Enjoy Water in Toronto

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By Elli Davis, July 28, 2011

Sugar Beach by Mark Watmough

Sometimes after a long, hot, busy summer day, I wish could I go home, jump in a pool and relax. I am sure you know the feeling, however not everyone has a pool at home. As Torontonians, we are extremely lucky to live in a city situated right on Lake Ontario, which gives us many opportunities to spend the day by the water. So where can we go to enjoy the refreshing water in and around Toronto?

Toronto Beaches

We already mentioned that Lake Ontario is the first possible choice. It is a lovely way to spend a hot day, and you can almost feel as though you are on holiday. Some of us might not quite trust the beaches, as it is possible that not all of them meet water quality standards. Let me put your mind at ease. Toronto’s Department of Public Health regularly checks the water quality at the 11 supervised beaches in our city (namely, Marie Curtis Park East Beach, Sunnyside Beach, Hanlan’s Point Beach, Gibraltar Point Beach, Centre Island Beach, Ward’s Island Beach, Cherry Beach, Woodbine Beaches, Kew-Balmy Beach, Bluffer’s Park Beach, and Rouge Beach). If you are interested, you can quickly access the test results. Just visit website for Water Quality Reports or call the Beach Water Quality Hotline at (416) 392-7161. There should be signs indicating the quality of water at the beaches as well, so do not forget to check them.

If the water is unsafe for swimming, you can still spend a little time in the sun but if swimming was your goal, you had better change your location. Do not worry, there are still many choices, even if you are only willing to go to a 100 per cent safe beach. At least seven of the beaches along Toronto’s shoreline have met the criteria of the international Blue Flag beach water quality program. The beaches in our city are not hard to find, and it is a fun way to spend the day if the weather is nice.

Want to Head Out?

Wasaga Beach by Oliver Mallich

If you are willing to travel a little to find a nice waterfront, the possibilities broaden, of course. One of the best and most popular places that is accessible and not too far from Toronto is Wasaga beach, which is located about hour and half north of Toronto. I suggest you visit website of Wasaga Beach to find out more detailed information about this lovely beach.

Other Options

You do not have to leave the city, or even be outside, to enjoy a swim, however. The City of Toronto operates about 230 supervised swimming facilities, so there are plenty to choose from — just find one in your neighbourhood. If you want your children to learn to swim, or if you want to significantly improve your own swimming ability, these are a great choice. Another advantage is that you can visit them during the winter, too. The water temperature will be just fine, even during the colder months of the year.