Wasaga Beach which makes it a must-activity on your do-to list of Wasaga Beach. Make sure you have advance booking otherwise, it will be really hard to get it if you are going at a peak season.
Shaka Wasaga Boat Curise
Shaka Wasaga is a custom-built cruise pontoon where you can enjoy drinks and dance with your friends.
Frankly speaking, It’s one the best experiences that you will ever have in your life. This pontoon boat allows you to sail with fantastic views of the Nottawasaga River.
These cruise boats can hold up to 12 people which is all you need if you are going with your friends. The package comes with different pricing plans and sailing hours so choose the one which is perfect for you.
Don’t forget to book it in advance (online facility available) otherwise, you might have to wait for a bit longer in queues to board it.
All the Pontoon boats are licensed and fully safe so you don’t need to worry about anything. Even your kids (if you have) can join you on the cruise and have fun.
Nancy Island (Historic Site)
Nancy Island is a historic site that takes you back in time to a big war in 1812. There is a small museum which tells you a lot about the war. The most interesting thing in the museum is an old shipwreck from the time of war and now it has become a popular tourist attraction.
Besides there are many artifacts, costumes, and weapons that are on display to showcase the rich history of the Island. On top of that, there is a 19th-century lighthouse from there you can enjoy the amazing view of the beach.
All in all, it’s a great place to visit if you are interested in knowing old stories and the history of places.
Gaze the Sunset
What can be more soothing than watching the sunset especially when are at the beach? Just imagine the sky turning in shades of pink, yellowish, & orange color and you walking along the shore and watching the sun setting down.
Trust me, nothing can be more exciting than this and that’s what makes the Wasaga beach one of the best places to watch both sunset and sunrise.
Skull Island (Mini Golf)
If you are looking for some adventures during your trip to the beach then you should head out to Skull Island. It has an 18-hole championship golf course along the amazing Georgian Bay which makes it a perfect spot for golfing. On top of that, it’s not that far from the beach which makes it an ideal place to hang out with your friends.
Kayaking in Nottawasaga River
The Nottawasaga River is a natural home to so many species of flora and fauna. You can find swans, beavers, turtles, osprey, and a lot of other wildlife around the river.
Besides that is a perfect place for fishing, boating, and canoeing. All you need to have is water sports equipment (kayak or canopy) that you can easily rent out from the nearby local store and you are all good to go.
You can have all the things that you need from the Free Spirit tours as they are quite good in terms of prices.
Narrows View
The Narrows View is also a major tourist attraction as it was formed by the glaciers thousands of years ago during the last ice age.
You need to hike a couple of hundred meters if you want to get a closer look at the natural wonder. Once you have reached the spot you will be amazed by the fantastic view of the Narrows.
Scandinave Spa
Scandinave Spa is a perfect place to visit if you want to relax while being in Wasaga Beach. It has the best outdoor hot baths that allow you to relax in hot(lukewarm) water while enjoying the magnificent view of nature.
Besides that, you can also have a relaxing massage service along with the Finnish sauna. It’s a highly recommended place for those who want to chill out while visiting Wasaga Beach.
Marlwood Golf & Country Club
Marlwood Golf and Country Club is another great place if you are a golf lover. It is located near Marl Lake and is perfectly surrounded by dense woods which make the place a lot more interesting.
It’s located just a 10-minute drive from Wasaga Beach. If you are heading towards the Wasaga beach with your gang(a bunch of friends) then you need to add this place to your to-do list.
Hike Trails
Wasaga Beach Provincial Park has many hiking trails that attract thousands of people who want to escape the bustle of their lives and spend some quality time with their family and friends.
During the entire hike, you will come across the many scenic views of nature and wildlife. Besides that, you will also find the remains & left-behinds of the dunes and narrows by the ancient glaciers.
To know more about the trails, you need to check out the Wasaga Beach Community Trails Map. It will have answers to almost all your questions related to the Wasaga Beach Trail.
Fishing at Nottawasaga River
Fishing is also one of the great things that you can do at Nottawasaga River. You are allowed to fish anywhere on the river but you need to follow a few rules and regulations otherwise you will be fined for the violations.
Before you begin fishing make sure to check the possession limit. You can also use a kayak or canoe(from rental stores) for fishing in the river.
Explore the Farmer’s Market
If you are looking for a place to interact with a bunch of locals and buy local artifacts then you should visit the Farmer’s Market of Wasaga Beach.
From June to October, every Tuesday you will find this Farmer Market at RecPlex (1724 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach). In the market, you can expect to find artifacts, souvenirs, local cuisine, and a lot more things.
It’s also a great place to have the authentic taste of fresh Produce(fruits & Vegetables) along with a small tour of the town.
