Wawa Travel Guide

Discover the culturally significant places, natural attractions, food and drink scene, and much more in Lake Superior's North Shore, Wawa, in Northern Ontario. Find out everything you should know before visiting!


Introduction to Wawa

Wawa is a small town located in the Lake Superior North Shore region of Northern Ontario, Canada. The town is filled with natural beauty, outdoor adventure opportunities, and historic and cultural sites – making it a must-visit destination for tourists.

The town was originally a mining town and has retained its rich cultural heritage. The town is also known for the legendary Giant Goose statue –an iconic landmark and a photo opportunity that visitors should not miss.

List of Places to Visit in Wawa

When in Wawa, there are many attractions for visitors to explore. These can be broadly categorized into two categories: Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places and Natural Attractions of Wawa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

To learn about the rich history of Wawa, visitors should visit the following cultural and historical sites:

  1. Algoma Central Railway
  2. Wawa Goose Monument
  3. Wawa Tourist Information Center
  4. Wawa Motor Inn
  5. Scenic High Falls

Natural Attractions of Wawa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, there are plenty of natural attractions in Wawa that one can visit:

  1. Lake Superior Provincial Park
  2. Michipicoten Post Provincial Park
  3. Scenic High Falls
  4. The Magpie River
  5. Silver Falls

Hiking/Biking Routes of Wawa

Wawa boasts a plethora of hiking and biking trails. Here are some of the best ones visitors can explore:

  1. Magpie High Falls Trail
  2. Baldhead River Trail
  3. Coastal Trail
  4. Gargantua Trail
  5. Matagamasi Lake Trail

Best Things to Do in Wawa: Activities and Tours

Wawa has something for everyone, and visitors can indulge in a range of activities and tours:

  1. Kayaking on Magpie River
  2. Canoeing near High Falls
  3. Fishing at Lake Superior
  4. Birdwatching at Michipicoten Island
  5. Boat Tours and Cruises on Lake Superior

Week-Long Itinerary for Wawa

While Wawa may be a small town, there is plenty to explore and could easily keep visitors occupied for a week-long vacation. Here is an itinerary idea for visitors to Wawa to make the most of their trip:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Giant Goose Monument, Wawa Tourist Information Center, and Algoma Central Railway
Day 2 Explore Scenic High Falls and take the Baldhead River Trail or Matagamasi Lake Trail
Day 3 Hike the Coastal Trail or Gargantua Trail in Lake Superior Provincial Park
Day 4 Visit Michipicoten Post Provincial Park and Michipicoten Island for birdwatching and fishing
Day 5 Canoeing near any of the waterfalls or kayaking on the Magpie River
Day 6 Fishing, sightseeing and boat tours of Lake Superior
Day 7 Day trip to Pukaskwa National Park or Agawa Canyon Tour Train for panoramic views of the wilderness and waterfalls

Food and Drink Scene of Wawa

Wawa offers tourists an excellent culinary experience, with diverse food options inspired by Northern Ontario’s natural bounty. Some local dishes visitors should look out for are:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Lake Whitefish
  2. Wild Blueberry Pie
  3. Bison Meatloaf
  4. Rainbow Trout
  5. Berries

Local Beverages

The town also has a small brewery and some favourite drinks that visitors should try:

  1. Wawa Goose Lager
  2. Wawa Rootbeer
  3. Cobblestone Cream Ale

Where to Stay in Wawa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Wawa offers numerous accommodation options for all budgets and requirements:

  1. Best Western Wawa Inn
  2. White Fang Motel
  3. Wawa Motor Inn
  4. Goodbye to the City B&B
  5. Woodland Echoes Resort

What to Buy in Wawa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

No trip to Wawa is complete without taking home some souvenirs and local products. Here are some top gift ideas that visitors could consider:

  1. Picture frames with pictures of the Wawa Goose Monument
  2. Algoma Natural Products
  3. Local artwork
  4. Wooden carvings
  5. Moose antlers

Local Culture and Customs of Wawa

Wawa has a close-knit community, rich in culture, and visitors should familiarize themselves with local customs before visiting. Understanding these customs would help visitors to be respectful and make the most out of their trip.

Best Time to Visit Wawa

Wawa has a temperate climate with relatively mild summers and cold winters. The best times to visit Wawa are from June to September when the weather is mild and the town is alive with numerous festivals and events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wawa

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture and customs.
  2. Follow the marked hiking and biking trails in the parks.
  3. Tip service providers in the restaurants and hotels
  4. Take beautiful photos of the amazing scenery

Don’t:

  1. Litter in the environment.
  2. Feed wildlife in the parks.
  3. Ignore the warning signs about waters that have fast currents
  4. Ignore the designated parking spots.

Safety and Health

Safety in Wawa

Wawa is a peaceful and friendly town. However, visitors should still take precautions to ensure their safety:

  1. Do not wander around the town at night.
  2. Lock valuables in your hotel room.
  3. Keep your belongings close while in public spaces.
  4. Wear the necessary gear and take precautions when participating in outdoor activities.

Health in Wawa

While Wawa has a healthcare center, visitors should carry with them all necessary medications and have travel health insurance. It is also important to carry insect repellents and sunscreen when engaging in outdoor activities.

Getting to Wawa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Wawa

Wawa does not have an airport; however, visitors could fly into airports in:

  1. Thunder Bay Intl Airport
  2. Sault Ste. Marie Airport

Bus Stations Near Wawa

Wawa does not have a direct bus service, but visitors could travel by bus via:

  1. Greyhound bus lines
  2. Ontario Northland bus lines

Other Options

Visitors could take any of the following options to travel to Wawa:

  1. Car rental from Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, or Toronto.
  2. Train ride via the Algoma Central Railway

How to Get Around in Wawa

Wawa is a small town, and most of the attractions are within the town, making walking or biking possible. However, car rentals and taxis are available for visitors who require them.

Where to Go Next from Wawa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors have numerous options available for excursions from Wawa, such as:

  1. Sault Ste. Marie
  2. Thunder Bay
  3. North Bay
  4. Manitoulin Island

Conclusion

Wawa is a hidden gem in Northern Ontario, with plenty of natural and cultural attractions that will captivate any visitor. This comprehensive travel guide highlights the best places to visit, eat, sleep, and buy souvenirs. Visitors should make sure they familiarize themselves with local customs, follow safety guidelines and take precautions while exploring this beautiful town.

Wawa “Wild Goose” chase Wawa “Wild Goose” chase The bustling streets of downtown Wawa The bustling streets of downtown Wawa