Set along the shores of Nottawasaga Bay in Southern Ontario, Wasaga Beach is the world’s longest freshwater beach and has become one of Canada’s premier beach town destinations.
However, beyond soaking along its picturesque white sandy coastline, the Wasaga Beach area is also a great place to explore the natural beauty of the unique coastal dune ecosystems in the South Georgian Bay region, engage in a myriad of water activities, and even peruse the boutique stocks of the local shops.
Drawing millions of visitors every year, Wasaga is more than just a summer hotspot—it’s a vibrant community with plenty to discover.
From popular water activities to venturing into its more adventurous terrains or engaging in family-friendly activities, these are the ten top things to do in Wasaga Beach, Ontario.
The 10 Top Attractions And Things To Do In Wasaga Beach
1. Explore Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
Soaking in the sun at one of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park’s eight distinct beaches is definitely the most popular thing to do in Wasaga amongst tourists. After all, the area’s 14 km beach area is heralded as the world’s longest freshwater beach, promising a varied beach day of dunes and vegetative areas to explore.
However, beyond its rolling shorelines of white sandy beaches, the provincial park also promises a world of outdoor activities, including biking trails, hiking paths, tennis courts, and horseshoe pits. The park’s natural areas are particularly popular amongst birdwatchers in the summer months, while the park’s toboggan hill makes for fantastic winter fun. It also serves as a protected area for some of Ontario’s most unique coastal dune ecosystems.
2. Learn About The War Of 1812 At Nancy Island Historic Site
The perfect outing in Wasaga for history lovers, the Nancy Island Historic Site is a monumental landmark representing a key event of the War of 1812 – the HMS Nancy’s battle against three American Schooners.
The HMS Nancy was sunk during the confrontation. Over time, silt and earth from the river collected around the shipwreck, forming the island now known as Nancy Island.
While the remains of the shipwreck were collected and preserved in 1927, the island remains a marker of the historic battle and continues to be one of the top attractions in Wasaga Beach today.
Visitors to Nancy Island can explore artifacts and relics of the site within its museums, including a 24-pound shot and the hull of the ship itself. Staff at the museum also put on frequent reenactments for an interactive window into the island’s military history. It’s an incredible opportunity to dive into Canada’s past while exploring the surrounding area.
3. Day Trip Over To Blue Mountains
Located just a half hour from Collingwood, taking a road trip over to the famous Blue Mountain Village is one of the top tourist attractions and things to do when visiting Wasaga Beach.
Promising a world of outdoor adventure, this quaint European-style village is the perfect place for skiing, biking, and hiking to scenic lookout points within the eponymous mountains, offering panoramic views of South Georgian Bay, along with riding along its famous ridge runner mountain coaster.
Alternatively, the village itself promises a laid-back day exploring its numerous boutique shops, eclectic international restaurants, or even unwinding in a hot spring spa at the Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain.
4. Enjoy A Variety Of Water Sports
Thanks to its setting in Southern Ontario, Wasaga can get hot in the summer season. Luckily, the area promises plenty of opportunity to cool off at the world’s longest freshwater beach, with several water sports offered throughout its 14 km shoreline.
Paddleboarding, flyboarding, kiteboarding, and jet ski rentals can be found lining all the major tourist areas of Wasaga Beach. Free Spirit Tours is a locally operated tour company that promises great rental services for paddle crafts, such as kayaks and canoes.
Alternatively, those looking for a more laid-back immersion into the cooling waters of the Georgian Bay can instead sit back and relax with a cocktail along a Shaka Wasaga cruise.
5. Go Cross-Country Skiing During The Winter
While Wasaga Beach tends to be a popular destination in the summer, it does promise plenty of things to do when visiting in the winter months as well. And while you may not be soaking in the sun along the area’s white sandy beaches, you can still explore the breadth of the provincial park along its cross-country skiing and horseshoe trails.
The park features over 30 km of groomed trails starting from its Nordic and Trail Centre, with routes ranging from its beginner-friendly Blueberry Trail all the way to its challenging High Dunes Trail, best suited for experienced skiers.
6. Kayak Along The Nottawasaga River
While the bay is a beautiful area for swimming within crystal-clear waters, the Nottawasaga River promises a more adventurous experience, complete with scenic habitats and diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, swans, beavers, turtles, and more.
A popular fishing spot, the picturesque river is best explored with a paddle craft, including canoes and kayaks. With plenty to see, paddling your way along the waterway is both peaceful and relaxing while promising a sense of adventure through its natural landscapes and the surrounding area.
7. Go Thrill Seeking With Skydive Wasaga Beach
Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or just looking for the best scenic views of the Georgian Bay, Skydive Wasaga is definitely one of the best things to do in Wasaga Beach for visiting thrill seekers.
The only tandem skydiving experience in Canada with a beach landing, this skydiving adventure takes off from its landing strip just a short 10-minute drive from town and promises one of the most memorable experiences that the popular beach destination offers—complete with panoramic views of South Georgian Bay.
8. Get Active At The Wasaga Adventure Park
Home to Canada’s premier paintball and combat mega park, the Wasaga Adventure Park is one of the most fun places to visit in Wasaga Beach. The park’s combat sports include archery tag, laser tag, paintball, airsoft, and Nerf wars.
However, the complex also promises several non-combat-based activities, including axe throwing and escape rooms for an afternoon of family fun. It’s a great way to get moving and explore more of the community atmosphere found around the surrounding area.
9. Hit The Links
There are several golf courses in Wasaga for a fun afternoon spent out on the links. My personal favourite is the Marlwood Golf and Country Club. This beautifully maintained 18-hole golf course is set along Marl Lake and is lined by scenic wooded areas.
What’s even better is that the course’s long fairways and scenic greens are just a 5-minute drive from Wasaga Beach, making it a convenient spot for a morning tee time before heading to the white sandy coastline.
10. Go Mini-Golfing Or Go Karting
Alternatively, visitors looking for a less extensive round of golf can head over to Skull Island Mini Golf for a fun and family-friendly round of putting on an exciting 18-hole miniature golf course.
Meanwhile, Wasaga 500 Go Karts makes for another great family activity near downtown Wasaga Beach, promising a 1 km track and fast karts sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
