WASAGA BEACH – The Town of Wasaga Beach has signed a Letter of Intent with Doppelmayr Canada to look into new aerial attractions and ropeway options as part of the developing Destination Wasaga vision.
This agreement sets up a framework for exploring potential concepts, routes, locations, technical needs, and business models that could enhance connections between major spots while creating unique new experiences for visitors near the beach.
The Town is also beginning talks with Ecotrek to consider additional nature-based attractions and accommodations. This includes year-round treetop trekking, camping and glamping, along with elevated net attractions.
Doppelmayr is a worldwide leader in ropeway engineering and aerial transport. They provide gondolas, automated people movers (APM), and other passenger transport systems in tourism spots and urban areas globally.
“Wasaga Beach has the ingredients of a truly exceptional destination-a world-renowned waterfront, a strong visitor market and an ambitious long-term vision,” said Luc Guy, CEO of Doppelmayr Canada Ltd. “We see exciting potential to explore how proven ropeway technology could improve connectivity on the next level while creating an experience that is uniquely Wasaga Beach.”
Some opportunities being looked at include aerial gondola systems similar to those found in major tourist spots around the globe. These not only serve as attractions but also act as efficient mobility solutions. The involved parties will investigate how this technology might link key areas near the beachfront and contribute to the Destination Wasaga experience.
“These are the kinds of experiences that can help strengthen Wasaga Beach as a four-season destination,” said Sandra Watts, General Manager of External Relations for the Town of Wasaga Beach. “The opportunity is not simply to attract more people on our busiest summer days but to give the millions of visitors who already know and love Wasaga Beach more reasons to stay longer, come back throughout the year and support local businesses.”
The work will proceed simultaneously with-and be informed by-the emerging Destination Wasaga Master Plan vision. This plan looks at enhancing connectivity, four-season recreation, nature-based tourism while safeguarding the natural features that make Wasaga Beach special.
Concept renderings and reference images illustrate some transportation and recreation experiences currently under consideration. No final project details like route or design have been approved yet.
The Letter of Intent with Doppelmayr Canada Ltd. and discussions with Ecotrek are preliminary steps that don’t commit the Town to any construction or financial investment at this point. Any project moving forward would need further feasibility studies, business-case analyses, technical reviews, environmental assessments, funding decisions, along with all necessary planning approvals.
Quick Facts
Home to the world’s longest freshwater beach, the Town of Wasaga Beach welcomes more than two million visitors each year making it one of Ontario’s most well-known tourist spots. Wasaga Beach consistently ranks among Canada’s top beaches. In 2026, Lonely Planet named it #1 beach for swimming in Canada in 2026 while ranking it among Canada’s Top Ten Beaches. Destination Wasaga is being developed as a community-first four-season vision based on the idea that places where people enjoy living are those where others will want to visit. The Town’s tourism strategy focuses on gaining more value from existing visits by encouraging longer stays throughout the year along with greater spending at local businesses. The Town emphasizes environmental responsibility within its approach toward Destination Wasaga-prioritizing sustainable tourism while ensuring public access remains open as projects move forward.
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