Firework Show
During the summers there is at least one event(firework) almost every single week in the town of Wasaga Beach. If you want to witness one such show then you need to make your plan accordingly.
Plus there is always a fireworks show on Canada and Victoria Day so keep it in your mind.
Cave Exploration
If you want to do something adventurous, then head out straight to the scenic cave of blue mountains. It has the longest suspension footbridge in Ontario which is about 420 ft high and the place is perfect to test your dare and courage level.
Plus, the scenic views of nature will keep you entertained throughout the hike. The forest section also has some of the oldest caves that you can explore while hiking.
Ranch Fun
Rounds Ranch is a place that you definitely need to visit if you are traveling with your kids. You can either have the annual or the seasonal membership to access all the fun activities at the Round Ranch.
Some of the famous things that kids are usually fond of are huge slides, Ziplines, wagon rides, Trampolines, and low ropes the ranch has all of it. Plus it is just 10 minute drive from Wasaga Beach.
Horse Riding
It’s a perfect way to explore Wasaga Beach and have fun. There are so many travel companies that offer horse-riding tours as they provide you with the best view of the beach.
When I visited the place I tried this Horse Riding tour around the evening time and you couldn’t believe how much fun and excitement this tour was. I would say if you have never done horse riding before then this is the best place to try it out.
Elmvale Zoo & Heron Coat Trail
Elmvale Jungle Zoo is a 30-acre vast property with so many species of plants and wild animals. If you want to visit the Elmvale Zoo then let me tell you that it’s just a 15-minute drive from Wasaga Beach.
The Blue Heron Coat Trail is a long stretch of around 22 kilometers that goes across the dunes, wetlands, and forest. It is a perfect spot if you want to go for biking, or try a bit of nature photography
Creemore Brewery Tour
Creemore Brewery is one of the best breweries in the entire Ontario province. It was established back in 1987 and has been operational since. Taking a tour of the brewery and learning how the beer is made with a bunch of free samples to try is a great way to explore the Wasaga beach.
Marsh Wildlife Area
It’s an 8.5 km wide stretch of marshy area that a home to more than 250 species of birds as their natural habitat. It’s a perfect spot if you want to watch the birds or have some cool wildlife photographs.
Be aware of your steps, as the place is quite mashy if you are not careful then you can easily hurt your leg.
Where is Wasaga Beach located?
Wasaga Beach is located in the Ontario province of Canada, that is popular around the world for its natural spots and beautiful lakes.
To be exact, Wasaga Beach is along the shores of Georgian Bay which is a huge part of Huron Lake. The lake itself is one of the five greatest lakes in North America.
Wasaga Beach is a town that is best known for its beaches and attracts more than 3 million people every single year. It is officially the world’s longest freshwater beach in North America.
The town is filled with many cozy places to eat & explore, and friendly locals make the trip a lot more memorable. Not only in summer, people also like to visit Wasaga Beach during spring and fall when the weather is still nice and not too hot.
So, if you planning to visit Wasaga Beach, just remember it’s in Ontario, Canada, (close to Toronto), along the shores of Lake Huron at Georgian Bay.
Wasaga Beach Map
Here, I have embedded the Map of Wasaga Beach so that you can easily navigate it.
Wasaga Beach Areas
There are so many beach areas that you can explore while being in the Wasaga beach. So, here is a quick overview.
Area 1 & 2: It is the busiest section of Wasaga Beach that attracts thousands of visitors every single year. To ease the public, the place has a large parking lot, a water sports rentals shop, and also tourist shops where they can buy souvenirs as a memory of their trip.
Area 3 & 4: Area 3 is more of a dog-friendly section where you can hang around with your pet but make sure they have a leash on. Area 4 & 5 is a private shoreline area with a bunch of picnic tables which makes it a perfect spot if you are going with the family.
Area 6: It is the best and most popular area of the entire Wasaga beach because of the many water sports options it has.
Wasaga Beach Water Temperature Throughout The Year
The average water temperature at Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada(during the peak) is 64°F (18°C). This is considered to be tepid, or slightly cool. However, many people still enjoy swimming in Wasaga Beach during the summer and spring seasons.
Here is a table of the average water temperature at Wasaga Beach by month:
| Months | Average water temperature (°F) |
|---|---|
| January | 34°F |
| Febuary | 35°F |
| March | 37°F |
| April | 41°F |
| May | 47°F |
| June | 57°F |
| July | 66°F |
| August | 68°F |
| September | 63°F |
| October | 54°F |
| November | 46°F |
| December | 39°F |
Wasaga Beach Parking
Finding a parking lot in such a touristy place is no less than winning an Oscar (pun intended). If you are not lucky then this might become the hardest part of your whole beach trip. That’s the exact reason why we are including this in our post so that you don’t need to worry about it.
