Washago
Washago is a small village at the northern tip of Lake Couchiching. It marks the approximate boundary between the forested lands of Central Ontario's "Cottage Country" and the Golden Horseshoe (and the farmlands of Southwestern Ontario). It is part of the Severn Township.
Understand
It is close to the Green & Black Rivers, and northern Lake Couchiching with access to the Trent-Severn Waterway.
Get in
Washago is on Ontario Highway 11, The Canadian rail line, and the Trent-Severn Waterway.
By car
Coming north from Barrie or south from North Bay, take Highway 11 to the exit for Regional Road 169. (If you're coming from the south, turn right to go into Washago itself. Turning left will put you back on Highway 11 going the way you came.)
By bus
- Ontario Northland, toll-free: +1-800-461-8558. Operates primarily in Northern Ontario. Between North Bay and Toronto including stops in Huntsville, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Washago (some trips), Orillia (stop trips), and Barrie.
By train
- See also: Rail travel in Canada
- 🌍 Washago station, 3321 Quetton (off highway 11, by the water tower). The station is not staffed and the building is not open to the public. Train operator:
- VIA Rail Canada, toll-free: +1-888-842-7245. Operates train routes across Canada. Operates The Canadian between Toronto and Vancouver with stops in both directions in medium to large cities and tourist destinations such as Sudbury, Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper, and Kamloops.
By plane
- 🌍 Washago Aerodrome. Washago Aerodrome does not have scheduled service.
By boat
Washago is on the Trent-Severn Waterway, so you can sail a small pleasure craft to the edge of town.
- McGregor on the Water, 3331 McClelland Rd. (at the top end of Lake Couchiching, just at the mouth of the Trent-Severn Waterway before Lock 42), ☏ +1 705-689-9935, fax: +1 705-689-0149, info@motw.ca. May - mid-October M-F 9AM-5:30PM, Sa 9AM-4PM, Su 10AM-3PM; mid-October - April M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa-Su by appointment. A full-service marina that accepts transient business.
See
Washagofest (late August) - antique car show with live entertainment.
Do
- Indigenous cultural experiences, at Black River Wilderness Park (see listing below). Craft-making, Native history talks, medicine walks, tipi building, drum and song available. Enquire at the campground.
- 🌍 Centennial Park, 3398 Quetton Street. On the north shore of Lake Couchiching. Outdoor fitness equipment, dog park, a kids' playground, a beach, Trumpeter Swans, picnicking.
Buy
- Canoe Fresh Foods, 3384 Muskoka St.. Fresh produce, freshly baked breads and sweets.
- Hooper’s, 3383 Muskoka Street. Quaint and cozy gift store, retailing local artisans with excellent coffee and deserts.
Eat
- R'Cottage, 3385 Muskoka St, ☏ +1 705-514-1000. M 11:30AM-8PM, W-Th 11:30AM-8PM, F 11:30AM-9PM, Sa noon-9PM. Licensed eatery. Salads and sandwiches at lunch; salads, sandwiches, and rotisserie chicken and ribs at supper. Whole roast chickens available for take out after 4:30PM.
- Log Cabin Restaurant, 3394 Muskoka Street, ☏ +1 705-689-6522. Tu-Su 7AM-3PM. Diner.
Sleep
- 🌍 Washago Village Inn, 3363 Muskoka St, ☏ +1 705-689-1904. Will meet guests at the train station.
- Northland Motel and Restaurant, 9603 Hwy. 11 North, ☏ +1 705-689-5012, toll-free: +1-888-272-9993. Restaurant open M W Th Su 8AM-8PM, F Sa 8AM-9PM From $65/night.
- Black River Wilderness Park, ☏ +1 705-689-2502. 180 acres of wilderness, 100 campsites, 5 private cabins with 15/30 amp power, heated yurts and rustic tipis located one the islands within the park. Kayak, canoe, tube on the river. Wilderness trails. RV sites available, and a store with wood and snacks. Owned and operated by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. The campground has a beautiful setting on the Black River wandering through areas of the park. May to mid-Oct. For 2 adults and 2 children: tent site from $43, RV site from $60, tipi $65, yurt $110.
Go next
| Routes through Washago |
| Winnipeg ← Parry Sound ← | W E | → Toronto |
| North Bay ← Gravenhurst ← | N S | → Orillia → Barrie |
| Severn, Ontario |
| Severn, Ontario |