A ONE OF A KIND STOP FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.
Barn board, homemade fudge, ice cream, and a pickle barrel. A must see, smell, taste and hear in Wawa, ON.
GET GOOSED
Serving hunters, anglers, locals, and tourists, Young's General Store is the place like no other. Think museum, sporting goods store, chocolatier, and local artisan. Now mix them together, throw in a goose, sprinkle some Canadiana on top - and you've got Young's.
Filled with modern necessities and old fashioned charm, Young's is a step back in time and a welcoming experience made by the friendly staff. This one of a kind Wawa landmark has been on the map for 50 years and has something for everyone including the avid outdoorsmen, the chic shopper and those in need of a tasty treat.
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Hunting, Fishing Licensing & Export
Young's is your one stop shop for hunters and anglers. We'll get you ready for your adventure with resources, permits, and licensing to bag the big one.
Grey Water, Rest & Gas Station
A full service stop for the weary traveller, Young's offers grey water dumping, full service gas attendants, washroom facilities and a tasty treat to keep your vacation fuelled.
Food & Confectionary
Young's is famous for filling bellies with grab & go options and delightful gourmet foods. Our summer sausage, homemade fudge, ice cream, maple syrup and pickles are sure to please.
Outdoor Recreation, Bait & Tackle
From maps through to lures and tackle, Young's is THE place to go to prepare for your outdoor experience. We carry the best of the best when it comes to gear to get you going.
Clothing & Apparel
Fur. Fleece. Moccasins and more. Young's carries uniquely northern apparel for the whole family including tees that please, hats, toques, sweaters and sweatshirts.
Gifts & Souvenirs
Carrying Wawa's largest inventory of thoughtfully curated gifts and souvenirs we've got everything from home decor through to cast iron cookware and local art.
50 BIG ONES
A LONG HISTORY
50 years. That's how long Young's has been a vibrant part of Wawa's cultural landscape. And it all started with a man named Bill and a woman named Anita.
When Bill and Anita Young first opened Young’s Gift & Bait Shop in 1971 they knew that their store would be a special place offering visitors and residents alike with a one of a kind shopping experience.
Even after a devastating fire in 1979, Bill Young was reconstructing in no time. Today, Young’s General Store is a beloved part of Wawa’s unique cultural landscape and a must see for tourists travelling along Lake Superior’s Circle Tour.
BILL YOUNG
Bill Young was a Sault Ste. Marie businessman who came to Wawa after the construction of the Trans-Canada Highway to operate the Steel City Coach Lines. Along with providing Wawa residents with a regular bus service to Sault Ste. Marie, Bill became an active member of the community. He fell in love with Wawa and was a strong advocate of promoting tourism and recreation in this remote northern town. Bill was a long-time member of the Wawa Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He was responsible for inspiring the Wawa Winter Carnival which has become a legendary annual weekend event celebrating winter fun and activities every February. Bill was also one of the first local businessmen to recognize the value and importance of promoting snowmobiling trails between Wawa and our neighbouring communities.
Bill loved people and had a keen sense for knowing what tickled their fancy. Bill could sometimes be found sitting on old milk cans next to one of the pot-bellied wood stoves which used to heat the store. Young’s store was packed inside and out with items that made everyone want to browse and enjoy the store.
THE ANTICS
Animals were always a big hit. Bill’s goat and donkey made headlines when complaints resulted in the local police force confiscating both animals. In retort Bill published an advertisement in the local paper which read LOST & FOUND – SOMEONE got my GOAT and took my “ASS” (donkey). Anyone knowing where-abouts of same please notify BILL at YOUNG’S GIFT & BAIT SHOP. Suspect believed to be driving Police cruiser.
Although he never admitted it publicly, one of Bill’s most legendary antics was painting goose prints on Highway 101 directly behind our famous Wawa Goose. Rumours had it that the Goose was sometimes seen walking over to the airport to spread his wings and on the return flight would land on Highway 101 before stepping back up on its cement base. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Transportation could not permit any unauthorized markings on the Queen’s highway and painted over the goose prints. Twice!
Bill died suddenly in 1988. Anita and her three sons have continued the Young legacy. Young’s General Store continues to attract tourists from all over the world.
THE FIRE
At 4:30 a.m. on a chilly April morning in 1979, the Young’s husky named Tonka woke the family up from a dead sleep with his anxious barking. Minutes later Young’s Gift & Bait Shop, and much of their attached home burned to the ground. Bill and Anita Young and their three small children lost almost everything. They were however alive and thankful for Tonka and the Michipicoten Volunteer Fire Department for saving their lives and doing all they could to fight the fire.
Within months, Bill and Anita were rebuilding and starting anew. In no time at all a brand new bigger store was open for business and has continued to be one of Wawa’s most popular tourist attractions ever since.