To be straightforward, there are three parking lots, municipal, private, and provincial.
Municipal Parking Lots
| Do I need to book ahead of time? | Nope |
| Number of Parking Lots | 11 |
| Parking lots access | 1-4 (Beach areas) |
The municipal Parking fee in Wasaga Beach begins from $3 per hour and you have to park for a minimum of 2 hours if you want to get a parking there. To stay updated with the parking fees you need to visit the official website of Wasaga Beach.
Provincial Parking Lots
| Do I need to book ahead of time? | Yeah |
| Number of Parking Lots | 8 |
| Parking lots access | 1-6, New Wasaga, Allenwood Beach |
Provincial Parking fees in Wasaga Beach begin from $21/per day on weekends and holidays while on normal weekends it begins from $18/per day. You can also use your Ontario Season Pass(if you have one) which costs you around $75 + HST and for the annual season pass you need to pay $99 + HST.
Private Parking Lots
| Do I need to book ahead of time? | Nope |
| Number of Parking Lots | Not Specified |
| Parking lots access | 1 and 2 (Beach areas) |
To know more about the private parking lots you need to check out the official webpage of the Town of Wasaga Beach – Parking page as there is very little to no information about the private parking lots at Wasaga Beach.
Wasaga Beach Camping
Camping is one of the popular activities at Wasaga Beach and there are several campgrounds(camping sites) located near the town, where you camp along with your friends and enjoy. So, here are some of the best campgrounds in Wasaga Beach that you can try:
- Wasaga Beach Provincial Park: This campground is located right on the beach and offers a variety of campsites which include tents, RV’s, and camper cabins. You can choose any campsite that matches best your budget.
- Awenda Provincial Park: This camping site is located about 45 km north of Wasaga Beach and also has a variety of campsites. However, tourists generally avoid this campsite location as it’s a bit far from the town.
- Craigleith Provincial Park: Located about 35 km west of Wasaga Beach, you can have a unique camping experience as you can stay a night under the sky out there in the wilderness.
- Gateway Camping: This campground is also located just outside of town but it’s not that famous and has a lower crowd even at the peak time of the season. If you want to camp in a less crowded place then this one is a perfect location for you.
It is very important to make reservations in advance, especially if you are camping during the peak summer season otherwise you might have to pay extra.
Tips for Camping in Wasaga Beach
- Book your campsite in advance: Wasaga Beach is a popular camping site for a lot of tourists, especially during the peak season. So it’s very important to book your campsite in advance to avoid all the inconvenience. You can book your campsites online through the Ontario Parks website or by calling the Ontario Parks reservation line.
- Choose the right campsite: There are a variety of campsites available at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, ranging from tent sites, RV’s to camper cabins. Some campsites are located close to the beach, while others are more secluded. So make sure you book your campsite as per your needs.
- Bring all the essential camping gear. Make sure you have your own tent, sleeping bags, camp stove, food, water, and other essentials so that you can enjoy the best Camping experience at Wasaga Beach. Even if you don’t have any equipment, you can easily rent it out from the nearby rental stores.
- Be prepared for all types of weather. The weather in Wasaga Beach Town is totally unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for all types of weather conditions. You need to have layers of clothing, rain gear, and sunscreen to cope with any type of weather.
- Leave no trace. Don’t forget to have a trash bag with you so that you can dump all your trash(mess) at the right place without polluting the environment.
- Be aware of the wildlife. Wasaga Beach is home to a variety of wildlife animals like deer, raccoons, skunks, and a lot of others. So don’t forget to keep your food and trash properly stored and covered to avoid attracting those animals.
- Have fun! Have a small bonfire(if allowed) and enjoy camping at Wasaga Beach as this is a great way to relax and enjoy the fantastic view of nature.
Wasaga Beach Town
Wasaga Beach is a perfect spot to spend your summer vacation. It’s quite popular for its long, sandy beaches that have spread over the length of 14 kilometers. With a population of less than 24K residents, the place still attracts more than 3 million tourists annually which is remarkably a huge number.
It’s a town in Simcoe County, Ontario that is located along the longest freshwater beach in the world which makes it a popular summer tourist destination. The town is located approximately 150 km (93 mi) north of Toronto and about 40 km (25 mi) northwest of Barrie.
Beach Area 1 is the most popular area of the beach because it has a variety of restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions while Area 6 is located at the northern end of the beach which is known for its quieter atmosphere and fantastic views of the Niagara Escarpment.
