#5: Wasaga Beach, Ontario

Megan's Beach Rating:

Image provided by: http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/File:3.5stars.PNG

I give Wasaga Beach a 3.5 stars out of 5. I come here often because it is conveniently located - just short drive just outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Image provided by Google Maps

For those of you who live in the GTA, this beach is paradise just outside of the city. It is located on Lake Huron and is the world's longest freshwater beach, reaching 14km in length (Reader's Digest). There is an entertainment strip along the shore consisting of restaurants, surf shops, and many more boutiques. This Provincial Park has either beach areas - all include washroom, changing rooms, picnic tables, and parking and two of the beaches include a playground (Reader's Digest).

Wasaga Beach (Image from: https://locationsnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Wasaga-Beach-Boardwalk.jpg)

For those planning a weekend getaway to Wasaga Beach, there are properties that are available for rent.

Cottage rentals located steps away from the beach:

http://www.summerhillwasaga.com/(Open May 1st - September 30th)

http://www.cooperscabins.com/(May - Labour Day; Winter rates, must contact)

http://www.wasaga.com/pinecrest/wasaga.html(Must contact)

I have stayed at Cooper's Cabins for 3 nights with a group discount. This property is the definition of "you get what you pay for". Most of these cottages/cabins are very outdated and provide you with the basic amenities. They do include full kitchens and a fridge, however, I felt like it was very run-down.

That being said, the beach itself is the best part about this location. There is clean, white sand for you to lay your towels out upon and soak up the sun. The water is typically a warm temperature and has NO SEAWEED! The bottom of the lake is sand with no aquatic plants! The water is shallow for a distance until you are further out, then there are sand bars every few feet:

My drawing to explain how sand bars work under the water

Overall, I think the beach itself is great. The reason as to why I give Wasaga 3.5 stars is because the accommodations could be improved and generally, it is a very busy beach - especially on a nice summer day.

Have any of you visited Wasaga Beach before? Please share your thoughts on accommodations or recommendations for any beach activities!

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References:

1. Izon, L. (2015, September). Canada's Best Beaches. Retrieved October 3, 2016, from http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/world/canadas-top-10-beaches/8/

2. Pine Crest Cottage Rentals. (n.d). Retrieved October 7, 2016 from http://wasaga.com/pinecrest/wasaga.html

3. Summerhill Cottage & Cabin Rentals, Wasaga Beach, ON – Home (2012). (n.d). Retrieved October 7, 2016 from http://summerhillwasaga.com

4. Welcome to Coopers Cabins (2016). Wasaga Beach Rentals. Retrieved October 7, 2016 from http://cooperscabins.com