Wasaga Beach Live Cam

The world’s longest freshwater beach



Hosted by:
  • Town of Wasaga Beach
  • 30 Lewis Street - Wasaga Beach
  • Ontario L9Z 1A1 - Canada
  • 705-429-3844
  • https://www.wasagabeach.com/

History

Wasaga Beach is a popular tourist destination located in Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada. The area has a rich history that dates back over 400 years. The following is a brief overview of the history of Wasaga Beach.

Indigenous People: The indigenous people of the area were the Wendat (also known as the Huron) and the Anishinaabe (also known as the Ojibwe). They lived in the area for thousands of years and used it for hunting, fishing, and gathering.

French Trading Post: The first European contact with the area was in the early 1600s when French fur traders established a trading post on the Nottawasaga River.

British Settlement: In the late 1700s, the British began to settle in the area, and by the early 1800s, it had become a popular location for farming, lumbering, and fishing.

War of 1812: During the War of 1812, the area was the site of several battles between British and American forces, including the Battle of Nottawasaga Bay.

Resort Development: In the late 1800s, the area began to attract tourists, and several resorts were built along the beach. The arrival of the railway in 1901 made it easier for people to travel to the area, and it became a popular summer destination.

Military Training: During World War II, the Canadian military used the beach for training, and it was closed to the public. After the war, the area was returned to civilian use.

Provincial Park: In 1951, the Ontario government established Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, which is now the longest freshwater beach in the world. Today, Wasaga Beach is a popular destination for tourists from around the world, offering a wide range of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, boating, hiking, cycling, and more.

Top Tourist Attractions

There are many tourist attractions in Wasaga Beach that draw visitors from all over the world. Here are some of the top attractions:

  • Wasaga Beach: This 14-kilometer long freshwater beach is the main attraction in the area, and it is the longest freshwater beach in the world. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, play beach volleyball, or simply relax on the sandy shores.
  • Nancy Island Historic Site: This site commemorates the War of 1812 and the sinking of the HMS Nancy. Visitors can explore the island and learn about the history of the area.
  • Wasaga Beach Provincial Park: This park is home to a variety of ecosystems, including dunes, wetlands, and forests. Visitors can hike, cycle, swim, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
  • Skull Island Adventure Golf: This miniature golf course is a fun activity for families and friends. The course is themed after a pirate island and features waterfalls, caves, and other obstacles.
  • Wasaga 500 Go Karts: This attraction offers visitors the chance to race around a track in go-karts. It is a popular activity for families and groups.
  • Wasaga Beach Farmers Market: This market offers fresh produce, artisanal products, and handmade crafts from local vendors. It is open every Tuesday during the summer months.
  • Wasaga Beach Paintball Adventure: This attraction offers visitors the chance to play paintball in a variety of themed fields. It is a fun activity for groups and parties.
  • Wasaga Beach Adventure Park: This park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including ziplining, obstacle courses, and rope climbing. It is a popular activity for families and thrill-seekers.

These are just some of the many tourist attractions in Wasaga Beach that visitors can enjoy.

Climate

Wasaga Beach has a humid continental climate, which means that it has warm summers and cold winters. The following is an overview of the climate in Wasaga Beach:

Summer: Summers in Wasaga Beach are warm and humid. The average high temperature in July and August is around 25°C (77°F), while the average low temperature is around 15°C (59°F). Thunderstorms are common during the summer months, and visitors should be prepared for occasional rain showers.

Fall: Fall in Wasaga Beach is mild and sunny. The average high temperature in September and October is around 17°C (63°F), while the average low temperature is around 7°C (45°F). Visitors can enjoy the fall foliage and outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

Winter: Winters in Wasaga Beach are cold and snowy. The average high temperature in December and January is around -2°C (28°F), while the average low temperature is around -10°C (14°F). Snowstorms are common during the winter months, and visitors should be prepared for icy roads and sidewalks.

Spring: Spring in Wasaga Beach is cool and rainy. The average high temperature in March and April is around 6°C (43°F), while the average low temperature is around -3°C (27°F). Visitors can enjoy the spring blooms and outdoor activities such as birdwatching and fishing.

Overall, the best time to visit Wasaga Beach is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny, and visitors can enjoy swimming and other outdoor activities. However, visitors should be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and heavy rain showers.

Geography

The town is approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) north of Toronto and 30 kilometers (18 miles) west of Collingwood.

The town covers an area of approximately 58 square kilometers (22 square miles), including a 14-kilometer (8.7-mile) long sandy beach along the shores of Georgian Bay. The beach is the main attraction in the area, and it is the longest freshwater beach in the world.

The area around Wasaga Beach is characterized by rolling hills, forests, wetlands, and rivers. The Nottawasaga River runs through the town and empties into Georgian Bay, providing a habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species.

The town is bordered by several other municipalities, including Clearview to the west, Springwater to the south, and Tiny to the east. The surrounding area is home to several provincial parks, including Awenda Provincial Park to the north and the Minesing Wetlands Conservation Area to the south. Overall, the geography of Wasaga Beach is characterized by its proximity to Georgian Bay, its sandy beach, and the surrounding natural landscapes of forests, wetlands, and rivers.