Our Beach

Wasaga Beach Provincial Park is a freshwater beach.  It consists of relict sand, which means that the sand is non-replenishing. The beach is ever changing and requires dunes and vegetation in order to maintain it’s pristine, sandy shores. Each area of the beach is different and is subject to specific beach management protocols.

Areas of the beach that consist of Piping Plover habitat, such as Beach Area 1, New Wasaga, and Allenwood Beaches, contain more vegetation due to specific regulations around beach maintenance in order to preserve species at risk habitat as directed by the Endangered Species Act, 2007.  Other areas of the beach receive regular grooming on a seasonal basis.

Beach cleanup of garbage, detritus (or black muck) and other debris occur on a regular basis throughout the summer operating season.  Detritus is a naturally occurring process that has taken place since the last glaciation period.  It consists of natural, organic matter which is carried from the Minesing wetlands down the Nottawasaga River.  This organic material is non-toxic and not harmful to people.  The park actively manages detritus as it appears on the beach each season but requires specific conditions in order to do so such as onshore, dry days.

Invasive species are also managed on the beach front, such as phragmites.  Phragmites is actively removed on a yearly basis by park staff.

For more information on beach maintenance at Wasaga Beach, please contact our Park Office at 705-429-2516.