Canada’s 150th At Cabana Pool Bar

As a long time resident of Toronto, I was a little shocked that I never made it to Cabana sooner. To venture to the South East tip of the city to get some sun and day drink alongside white-swimsuit clad patio-goers was never quite enough to entice me to make my pilgrimage. When I heard my friends were headed there for Canada Day, I was immediately on board. Red party! With my pals! In the beautiful outdoors!
If you were anywhere in the GTA For July 1st, you know it absolutely pissed rain.
Here’s my rain-drenched, rum-punched account of our afternoon at Cabana Pool Bar.

What I Liked:
My company! Getting to spend the afternoon with my old roommates, some new friends and my boyfriend was aces. Couldn’t have asked for a better crew to ring in Canada’s 150th with.
Quick Service! The bartenders were speedy and friendly, they made sure everyone got their drinks quickly and were in good spirits despite the torrential downpour.
Spending 0.5 milliseconds in the sun! On an average day, I definitely see how this sunny spot would be an awesome way to enjoy the summer weather.
Great music and entertainment! How did the good folks at Cabana know I like temporary tattoos?? The DJ was great and the crowd made the best of the stormy weather.
What I Wasn’t Into:
The prospect of paying $20 entry and another $20 to enter the pool area. Unabashed gouging. I mean Cabana… I get it. But I also don’t get it. You know?
The price of drinks. Just because I’m not surprised doesn’t mean I don’t think it’s lame to charge an arm and a leg for a can of Smirnoff fuckin’ Ice.
The long trip out. This applies more to West-enders. There’s no denying the amazing view, but I really had to psych myself up for the hour long journey to the other end of the city.
Rating: 3/5
This feels like a one-off trip, or someplace you’d take your friends to when they’re visiting Toronto. As someone of an average income and regrettably no sugar daddies in my Rolodex, I couldn’t afford for Cabana to be my weekend hangout spot. Still, this place is obviously a must-see!
Tips: Ladies: Throw your name on the guest list online and give yourself a fair amount of time to get there and maybe you can avoid my fate. Get there no later than 2:30, anything later is risky business. Guys: Visit on Fridays when gents on the guest list get free entry before 4. If you roll up on a Saturday you will be slapped with the classic penis tax regardless of what time you arrive. It’s not fair, but I will rally behind your cause. #NoPenisTax2017.
I think that’s where I’ll leave things off — with my social justice war cry.
- Heather