Waubaushene Beaches
Non-operating parks do not have operating dates. Please note that activities and facilities may be temporarily unavailable or restricted for public health.
Facilities and Activities summary
Availability of some facilities and activities may be restricted to specific areas of the park, may be ecologically dependent, or may be seasonally weather dependent.
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
- Blue - available at the park. - Grey - unavailable at this park.Restrictions
Biking 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Biking - (Mountain Bike) 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Birding - Festivals 
Restrictions
Boating 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Boating - Motorboat Restrictions 
Not all waterbodies in the park allow motorboats and/or motor size may be restricted.
Restrictions
Camping - Backcountry 
When a health unit moves into a Grey-Lockdown zone, according to Ontario's COVID-19 Response Framework, or if the province institutes any new stay-at-home orders, it may result in the temporary closure of overnight stays on campsites, backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations in those regions.
Restrictions
Camping - Car 
When a health unit moves into a Grey-Lockdown zone, according to Ontario's COVID-19 Response Framework, or if the province institutes any new stay-at-home orders, it may result in the temporary closure of overnight stays on campsites, backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations in those regions.
Restrictions
Camping - Dog Free 
When a health unit moves into a Grey-Lockdown zone, according to Ontario's COVID-19 Response Framework, or if the province institutes any new stay-at-home orders, it may result in the temporary closure of overnight stays on campsites, backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations in those regions.
Restrictions
Camping - Group 
When a health unit moves into a Grey-Lockdown zone, according to Ontario's COVID-19 Response Framework, or if the province institutes any new stay-at-home orders, it may result in the temporary closure of overnight stays on campsites, backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations in those regions.
Restrictions
Camping - Radio Free 
When a health unit moves into a Grey-Lockdown zone, according to Ontario's COVID-19 Response Framework, or if the province institutes any new stay-at-home orders, it may result in the temporary closure of overnight stays on campsites, backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations in those regions.
Restrictions
Camping - Seasonal Campsite Rental 
When a health unit moves into a Grey-Lockdown zone, according to Ontario's COVID-19 Response Framework, or if the province institutes any new stay-at-home orders, it may result in the temporary closure of overnight stays on campsites, backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations in those regions.
Restrictions
Camping - Walk In 
When a health unit moves into a Grey-Lockdown zone, according to Ontario's COVID-19 Response Framework, or if the province institutes any new stay-at-home orders, it may result in the temporary closure of overnight stays on campsites, backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations in those regions.
Restrictions
Camping - Winter (includes Roofed) 
When a health unit moves into a Grey-Lockdown zone, according to Ontario's COVID-19 Response Framework, or if the province institutes any new stay-at-home orders, it may result in the temporary closure of overnight stays on campsites, backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations in those regions.
Restrictions
Canoeing 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Dark Sky Viewing 
Officially designated as a Dark Sky Preserve
Restrictions
Disc Golf 
Restrictions
Discovery Program 
Discovery programs may be restricted due to public health measures.
Restrictions
Dogsledding 
.
Restrictions
Fishing 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Hiking 
Some of our trails are not ready for hiking. For your safety, please respect trail closure signs.
Restrictions
Hiking - Overnight Trails 
Reservation and check-in procedures may be temporarily modified at this location. Check re-open details under operating dates section more information.
Restrictions
Horseback Riding 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Hunting 
Hunting is permitted only in specific seasons/locations, contact the park office for more information.
Restrictions
Ice Skating 
Activity available only where weather conditions permit.
Restrictions
Kite Boarding 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Rock Climbing 
Climbers at Bon Echo must be members of the Alpine Club of Canada or register at the park office with park staff.
Restrictions
Skiing - Cross Country 
Activity available only where weather conditions permit.
Restrictions
Snowmobiling 
Snowmobiling is only permitted in certain areas. Contact the park for additional information.
Restrictions
Snowshoeing 
Activity available only where weather conditions permit.
Restrictions
Swimming 
This activity is not available in the winter.
Restrictions
Tobogganing 
Activity available only where weather conditions permit.
Restrictions
Whitewater Paddling 
This activity is not available in the winter.
(705) 549-2231
Size: 33.84 ha
Year established: 1969
Park Classification: Nature Reserve
Awenda Provincial Park P.O. Box 973
Penetanguishene
L0K 1P0
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.