For most Torontonians, swimming during the winter season seems like a crazy idea, but with a large selection of indoor pools throughout the city, you can swim all year round. So don't wait for summer to show off your killer breast stroke; take the plunge at one of these indoor pools today.
Officially having opened its doors in 2012, Regent Park Aquatic Centre was built as part of a Regent Park rehabilitation project to transform this low-income neighbourhood into a hip, new area of the city. Spending $14.8 million dollars ($2 million of which were donated by Donald Trump), the city pulled no punches. Good thing too, as there’s plenty for you to enjoy. With a six-lane lap pool, water slide, Tarzan rope swing, diving boards, whirlpool and a large shallow children's area with numerous fountains, Regent Park is arguably the most family-friendly pool around. And, it's gorgeous!
With two 25-meter swimming pools outfitted with six swimming lanes each, the Metro Central YMCA is a great place to go if you're looking to swim a few laps. With its high-arched, wood-panelled ceiling, the pool area feels large and spacious, and more importantly, the pool is warm. You will need a membership or day pass to use the pool, but YMCA is great at working with individuals who might need help paying the fee.
With an Olympic-sized pool, two water slides, a whirlpool and a shallow area for kids, the Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre is another great family-friendly pool. Located in front of Mel Lastman Square, this aquatic centre is a city pool that is much better for family play than exercise – the water temperature is a scorching 29 degrees Celsius. So, if you like hot pools, this one's for you.
One of the most prestigious clubs in the city, the Granite Club also offers one of North York's best pools. Housed in a glass complex with floor-to-ceiling windows and a retractable roof, the Granite Club pool is more of an oasis than a swimming pool. With two six-lane, 25-meter pools, a whirlpool, kid pool, and activity splash pool, you can do everything here – well, except cannon ball off a high dive. Membership is prestigious and costly compared to other swimming pool gyms.
Built for the 2015 Pan Am Games, the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre has a remarkable aquatic area. With two Olympic-sized swimming pools that has 10 swim lanes, a 25-meter diving tank and a combination of high dives and springboards, you feel like a Pan Am champion from the moment you walk in. If you're looking for the glory of the gold medal, swim in the competition pool as your friends cheer from the stands.
Another family-friendly pool, Birchmount is a perfect place to swim with small kids. With a toddler pool, a large shallow pool with a mini water slide and water feature, and a small lap pool with a water slide, Birchmount is a great place to play. If you are looking to do some serious laps though, this probably isn't the place to choose for that.
The Miles Nadal JCC pool isn't the biggest or most luxurious pool on the list, but it does have a little something that no other pool in Toronto can match: it's filled with salt water. If you're looking for a chemical-less pool or just want to sit back and float, head on down to the JCC. The JCC is a membership club, but you can buy a daily pass if you’re not interested in signing up for a membership just yet.
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