On August 8, 1934, an event of national and historical significance took place at Wasaga Beach. It was the site of departure for the first overseas flight from mainland Canada across the Atlantic to England.

A plane Trail of the Caribou used Wasaga Beach’s flat beach as the perfect runway.

On August 9, some 24 hours after leaving Wasaga Beach, they sighted Ireland. 30 hours 55 minutes after taking off from Wasaga Beach, they arrived over England and landed at Heston Airport.

The flight had been unsuccessful in its attempt for the world’s longest non-stop distance in an aircraft. But it was successful in establishing the first flight between Canada and Britain.

In 1958, a stone cairn commemorating the historic flight was unveiled at the entrance to Nancy Island Historic Site.

Photo: wasagabeachpark.com