Maps and Directions

If driving, go 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.  You can also TTC close to the site (for example, take bus 92 from Woodbine subway station, or Queen streetcar line to Coxwell). 

Parking Note #1: Please ensure 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!

Parking Note #2: Parking is NO LONGER FREE on weekdays from 5-8pm.  You must buy a Pay-And-Display ticket from 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.

Click on MAP to see a general satellite map of the practice area.

What you need on the Water

When the weather is cooler in late April and May, ensure you are dressed appropriately.  You may want to wear paddle shoes, gloves, and water-proof shell pants and jacket.  When the weather and water are warmer, shorts and a T-shirt are best.  Water or paddling shoes are good all year round as they give good grip against the wet floor of the boat.  Sunscreen, a baseball cap, and sunglasses are also a good idea any time it's sunny.   Some paddlers prefer to bring a gardener's pad to put on the wooden seat to sit on.  Bottled water is supplied at all practices.

PFDs must be worn and fastened securely at all times while in the dragon boat.   Do not stand up in the boat.  Coaches will review all safety rules regularly.

This page contains everything you need to know about the practice site where we hold our weekly summer on-water practices.   See the 2008 Programs page for details on the practice schedule for each of our crews.   We practice out of the Balmy Beach Canoe Club at Ashbridge's Bay.  Our boat can 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.

Summer Practice Site Info

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.   Cases of bottled water are brought to all practices for use by paddlers.

Updated: November 21, 2009