Brianna Harrison5 Cool Indoor Pools to Check Out in Toronto
One of the fantastic things about living in Toronto is the abundance of public indoor pools that can be used year-round for exercise or leisure.
What is the coolest part about these public indoor pools you ask? Many of them are free to use!
Furthermore, indoor pools are a great place for you to enjoy some added privacy. They can also keep your swimming plans in the winter afloat because of the controlled temperature!
To guide you, here’s our review of the best indoor pools in Toronto.
Top Indoor Pools in Toronto
The following are the criteria we used in order to determine and evaluate the top indoor pools in Toronto.
How much do entrance fees at indoor pools in Toronto cost?
Indoor pools are free to use in Toronto for all ages for leisure swimming and water play activities.
For lane swimming and aquafit programmes, participants are required to pay fees, but these still depend on the facility.
Refer to the table below for the fees of these activities based on age group and the intended duration or membership. These prices are reported by Toronto.ca.
Lane Swim
Aquafit Programmes
1. Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre
| MAINTENANCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| DESIGN | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Size | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Depth | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| AMBIENCE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Temperature and ventilation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Service | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| ENTRANCE FEE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre is known for having two Olympic-sized pools. The first one is used as a competition pool whereas the other as a training pool.
When we visited the centre, we saw how well-maintained both of the pools are even after eight years of operating.
The training pool is composed of ten lanes and is 2.5 metres deep. On the other hand, the competition pool is same in size (52.06m x 25m) but the main difference is that it’s 3 metres deep.
Looking around, we found that they have no accessible ramps present but they do have an available chair-lift straight into the pool.
We appreciate that they have Braille signages displayed around the vicinity and their washrooms are accessible on all floors.
In addition, the centre has installed good lighting; thus, the area is bright and pleasant to look at. It’s incredible that unified Coolair heat pumps control the temperature and ventilation of the whole facility.
However, the centre can improve on how their staff address concerns. We received reports that the reception staff was quite dismissive of inquiries and their hotline is frequently unavailable.
Lastly, we found their rates a bit pricey compared to other public indoor pools. For both of their pools, it cost $32.00 + HST per 50m lane/hr, with a minimum of 1 lane, and $16.00 + HST per 25m lane/hr with a minimum of 2 lanes.
Nonetheless, Toronto Pan Am Centre might be the best place if you’re planning to take swimming more seriously. Their rates are higher compared to others, but we think their top-notch facilities are worth it.
Pros
- Two Olympic sized-pools
- Clean and well-maintained
- Braille signages
- Chair-lifts
- Accessible washrooms
- Good lighting
- Coolair heat pumps
Cons
- Costs are higher
- No ramps
- Negative remarks on staff
Visitor Reviews
Very friendly staff
“This is a really nice facility. I love that the pool is Olympic-sized. It is very nice and clean. The staff is also very friendly. I would recommend this place to others.” —Deborah Kong, Google Reviews
Clean pools, showers, and changing rooms
“Love Pan Am!! They have an enormous space with so many facilities. The pools are also clean and so are the showers and changing rooms. By far my favourite rec centre in all of GTA.” —HS, Google Reviews
2. Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre
| MAINTENANCE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| DESIGN | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Size | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Depth | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| AMBIENCE | ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5) |
| Temperature and ventilation | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Service | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| ENTRANCE FEE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre has three indoor pools and one multipurpose room. Going around the centre, we discovered that they have unique and accommodating facilities!
The establishment has a 25-metre six lane pool, leisure pool, spa pool, hot tub, water slide, Tarzan rope, diving board, modesty blinds, multi-purpose community room, and an ultraviolet sanitation system.
However, we’ve received complaints that some of the facilities are showing signs of wear and tear because of how they have been overused. The good news is that the city promised to fix these issues as soon as possible.
In terms of accessibility, Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre gets an A+. They have two ramps, Braille signages, and accessible washrooms within the whole area.
The staff, however, might need to be taught to be more helpful and kind. One guest said that their complaints about the pool’s temperature being too low were not addressed.
Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre has a universal change room, which makes some visitors feel uncomfortable. In spite of that, we find this inclusive and safe as the change room still has individual cubicles for privacy.
We found the humidity to be fairly high during our stay, although the pool was comfortable for a swim.
