Lake Ontario beaches are some of the most safe, environmentally friendly beaches in the world. And, several have been chosen to receive Canada’s International Blue Flag awards to prove it!
Each year the world’s beaches are judged on their water quality, the services they provide, safety and much more to compete for the coveted Blue Flag award. The award program is operated by the Environmental Defense Department of Canada.
To earn the award beaches must meet the 27 stringent requirements set by the Environmental Defense Department. Earning these awards is a joint effort of the community and beach and marina operators and employees.
Enjoying the award for the second year in a row is Wasaga Beach. Wasaga Beach plays host to over two million visitors each year. The beach has the distinction of being the longest freshwater beach in the entire world and offers almost nine miles of white sandy shoreline and clean water.
There’s lot’s to do while at Wasaga Beach including cycling, boating, canoeing and fishing. There’s three trails at the beach that provide hiking and white tail deer and other wildlife are usually seen along the trails.
At Wasaga’s Waterworld you can relax in a giant wave pool or take a fast, exiting ride down one of their water slides. The Marlwood Golf Course has been around since 1928 and is a #1 class wetland. The facility provides a dining room, swimming pool and pro shop for your golfing needs.
Sandbanks Beach offers three sandy beaches for your fun and enjoyment. The golden sand and clear, sparkling water makes Sandbanks one of southern Ontario’s most popular spots for recreation.
There are four campgrounds that make the area not only a popular place to spend the day, but one of the best places in the area for camping. There’s two boat launches that offer boating, sailboarding, windsurfing and canoeing.
The areas population of both large and small mouth bass, pike, perch and other fish have made it a popular fishing destination. The beaches crystal clear waters and golden sands add to the attraction of Sandbanks.
Cherry Beach was once connected to the Toronto Islands, a storm in 1858 created a gap in the peninsula separating the beach from the rest of the islands! The gap named the Eastern Gap leads into Toronto Harbor and is an extremely important part of the shipping channel in Canada.
The gap is only several hundred feet wide and allows visitors to easily paddle or sail over to Toronto Islands for shopping, dining and other recreational activities.
Cherry Beach Park has large grassy areas and picnic tables. the beach is monitored by lifeguards and offers sailing, windsurfing and many more activities to keep you entertained.
Lake Ontario offers any water sport imaginable and with the Blue Flags assurance that your swimming in the cleanest water possible, it’s a carefree way to spend your vacation!
Sources:
http://www.wasaga.com/to-do.html
http://www.pec.on.ca/other/sandbnks.html
http://explore.outdoorsica.com/guidebook/cherry_beach/