Best Places to Stay in Wasaga Beach
Wasaga Beach Inn And Cottages
It’s a simple, budget-friendly place to stay in Wasaga Beach if you are going with your family and friends. The place has all the modern amenities that you really need to stay in a Cottage.
Bayfront Beach Resort
Bayfront is a stunning beachfront view resort that is located right beside the world’s longest freshwater beach, yeah you got it right, Wasaga Beach itself. Here, you will find amenities like a heated pool, BBQ grills, picnic tables, and even a volleyball court where you can have a friendly competition if you are staying there with your friends.
Wasaga Motel Inn
Wasaga Motel Inn is a budget-friendly option for people who want to enjoy and have some fun at Wasaga Beach without breaking the bank(Pun intended). The Inn has almost every single amenity that you need like free Wi-Fi throughout the property, an outdoor fireplace, and barbecue grills for a cookout. Lastly, it does have a ‘Play Area’ where your kids(if any) can play freely.
Beachfront at Wasaga Motel and Cottages
It’s a simple and affordable stay that is located directly on the shores of Wasaga Beach. The motel has a variety of amenities that guests can enjoy, like free Wi-Fi, complimentary parking, and BBQ grills where you can have a small picnic with your friends and family.
Is Wasaga Beach Worth Visting?
Yeah, it’s totally worth visiting the Wasaga Beach. The 14 km(approx.) long stretch of sandy beach along the Georgian Bay offers fantastic views of the beach and the clear blue water is perfect for having a bunch of selfies.
Whether you’re looking to swim, build sandcastles, or play beach sports under the sun, the place has something for everyone irrespective of their age. Besides all that you can go for some adventurous activities at Wasaga Beach like hiking, biking, fishing, cave exploring, and the list goes on.
Watching the sun setting down at the brink of the Sea is such a soothing and relaxing experience that you will never forget your entire life. There is always some sort of event and festival going on at Wasaga Beach that will make sure you are not getting bored. Moreover, the locals are very friendly which makes the experience even more enjoyable.
All in all, Wasaga Beach is a must-visit place for those who want to enjoy the beauty of nature along with some fun activities.
Best Time to Visit the Wasaga Beach
The best time to visit Wasaga Beach is in Summer, especially during the weekends. As the weather remains warm which makes it perfect for doing some recreational activities like swimming, water sports, and other outdoor activities. During the entire season, the place remains crowded with thousands of visitors, so make your plan as well as hotel reservation well in advance.
Frankly speaking, whether it’s an off-season or the peak season the town always has something exciting for everyone. The long trails of the Wasaga Natural Park give you a perfect opportunity to explore the town while enjoying the mesmerizing view of the natural beauty.
Remember: If you are planning to visit the beach in the peak season then make sure you come early in the morning to avoid the rush. Once the Parking lot is packed(filled) the gate will be closed to avoid congestion.
How Crowdy is Wasaga Beach?
Wasaga Beach is a popular tourist destination that not only attracts people from the country but also from abroad. It usually gets around 2-3 million annual visitors which makes it one of the busiest beaches in Ontario province.
Its 14 km-long stretches of sandy beaches are long enough to provide plenty of space for everyone to enjoy without any interruption.
If you are looking to chill at a crowded place then consider parking your vehicle at Area 1. But if you want a quieter and more of a calm place to relax in nature then you need to walk down away from the crowd in any direction until you find more of a secluded section of the beach.
Final Thoughts: What to Do in Wasaga Beach
Being the longest freshwater beach and the busiest beach in Ontario, Wasaga Beach has something for everyone. It has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ontario for decades.
From going back in the history of Nancy Island to sky diving, no matter what your interests are, you will always find something to enjoy in Wasaga Beach. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, boat, kayak, hike, bike, fish, golf, or enjoy the nightlife, Wasaga Beach has it all.
We hope that you like our thorough Guide to Wasaga Beach where we have tried our best to tell you everything you need to know to have the best trip to Wasaga Beach.
FAQs related to Wasaga Beach
Is Wasaga Beach a dog-friendly beach?
Yeah! Wasaga Beach is a dog-friendly beach in Ontario Province, Canada. But you can’t take your dog to all the areas except the beach area 3 (till the wooden fence area).
Can you drink at the Wasaga Beach?
No, you can’t either drink or smoke at Wasaga Beach. If caught doing so, then you have to face a heavy fine or legal troubles.
Are public washroom facilities available in every section of Wasaga Beach?
Yeah, the public washroom facilities are available in every section of Wasaga Beach.
What is the best part of Wasaga Beach?
The best part of Wasaga Beach is Beach Area 6. It is located at the northern end of the beach and is known for its quieter atmosphere and stunning views of the Niagara Escarpment. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