To sum it all up, Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre is truly a good steal for those who are interested in swimming, and to add the cherry on top—their entrance fee is free for everyone, including drop-in programmes!
Pros
- Three indoor pools
- Well-maintained facilities
- Two ramps
- Braille signages
- Accessible washrooms
- Universal change rooms
- Pool is warm and spacious
- Free admission, including drop-in programmes
Cons
- Signs of wear and tear in the facilities
- Area has high humidity at times
- Staff could be more helpful
Visitor Reviews
State of the art facilities including the three pools available for free public use
“One of the best aquatic facilities in the city of Toronto. State of the art facilities including the three pools available for free public use: 1) kids pool with an umbrella fixture that rains over it and fountains that spout into the pool, 2) a 25-metre lap pool divided into lanes according to swimming abilities; this pool also includes a rope swing and large slide with steps that lead to the top of it; these features are available during specific swim hours, 3) a giant-sized therapeutic/hot tub with relaxation jets. The changerooms are open and available for all people with individual private change rooms. My daughters learned to swim here and it was just one of the reasons why we enjoyed living life in Regent Park for five years.” —PJ Power, Google Reviews
I liked how they have pool toys for the kids
“Staff are very friendly and the facilities are clean. I liked how they have pool toys for the kids to play with.” —Jeff W., Google Reviews
3. Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre
| MAINTENANCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| DESIGN | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Size | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Depth | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| AMBIENCE | ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) |
| Temperature and ventilation | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Service | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ENTRANCE FEE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Boasting a wide range of activities that includes swimming, fitness, youth, sports, after-school and pre-school programmes, Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre is a place that we must mention.
In addition to this, they also offer programs like lifeguarding courses, first-aid training, and synchronized swimming.
They have two indoor pools; one is a smaller toddler pool and the other is a large 25-metre pool with six lanes and maintains a 31°C temperature.
The centre provides different activities such as drop-in public lane swims, leisure swims, preschool swims, and aquafit classes.
Their indoor pools are polished and well looked-after. It’s nice to find that they have a ramp, accessible washrooms, and wheelchair-friendly pool areas.
With regards to the temperature that we felt in the building, we noticed that it’s a little cold despite the renovations that included a new heating and cooling ventilation system.
What we also loved about Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre is that they do not charge anything for their indoor pools. So, you can enjoy their 25-metre pool and other drop-in programmes for free!
Another good thing about the centre is their approachable and well-informed staff.
One visitor whom we talked to mentioned how the staff quickly answered their inquiries about the programmes. They also commented on the staff’s amiable and engaging demeanour.
If you’re going to the centre via private car, their parking lot can only hold five cars so it’s better if you prepare beforehand. We suggest that you plan going earlier than everyone or search for nearby parking lots as a solution.
Pros
- Two polished, and well-looked after indoor pools
- Wide range of activities
- Has a ramp
- Accessible washrooms
- Pool area is wheelchair-friendly
- Approchable and knowledgeable staff
- Free admission for all indoor pool activities
Cons
- Area is quite cold
- Limited parking space
Visitor Reviews
Clean facility and great staff
“Jimmie Simpson is an awesome place to go. Good times, clean facility, great staff. I would recommend Dawn’s aquafit class to anyone. She’s amazing.” —Keisha Simpson, Google Reviews
The facility is pretty old but kept very clean and organized
“Used the pool at the centre. The facility is pretty old but kept very clean and organized very well. The staff is unbelievably friendly and helpful. Although the centre locates a prime area on Queen East, there is a small parking pad for centre users and there are plenty street parking spots if the pad is full.” —Eri Maeda, Google Reviews
4. North Toronto Memorial Community Centre
| MAINTENANCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| DESIGN | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Size | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Depth | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| AMBIENCE | ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5) |
| Temperature and ventilation | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Service | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| ENTRANCE FEE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
North Toronto Memorial Community Centre is a fitness centre with a gymnasium, craft room, dance room, kitchen, lounge, indoor track, dressing rooms, multipurpose rooms, and indoor and outdoor pools!
During our visit, we’ve come to know that the indoor pool is clear and the facilities are very well-preserved.
They open their outdoor pool during summer, which can also be an outdoor rink during winter.
The indoor pool in this centre has a depth of 25m with six lanes and maintains a 29°C for its temperature. However, we came across a little colder pool and air temperature when we went there.
