Gibraltar Beach is a Blue Flag Beach for the 2020 season*.
Gibraltar Beach is Toronto's best-kept secret. Nestled between Hanlan’s Point and Centre Island, this stretch of sand that faces out on Lake Ontario, seemingly a million miles away from the city over your shoulder. The sandy beach here is what remains of the Gibraltar Beach Sand Dunes. They once coated the entire south shore of the island. These dunes are actually runoff from the Scarborough Bluffs to the east. It’s still classified as an Environmentally Significant Area due to the rare species that exist here. Don’t forget to check out the woven fence at the sand dune entrance – made specifically to help prevent erosion. Take the Centre Island Ferry from the Mainland Ferry Terminal. Follow signs to Centre Beach, then walk west. You can also take the smaller, quieter Hanlan's Point Ferry to avoid the throngs of tourists. As you travel to the beach, be sure to stop by Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. It's said to be haunted by the spirit of one of its first keepers.
*A Blue Flag beach is one that meets strict water quality and safety criteria. These beaches are certified annually as being clean, accessible, eco-friendly, and having great water quality! Swim Drink Fish is the National Operator for Blue Flag in Canada.
For more information, visit www.blueflag.ca
Photo by Andy Nystrom
Keep your distance from other people.
Practicing social distancing is essential right now. Follow the advice of the health experts. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Heading to the beach should only be considered an option if social distancing practices can be followed. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter the efforts to curb the virus’ spread.
For more information, please visit the World Health Organization public resource on COVID-19.
- Passed water quality tests 60-95% of the time
Historical Status
Keep your distance from other people.
Practicing social distancing is essential right now. Follow the advice of the health experts. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Heading to the beach should only be considered an option if social distancing practices can be followed. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter the efforts to curb the virus’ spread.
For more information, please visit the World Health Organization public resource on COVID-19.
- Passed water quality tests 60-95% of the time
- Historical Status
Gibraltar Beach is a Blue Flag Beach for the 2020 season*.
Gibraltar Beach is Toronto's best-kept secret. Nestled between Hanlan’s Point and Centre Island, this stretch of sand that faces out on Lake Ontario, seemingly a million miles away from the city over your shoulder. The sandy beach here is what remains of the Gibraltar Beach Sand Dunes. They once coated the entire south shore of the island. These dunes are actually runoff from the Scarborough Bluffs to the east. It’s still classified as an Environmentally Significant Area due to the rare species that exist here. Don’t forget to check out the woven fence at the sand dune entrance – made specifically to help prevent erosion. Take the Centre Island Ferry from the Mainland Ferry Terminal. Follow signs to Centre Beach, then walk west. You can also take the smaller, quieter Hanlan's Point Ferry to avoid the throngs of tourists. As you travel to the beach, be sure to stop by Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. It's said to be haunted by the spirit of one of its first keepers.
*A Blue Flag beach is one that meets strict water quality and safety criteria. These beaches are certified annually as being clean, accessible, eco-friendly, and having great water quality! Swim Drink Fish is the National Operator for Blue Flag in Canada.
For more information, visit www.blueflag.ca
Photo by Andy Nystrom
