When beaches in Ontario have that distinct blue flag flying above, it gives the beach’s community a unique sense of pride because they know that the water there is safe and sustainable.
Credit: City of Sarnia
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most well-recognized eco-labels, and to qualify, a beach must meet and continue to maintain a series of environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria. Regular spot checks of water quality are conducted throughout the season.
Twenty beaches and nine marinas were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Canada award this year, and Ontario beaches and marinas dominated the list with sixteen beaches and seven marinas.
The Blue Flag program in Canada is administered by Swim Drink Fish.
Theodore TOO Tugboat, a reproduction of the original TV character Theodore Tugboat from the beloved CBC series “Theodore Tugboat,” collaborates with Swim Drink Fish to help collect water samples during its journey across Ontario.
2023 Blue Flag Canada Beaches in Ontario
- Bluffer’s Beach, 1 Brimley Rd S, Scarborough
- Kew-Balmy Beach, 2075 Queen St E, Toronto
- Woodbine Beach, 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto
- Cherry Beach, 1 Cherry St, Toronto
- Hanlan’s Point, Toronto Islands
- Ward’s Island Beach, Toronto Islands
- Centre Island Beach, 150 Cherry Street, Toronto
- Gibraltar Point, 18 Avenue, Toronto Islands
- Port Burwell Municipal East Beach, 1 Robinson St, Port Burwell
- Port Stanley Main Beach, Port Stanley
- Grand Bend Beach, Municipality of Lambton Shores
- Canatara Park Beach, King and George St, Sarnia
- Moonlight Beach, Moonlight Beach Avenue, Sudbury
- Bell Park Beach, Elizabeth Street, Sudbury
- Spruce Beach, Elliot Lake
- Spine Beach, Elliot Lake
2023 Blue Flag Canada Marinas in Ontario
- Loyalist Cove Marina, Loyalist Township 100 Bayshore Dr, Bath (Full-Service Marina)
- City of Barrie Marina, 55 Lakeshore Dr, Barrie
- Port Franks Marina, 7574 Biddulph St, Port Franks
- Grand Bend Marina, 91 River Road, Grand Bend
- Royal Canadian Yacht Club, 141 St. George Street, Toronto
- Bluewater Marina, 33 Long Hill Rd, Bayfield
- Tall Pines Marina, 832 Lakeview Dr, Kenora
The water quality of a Blue Flag beach will change, especially if it has rained two days before the swim day.