Night at the Museum
July 31 & August 21, 2014
Join park historians at Nancy Island on Thursday July 31st and Thursday August 21st at 8PM for a “Night at the Museum!” These one hour programs will take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of Nancy Island featuring games, stories, and a bit of mystery. Watch as history comes to life, revealing without a doubt that Wasaga is more than just a beach!
Trail of the Caribou 80th Anniversary Celebration
Friday August 8, 2014
Join park historians at Nancy Island Historic Site in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Trail of the Caribou flight from Wasaga Beach to Heston, England. Piloted by James Ayling and Leonard Reid, the Trail of the Caribou made the first successful overseas flight from mainland Canada to England, taking off from Wasaga’s naturally long, straight beach! Celebrate this achievement by visiting Nancy Island for an afternoon of family friendly activities including games, contests, and prizes! To learn more about this historic flight visit http://www.wasagabeachpark.com/index.php?action=display&cat=6
Celebrating the Bicentennial of the HMS Nancy’s Last Stand
August 14, 2014
While Wasaga Beach is a peaceful place today, 200 years ago a naval battle was fought on the Nottawasaga River resulting in the destruction of the HMS Nancy. The borders of Canada today are a direct result of the valiant struggles of the Nancy and her crew. To celebrate the bicentennial of the Nancy’s last stand,commemorative events will take place at Nancy Island on August 14, 2014.
Wasaga under Siege: A War of 1812 Experience
August 14, 15, 16 & 17, 2014
Wasaga Under Siege is an annual living history festival commemorating a War of 1812 battle between Americans, British and Aboriginal peoples which resulted in an American victory with the sinking of the British schooner Nancy. This historic event eventually led to the modern day creation of Nancy Island Historic Site located in present day Wasaga Beach, Ontario. 2014 marks the 200th anniversary of the HMS Nancy’s Last stand. This heritage festival managed and operated mainly by volunteers’ features authentic War of 1812 tactics, historical battles, marine assault, artillery, and much more. A professional public address announcer narrates each battle event as a series of fictional and historical battle scenarios are presented to the public. The Grand Encampment on Nancy Island Historic Site will feature over 500 re-enactors opening their living history encampments to the public along with 19th century merchants, artisans, demonstrators, entertainers, live period musical entertainment and much more. For more information visit www.wasagaunderseige1812.com
To book an Educational Program or Tour of Nancy Island Historic Site please call the Natural Heritage Education Coordinator at 705-429-2516.