In our line of work, the marketing of Canadian tourism, we have come to appreciate many natural features of Canada. We are always learning more about the country and are fast becoming very knowledgeable on every aspect of tourism in this country. Learning and growing is a very positive perk arrived from zig-zagging, back and forth, across the country with pen, lens and computer in hand.
We have learned and documented thousands of adventures and activity destinations. We have traveled thousands of kilometres of varied landscapes. We have visited with thousands of Canadian communities. And yes.. most of it is off the charts filled with beautiful scenery and amazing adventures. But, we have also witnessed the musings of local and regional tourism associations and the individuals who operate within their circles. We have seen and heard the good stories and the not so good of tourism.
Wasaga Beach - Helloooo anyone here!!
On this BLOG we have dedicated ourselves to the positive experiences and unique destinations available to you when traveling Canada. Everything seems so negative now a days, we thought why go there, lets keep it positive and informative and fun. So we have chronicle our adventures, sharing our stories on our BLOG and continue to publish our photos and information on our growing CanadaEH.net Travel Network. It is a small effort on a global scale to inspire more and more people to make their next adventure a Canadian one.
Which brings us to our next story. It is not a happy story. It is a story of misguided dreams, poor fiscal management and a great waste of a great resource. I am talking about what happened to Wasaga Beach?
We visited, stayed awhile, researched it and talked with people. It did not take long to find out it was a beautiful beach in Ontario. However… talking with people, we learned that Wasaga Beach was in financial trouble. People had made promises and they did not come through.
Wasaga Beach is an example of a good resource being mismanaged. How can you possibly boggle a piece of shoreline paradise that measures 14 kilometres long of white sandy beaches. It is one of the nicest beaches in Ontario. Where did they go wrong. Maybe too much reliance was on the beach and not enough thought was put into the development around the beach.
There is so much beach they have divided the beachhead into sections – each section is given a name or should I say a number. How creative?
Beachfront Stores on Wasaga Beach
Main street is a one way lane, with an assortment of restaurants, bars, rental shops and gift stores. Many were closed and boarded up. A new building at the end of the strip stands out – but they went out of business too. It looks god awful – a mix of Vegas and Mexico. Not sure what to do or say. Vendors and beach patrol all had a glum story to tell.
I feel for Wasaga Beach, so much potential. It is a beautiful beach. It is clean. But it was empty on a August weekend. So much sand and so easy to find a private spot and no one around to enjoy it. How sad is that. But do not let the circumstances sway you from visiting because if you like beaches this one is a must. Do not miss an opportunity for some quality beach time staying with good people because of the lack of foresight of a few.
I spent hours walking from numbered beach to numbered beach. Shoes in my backpack, walkman playing some tunes and the sand melting in between my toes. The breeze was light, birds swarmed around me and the sun was hot. If no one else was going to enjoy the beach that day, I had no problem soaking it in all on my own.
Wasaga Beach has an opportunity to make something special. The landscape gives it a big head start. It is never too late to change the game plan. But are the players up to it.
Wasaga Beach could of, should of been an Ontario Tofino, Sidney, Ucluelet style set up with pedestrian walkways lined with entertainment, unique stores, resort villages instead of trying to look big city and cheap with glitz and glory. It needn’t to develop as a destination not a day trip. Now the bulbs are burnt out and trust is low. Lets hope for the best, the people of Wasaga Beach deserve it!