Wasaga Beach, Canada

This town on the shores of Georgian Bay is a summer tourist haven, but living here year-round has its challenges. With a permanent population of just under 25,000, Wasaga Beach swells to over 40,000 during peak season. The economy heavily depends on those 3-4 months of tourism, leaving businesses struggling the rest of the year. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the town controversially purchasing $13.8 million in properties in 2015 and residents fighting over development plans. While the beach is a major draw, attracting over 1.6 million visitors to the provincial park in 2022, Wasaga Beach is best suited for those seeking a lively summer getaway, not a year-round home.