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PRACTICE SITE INFORMATION
This page contains everything you need to know about the practice sites where we hold our summer on-water practices. See the team-specific web pages for details on the practice schedule for each of our crews.
PRACTICE SITE INFORMATION FOR OPS DRAGONFLIES & GREEN DRAGONS
The OPS Dragonflies practice out of the Balmy Beach Canoe Club at Ashbridge's Bay. Our boat can be seen right from Lakeshore Blvd at Coxwell Ave which turns into Ashbridge's Bay Park Rd. We practice in the two protected bays in the centre of the satellite picture below, as well as out into the open water when the water conditions are good (which is quite often). We started practicing here in May 2006.
Driving Directions
By car from the west, drive east along Lakeshore Blvd East until you get to the intersection of Coxwell Ave (which ends at Lakeshore). Coxwell turns into Ashbridges Bay Park Road south of Lake Shore Blvd East. Turn south on Ashbridges Bay Park Road and follow the winding road (keeping right) until the large parking lot
(see map below). Park your car, get a "Pay and Display" ticket from the meter, then walk back along the road you came a few hundred feet to the dragon boat docks (go down driveway of the Balmy Beach Canoe Club - Lion's Club). Car-pooling will also be arranged.
Public Transit
From downtown Toronto, take the subway to Woodbine and take Bus 92 to Ashbridges Bay, or take the Queen St. the 501 Queen eastbound, and exit at the Coxwell Ave. stop. Proceed to the Balmy Beach Canoe Club.
Parking
Please note that the parking lot is NOT FREE on weekdays from 5-8pm. You must buy a Pay-and-Display ticket from the meter. The cost is 75 cents per 30 minutes, or $2.25 or $3.00 in change depending on how early and late you are there.
Please ensure that you DO NOT park in the area closest to the boat launch ramps (or any unmarked area). This area (with long narrow marked parking spots) is reserved for vehicles with trailers and you will be ticketed every time if you park there ($110 ticket). Cars are ticketed hourly, every night, so don't take a chance!
Click on MAP to see a satellite view of the area.
Arrival at the Site
Please arrive at the practice site "meeting place" prior to the scheduled practice time. This is where we will hold pre-practice warm-ups and instructions. As time on the water is very valuable, the dragon boat will be loaded and leave the docks promptly at the scheduled practice time. If you are late and the boat has left, the coach will swing by the dock at around the half-way point of the practice. All members are encouraged to warm-up prior to paddling by doing stretches. Before boarding, the coach will also want to review the focus for the practice, provide instructions, as well as arrange seating. If you will miss a practice, please inform the coach in advance. Note that a practice is much more effective with a full boat... your fellow crew members need you!
The BBCC clubhouse has small change rooms and washrooms right near the docks. There are no lockers so please do not leave any valuables behind (keep them locked in your car trunk). BBCC supplies paddles and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for all paddlers. Bring your own gear if you have any.
PRACTICE SITE INFORMATION FOR OPS CIVIL DRAGONS
In 2009, the OPS Civil Dragons held their practices at Sunnyside, located just steps east from Sunnyside Pavilion at 1755 Lakeshore Boulevard West. The practice site provides extensive shoreline paddling, as well as occasional access to the dragon boat racing course at Marilyn Bell Park, built in 2006 when Toronto played host to the 2006 Dragon Boat Club Crew World Championships.
Driving Directions
From downtown Toronto, use the Gardiner Expressway or Lake Shore Blvd. westbound, past Colbourne Lodge use the left turn/u-turn lane to enter the parking lot south of Lake Shore Blvd. By car from the west, take the QEW eastbound and exit at the "Lake Shore Blvd." exit. Follow the ramp, and when you see the Pizza Pizza stand, take the next entrance to the parking lot. From the north, take Keele St. south (turns into Parkside Dr. at Bloor) until the Lakeshore Blvd. Turn right, go through one set of lights and use the left turn/u-turn lane to enter the parking lot south of Lake Shore Blvd.
Public Transit
From downtown Toronto, King St. take the 508 Lake Shore westbound, or from Queen St. the 501 Queen westbound, and exit at the Parkside Ave. stop. By TTC from the north, take the subway to Keele Station, get on the 80 Queensway W bus, exit at the Lake Shore Blvd. stop. Walk down the stairs and proceed south to the lake.
Parking
Ample parking is available, with 2 large lots west of Sunnyside, and 1 large lot to the east. All parking lots are accessible via Lakeshore Blvd. EASTBOUND traffic only. There is a u-turn lane just west of Parkside Ave. that allows westbound motorists a safe and legal access option.
Home of the OPS Civil Dragons and Dragonflies & host of the 7th Annual Canada Day Regatta!
