The Ojibwe name for “wild goose” is Wawa so it might not surprise you that today Wawa is best known for its iconic goose statues, with the largest welcoming you as you drive along the Trans-Canada Highway. These geese celebrate the town’s wildlife heritage and the spirit of travelers passing through.
Originally settled in the mid-1800s as a fur trading post for the Hudson’s Bay Company, Wawa became more prominent during the gold rush in the late 19th century and the iron ore boom in the 20th century. These industries helped the town grow and Wawa became a stopping point for traders, miners, and eventually travelers making their way across Canada.
When the Trans-Canada Highway was completed in 1960, bypassing the town of Wawa, a local businessman named Al Turcott, proposed the creation of a giant goose statue to encourage people to pull off the highway and into Wawa. His idea clearly worked as it is a popular rest stop for road-trippers and RVers to date!
A short distance outside of town is Algoma Highlands Wild Blueberry Farm and Winery. They’re a harvest host that also has private access to an impressive 75 foot waterfall called Magpie Scenic High Falls. We shared a nice bottle of wine and some good stories with another RV couple at the blueberry farm and enjoyed the falls the next morning.
The large goose that pulled us from the highway led to a pleasant day in town and a nice overnight stay.
