Historical and natural history interpreters are available for group and school programs on a variety of topics related to Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. All programs are approximately one hour in length. If unable to visit Wasaga Beach, it may be possible to arrange for our interpreters to come to your group’s location, with the exception being schools. Please call (705) 429-2516 to reserve a program or for more information.

Presentations themselves, like all the summer programming at Wasaga Beach, are free of charge.

Historical Programs During the War of 1812, Wasaga Beach and the Nottawasaga River were central players. The story of the schooner Nancy, a supply ship destroyed here in August 1814 by three American ships, is one of this region’s little known secrets. This segment of history is commemorated at the Nancy Island Historic Site. The following interpretive programs will help bring these events and their characters to life for groups visiting the historic site: * For school groups, please note the curriculum expectations covered, as listed in brackets following the program description.

 

Ahoy Landlubbers! Your group will meet a sailor from the Royal Navy who will explain his lifestyle and role during the war. The sailor will introduce weapons, food and clothing that were used during the war. During the era of the sailing ship, a sailor had to be skilled at knot tying. Your group will have an opportunity to learn about those knots and perhaps taste the lime juice that sailors drank to prevent scurvy. (Grade Seven: History - British North America)

Fur and Muskets Your group will be introduced to a French Canadian voyageur who will tell tales of the 1800’s fur trade. The voyageurs played an important role during the War of 1812 and had an interesting lifestyle and habits. The group will learn why the fur trade was so important, what voyageurs ate and the clothing they wore. You may even go home with a recipe for bannock or pea soup! (Grade Seven: History - New France)

Mrs. Mundy’s Tavern
Marguerite Mundy, the canteen operator from Schoonertown at Wasaga Beach, will meet the group and discuss her life and struggles of raising her family in the naval establishment at Schoonertown. Mrs. Mundy will introduce the lifestyle of the British sailors and some of the food that they ate. Your group will also learn about the ship building industry that thrived at Schoonertown between 1815 and 1817.
(Grade Seven: History - British North America)
 

General Historic Site Tours Join an interpreter who will help your group to explore Nancy Island. Information discussed will include life in the Navy, voyageurs, history of the H.M.S. Nancy, the War of 1812, and much more. Tours will view ‘The Majesty of Sail, A Legacy of Valour’, the remains of the H.M.S. Nancy, two commemorative museums, and a Great Lakes lighthouse. (Grade Seven: History - New France, British North America)

Nature Programs
Forty-meter high sand dunes, the rare pine-oak savannah ecosystem, and a 14-kilometer beachfront provide fantastic backdrops to nature exploration at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. Park interpreters can provide hands-on learning about habitats, resource management, unique habits of wildlife, and more. In addition, winter cross-country ski programs exist for school groups. The following programs are available for groups:

* For school groups, please note the curriculum expectations covered, as listed in brackets following the program description.

Sand Dune Succession and Beach Management
The beach is a harsh environment, with sand constantly moving and summer temperatures reaching over 50 degrees Celsius. As a group, learn about beach succession, shoreline wildlife, human impacts, and beach management. During the fall, opportunities for beach stabilizing projects, such as marram grass planting, are available.

(Elementary ~ Grade Seven: Geography - The Themes of Geographic Inquiry; Geography: Grade Seven - Natural Resources; Grade Four: Science and Technology - Habitats and Communities; Grade Seven: Science and Technology - Interactions Within Ecosystems
Secondary ~ Grade Ten Applied: Science - The Sustainability of Ecosystems; Grade Ten: Science - Ecosystems and Human Activity; Grade Eleven Work: Science - Human Impact on the Environment; Grade Eleven College: Biology - Environmental Science; Grade Twelve: Geography Workplace - The Environment and Resource Management; Grade Twelve: Geography University/College - The Environment and Resource Management).

Habitat Puzzles
Explore the four components that make up a habitat while hiking through the Wasaga Nordic Trails. Micro and macro habitats will be discussed and shown, as well as some of the species that live within them. Hands on props will be used throughout the group hike.
(Elementary ~ Grade One: Science and Technology - Characteristics and Needs of Living Things; Grade Four: Science and Technology - Habitats and Communities; Grade Seven: Geography - The Themes of Geographic Inquiry;)

Ecotothermic Adventure
Park interpreters will guide students through learning about reptiles and amphibians. The group will investigate the world of herptiles through hands on learning, including games, crafts, and costumes. There is the potential for exposing the group to live animals, including an Eastern Hog-nosed snake.
(Elementary ~ Grade One: Science and Technology - Characteristics and Needs of Living Things; Grade Two: Science and Technology - Growth and Changes in Animals)

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
Learn the different classifications of species at risk. Wasaga Beach Provincial Park provides valuable habitat for some of Ontario’s species at risk - learn about them and how the park is involved in managing to ensure their continued survival. Live animals may be involved.
(Elementary ~ Grade 7: Geography - The Themes of Geographic Inquiry; Geography: Grade 7 - Natural Resources; Grade Seven: Science and Technology - Interactions Within Ecosystems Secondary ~ Grade Ten Applied: Science - The Sustainability of Ecosystems; Grade Ten: Science - Ecosystems and Human Activity; Grade Eleven Work: Science - Human Impact on the Environment; Grade Twelve: Geography Workplace - The Environment and Resource Management; Grade Twelve: Geography University/College - The Environment and Resource Management)

Wasaga Nordic Centre - Nordic Skiing Program
Interested in a day of winter fun? If so, be sure to bring your group to the Wasaga Nordic Centre for a day of classical cross-country or skate skiing. The staff on site are able to accommodate groups of any size. Ski rentals, supplies, and lessons are available. A variety of trail lengths and pitches provide a great experience for both beginner and advanced skiers. Call the Wasaga Nordic Centre (705) 429-0943 (December - March) for more information.

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