Wasaga Beach boasts the longest freshwater beach in the world. Traverse the sandy Beach Areas 1-6 of the Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, getting as close to the shore and waves as possible. If starting at Beach 6, start at the end of the beach off of 71st St N and Shore Lane (shown in the first photo with some rocks at the shoreline). If starting at Beach 1, start on the beach off of Jenetta St, across from the boat launch (see below for further information on closures, seen in the second photo with pristine sand). The beach can be touristy and busy with sunbathers, dogs (on Beach 3) and beach volleyball players, so plan your run accordingly.
Wasaga Beach is 14km long, but this route only covers the Beaches 1-6 as the remaining approximate 4km continues past the mouth of the Nottawasaga River to Allenwood and New Wasaga Beach, and then beaches in Tiny township. The mouth of the Nottawasaga River can be dangerous due to the strong undertow as well as boat traffic, so do not attempt crossing this waterway to link up the other two Wasaga township beaches. Additionally, the beaches in Tiny tend to be private.
Finally, be sure to follow any posted closures. There is currently a section of the east end of Beach 1 that is closed for the endangered Piping Plover and its nesting grounds. You can veer away from the sandy shores to run along the boardwalk to bypass this. Farther along to the east, the tip of Beach 1 that meets the mouth of the Nottawasaga River is closed to protect the sand dunes, finish or start your run at this sign.
