It's summertime (finally!), and swimming is easy. Whether you're looking for a public pool to get some laps in, a nice place to catch some rays (and maybe a cocktail) poolside, or you're thinking about buying or renting a Toronto condo with great outdoor amenities, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of some of the coolest swims in the city.
Condo pools
There's nothing like hopping on an elevator and stepping into a lovely poolside retreat – right in your own building. Lots of condos have indoor pools, but these five beauties really take the experience to the next level: a poolside staycation won't feel like you're staying home at all.
Monde Condominiums rooftop terrace
Photo credit: condos.ca
Monde Condominiums
12 & 16 Bonnycastle St.
This lakefront condo has the perfect place to kick back on a hot summer day – a gorgeous rooftop terrace with pool, loungers and private cabanas. “It’s a sweet outdoor infinity pool with awesome west skyline views,” says Daaron Johnston, Sales Representative.
Fashion House
560 King St. West
This ninth-floor getaway has a spectacular infinity pool, awesome views, and it gets sunlight all day, so you can bask whenever the urge hits. There are plenty of loungers, chairs and all-weather beanbags to hang out on, and you can book cabanas if you're craving shade (or privacy).
“Fashion House is the best pool in Toronto in terms of sun, view and setup,” says Allie Brogan, Sales Representative.
Fashion House rooftop pool
The Charlie Condos
8 Charlotte St.
This building’s outdoor pool isn’t huge, but it’s pretty. It has plenty of room for laps as well as a ledge along both sides where you can just hang out and stay cool.
“This pool is the best kept secret on King,” says Brogan. “It's never crowded, has a relaxed vibe, and everyone feels like friends. The only downfall is that it only gets sun from 11 to 4.”
Pure Spirit
33 Mill St.
Fancy a dip with a view of the Distillery? Sitting atop the building’s six-storey podium, this sophisticated oasis has landscaped gardens, plenty of loungers, a wraparound pergola - and a generous swimming pool paired with a hot tub.
“33 Mill Street’s patio and pool has the best view of downtown,” says Anna Kuzmenko, Sales Representative.
Bisha
80 Blue Jays Way
This condo-hotel combo tops pretty much every list of great Toronto pools. With its South Beach feel, stunning infinity pool and chic eatery, it's 100% staycation-worthy. The seating on the west side of the pool is reserved for residents, and the east is for hotel guests. Capacity is limited, so it’s smart to book ahead.
Rise Condos
501 St. Clair Ave. West
Looking for an infinity pool with a view in midtown? Rise has a gorgeous hotel-inspired outdoor amenity area, and there’s no better place to hang out on a hot summer afternoon. And since residents include mostly young professionals and families, the vibe is mellow, and it's easy to connect with your neighbours.
Hotels and bars
Not all of us get to live in a condo with a hotel-style pool. But that's okay, you can always head to an actual hotel or luxe pool bar for your splash fix.
The Sheraton Centre Hotel
123 Queen St. W
Can't decide if you want to swim indoors or out? At the Sheraton, you don't have to. Their sprawling indoor/outdoor pool offers the best of both worlds. At $170, a day pass for 2 isn’t the cheapest thing around, but it’ll certainly set you back a lot less than a vacation.. And it comes with lounge chairs, umbrellas, a snack pack, bottled water and free wifi.
Photo credit The Sheraton Centre Hotel Instagram
The Radisson Admiral Hotel Toronto Harbourfront
249 Queens Quay West
Overlooking the lake, this heated outdoor pool can be yours with a night’s stay - or a reasonably priced day pass. You can’t beat the view, but if you’ve had enough swimming and lounging (is that even possible?), you can take a walk along the lovely waterfront boardwalk or even catch a ferry to the Islands for a mini-getaway from downtown.
Lavelle
627 King St. W.
Lavelle isn't just a pool. It’s a “rooftop experience” complete with gourmet restaurant, lounge bar, three pools, cabanas and thrilling views of the city. A single or family day pass pool access and towel service, and you can while away the day, sipping cocktails and splashing around.
Cabana Pool Bar
11 Polson St.
Toronto's biggest patio has it all: lakeside location, views, a big pool and a cool, clubby vibe. It’s an adults-only space that’s open Saturdays and Sundays, with performers and a definite party atmosphere.
Public pools
Toronto's public outdoor pools are free all summer, which is just right for a basic, budget-friendly swim. They have family swims for splashing around, lane times for more serious swimmers, and a summer-in-the-city vibe that’ll take you back to being a kid just out of school on a hot July day.
Sunnyside Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool
1755 Lakeshore Blvd. W.
This grand dame first opened in 1925. It’s the biggest (and most historic) pool in the city, the second-biggest public pool in Canada, AND it’s steps from a great beach. There’s plenty of room for laps, for bringing your little one for a gentle paddle, or horsing around with friends.
Sunnyside Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool
Alex Duff Memorial Pool
779 Crawford St.
One word: waterslide. If that doesn't up the ante for a great summer swim, we don't know what does. The two-storey slide is a lot of fun - and so is the 1m springboard, which is exactly what you need to perfect those dives and cannonballs. There's also a 25m lap pool and kids’ splash pool, all open every day until Labour Day.
High Park Pool
1873 Bloor St. W.
Nestled in Toronto's biggest and most beautiful park, this facility actually has two pools - a deep one for lane swims and a second one with a waterslide. You can make a day of it in the park, even if you can't spend all your time at the pool: hike, ride bikes, have a picnic, or head down to the lake for a little beach time.
Monarch Park Pool
115 Felstead Ave.
Looking for a dip near Danforth and Coxwell? This is the spot. It's got an L-shaped 25m pool with a diving area, two-storey waterslide and a wading pool for the toddler set. And it's surrounded by a 25-hectare park that’s a lovely setting for a post-swim picnic.
Monarch Park Pool
Enjoy summer while it lasts!
Whether you’re splashing around with the kids or treating yourself to a luxe day by the pool, you’ve got lots of great options. And if you're looking to buy or rent a condo with a pool (or without…) contact a Property.ca Inc. agent to help you find the right place to call home.