The temperature is on the rise this summer! Luckily, most Canadians have close access to cottages and summer homes on our many lakes and rivers. But for the urban dweller who can’t escape for the weekend, the challenge is a bit bigger. How can one stay cool in the hot city?
Luckily over the past few years a ton of swanky pools have sprung up in Canada’s urban centres. In most cities you can easily find some great public pools but when it came to finding a swank rooftop, the choices were fewer. Outside of Toronto and Montreal (where pool specific clubs have opened), your best bet is a hotel pool.
To help save our readers during those inevitable heat waves, we have found the best pool options in a city near you. And if that doesn’t work, make friends with a condo dweller with a pool.
Toronto
Lavelle is the newest rooftop pool in Toronto having just opened in July. Most noteworthy, this rooftop boasts mulitple pools – adding up to over 155 feet. Moreover, the swanky designed space has multiple private cabanas, multiple bars and a restaurant. In addition it has a stunning view of the Toronto skyline. Finally, it is open to the public but requires a membership ($200 per month), for more details visit their page.
Cabana Pool Bar is one souped-up beach club/pool party. In other words, this is where you will find all the beautiful people on the weekends. Located at Polson Pier, Cabana features a massive pool, private cabanas, multiple bars, and an Instagram worthy view of the Toronto waterfront. Access will cost you anywhere from $10-$40 depending on the day of the week.
The Thompson Hotel Rooftop features a 40 foot long infinity pool but it is only available for hotel guests, residents and VIP members. So if you aren’t in that list, make sure you make friends with people who are. In addition to a great pool, the space has a great rooftop bar making it the perfect low key place to relax with a few drinks and take a dip in the pool.
Montreal
Beach Club has been around for over 20 years. It is known as one great big outdoor party. This is especially relevant to you if you are a big electronic music fan. It attracts world renown DJS and celebrities. The club is huge with a capacity of over 10,000 people. It features multiple bars, cabanas and a pool. Admission ranges from $12-$15 for access to the Club.
Hilton Montreal Bonaventure might be one of the few remaining downtown hotel rooftop pools and with it comes a price – the cost of a room. This pool is only available to hotel guests but that just might be worth it. This pool is nestled in a garden oasis atop the 17th floor. Moreover, this pool is heated and available year round.
Le Crystal might offer you the most secluded rooftop pool in the city. Also known as the pool and spa with a view; you can book into the hotel’s spa to get access to this space. While the pool is located inside a glasses in enclosure, the hot tub is out on the roof deck. Located high above Montreal, the view of Montreal from the Le Crystal hot tub at night is stunning.
Winnipeg
Delta Hotel Winnipeg was the only downtown rooftop pool we could find in this city. But you will be the envy of the city if you manage to make it up here to cool down. Open to hotel guests but it might just be worth splitting a room with your friends to take advantage of the pool.
Calgary
Poolside by Hotel Arts is a tropical oasis in this urban city. This hotel pool is open to the guests and local residents just get there early before it maxes out at capacity. Features a full bar and food menu.
Vancouver
Fairmount Pacific Rim is another guest only hotel pool but you can use it if you book into the spa for services. This over the top rooftop features palm trees, fire pits and private cabanas. And of course some great cocktails.
Pan Pacific Hotel features a heated salt water pool (which is better for your skin than chlorine), a hot tub and lots of space to work on your tan.
