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WHERE IS THE NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT?
Decades ago Wasaga
Beach was the place to be with dance clubs
lining the shoreline, but in recent years
live entertainment has taken a nosedive.
Live bands are hard to find. D.J.'s and
Karaoke have replaced them.
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This is true just about
everywhere as nightclubs struggle to balance
low attendance with high operation costs.
But, you didn't come here to hear the woes
of a dying live entertainment industry, so
I'll tell you where you can find this nearly
extinct beast.
Wasaga Beach
The Dyconia
Located on Mosley Street in Beach Area 2.
Phone: 705-429-2000
The Dyconia Hotel still offers live
entertainment some evenings either on the
patio, in their lounge, and occasionally in
their event room (basement). |
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The Dyconia is
one of my favourite properties. The
patio looks out onto the river and
I've spent many an evening there
watching the boats go by. Although
it is located close to the madness
of Beach 1, the patio is serene and
scenic. Some evenings there is a
single or duo playing. In the
lounge, the Dyconia has D.J., a
small live act such as a duo or
single or Karaoke. Owner John
Hutchinson will at times get in a
special act like Yuk Yuk's which is
always good fun. Call 705-429-2000
for up to date entertainment
listings.
Stud's
Lonigans
Located on Main Street in Beach Area
1. Phone: 705-429-6371
The only place in town that serves
imported drafts. During the
off-season they offer Karaoke on
Saturday nights and Poker on
Thursdays starting at 7 p.m. Summer
entertainment has not been announced
yet but we'll try to get that info
posted here as soon as possible.
Beach
Banana's
Located on Beach Drive (Beach Area
1). Phone: 705 429-8100
No news yet about live
entertainment.
The Dard
Located on Beach Drive (Beach Area
1). Phone: 705-429-2211
No news yet about live
entertainment.
The Beacon
Located on Mosley Street at 45th
Street Phone: 705-429-4433
Jam Night every Wednesday. Karaoke
Thurs-Sat.
Collingwood
and Town of Blue Mountains
Collingwood and
the Town of Blue Mountains is a
short drive from Wasaga Beach and
many locals will head there for
shopping or for variety in nightlife
options. There is a brand new
Theatre being built there at the
time of this writing and although
it's opening date has not been
announced, it looks like it may open
by the summer of 2007. Currently
there is a movie theatre on 1st
Street,
Collingwood Cinema 4, and with
the addition of a Galaxie Multi
Theatre, our options are looking
much better. More info about things
to do in Collingwood can be found
below in our section covering "Outside
the Area". In this
section, we are talking only about
Collingwood and Town of Blue
Mountains nightlife.
Best Bets for
Nightlife in Collingwood:
Molly Bloom's
Irish Pub
29 Simcoe St. Phone: 705-445-0442
Molly's offers Karaoke on Saturday
nights and a full entertainment
schedule during the week. Options
change often, so your best bet it to
call ahead and ask. Molly's offers
everything from D.J. and Karaoke to
jam nights and live bands. It's an
intimate setting which is a
favourite of locals.
Station on
the Green Bar & Grill
278 Harbour Street West,
Collingwood. Phone: 705-445-6600
In 2006, Station on the Green had a
live jazz and pop duo on the patio
beginning in the Spring. We are
looking for updated info on the 2007
schedule. This place has the most
spectacular view. It looks out onto
Cranberry Golf Course with a wide
view of the mountains. This little
gem is tucked away off the main road
(Hwy 26) at Cranberry Resort. Good
food too!
Admiral's
Post
Located at 2 School House Lane,
Collingwood. Phone: 705-445-1833
No info about live entertainment at
this time.
Admiral's Post is one of my
favourite restaurants. They offer
imported draft and fairly decent pub
foods. Try the fish and chips. If
you like fresh cut fries, ask before
ordering as sometimes they
substitute frozen or spicy coated
when they are busy.
At the
Mountain:
Original
Motorcycle Cafe
156 Jozo Weider Blvd, Town of the
Blue Mountains. Phone: 705-445-2718
No news yet about live
entertainment.
