When I moved to Toronto in 1999 I was repeatedly warned not to swim in the lake. I was told it was terribly dangerous, so I missed out on refreshing dips during a heatwave and all the fitness opportunities offered in the waters.
A few years later I bravely registered for the Toronto Island triathlon. And was delighted by the clear waters, and the sparkling view of the city skyline over the surface of the lake.
Years later I still hear the cautions of illness but have yet to experience any. I use the lake for swimming, stand up paddling and canoeing. It is such a calming place, yet so close to the rush of the city.
Save your favourite destinations, activities, and articles to start creating your very own personalized Great Lakes Guide.
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Save your favourite destinations, activities, and articles to start creating your very own personalized Great Lakes Guide.
As of 2024, the Great Lakes Guide will be transitioning to Biinaagami.org. Biinaagami is a multimedia, change-provoking initiative rooted in Indigenous knowledge aiming to uplift voices and to connect people with their watershed.
