Brianna HarrisonMy friend decided she wanted to start working out—love that for her—but when she asked around, she got a rude awakening. A membership at a posh Toronto gym with a pool comes with hefty fees.
I told her that she didn’t need to spend a ton on fitness, then gave her a list of community centres. Now, I have a new exercise buddy to work out, swim, or play pickleball with.
Sometimes, we also go to community drives, fun family events, night markets, or special talks. I swear these cool spots have limitless programs and activities.
Without further ado, here are TO’s best community centres you should hit up if you’re looking to stay active or have access to helpful community resources.
The 519
– Media credit: the519
Website: https://www.the519.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the519/
Address: 519 Church St
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 9 PM
Sat – Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
Contact: +1 416-392-6874
The 519 is a Toronto hub that focuses on supporting locals’ health and happiness, including the 2SLGBTQ+ community. More than 10,000 people join their education and training programs every year, so you know they’re doing something good.
Once you enter, you’ll see their Lobby and Lounge, a welcoming, spacious space that hosts regular events and workshops for queer folk and allies.
They have a wide range of programs for the body and mind. You can try 2SLGBTQ+ Community Yoga, led by the 519 Health Justice Project, or join a 2 Spirit Healing Drumming session, guided by the Circle of Cedar Singers.
What’s awesome is that they have a Trans ID Clinic, which offers virtual and in-person legal support to 2Spirit, trans, and non-binary individuals across Ontario.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss their Green Space Festival every Pride Month. You’ll enjoy alfresco parties, live music, drag performances, world-class DJs, and delicious food and drinks!
Wychwood Barns
– Media credit: efosaon
Website: https://wychwoodbarns.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wychwoodbarnsto/
Address: 601 Christie St
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
Contact: +1 416-653-3520
Once a historic streetcar facility, Wychwood Barns is now a buzzing space that brings together artists, nonprofits, and locals in the heart of midtown. It features 26 artist studios and spaces for 9 arts and environmental organisations.
This hub celebrates art in its many forms; you can wander through video installations, admire murals, and check out chalk drawings. I really enjoy their exciting night markets that look like part community fair and part gallery.
Those who want to learn art can join one of their many workshops for all ages—they’re free and guided by friendly facilitators. You can dabble in mixed media classes inspired by different seasons.
Families will also find a lot of weekend pop-ups and kid-friendly events like Dreamscapes. This is a whimsical, interactive installation with pillow forts, giant ball pits, and live storytime sessions.
Pro Tip:
The Barn is also a popular spot for professional photography because of its rustic brick walls, sunlit halls, and art-filled corners. You can book an indoor photoshoot at arthubsevents.ca, or contact the City of Toronto for an outdoor session.
North Toronto Memorial Community Centre
– Media credit: aquamermaidschool
Address: 200 Eglinton Ave W
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 6:45 AM – 9:45 PM
Sat – Sun: 8:30 AM – 9 PM
Contact: +1 416-392-6591
North Toronto Memorial Community Centre is a multi-use complex with indoor and outdoor pools and a skating rink. It’s a year-round go-to for fitness, fun, and of course, family time.
We like that it’s right in Eglinton Park—you have plenty of room to stretch out, picnic, or take in the sunshine before or after your community class. If the weather’s bad, the centre offers direct indoor access, as well as wheelchair-accessible entrances.
Their fitness lineup is top-tier: yoga, cardio, Pilates, tai chi, Zumba, you name it. If team sports are more your thing, you can jump into a game of pickleball, basketball, badminton, or volleyball.
And between aquatic fitness classes, lane swims, and adapted leisure sessions, there’s always something happening in the pool. They even host cool meetups—one time, I enjoyed watching swimming mermaids from the Toronto AquaMermaid School!
Pro Tip:
If you’re driving, you’ll be happy to know there’s underground parking available. Even better, it’s a total steal at $1 per hour, meaning more money for community classes!
