Toronto’s Beaches have made big strides in the last 15 years and with the continuing efforts of the large-scale waterfront renewal project, we now have 7 Blue Flag Beaches.
What the Heck are Blue Flag Beaches?
A Blue Flag beach is a global designation used across the world since 1985 to ensure safe and clean beaches, run by the Foundation for Environmental Education. It is headquartered in Denmark and used by over 81 countries all over the world.
We are going to tell you exactly where each of these clean and safe beaches lie along Toronto’s Waterfront.
Toronto’s beaches now carry a strong reputation for being clean and well-managed, making them a safe option for swimming when guidelines are followed.
So What Beaches Are Awarded Blue Flag Status?
Beaches that are clean, accessible and post information about the local ecosystem can earn Blue Flag Status. But there’s more. A blue flag beach must have first aid stations, drinking water, emergency plans and public facilities.
So That’s Everything?
Nope. 33 criteria must be met in total. And these 33 markers fall into 4 categories:
- Water Quality
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Education and Information
- Safety and Services
So Where are Our Blue Flag Beaches?
Canada’s first Blue Flag beaches were designated in 2005, when 4 Toronto beaches were awarded status. We now have 7 altogether.
So here are our the 7 Blue Flag Beaches that continue earning Toronto a strong reputation for keeping clean and well-managed beaches with safe swimming when guidelines are followed.
Our 7 Blue Flag Beaches
- Kew-Balmy Beach
- Woodbine Beach
- Cherry Beach (previously Clarke Beach)
- Hanlan’s Point Beach
- Ward’s Island Beach
- Centre Island Beach (includes Gibraltar Point Beach)
- Bluffer’s Beach
Enjoy the beaches and watch for the flags!
