Amelie CameronImagine this: all you want is a relaxing swim, only to be met by a dreary ambiance and a less-than-pristine swimming pool. Believe it or not, we’ve had our fair share of bad experiences!
Worry not, because we’ve fully embodied the role of your guinea pigs, here to test the waters (literally this time) so we can guide you to the best experiences out there.
Prepare to make a splash in this fantastic list of the coolest swimming pools in Toronto.
- 1. Greenwood Park Swimming Pool
- 2. Leaside Memorial Gardens Pool
- 3. Jimmie Simpson Recreation Center
- 4. Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre
- 5. Monarch Park Outdoor Pool
- 6. Alex Duff Memorial Pool
- 7. Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre
- 8. Miles Nadal JCC
- 9. Sunnyside Gus Rider Outdoor Pool
- 10. North Toronto Memorial Community Center
1. Greenwood Park Swimming Pool
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ARUQa1zWRLWHUmwV6
Address: 209 Alton Ave, Toronto, ON M4L 2M2, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-7804
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Located inside a 6.2-hectare park, the Greenwood Park Swimming Pool is an ideal spot for those seeking a location that offers a diverse range of activities.
Within the park, you’ll find a sports field, a community garden, a playground, a splash pad, an off-leash area for pets, and, of course, a gorgeous verdant space.
The swimming pool itself features a 2-meter deep pool spanning across 35 meters. While it’s not on the extravagant side, this outdoor pool still gets the job done.
The only downside is the occasional closure for private programs.
Oh, and here’s a local tip: a delicious Mexican restaurant, Chula Taberna Mexicana, is just a few blocks away. After a refreshing dip, why not take a quick stroll and try out their mouth-watering zucchini tacos?
2. Leaside Memorial Gardens Pool
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eZ443562YJpTNsfg8
Address: 1073 Millwood Rd, Toronto, ON M4G 1X6, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-396-2822
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – 7 AM to 9:30 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday – 9 AM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Leaside Memorial Gardens Pool is another swimming pool located inside a park. However, in contrast to the previous one, this one has the added convenience of being indoors.
It’s a modest pool, ideally for those who want to improve their lane swimming.
During your swim, you’ll likely find that most of your companions are residents of the Leaside neighborhood.
3. Jimmie Simpson Recreation Center
– Media credit: @mommyconnections_easttoronto
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bfDQ4VzGfSbyz6Cg7
Address: 870 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 3G9, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-0751
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – 7:15 AM to 9:45 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday – 9:15 AM to 9:45 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9:15 AM to 4:45 PM
Nestled within easy reach of downtown, Jimmie Simpson Recreation Center sits in a dynamic and accessible neighborhood.
This delightful location attracts a diverse crowd due to its offerings of a rich mix of activities, including dance, camp, soccer, gymnastics, and, of course, the most popular activity – swimming.
While the pool is considered a bit old, it’s surprisingly well-maintained. Notably, the staff adds to the satisfying experience.
4. Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre
– Media credit: @torontopfr
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cUHUTSV48xfbsm9D9
Address: 640 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2B9, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-338-2237
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre is a public swimming pool with a modern and sophisticated facade, coupled with an impeccably stylish interior. Aesthetic-wise, this one’s definitely one of our favorites out of this list.
Guests can choose from different facilities during their visit, including the leisure pool, children’s pool, and a 25-meter six-lane pool. The water is always warm, making it inviting to go for a dip even during the colder months.
To add to the experience, they also play relaxing music throughout the place.
Notably, the aquatic center is renowned for having universal change rooms – a groundbreaking first in the country. This progressive initiative reflects the community’s efforts in cultivating a community that values inclusivity.
5. Monarch Park Outdoor Pool
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/p9NCYjAEXtEG7nZW6
Address: Toronto, ON, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-7831
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 4 PM to 6:55 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 12 PM to 6:55 PM
Monarch Park is a 5-hectare land where locals walk their dogs, breathe in the fresh air, take a quiet stroll, and of course, go for a swim. Situated in a peaceful neighborhood, Monarch Park Outdoor Pool is a refreshing spot for an exciting splash during summer.
The 25-meter pool comes with a water slide and a diving area, adding to the fun. Meanwhile, during winter, this location transforms into a well-loved spot for ice skating.
If you want to swim for hours, we suggest dropping by during the weekends when they’re open for longer hours.
6. Alex Duff Memorial Pool
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GW3mRVdA1QX2FvQT7
Address: 779 Crawford St, Toronto, ON M6G 3K4, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-0910
Located along the outskirts of Christie Pits Park, Alex Duff Memorial Pool sits in a vibrant location that offers an assortment of outdoor activities.
The pool here is pretty standard, spanning 25 meters. If you want a more laid-back soak, there’s also a conversation pool and a shallow splash pool for the little ones.
On the other hand, you can also experience more thrilling water escapades during your visit when you dip your toes in the deep pool (ideal for diving) or when you plunge into the waters with the two-storey slide.
7. Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre
– Media credit: @acapulcopools
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/doP8S9ufpDMF12L26
Address: 5100 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5V7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-395-7585
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7:15 AM to 10:30 PM
- Friday – 7:15 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 7:15 AM to 4 PM
Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre, better known as DSAC, is a thrilling aquatic destination for its wide range of amenities. This includes a 50-meter 6-lane indoor pool filled with warm water and two big slides.
Oh, and let’s not forget the hot tub, situated behind the pool, and the sauna – perfect for those who seek relaxation. However, do note that children under the age of 14 are not allowed access to this area.
There are also large windows installed, bringing in plenty of sunlight throughout the day.
8. Miles Nadal JCC
Website: https://www.mnjcc.org
Address: 750 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5S 2J2, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-924-6211
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 7 AM to 7 PM
Conveniently located in Downtown Toronto, Miles Nadal JCC stands out as one of the most accessible locations on this list.
Their inviting pool is filled with saltwater, making it even more exciting to take a satisfying dip. Whether you’re a lane swimmer or just taking swimming as a recreational activity, you’ll have the best time here.
Other than being a dynamic swimming venue, there are also a multitude of programs one can participate in. This includes dance, books and literature, group exercise classes, wellness and therapeutic exercises, and more.
Its well-rounded facilities make it a one-stop destination for people who want to enrich their mind and body.
9. Sunnyside Gus Rider Outdoor Pool
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/odrX6URN6kpEKD3c9
Address: 1755 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON M6S 5A3, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-7915
Sunnyside, newly dubbed as Gus Rider, is a lovely outdoor pool that attracts many locals for its sparkling clean swim lanes. Because of its ample space, you can be assured of a comfortable swim even though there are large crowds during the summer.
It’s also located in a remarkable location, with the beach just a few minutes stroll away.
While you’re here, make sure to check out the nearby Sunnyside Pavilion Cafe after your invigorating swim.
10. North Toronto Memorial Community Center
– Media credit @416volts
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ie3oe7FKam5nvMJw7
Address: 200 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M4R 1A7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-6591
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:45 AM to 9:45 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8:30 AM to 9 PM
North Toronto Memorial Community Center is a sparkling hub for various thrilling sports, making it a great addition to Eglinton Park. The array of activities visitors can enjoy includes hockey, figure skating, and swimming, among many others.
However, it’s undeniably popular mostly for its pool, where visitors are given the option to choose between indoor or outdoor swimming experiences.
We highly recommend the indoor pool because it’s more clean and well-maintained, not to mention it’s weather-proof.
Adding to this location’s charm are the glass windows, infusing more life and vibrancy to the community center.