Windy
O'Neil's
170 Jozo Weider Blvd, Town of the
Blue Mountains. Phone: 705-446 9989
Live music is generally Irish
traditional or Irish pop bands
covers. This format can wear a
little thin, but worth a look if
you've not been there yet. Single
performer plays downstairs. Schedule
constantly changes so calling ahead
would be advisable.
The Skool
Jozo Weider Blvd, Town of the
Blue Mountains. Phone: 705-444-8877
A variety of entertainment options
including D.J., Trivia challenges
and Theme nights. Live music appears
to be rare. The Skool is popular
with the younger crowd.
Jozo's
Contact - Phone:
705-443-5508
At the Blue Mountain Resort. Live
bands on weekends. Often the weekend
starts Thursday and ends Sunday in
the winter. Summer schedule has not
been announced yet. D.J. Lenny keeps
things lively on "Industry Night"
every Tuesday.
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Local Attractions |
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ROUNDS RANCH
In 2002 Rounds Ranch
opened Canada’s Most Spectacular Cornfield
Maze Adventure. This, along with an
array of other fun farm activities, allows
families of all ages to enjoy an adventurous
day on the farm. Each year Rounds Ranch Farm
Adventures takes on a new theme. Pirates and
Outback Adventures are examples of the fun
themes that have thrilled visitors in the
past.
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The ranch
is open to the general public as well as
offering birthday parties, youth events
(scouts, guides, church and other youth
groups), family reunions and corporate and
church picnics. For more information, see
the
Rounds
Ranch Ad.
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WASAGA
WATERWORLD
At Wasaga Waterworld,
you can jump and frolic in a giant wave
pool, speed down their speed slides, luge
through their serpent slides, have a picnic,
challenge yourself in the arcade, or just
sit back and enjoy a leisurely day against a
backdrop of trees, grass and the sounds of
laughing children. It's just good clean fun.
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Wasaga Waterworld |
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Sports |
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MARLWOOD GOLF COURSE
Founded in 1928, the
Marlwood Golf and Country Club is the oldest
golf course in Wasaga Beach. Marlwood Golf
Course is located on the shores of Marl
Lake, a #1 class wetland. Facilites include:
dining room, pro shop, swimming pool.
For more information,
visit their website.
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Educational |
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NANCY ISLAND
Few people realize that Wasaga Beach is steeped
in history. Nancy Island was once the site of
a battle which helped the British win the War
of 1812. Remains of the Schooner Nancy are preserved
and on display in the museum. Operated by the Ontario Parks, Nancy Island also
serves as a research base for the Eastern Hognose
Snake, a rare and very interesting species of
snake. The menacing looking snake is actually
harmless and dare I say it.. cute. Watch their
online video to learn how it fakes out its enemies
as a defense mechanism.
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Visit their website
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WASAGA BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Wasaga Beach Public Library offers a variety
of programs and services, most of them free of
charge. For children, there are activities designed
to amuse and educate. You may have to register
in advance to participate. Low cost internet access
is available. To learn more about Library
Events, visit the Events page on this website.
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General
Interest
FISHING
Fishing is best done from a boat, but you can
also try your luck anywhere near the
Nottawasaga river bank within park
boundaries. Many locals can be seen
fishing from the banks of the river near
McDonald's at the Riverbend Plaza. You
could catch rainbow trout, smallmouth
bass, splake and pickerel - especially in
the spring and fall. Boat launch
facilities in Beach Area One allow easy
access to Georgian Bay.
CANOEING
Nottawasaga - Canoe Route 32km, 1 day,
Intermediate level. Brochures available at
Chamber of Commerce or
Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority.
HIKING AND WILDLIFE VIEWING
There are three public trails in Wasaga
Beach. Blueberry Trails, Carly Patterson
Trail and the Dunes. (See
Maps)
White-tailed deer are frequent visitors, while
smaller animals like the snowshoe hare,
porcupine, and raccoon are more common.
Some 232 species of bird have been
identified here. Shorebirds include
various types of gulls, plovers,
wild turkey, sandpipers and the sanderling. Warblers,
sparrows, owls and the pileated woodpecker
can be spotted in the sand dune area of
the park. If you are very, very lucky, you
may catch a glimpse of the rare Eastern
Hognose Snake. You can learn more about
this gentle endangered snake at the
Friends of
Nancy Island Website.
