Second annual Dip of Hope celebrates the legacy of Beacher and cold-water swimmer Christopher Hope

By SAM HEFFER

Once again this year, a group of more than 35 people gathered on the beach at the foot of Silverbirch Avenue to celebrate the legacy of Beacher, adventurer, and cold water enthusiast Christopher Hope. Chris remains an inspiration for many of us who love the lake, and who dip and swim in it year round as he did.

Last September, his close friend Carlos Yu invited us to meet for a dip in Chris’ honour. Sadly, Chris passed away at age 85 in the summer of 2023. He went for a dip in the ocean near West Vancouver, and never returned.

Christopher inspired all of us to embrace his Morning Dip routine – directly or indirectly.

For several years, he was a familiar figure walking the short distance from his home to the lake in every kind of weather! He wore his navy blue bathrobe, sometimes a bathing cap, and his water shoes. It bears repeating that Chris often said, “I am the happiest person alive, because this moment is the happiest moment of my life.”

Gathering to dip and honour Chris’ legacy has become an opportunity for connection and celebration — a meaningful tradition.

As Carlos said: “Even though Chris is no longer with us, his spirit and his commitment to building community remain strong. I’m so grateful that we’re able to carry that forward together… Christopher’s spirit is smiling upon us.”

Chris’ daughter joined us on the beach and agreed.

“One of Dad’s hobbies was cold water dipping, and he would be so thrilled to see so many people enjoying what he enjoyed and making use of the lake in Toronto…”

Chris used to say, “We have one of the greatest recreational areas in the world along this Boardwalk. This country is beyond belief. It’s got everything everybody ever wanted…Every day is the best day ever!”

And now, it’s 7:40 a.m. and the call goes out on the beach: It’s “Chris Time.” Into the lake we go.

The water isn’t cold yet, but like Chris, we will continue to embrace the lake as the seasons change, reminded by him that “There’s nothing better than right here, right now. This is it!”

Thank you Christopher.

No matter the weather Christopher Hope would always take a morning swim in Lake Ontario. Here he is swimming among chunks of ice in this photo by his friend Carlos Yu. Photo by Carlos Yu.