We saw one ramp, chair-lifts available going into the pool, and elevators that provide access from the underground parking to the second floor.
In addition to men-only and women-only washrooms, North Toronto Memorial Community Centre has a universal change room. Another plus for safety and accessibility!
Lane swims are charged $4.00 for adults, and $2.25 for seniors. Good news is that their leisure swims are also free, like our other mentioned indoor pool facilities.
It’s just a little upsetting that the centre does not regularly update their programme schedules on their website. We also talked to some regulars who commented on how the staff tend to not answer their inquiries nor give a call-back.
Ultimately, you can conveniently use the amenities at North Toronto Memorial Community Centre while enjoying a cheaper price for their indoor pool facility.
Pros
- Broad range of facilities
- Clean and well-preserved pool area
- Ramps
- Chair-lifts
- Elevators
- 5 dressing rooms, with a universal change room
- Good parking space
- Free leisure swimming
- Reasonable prices for lane swims
Cons
- Cold pool and air temperature
- Outdated schedules posted on website
- Reports of unresponsive staff
Visitor Reviews
Clean pool with adjoined showers and change room
“Great community centre in my neighbourhood. I enjoy their lane swim in their clean pool with adjoined showers and change room. I also use their gym for badminton and pickle ball drop-in play. Their gym is also well equipped at affordable fees.” —Joe Schiavone, Google Reviews
The indoor pool is great for adults to practise breath holding and diving
“Great community centre. Their indoor pool is amazingly clear, and smartly accessible from the change rooms. Even during leisure swims, it’s great for adults to practise breath holding and diving. The deep end is more than 3 metres deep. There is direct access to the outdoor pool from the indoor pool. The weight room is too small though.” —Bon Ryu, Google Reviews
5. Etobicoke Olympium
| MAINTENANCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| DESIGN | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Size | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Depth | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ACCESSIBILITY | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| AMBIENCE | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Temperature and ventilation | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Service | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| ENTRANCE FEE | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Etobicoke Olympium focuses on the development of amateur competitive sports more than anything.
This facility has the capacity to host both national and international events and competitions of various sports.
Judging by what we saw in the pool areas when we visited, we can confidently say that their pools are safe and well-kept.
Etobicoke Olympium has a 50-metre competition pool and a 25-yard warm up pool. Their pool is an eight-lane competition pool which can also be divided into two 25-metre pools.
There are no ramps in the area but we did notice that they have accessible washrooms both on the main and second floor.
There were few lockers available for renting so keep in mind to go early if you want to rent one.
Considering that Etobicoke Olympium was upgraded by the Government of Canada and City of Toronto, Etobicoke Olympium has high-quality heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
They also refined their dive tower, lighting, and electrical and filtration systems according to reports.
Etobicoke Olympium employs helpful and considerate staff. One of the guests we interviewed shared that the staff helped them carry their things and direct them to the facility they were looking for.
Leisure swimming is free at the centre; however, the indoor pool lane for single drop is charged $2.00 for youth, $4.00 for adults, and $2.00 for older adults.
These prices vary depending on your length of stay, but all in all we think these are within reasonable range.
Pros
- Top-notch pools for competition
- Safe and well-kept facilities
- Accessible washrooms
- Upgraded heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
- Refined dive tower
- Good lighting and electrical systems
- Leisure swimming is free
- Affordable lane swimming fees
Cons
- No ramps
- Few lockers
Visitor Reviews
All the staff here are very friendly
“Great place in the neighbourhood for swimming. They have many other instructional classes here and clubs for gymnastics, swimming, science, tennis, etc. There are tons of free parking so you don’t have to worry about where you are going to park. All the staff here are very friendly. Thank you for having such a great place.” —Moe Fawal, Google Reviews
Beautiful, well-equipped facility
“Excellent speed swimming (ESWIM) and synchronized swimming (Olympium Artistic Swimming) programs here. Beautiful, well-equipped facility with fantastic staff.” —Colleen Park, Google Reviews
FAQs About Indoor Pools in Toronto
Now that you have an idea of the best indoor pools in Toronto, are you ready to dive in and enjoy a refreshing swim? Grab your swimsuits and head to these amazing pools!
If you’d like to sharpen your swimming skills and show them off to your next pool visit, you can browse through our review of the best swim lessons in Toronto.
