The Town of Wasaga

It's only a half-hour's drive north of Toronto, but it feels like a lifetime

away. Nestled cosily on the scenic shores of Nattawasaga Bay is the

town of Wasaga.

Wasaga is best known for its breathtaking beaches. In the ice age,

melting glaciers carved out the 14-kilometre shoreline, creating what is

said to be the longest freshwater beach in the world. The Beach, as locals refer to it, hosts two million tourists seeking refuge

from city life every summer.

But Wasaga Beach is rapidly establishing its own

community and abandoning its reputation as simply a

tourist town. According to Statistics Canada, the

population in 2001 was over 12,000 with an average

annual income of $38,217. Because of its rapid

growth, opportunities are ripe for starting a business.

The town is also in the process of getting its own FM

radio station. There is also a strong sense of community,

as demonstrated by the Town Beautification

Committee. Fuelled by pride, the committee is a

volunteer-run group that increases the town's

aesthetic appeal by cleaning it up and planting

flowers. And, of course, residents get to enjoy all the

attractions that make Wasaga Beach such a popular

summer vacation site.

Beach-goers seeking fun-in-the-sun have a

choice of eight beaches. The first two beaches, the

recreation beaches, are for the more active. They

host the annual volleyball tournaments, lifeguard

championships, Kitefest, and soap box derbies. The

other beaches are quieter and more family oriented.

All beaches have the same luxurious, clean, white sand

and a marvellous view of Blue Mountain.

If beaches aren't for you, perhaps you'll find favour

at any of Wasaga's four luscious golf courses. Or try

fishing or boating on the Nattawasaga River or on

Georgian Bay. Perhaps you'll want to picnic under a

shady tree in the Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and see how many of the wide variety of birds, mammals,

reptiles, and amphibians you can spot. Blueberry

Trails, the 2,900-acre nature reserve, has 26 kilometres

of beautiful well-maintained trails perfect for hikes or

bike rides. Here you'll find the little-known sand

dunes. Tucked behind a residential neighbourhood,

the magnificent dunes are a well-kept secret, even

from some locals.

History buffs will enjoy visiting Nancy Island

historic site, an island on the Nattawasaga River. The

island was formed during the War of 1812 when a

British supply ship, Nancy, sunk and dammed the

Nattawasaga River, causing silt to build up and

eventually form the island. In the summer it hosts the

famous Jazz in the Park concert. Hundreds of people

attend the free performance where lush grass, willow

trees, a luminous lake, and the music of local jazz

artists surround them from all sides.

Although tourists throng Wasaga in the summer,

the winters are also action-packed. Blueberry Trails is

great for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

And downhill skiing is another option, being just 25

minutes east of Collingwood.

Winter, summer, spring, or fall-you'll find exciting

things to do in Wasaga. The breathtaking

scenery, clear waters, and clean air make Wasaga a

wonderful place to be, whether just for a visit or

for permanent residence.

Community Resources

www.wasagabeach.com

Chamber of Commerce

705-429-2247

Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit

705-721-7520

Huronia West OPP

1-888-310-1122

Simcoe County District School Board

705-728-7570

Simcoe Muskoka Catholic School Board

705-722-3555

Parks and Facilities

705-429-0412

Recreation

705-429-3321

Library

705-429-5481