Skip to main content
Wasaga Beach

Wasaga Beach Provincial Park

Biking

Cycling is permitted on the trail network that runs throughout Beach Areas 1 through 5. Cycling is also permitted along Shore Lane Trail which traverses through both town and park lands.

Birding

In 2008, after a 30 year absence from this area, the endangered Piping Plover returned to nest at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. Park staff closely monitor these birds throughout the spring and summer, and nest enclosures are erected around successful breeding sites. Volunteers with the Piping Plover Recovery Program also help to monitor these enclosures on a daily basis, as well as provide outreach to beachgoers. For more information on volunteer opportunities with the Piping Plover Recovery Program, please contact the Park Office.

Boating

Nottawasaga Bay is suitable for many types of watercraft, especially large motorboats, sailboats and windsurfers. Boats can be rented from one of several marinas in the Town of Wasaga Beach. Beach Area 1 offers a boat launch with ample parking for vehicles and boat trailers.

Canoeing

The Nottawasaga Canoe Route is 32 km in length and can be paddled in one day.

Canoe rentals are available through private companies in the Wasaga Beach area.

Discovery Program

Park interpreters at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park deliver educational programming that highlights the rich natural and cultural heritage of the park. To inquire about booking a school or community program, please contact the Park Office at 705-429-2516.

Nancy Island Historic Site

Nancy Island has served as a historic site since 1928 and is the most viable and related site to the War of 1812 in Simcoe County and the Georgian Bay Region. It represents a major event during the War or 1812 – HMS Nancy’s August 14, 1814 battle against three American Schooners. The island features a museum, theatre, and replica Great Lakes lighthouse. The museum houses the charred hull and artefacts of the HMS Nancy from this pivotal moment in Canadian history. Today, the borders of Canada are a direct result of the valiant struggles of the Nancy and her crew. Join a park interpreter on site as they bring the story of the HMS Nancy and her crew to life!

Fishing

Fishing is best from a boat, but you can also try your luck anywhere near the Nottawasaga River bank within park boundaries. A fishing access point is located in the dunes area of the park. You can catch Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, splake and pickerel - especially in the spring and fall. Boat launch facilities in Beach Area 1 allow easy access to Georgian Bay.

Hiking

The dunes area of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park offers over 30 km of trails. The trail system can be accessed from the Wasaga Nordic & Trail Centre. As you enter the trail system you will be passing through an area known as the raised beaches. These are the remnants of a glacial lake that covered the Wasaga Beach area close to 10,000 years ago. Continuing along the trail you will see foredunes that lead into the largest and least disturbed set of parabolic sand dunes in Ontario. Approximately 700 different types of plants and 230 species of birds can be seen in this fragile dune area. Additional trail systems, such as the Ganaraska Trail and Harold Culham Memorial Bicycle Trail, also occur in the dunes area of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park.

Swimming

Wasaga’s 14 kilometer long beach draws thousands of visitors each summer. Families enjoy safe swimming in the warm, shallow waters and playing on the wide sandy beach. The park is divided into eight beach areas each with its own parking lot.

Winter Activities

Experience a totally different side of Wasaga Beach in the winter. The park offers some of the most exciting Nordic ski terrain in central Ontario, with 24 km of groomed and track-set trails.

Winter park hours are from 9 am – 5 pm. We ask that skiers and snowshoers please return with their rentals by 4:00 pm. Please note there is an additional fee for cross-country skiing at Wasaga Beach.

Cross-country skiing
Wasaga Beach has trails for skiers of all skill levels. Experts can challenge themselves on the High Dunes Trail while beginners can choose the more leisurely Blueberry Trail. A full trail list is available by consulting the park’s winter trail map.
The Wasaga Nordic Centre offers modern equipment rentals and warm-up shelters.
Check the Ontario Parks Snow Report or call the Wasaga Nordic Centre at (705)429-0943 for trail conditions, rental and ski rates, and winter program information.

Snowshoeing
There is a 10 km snowshoeing trail winding through a snow-covered, pristine forest. Bring your own snowshoes or rent a pair from the park.