The river takes its name from the Algonquin words for "Iroquois" and "river outlet".
The Nottawasaga River is the resting home of The Nancy. It was a British trading ship during the War of 1812. She met 3 American battleships; the Niagara, Tigress and Scorpion. The small ship lost the battle with out a doubt. Lt. Miller Worsley and crew escaped the Nancy. They rowed 360 miles to Fort Michilimackinac. Three days later Worsley returned with 92 men to take over Tigress and Scropion. Since, an island formed around the ship. The hull is preserved in a museum at Nancy Island.