Ontario is blessed with some incredible natural beauty from the rugged Canadian Shield to sparkling freshwater lakes, but did you know it’s also home to the longest freshwater beach in the world?
Located just two hours north of Toronto, Wasaga Beach holds the coveted title, stretching over 14 kilometres along the southern shores of Georgian Bay.
With its soft sands, shallow waters, and sweeping views, Wasaga has become a beloved destination for summer vacations, weekend getaways, and year-round adventure.
In summer, the beach calls itself “Ontario’s summer playground”, drawing in visitors for swimming, paddleboarding, and sunbathing. Its gentle slope makes it ideal for families with children, while more active travelers can enjoy kayaking, cycling, and hiking through nearby trails and Wasaga Beach Provincial Park.
Because the beach is so long, it has been divided up into six smaller beaches to make it easier for visitors to navigate. Beaches 1 and 2 are Wasaga’s most popular, but for those that prefer a quieter beach day, opt for Beach 4 or 5.
Wasaga is also a certified Blue Flag beach, which in order to qualify, means it must meet and maintain a series of stringent environmental, safety, and accessibility criteria.
During the winter months, the town transforms into a snow-covered playground, offering cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling on a vast network of scenic trails.
The Town of Wasaga Beach is currently undergoing a significant redevelopment project called “Destination Wasaga”, after the province unveiled their plan to invest nearly $38 million to revitalize the town’s beachfront and downtown core.
This multi-phase initiative is reimagining the town’s central beach area with upgraded public spaces, modern commercial buildings, expanded walkways, and improved beach access, including a new $45 million premium hotel set to overlook Beach 1.
The revitalization aims to make Wasaga a more vibrant, accessible, and sustainable destination, supporting local businesses while preserving the beach’s natural beauty.
While things may look a bit different this summer as the project’s first phase is underway, the town and beach is still open for business for those hoping to visit this summer, with a number of beachfront concerts, fireworks, and outdoor performances slated for the coming months! You can find their full calendar of events here on their website.