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Summary

12 Ways To Stay Cool In Toronto If You're Actually Melting In The Heat

Cool spots for when the weather gets hot.
Contributor

Help, we’re melting! For a country that exists as a snowy wonderland for much of the year, we sure know how to complain about the stifling summer weather. If you’re done with riding heatwaves in the 6ix and wondering how to stay cool in Toronto, why not beat the heat at one of these chill city spots?

From rooftop pools with views for days to secret hideouts in Toronto’s shady parks, there are plenty of places for you to kick back and enjoy a cool breeze this summer.

Of course, you can never go wrong with a day spent swimming at the beach or enjoying a sunset canoe ride.

But, if you want to bring your body temperature down even lower, there are tons of frozen treats and boozy slushies waiting for you in the city as well.

We’re talking ice cream cones shaped like fish and candy cocktails bigger than your head.

Yum, we’ll take one of everything, please.

So, the next time Toronto feels too hot to handle, just kick back, chill out, and don't sweat the small stuff at one of these super cool city gems.

Grab A Frozen Delight @ Milkcow

Price: $15 and under

Address: 2651 Yonge St., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: From watermelon ice cream sandwiches to cotton candy delights, there's always a sweet treat to cool you down here.

Dip A Toe In @ Chez Lavelle Pool

Price: Prices vary

Address: 627 King St. W., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: There's nothing like a rooftop swim to really set the chill summer vibes in motion. You can make socially distant pool reservations online.

Catch a Breeze @ Amsterdam Brewery

Price: Prices vary $8-$25

Address:  245 Queens Quay W., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: This breezy lakeside patio is the perfect place to cool down and unwind after a long day.

Ride Waves @ Toronto Harbour Tours

Price: $26.55

Address: 145 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy a scenic view of Toronto's skyline while the lake breeze blows through your hair on this chill hour-long boat tour.

Pop Off @ PalettAmerica Canada

Price: Prices vary

Address: 300 Borough Dr., Scarborough, ON

Why You Need To Go: These fruity frozen treats are almost too cute to eat... almost

Soak Up the Shade @ Dufferin Grove Park

Price: Free

Address: 875 Dufferin St., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: Forget fun in the sun, it's time to lay in the shade under the canopy of trees at Dufferin Grove. And if that doesn't work for you, try one of these shade-filled spots instead.

Munch on Massive Shaved Ice @ Meet Fresh

Price: Prices vary $6-$10

Address: Multiple locations, Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can mow down on a mountain of sweet shaved ice at this tasty Taiwanese spot.

Get Beachy @ Marie Curtis Park

Price: Free

Address: 2 Forty Second St., Etobicoke, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can lounge on sandy shores and take in picturesque views along the waterfront trail.

Chill Out @ Cabana Pool Bar

Price: Prices vary

Address: 11 Polson St., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: Toronto’s Cabana Pool Bar has recently transformed into a full-time restaurant. But don’t worry, you can still chill out poolside with an ice-cold drink.

Catch A Fish Cone @ Taiyaki NYC

Price: Prices vary

Address: 128 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: There's nothing fishy about these frozen goodies. Honestly, we can't think of a cuter way to stay cool.

Paddle Into The Sunset @ Toronto Islands

Price: $40

Address: 1 Avenue of the Island, Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can take a guided sunset canoe trip and learn more about the Toronto Islands while you beat the heat on the water. Just be aware that capacity is much more limited right now than in past summers.

Boozy Buckets @ Si Lom Thai Bistro

Price: Prices vary

Address: 534 Church St., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: The Si Lom patio is open again so you can finally live your best life with candy cocktails by the bucket.

  • Amber Van Wort was a writer at Narcity Canada. She studied journalism at Durham College in Oshawa and holds a special place in her heart for the Toronto Maple Leafs. She continues to be published in the Chicago Tribune, Best Reviews, and previously, The Belleville Intelligencer, totaling up to 9+ years of experience.

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