Wasaga Beach recognized as Canada’s number one beach for swimming

The colourful Wasaga Beach sign is shown in front of Canada's longest freshwater beach. (CTV News)

It’s never too early to start thinking about sunshine, sand and warmer weather.

It’s hard to believe that today marks 100 days until the unofficial kick off to summer – the Victoria Day May long weekend and with that comes some exciting news for one of the towns in the region.

Something many who’ve visited the longest freshwater beach in the world before already know to be true is being reaffirmed in an official way.

One of the world’s most influential travel authorities, Lonely Planet, has named Wasaga Beach the number one beach for swimming in Canada.

Along with that designation, Wasaga Beach is also on the list of Canada’s Top 10 Beaches.

The honour recognizes the beach that’s along the shores of Georgian Bay, for its warm, shallow waters, expansive shoreline and positive summer experience.

As the touristy town prepares for a bustling summer season, Mayor of Wasaga Beach Brian Smith says the recognition confirms the town is a top travel destination.

“For over 100 years, Wasaga Beach has been Ontario’s summer playground,” said Smith. “This latest recognition confirms what millions of visitors and Wasaga Beach residents have known for generations. There’s no better place in Canada to swim, have fun, relax and make lifelong memories, than Wasaga Beach.”

Not only is the town looking forward to welcoming tourists back to the beach, but the community itself is growing and transforming.

Rather than a one-season destination, the vision for Wasaga Beach is to turn the iconic beach town into a four-season travel hotspot filled with recreation all year round with a focus on the natural environment.

Some of the projects that are being planned are the launch of Destination Wasaga, a transformation of Beach Area 1 and the revitalization of Nancy Island Historic Site, a war of 1812 commemoration site.

The projects are being funded by the provincial government in a $38 million investment.

To support the projected four-season tourist destination, the Town is set to welcome a Marriott hotel and a new residential development.

The Town is also seeing more festivals and events, like the annual Memories of Summer concerts, drawing even more visitors.

The Town says it will announce its 2026 festival and event lineup in March.