Wasaga Beach, Ont, town, pop 12 419 (2001c), 8698 (1996c), 6457 (1991cA), area 58.45 km2, inc 1974, is located on the shores of GEORGIAN BAY at the mouth of the Nottawasaga River, about 40 km northwest of Barrie. Wasaga Beach is the world's longest freshwater beach. The name dates from 1882, when William Train called his subdivision Wasaga Beach, but it was not until the late 1890s that the name was in common use. The name was derived from the Nottawasaga River.
The area was the site of the Battle of the Nancy in the WAR OF 1812. The Nancy, a British schooner, was pursued by 3 larger and better-armed American vessels. Discovered hidden upstream on the Nottawasaga River, the Nancy was pounded by the American vessels anchored in the bay, until she caught fire and sank. Over time her hull was covered by river silt, creating a small island. In 1928 the hull was raised and became the focal point of the Nancy Island Museum commemorating the battle.
Logging was carried out in the area from the 1830s to the 1890s. Settlement began in the area in 1870, when John Van Vlack purchased 28 hectares of land. In the early 1900s hotels were built attracting wealthy vacationers. This era ended with World War II when the soldiers of Cape BORDEN, near Barrie, flocked to Wasaga Beach during the summer. Cheaper accommodations and other recreational and commercial establishments replaced the grand hotels.
Tourism continues to dominate the local economy. In recent years the town has become more "year-round", as many residents commute to work elsewhere, and there has been a boom in residential construction. Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, with its beaches, dunes and trails, is located within the town's boundaries.