Wasaga Beach, Ontario

When most Canadians think of the beach, they think of the hot, tropical kind they are so accustomed to visiting in other countries during the winter. Often we forget that we have our own beautiful spots such as Wasaga Beach.

Said to be the longest freshwater beach in the world, Wasaga attracts more than its fair share of tourists (after all, it's only 130 kilometers/80 miles north of Toronto). Still, the town offers much more than sun soaking for the 12,419 people who call it home. It has, for example, the wonderful Nancy Island, which was created by the shipwreck of the HMS Nancy after it sunk in 1814, while under American attack. The wreck can now be seen in Nancy Island's museum, but, if you're around in July, you can see it in all its glory, as 500 history buffs gather here to reenact the crucial battles of the era.

Besides history, Nancy Island also features the annual Jazz in the Park series, a free weekly concert that will delight all jazz lovers. If jazz isn't your thing, though, there's the Wasaga Beach Fest, a hit with both locals and tourists.

Wasaga Beach also has something for the nature lover, including a 17-kilometre (10-mile) stretch of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail that goes through the town. The area's trails offer fascinating wildlife viewing, including rare sightings of the endangered Eastern Hognose snake.

If all this walking, dancing, or even lazing on the beach has made you hungry, then try out one of the most popular restaurants, the Beacon. Known for its great seafood, it's a wonderful place to hang out for a bit of local gossip or maybe some karaoke (which, I might add, the locals take very serious).

All in all, Wasaga Beach is a small beachside community that has everything you need. Really, what is better than the beach life?

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