Toronto's west-end waterfront gem — a restored 1920s lido pool and sandy beach on Lake Ontario. The Gus Ryder outdoor pool is the largest outdoor pool in Canada. The boardwalk connects to the Martin Goodman Trail stretching east to the islands.
Neighbourhood: Parkdale · Address: 1755 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON · Hours: Mon–Thu 11:00 AM – 7:45 PM | Fri–Sat 10:00 AM – 7:45 PM | Sun 11:00 AM – 7:45 PM · Price Range: Free · Phone: (437) 890-9740 · Editorial status: Not yet verified
Come for Ontario’s largest outdoor pool right on the lake, and stay for actual sand between your toes just steps away from the city. It’s one of the few spots where you can swim in both pool and lake within minutes of each other.
Gus Ryder is a heritage open-air pool long enough for actual lap swimming, not just splashing, and still shows off its 1920s details. Paired with Sunnyside Beach, you get a true urban beach day without leaving the city core. Unlike Woodbine or Cherry Beach, you’re right next to the boardwalk and historic Sunnyside Pavilion too.
Sunnyside is Toronto's original beach, and the Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool is its crown jewel — a 1925 Art Deco lido that's been lovingly restored and remains the largest outdoor swimming pool in Canada. The pool holds over a million litres of freshwater, is 100 metres long, and in summer it fills with a cross-section of Toronto that's genuinely representative of the city: families, regulars, students, seniors, everyone. Admission costs a few dollars; lockers are available.
The beach itself stretches along Lake Shore Boulevard West on the Parkdale/Roncesvalles waterfront. The sandy strip isn't the Caribbean, but the lake views — looking south across Lake Ontario with no land visible on the horizon — create the specific illusion of being at the ocean. On a hot July weekday morning before the crowds arrive, the beach has a peace that's hard to find anywhere else in the city.
The Sunnyside Pavilion, the original 1920s bathhouse building, now houses a café and event space. Getting coffee there and sitting on the lakeside terrace watching the lake and the cyclists on the Martin Goodman Trail is one of the better free Toronto morning experiences. The Trail itself connects west to Humber Bay and east through downtown to the Toronto Islands ferry, making Sunnyside a natural anchor for a half-day cycling route along the waterfront.
In winter, the beach and boardwalk are open and often surprisingly peaceful — the lake in January, frozen or not, is dramatic.
No — the Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool charges a small admission fee (approximately $3–5 for adults, less for children and seniors). It is operated by the City of Toronto and is significantly cheaper than commercial pools. Pool passes are available for frequent visitors. The adjacent beach and boardwalk are completely free.
The Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool is open from mid-June through Labour Day (first Monday in September), typically 10am–7pm daily. Hours may vary; check Toronto Parks & Recreation for current season hours. The beach and boardwalk are open year-round at no cost.
Sunnyside Beach is at 1755 Lake Shore Boulevard West in the west end. By transit: the 501 Queen streetcar runs along Queen West (parallel to Lake Shore) and connects to the 83 Jones bus. The 29 Dufferin bus connects to the waterfront. By bike: the Martin Goodman Trail runs directly along the lakefront past Sunnyside. There is paid parking in lots along Lake Shore Blvd.
Yes — both the lake beach (free) and the Gus Ryder outdoor pool (small fee) offer swimming at Sunnyside. The lake is swimmable when water quality meets City of Toronto standards (signs are posted when bacteria levels are too high, typically after heavy rain). The pool is freshwater and maintained to public pool standards. Both are popular on hot summer days.
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