Welcome to Waubaushene Beaches Provincial Park

Operating Dates Legend

Beginning June 1, backcountry camping and day-use will be permitted in non-operating provincial parks and conservation reserves where these activities are normally available. Party size must not exceed the limit set out under the emergency order in force under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

Facilities and Activities summary

Before you visit: check what facilities/activities are available and pack what you need (e.g. water, snacks, mask/face covering, and hand sanitizer). Postpone your visit if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been asked to isolate.

Please note winter activities are weather dependent, please check the Ontario Parks Ski Report or local weather forecasts for snow conditions.

When you visit: Continue to follow public health advice including practicing physical distancing by keeping at least two metres from others, wearing a face covering where required, when physical distancing may be a challenge or not possible and when entering indoor public spaces, and wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Facilities

Activities

Icon Colours

- Blue - available at the park. Check operating dates.

- Grey - unavailable at this park.

- Red - Temporarily Unavailable

- Purple - Available at park, but restrictions apply. Check operating dates. Click icon for details.

What You'll Like:

Waubaushene Beaches Nature Reserve contains an important sequence of historic shorelines marking the progress of the retreating ancient Lake Algonquin. At least four post-glacial lakes left their mark on the landscape, resulting from the retreat of the Wisconsinan glacier in the north and the erosion of river outlets to the south and east. These historic shorelines mark the drop of the terrain some 35 metres to the present level of Georgian Bay. The oldest, highest and most prominent Lake Algonquin shoreline (about 12,000 years old) may be seen outside the park near Coldwater. The oldest shoreline found in the park is a Cedar Point Lake Stage terrace and beach at 214 metres above sea level. This is followed by an unnamed lake stage at 212 metres, a Lake Payette bluff and beach at 205 metres and the Lake Nipissing shorecliff, beach, and offshore sand bars at 194 metres above sea level. The prominent Lake Nipissing shoreline was formed about 7000 years ago when drainage shifted from the Ottawa River in the east, southward through the St. Clair River into Lake Erie. An even younger Lake Waubaushene Stage beach at 188 metres above sea level stretches from the northwest corner of the park into the village of Waubaushene. The park is in a region of diverse forest types and other biotic communities. Pasture and abandoned agricultural lands are found above the Lake Nipissing bluff. Below this prominent bluff, sucessional woodlands, thickets and meadows dominate. A nearly continuous band of cedar woodlands occupies a seepage zone at the base of the bluff.

Park Facilities and Activities: The nature reserve is managed to protect its significant landforms. There are no visitor facilities. Anyone wishing to conduct research must obtain an approved research application.

Location: Adjacent to the village of Waubaushene, 19 kilometres west of Midland on Highway 12.

General Information

Phone:
(705) 549-2231
Size: 33.84 ha
Year established: 1969
Park Classification: Nature Reserve

Address:
Awenda Provincial Park P.O. Box 973
Penetanguishene
L0K 1P0