Wellesley Community Centre
– Media credit: randyzweinstein
Address: 495 Sherbourne St
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 9:30 PM
Sat – Sun: 9 AM – 6 PM
Contact: +1 416-392-0227
Wellesley Community Centre is a free facility that serves the St. James Town community. Everyone is welcome, but most of the curated programs they offer are for kids and the youth.
You can be spontaneous and drop in whenever to catch a painting, cooking, or dancing class, good for all ages. I typically go for one of their fitness, sports, and swimming programs, or just chill during game or movie times.
Parents also rave about their After-School Recreation Care Program, which is perfect for kids aged six to twelve. It’s a fun, safe space where your kids can enjoy themselves while giving parents some breathing room.
For teens and young adults, their Enhanced Youth Space is open five to six days a week. These supervised areas are decked out with Wi-Fi, TVs, gaming consoles, pool and foosball tables, and photography labs—all 100% community-powered.
Pro Tip:
Their free youth programs aren’t just for fun. Young adults can learn photography, DJing, nail art, barbering, hairstyling, and music recording—basically, life skills that can help them in their future career tracks.
Regent Park Community Centre
– Media credit: eparea_org
Address: 402 Shuter St
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 7:30 AM – 10 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Contact: +1 416-392-5490
Regent Park Community Centre is one of downtown Toronto’s best-kept secrets. This multi-use facility offers registration and drop-in programs for all ages.
Families love their Child Development Clinic, which is run in partnership with St. Michael’s Hospital. Designed for children ages 0 to 6, it helps little ones reach their developmental milestones while offering parental support.
They also host numerous computer lab drop-in sessions—perfect for tech-savvy kids, teens, adults, and seniors.
The centre itself has all the staples you’d expect—a gym, indoor track, fitness and dance studio, and an Enhanced Youth Space. Locals enjoy a lot of fun classes that keep them inspired and active, so keep checking their schedule for updates.
Pro Tip:
If you’re between 15 and 30, check out JOBS4U, a youth employment program. It’s created to help you
Mary McCormick Recreation Centre
– Media credit: ojuoba_capoeira
Address: 66 Sheridan Ave
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 9 PM
Saturday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Sunday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Contact: +1 416-392-0742
Mary McCormick Recreation Centre is tucked inside a leafy municipal park of the same name. Here, you’ll see kids in the playground and locals chatting over coffee—definitely a friendly space that feels like your own backyard.
One of the biggest draws is their 25-yard warm-water pool, complete with a viewing gallery so family and friends can cheer you on. It also hosts swim lessons, aquafit classes, and open lanes for all ages.
Plus, I really like the updated playground. In addition to the usual slides and swings, they also installed climbing boulders, a jungle gym, and a merry-go-round.
Unlike other community centres, they have a cute Little Free Library at the park, which has become a meaningful hub for neighbourly connection. Anyone can borrow or drop off a book while also discussing some of their favourites with others.
Pro Tip:
For a little pick-me-up, make sure to visit the McCormick Park Cafe and Market, Toronto’s first-ever cargo container eatery. Snag delicious snacks and drinks post-swim and hang out with your community centre buddies!
Ralph Thornton Community Centre
– Media credit: ralphthorntoncommunitycentre
Website: https://www.ralphthornton.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ralphthorntoncommunitycentre/
Address: 765 Queen St E
Hours:
Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 9 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Contact: +1 416-392-6810
Ralph Thornton Community Centre is a warm, community-driven space located in Riverside. Here, people of all ages can learn, connect, and grow.
Their After-School Program is being praised by parents. From crafts to cooking, it’s established to help kids unwind and learn new skills, while making friends.
They also have wonderful inclusive workshops like the Mentor Program, which helps Chinese newcomer children with language development and cultural adaptation. Being a hybrid program (in-person and online sessions) adds to the convenience.
Elder adults get plenty of love here, too—there’s always something going on—from gardening to computer literacy sessions. A popular offering is their Drop-in Yoga Program, completely free for adults aged 55 and up.
Pro Tip:
For personal empowerment, don’t skip their self-defence classes! A crowd favourite is their ITF Taekwon-Do classes—an unarmed martial art that combines self-defence and emotional training.