BOATING
Nottawasaga Bay is suitable for many types
of watercraft, especially large
motorboats, sailboats and windsurfers.
Boats can be rented from one of several
marinas in the Town of Wasaga Beach. Beach
Area 1 offers an improved boat launching
ramp, ample parking for vehicles and boat
trailers and nearby washrooms and picnic
areas. Seadoo Rentals are available near
the Main Street Bridge.
SWIMMING
Wasaga's 14-kilometre-long graceful
crescent of shore sands on a gentle,
shallow bay draws thousands of visitors
each summer. Families enjoy safe swimming
in the warm, shallow waters and playing on
the wide sandy beach. The park is divided
into eight beach areas each with its own
parking lot. Parents be aware that your
children are your responsibility. There
are no lifeguards. While, the clean,
shallow water is very safe, accidents do
happen and it is important to keep an eye
on your children at all times.
CYCLING
Bikers can enjoy 10 kilometres of hard
packed trails through the park beach
areas. Town roads must be accessed between
these areas. Must exercise care with
respect to motor vehicles and traffic.
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Outside The Area
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Collingwood
- Town of Blue Mountains
Collingwood and the Town of
Blue Mountains is a short drive (15-25 min) from
Wasaga Beach. The location of Ontario's best
downhill ski resorts. Recently, the area has
received a facelift with the creation of the
Village at Blue, a trendy, upscale hotel and
shopping area. Spring, summer and fall, you might
catch some live outdoor jazz and other
entertainment. Live entertainment may be found
year round at one of the restaurants or pubs in the
complex.
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Collingwood is also well
known for the annual Elvis Festival. This rates
right up there with Star Trek conventions but it's
a good laugh to watch all the Elvi running around
in their too-tight polyester jumpsuits. The people
who attend all seem to enjoy it.
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The Gayety theatre, on Hurontario Street, has re-opened and is
offering some exciting shows. I caught a
performance of the world-famous Second City comedy
troup there. Very cosmopolitan! I felt like I was
back at home in Toronto. The Theatre offers live
music, movies and stage plays too. This is really
worth a look. Do support this theatre by visiting
so that it can continue to bring unique
entertainment to this area.
Events to watch for: Elvis
Festival, Jazz Festival, Santa Claus Parade,
Weekend Farmer's Market.
An interesting place to
visit just outside Collingwood is:
Sheffield Park- Black
History & Cultural Museum
Learn about the underground railroad in
Ontario and shocking memorabilia of slavery.
This museum is a labour of love from local
Carolyne Wilson. She is a fount of knowledge on
the subject.
At the foot of Blue Mountain on the shores of
Georgian Bay.
Hwy 26 West Tues sun 10-4:30pm July-Oct
Address: Long Point Road 705-445-0201
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Clearview
Township
Stayner
Country charm and homespun hospitality. Stayner,
just 6 km's from Wasaga Beach is a friendly little
town with some interesting shops on the main street.
Check out the antiques and wood furniture makers
for some great bargains.
Creemore
The home of the Creemore Brewery and the
Copper Kettle Festival. In the summer, this
charming, picturesque little village plays host to
several events. There are some very nice
restaurants in Creemore. We highly recommend Chez
Michel for fine (casual) dining and Affairs for a
lighter meal or a sweet tooth. Every Saturday,
there is a farmer's market, one of the best in the
area.
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Events to watch for in Clearview: Copper Kettle
Festival, Art Shows, Great Northern Exhibition,
Stayner Fall Fair, The Great Stayner Toy and Collectible
Show, Ride for Sight.
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Springwater Township
Elmvale
12 Km's from Wasaga Beach,
Elmvale is home of the Maple Syrup Festival.
Between Elmvale and Wasaga Beach, there is a Flea
Market which operates Thursdays and Sundays.
Treasures range from junk to cool pop art.
Farmer's markets are popular here and you can find
some of the best produce, apples, corn, berries
and organic meats at
Valley Farms.
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