Wasaga Beach is in its exciting revitalization era, but don’t worry — Ontario’s summer playground is still open for business and summer fun!
You’ll still find epic experiences like beachfront concerts, festivals, and food trucks just as you’ve always known them. And, they might even get better as Wasaga pursues a long-term transformation of the downtown and waterfront to reinvigorate the vibrant village of shops, restaurants, cafes, and other amenities.
With plenty to do across 14 kilometres of the world’s longest freshwater beach, it can feel overwhelming to narrow down your perfect itinerary. Fortunately, we have not one, but three options to get you started.
Itinerary #1 — Family fun
Grab your camera, sunscreen the kiddos, and enjoy a day full of family fun at Wasaga Beach!
Kick things off with a chill morning on the beach, followed by lunch at the food truck zone at Beach Area 1, which serves the best of burgers, poutine, pizza, and pasta, plus beavertails and ice cream to wash it down. There’s also Subway, Osmow’s, frozen yogurt, bubble tea, and more!
In the afternoon, swing by Skull Island Mini Golf for 18 holes of pirate-themed minigolf, or kick things up a notch at Wasaga 500, which has go-karts, 36 holes of mini-golf, and batting cages. Girls vs. boys? Parents vs. kids? Losers buy souvenirs! (Kidding. Sort of).
Speaking of souvenirs, you’ll find those at Pedro’s Gift Shop. Who doesn’t love a good beach tchotchke?
Finally, nothing hits better after a busy day than a big ‘ole bandera bread and an order of cactus-cut potatoes. Head to Boston Pizza for a predictably delicious menu on a great patio in convenient walking distance from Beach Area 1. There’s even live music throughout the week.
Bonus activity: Tuesdays promise an additional dose of family-friendly fun, with a weekly farmers market and music in the park.
Itinerary #2 — Adventure awaits
If your idea of a getaway is staying on the move and discovering new things, you’ll find all sorts of adventure at Wasaga Beach.
Start things off by enjoying a paddle with Free Spirit Tours up the Nottawasaga River. Your boat, PFD, paddles, and other equipment will be supplied, so all you need to do is enjoy. You’ll end up at Beach Area 1, which makes it super convenient to grab a bite before heading to your next activity.
Spend the afternoon not just in the water, but on it. Blue Wave Board Co. is the place to go for stand-up paddleboards, surfboards, Lily Pad, or Blu Whale rentals. If your skills are a little rusty — or non-existent — you can book a lesson or excursion with the experts.
Once you’ve dried off, stay beachside, enjoy a mocktail, and satiate your appetite at The Spot Bar & Grill, located just off Spruce Street at Beach Area 1. Or, kick things up a notch and try Barcelos, which features Portuguese cuisine and a great patio only a few minutes from the beach. Oyster platter, anyone?
Bonus activity: Visit on Saturday, Aug. 30 for the annual Memories of Summer festival, or Saturday, Sept. 13 for the Wasaga Beach Blues Festival.
Itinerary #3 — Take it easy
Begin your day of rest and relaxation with a beachside breakfast at Smashed. Fresh sausages seasoned with love and smashed on the grill are the pièce de résistance of their take on a signature breakfast sandwich, available Thursday through Sunday.
Take your coffee to go so you can stroll the boardwalk and soak in the morning sun. There are also plenty of hiking trails of varying skill levels throughout Wasaga Beach, so you can tailor your walk to be as chill or strenuous as you want.
When you’re feeling peckish again, Wasaga Beach Bubble Tea and Korean Corn Dogs have just the menu to satisfy your cravings.
In the afternoon, gather your friends or partner for an unforgettable one or two-hour Shaka Wasaga Boat Cruise along the Nottawasaga River and Georgian Bay. And when you get back, you can chill on the lush, sandy beach until dinnertime.
And when it comes to dinner, we recommend Catch 22. The fresh market grill is described as Wasaga Beach’s premier dining experience, with a menu boasting fresh seafood, steak, pasta, and other mouthwatering dishes.
Finally, end your day with a cold drink from The Sandbar, a beachfront patio with a perfect view for watching the sun go down.
Bonus activity: Go on a Friday to take in some live music with weekly summer sets.
There are so many fun-packed ways to experience Wasaga Beach. Now the question is: What will your itinerary look like? Start planning your trip to Wasaga Beach today.
Town of Wasaga Beach
Where: 11 22nd St. N., Wasaga Beach, ON
Kendall Bistretzan
Branded Content Writer
Kendall Bistretzan is a Calgary-based writer, reporter, and coffee enthusiast. In her spare time, she loves to read, have dinner with friends, and sing in her car. She is currently querying her debut fiction novel. You can find her on Instagram @kendallbistwrites.
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