Wasaga Beach in Simcoe County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Schooner Town
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 6, 2024
1. Schooner Town Marker
The Nottawasaga River formed part of a transportation link between Lake Ontario and the upper Great Lakes, which became a vitally important supply route to British western posts during the War of 1812. The base of operations for the Royal Navy's vessels on Lake Huron was located here at the foot of navigation on the river from 1815 to 1817. Buildings to house the base were erected in October 1815 by the ship's company of H.M. Schooner "Confiance." Within two years, orders were issued transferring the naval establishment to Penetanguishene, where superior anchorage was available, and, in late 1817, the naval base at "Schooner Town" was abandoned. In 1976, management of the site became the responsibility of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park.
Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation Ministry of Culture and Recreation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1815.
Location. 44° 29.42′ N, 80° 2.855′ W. Marker is in Wasaga Beach, Ontario, in Simcoe County. It can be reached from Oxbow Park
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Ontario Cottage Country and specifically in Georgian Bay Country. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 14 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Schooner Town as a Naval Establishment (here, next to this marker); Nottawasaga River Brings First Inhabitants (here, next to this marker); The Muirhead Cabin (approx. 4.2 kilometers away); Stayner (formerly Nottawasaga Station) (approx. 8.4 kilometers away); The Founding of Stayner (approx. 8.7 kilometers away); Edenvale Park (approx. 12.4 kilometers away); Glengarry Landing / Le dιbarquement du « Glengarry » (approx. 12.4 kilometers away); St. Charles Garnier, SJ (approx. 13.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wasaga Beach.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Schooner Town
Also see . . . Wasaga Beach. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on March 12, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 6, 2024
2. Schooner Town Marker
Looking east; the Oxbow Park Drive & River Road West intersection can be seen in the right background. The marker is mounted above eye-level on the west side of a much larger wooden framework.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 6, 2024
3. Schooner Town Heritage Site Sign
Looking east from Oxbow Park Drive; the marker is mounted on the back side of this wooden sign framework.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 309 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 1, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
