Toronto Athletic Club

Fantastic experience: Excellent gym and amenities! Lots of machines and ground-space to work with, and they're constantly bringing in new equipment. Change rooms are very spacious and clean, and have everything needed post-workout. The front desk staff are awesome, in particular Emily, who I normally see at the time I go. Perfect gym for any working professional in the financial district!

Negative experience: This club's management shows a lack of honesty in communications and respect for both potential and current members' time. Their phone system gives misleading instructions, wasting time by directing callers to voicemail instead of operators during open hours. Despite inconsistent explanations from the owner regarding this issue—one given to me and a different one to another reviewer three months ago—the problem persists, showing it wasn't fixed as claimed. In the reply I got, the owner basically admitted that non-members are intentionally misled to dial '4' instead of '0' for the front desk, with no apology for this error (prob not an error or else it would have been fixed 3 months ago) or appreciation for the initial interest I've shown in joining (I was willing to edit my review with better rating if the explanation was not so blatantly a lie). Even members should note to dial '0' on weekends, as the phone line doesn't provide a member-only option and it is not listed anywhere on their website. All in all, know the type of management you'd be dealing with and beware of joining.

Negative experience: Complete garage

Fantastic experience: Outstanding club, gym, and restaurant and staff.

Fantastic experience: I've belonged to a few different gyms...this place is hands down THE BEST! The equipment, the classes, the pool (with the best views ) are amazing! The staff are so supportive, knowledgeable and friendly! Such a great place all around!!

Fantastic experience: Use this gym when I visit Toronto. Everything is new and nice. I think they just recently finished renovations. I came on a Saturday and only a handful of people in the gym. They have 3 squat racks on the main floor and 3 squat/bench racks on the floor they call the “strength lab”. Which has a turf strip and other stuff. But no deadlifting allowed fyi. Im not sure if it gets really crowded or not but it was empty on a Saturday evening.

Fantastic experience: For 30$ a month, the laundry service here is an excellent amenity

Fantastic experience: Great gym, a great experience.

Negative experience: Facilities are dated and, presumably, going through very gradual renovations (pool is a current example -- presently out of commission). If you're over 35, you're paying a very steep $2,000 initiation fee that the membership team will tell you goes toward funding such captial improvements and keeping member numbers at a reasonable level, which didn't sit well with me (note: they told me they're also trying to significantly increase club membership). Main workout area is quite small, and there aren't as many cardio machines compared to most other clubs. Monthly rates ($210) are comparable to Equinox, though Equinox will get you unlimited access to other clubs in Canada (there's only one Toronto Athletic Club). My recommendation -- go to a club that doesn't ask you to line their contingency funds with exorbitant up-front fees and gives you more than one club you can access on a regular basis and/or has updated facilities to enjoy.

Fantastic experience: