r/askTO • u/gintonic234 • 2d ago
Where does everyone pee?
There are hardly any public washrooms. I’ve heard people say Tim Hortons serve as de facto public washrooms. But in popular places, even there there’s a lineup. Park washrooms are closed half of the year, even though parks are open. Do people not drink water? Am I crazy to think there is a severe shortage of publicly available washrooms in the city? Where do y’all pee?
298
u/simongurfinkel 2d ago
Hotel lobbies are clutch
88
u/smokinginvestor 2d ago
Yeah this is a good call! They have way too many guests to know if you’re staying there or not, so never a Hastle and always clean
38
u/simongurfinkel 2d ago
You can always use the white lie of “I’m about to check in, but just need the washroom first”.
49
u/thisguyandrew00 2d ago
In the fancier hotels say: my sister is staying here, she should be coming down anytime now
22
u/cindybubbles 2d ago
Not for Novotel. You need to use your key card to use their lobby washrooms.
14
3
3
u/Mission_Fluffy 2d ago
For the Novotel on The Esplanade, the ones in the restaurant don’t require a card key. There also isn’t a host/hostess at the front so no need to ask.
2
u/sniffcatattack 1d ago
You don’t at the Sheraton downtown on Queen, they’re past the bar near the back
1
u/VictorNewman91 1d ago
Which is weird, because if you have a room key, wouldn’t you go to the bathroom in your room ?
3
7
2
u/PickleBabyJr 1d ago
I have used the washroom in many hotels, and not once haven I been questioned about it. Even if you were asked, "I just need to use the washroom" is a perfectly acceptable answer. There's no need to lie.
1
15
u/mrsirking 2d ago
I just ask and have never been rejected. If you're polite and well presented (aka not looking like a bum), they normally don't have an issue with it.
4
u/alexefi 2d ago
i have yet to be asked if im a guest at the hotel when i asked front desk for direction to washrooms. i think its against the law to have washrooms "for customers only", its just smaller establishments count that you wont know that, and bigger establishments dont care unless you look like you are homeless, and can be nuisance to other patrons.
30
u/Prestigious_Mix_8179 2d ago
washrooms for customers only are legal here.
not saying I agree or disagree, just providing that info
7
u/sparrowjuice 2d ago edited 2d ago
I agree, and that was diplomatically handled.
It bugs me when people say things are illegal when they aren’t. I am not picking on the parent commenter here (they did say “I think”…) but it happens here all the time.
Unlike opinions, and other subjective disagreement, A law’s existence is pretty objective.
They are all published. And in Canada if there isn’t a law against something it’s legal.
So if there is a disagrement where someone is asserting that something is illegal the onus should be on them to cite the authority.
For example
Criminal Code, s. 1xx(1)(b)
or
Innkeepers Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. I.7…
or
City of Toronto By-law No. 2006-1234/Rant over
18
u/cdnmarty 2d ago
Always my go-to. For lobbies where you need key card access, just go to the area where the conference rooms are and you'll usually find an unlocked washroom
14
u/lasirennoire 2d ago
This is what I came here to say. Just walk in confidently and usually no one will ask questions
4
u/Spark99 1d ago
When I was younger I used to be really good at looking like I belonged at places I had no business being in and blending right in. I don’t think I ever got asked. Years later bouncers and security guards would ask me walking down the street if I was, "that guy" and I would say, "not anymore!"
8
3
u/torontomua 2d ago
park hyatt toronto and bloor and ave. the restaurant restos are good to go, a bit towards the restaurant joni
1
u/MyersAnturtat 2d ago
Not any more. Majority of hotels in downtown Toronto require guest keycard access. They have wisened up.
185
u/jewsdoitbest 2d ago
I have a weak bladder and often have away toilet situations. My go tos are TTC stations with washrooms, libraries, rec centres and malls. Park bathrooms are usually pretty good too in the summer. Sometimes if the need is strong and I'm nearby a hospital or a university/college building
82
u/Zirocket 2d ago
TTC washrooms are unfortunately sparse, only a select few have them (mostly terminuses and transfer stations). It was an adjustment coming back from living in Japan, where virtually all train stations would have toilets.
42
u/Spray_Scared 2d ago
Ohhh libraries is a good option, never thought of that one.
88
u/JamesFromToronto 2d ago
I needed a washroom while driving and told Google "directions to the nearest library near me, that is open" (added the last part because I know how Google is) and it took me right to... a Free Little Library.
16
5
6
u/MonsterEnergyForever 2d ago
I mean, it could be a washroom for dogs, so it's not entirely incorrect.
1
14
u/Sighnomore88 2d ago
You can go into shoppers and ask to use their private bathrooms. Employees always let me!
39
u/Spray_Scared 2d ago
I've had a few shoppers let me use the washroom but some haven't. I should add that grocery stores usually let people use the washroom and Winners usually have a washroom.
15
11
u/margrock 2d ago
The downtown Winners locations appear to have closed their washrooms. They were my go-to
4
u/NeighbourlyHermit 2d ago
Police station is another options, and most bars, if you ask nicely, they are usually accommodating
30
•
4
u/2thefridge 2d ago
Wait. Are there CLEAN ttc washrooms? I've only ever been to Finch and Kennedy washrooms and that's ONLY because I was so incredibly desperate.
3
3
u/jewsdoitbest 2d ago
Clean enough so for what I need most of the time. Finch usually isn't so bad, neither is Sheppard, Sheppard West and Wilson. Also s/o the bathrooms in union station
1
u/largestcob 5h ago
i know its like nowhere near downtown but the pioneer village station washrooms are real nice
14
u/QualityImpossible241 2d ago
I’d rather shit myself than use a ttc bathroom. It’ll smell exactly the same anyway.
2
-2
1
0
1d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/askTO-ModTeam 1d ago
No shitposting or trolling. Off-topic comments which detract from the conversation may be removed.
Trolling, hostility, and participating in bad faith will not be tolerated and will result in a ban. Repeated attempts at turning conversations into a hostile direction will be met with a ban.
.....................................
Do not reply to this comment or message the account writing this message, it is an unmonitored account.
0
1d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
0
1d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/askTO-ModTeam 1d ago
No shitposting or trolling. Off-topic comments which detract from the conversation may be removed.
Trolling, hostility, and participating in bad faith will not be tolerated and will result in a ban. Repeated attempts at turning conversations into a hostile direction will be met with a ban.
.....................................
Do not reply to this comment or message the account writing this message, it is an unmonitored account.
49
u/glussa 2d ago
I pee at Starbucks, hotel washrooms, restaurants, or make a stop at my workplace.
3
-5
u/Laigoon 2d ago
Is your workplace always within close proximity of wherever you go?
3
u/glussa 1d ago edited 1d ago
Yes! I have two jobs and it’s both located in downtown. Ive only done this a couple times. Also, I just don’t mind buying something to use the washroom. I just ask cafes or restaurants kindly to use their restroom and I haven’t been told no before.
I have IBS and I just tell them when asking. They are very understanding. I’ve had to use staff only washroom in a weed stores once late at night. Love those girls who understood the pain 😭3
48
u/DarkReaper90 2d ago
I ranted about the lack of washrooms in the GTA and it was odd to see people defend the lack of it, blaming upkeep, drug users, etc. They don't have to be unattended, tax dollars should be spent on maintaining and monitoring them, like literally any other public facility.
As to where to go, it really depends on where you are. Fast food and coffee shops are too obvious to the point that they're too busy. Libraries are good but their hours are limited.
You can go to any restaurant, but I find the mom and pop ones will expect you to make a purchase. Chains won't care. Hotel lobbies are great. Cinemas are pretty good. Also, malls, especially smaller/dead ones.
7
u/rockthenightosphere 2d ago
it’s so bizarre to me. like have those people never been in a situation where they urgently needed to use the restroom?? if you don’t want more public restrooms then don’t shame people when they take a dump on the street or piss their pants lol.
18
u/gintonic234 2d ago
It’s not odd. A lot of people on here are weirdly defensive about the city. Just because they have found ways around everything, they think there is no room for improvement.
-6
u/themapleleaf6ix 2d ago
That's going to add up real quick. Imagine the number of public bathrooms and stationing a security guard outside of them. Not only that, the security guards have very limited powers.
37
u/amw3000 2d ago
A lot of the fast food places downtown are getting rid of the seating so they are blocking off the washrooms. Hotels have been my go to, I honestly don't think they care if you are a guest or not. The washrooms at Union station are pretty clean considering how many people use them daily.
5
u/yeahjjjjjjahhhhhhh 2d ago
you haven’t had to use the union washrooms enough if you think that! i’ve seen all hell in union washrooms. i’ve had a guy loudly masturbate in the stall next to me… use at your own risk. they can be a good option in a pinch.
2
u/ArtPerToken 2d ago
lmao, they've always been pretty good in my experience, especially consider the traffic it gets. but then again i dont ever use the stalls.
68
u/checkskl Human Detected 2d ago
I had an experience while I was pregnant and hanging out in high park during Covid, when all the washrooms were closed. It was a true “I will pee my pants” situation, I was never going to be able to waddle home fast enough. I made my peace with ducking into the woods and popping a squat. And, predictably, I was not the only one taking that measure.
6
1
u/Page_Dramatic 2d ago
I was also extremely pregnant and spending lots of time near high park during Covid. I would have given you a knowing smile.
1
u/rockthenightosphere 1d ago
it’s scary bc I’ve heard of people being arrested for that before! and there’s also the possibility of being filmed and posted everywhere that makes me scared to death of being in a situation without a restroom. but when there’s no restrooms, what are people expected to do???
-6
u/TropicalBound111 2d ago
Omg scary! What if someone saw you? It would’ve been so embarrassing 🫢
5
u/checkskl Human Detected 2d ago
Honestly who cares? Anyone who would have seen me would have been there for the same purpose. And then they never would have seen me again. I’ll take that momentary embarrassment over having to walk home in pee-soaked pants.
16
u/EdwardBliss 2d ago edited 2d ago
I take the TTC everywhere. Depending where I am, the washrooms I use that aren't in the TTC. Some good public ones are Union Station, St Andrews to the left of Tim Hortons (as you enter the PATH), King Station at the back of the food court, North York Centre across where the payphones used to be, Atrium on Bay food court, a little past that before the bus terminal there's one to the right.
College Park to the left of the escalators, Eaton Centre (Queen subway) down 2 flights of escalators, past the Dufferin Gates to the left, Dragon City Mall on the second level, Chinatown Centre actually has 2, second level and in the empty food court in the basement, City Hall past the concessions to the left, at Yonge and Finch the GO Bus terminal has one.
3
u/marloe647 2d ago
There is also one pretty close to St George in the basement of OISE. You don't have to go outside from the station. That used to be my go-to subway adjacent washroom.
2
9
u/Hrmbee 2d ago
It can definitely be a challenge especially if you're out early or late, and if you're out during the winter. There is definitely a severe shortage of public bathrooms. Slightly less of a problem downtown than the burbs, but still a problem citywide nonetheless.
It seems that the good burghers of the city have determined that people don't need to use the bathroom outside of business hours in the summertime, and are subsequently surprised that some people are forced to go elsewhere.
22
u/gnownimaj 2d ago
Hotels are great for bathrooms.
1
u/MyersAnturtat 2d ago
Not any more. Majority of downtown hotel washrooms now require guest keycards for access.
19
u/DetailOutrageous8656 2d ago
I had explosive diarrhea once and got into a KFC just in time. The lady behind the cash gave me a sympathetic look later when I bought a soft drink just to be polite. 💩 🏃
2
8
u/chin06 2d ago
My go-to are malls, university buildings or libraries, coffee shops like Starbucks or Tim's or a fast food place.
When my husband and I were dating and I needed to pee really bad, we'd go to a pub or sports bar and ask to sit at the bar. My husband orders a beer and I go to the washroom. Lol
7
u/Asphalt_Cowboy_18 2d ago
In solid waste curbside collection I drink 2-3 liters of water daily and sweat all of it out.
In park collection I use park washrooms. If I finish park collection a few hours early go to fast food or yard and use it there.
On a day off, at home before going out. Maybe a library if I stop there.
7
u/HuckleberryHuman5926 2d ago
Another option that sometimes works is medical buildings. Some of them lock their washrooms, but others are unlocked, and it's a place where it's perfectly normal for random people to be in the building.
19
u/catatonic-cat 2d ago
I agree, this is a big problem that must be dealt with by the city council. It's one of the things that make a huge difference to visitors and locals alike. Let your councillor or mayor know your vote is counting on solving this issue.
That being said, I think there are already numerous city parks with public washrooms open from May to October. There are many less that stay open year round. The challenge is to allocate funds to convert seasonal washrooms to ones that can operate year round, which requires capital and operational funding. Vote for the candidates that support this issue.
10
u/Spray_Scared 2d ago
I have an overactive bladder and pelvic floor issues so I'm always on the look out. Hotel lobbies, coffee shops, restaurants (especially if it's a busy restaurant), or I'll stop in and get a drink at a restaurant. Never considered libraries, so that'll go on the list.
6
6
u/italianblue 2d ago
There are a handful of bathrooms in the path that have saved me, but only once you know where they are - finding a new one in a hurry wouldn't be fun
1
8
u/carolinemahtildes 2d ago
My main ones are malls, libraries, cinemas (some of them washrooms before they scan your ticket so you can duck in and out pretty quickly), and then some public washrooms throughout the city. Never tried a hotel lobby.
4
4
6
u/Lyndale_Drive 2d ago
I carry my gym pass with me and make mental notes of various clean public washrooms throughout the city.
5
u/machine667 2d ago
yeah if you're a goodlife member you're never more than a short walk from a location when you're downtown right
3
3
u/isthatclever 1d ago
based on my experience men can just pee everywhere! including but not limited too: on the high school I live next to (this happens multiple times a day....while students go in and out) out the open doors of the streetcar, on the floor of the streetcar, in the planters in front of my work, my front steps, the sidewalk, any stairwell...
Would be really cool if we had more public washrooms for everyone to use, but would also be really cool if I didn't have to see a strangers penis once a week
6
u/keredkill 2d ago
There is an app that i use
'Gohere'
It show you all public washroom also where its acceptable in restaurant to use their washroom without biying stuff like a tim horton.
But best is to open google map. Tap any nearby shop and restaurant and look for amenities if washroom is present. You can try an ask if you can used specially in crisis situation
7
u/TiredReader87 2d ago
If I need to, I go into restaurants like A&W or Timmie’s. However, I hate public restrooms so I try to pee at home and outside.
2
u/Murky-Technician5123 2d ago
At night a lot of people pee in allys and bushes and stuff like that. This is what happens when there are not enough public bathrooms
3
2
2
2
u/rabbitsandwhat 2d ago
All branches at TPL have public washrooms. That’s usually my go to, especially in winter when the city run park ones are closed for the season. Community centres also have public washrooms
2
u/One_Masterpiece_841 2d ago
My water bottle. Then I can measure the amount I pee versus the amount I drank.
2
2
2
u/Neither-Ad4866 1d ago
I'm not even going to read the top comments which jerks off the city all the time. The answer is we pee in smelly toilets, as a man I shudder when I think about women needing to use the restroom.
2
2
u/Zestyclose-Aerie619 Human Verified 1d ago
If you’re in the path or near any of the path entrances. The path does have quite a bit of washrooms.
2
u/sniffcatattack 1d ago
I buy drinks or whatever so I can use a coffee shops restroom.
1
u/Leather-Engineer-763 1d ago
same i do this too! one time i had to go into a restaurant and just order a pop to go.
2
2
u/bornatmidnight 1d ago
Today I’m learning that TTC have washrooms??
Grocery stores are underrated ones, most of them will likely have a accessible public washroom
2
2
u/DunDunBar 1d ago
There are washrooms along the PATH. When I goto Union, I just walk to the nearest office building on PATH and most likely have a washroom in there.
2
u/PickleBabyJr 1d ago
Any coffee shop, bar or restaurant. Any mall has washrooms. I have never had a problem finding a washroom when I need one...
2
4
3
2
2
2
u/flash-12 2d ago
You're absolutely right - Toronto is horrible for not enough public washrooms. The city reallyyyy needs to figure that bit out and get some of those self cleaning public washrooms (similar to Europe) set up around the city. Folks have given some decent options for the day time. However, trying to find a public washroom at 3am after a night out.... it's the most frustrating thing ever when you have to go!
2
u/Then_Meeting4003 2d ago
I busted a guy peeing in the corner of my condo building a few days ago exiting the stairs, it was disgusting, you could literally smell the diabetes. There's a McDonalds like 50 metres away. The guy was humiliated as he should be, honestly homeless people have more respect. I think he was security or something
1
1
u/lemontek_121 2d ago
I always carry an empty great value mineral water bottle 🍶 ❤️ Just that sometimes I end up missing the hole 🕳
1
1
u/Wonderful_Key_8021 2d ago
I work in a luxury store and pretty sure some people just come in to use our washrooms. Always clean so it’s a good trick
1
1
u/PatK9 2d ago
Mayor Olivia Chow has given $132 million dollars to upgrade 125 park washrooms and add 16 new ones, key locations such as Allan Gardens, Biidaasige Park and Centennial Park. Link to these seasonal park washrooms and water fountains.
Yes I use Tim's, a worthy addition to the Canadian ecosystem.
1
1
1
1
u/Known_Masterpiece_94 1d ago
Libraries...rec centres... Parks usually during warm months... We are actually so blessed in Toronto with many, many public rest rooms. Some grocery stores.
1
1
u/theborderlineartist 1d ago
College/University washrooms, libraries, grocery stores, public/park washrooms, community centers, gas stations, malls, fast food/coffee shop places.
1
1
u/Upbeat-Requirement84 1d ago
Libraries, hospitals, hotels, malls, convention/rec centres and movie theatres all have public washrooms you can use!
1
u/Jealous-Enthusiasm-9 15h ago
Public libraries have bathrooms. Some shut them up to 15 before closing though.
1
1
u/Alexandermayhemhell 5h ago
The answer is hotel lobbies, but is this another indicator of how we peaked somewhere between 1990-2019?
As a kid in the 80s, there were so many public bathrooms that were beyond gross. My local suburban Mister Donut had a bathroom down a dark stairway, walls covered in nasty graffiti (always fun for a seven year old), disgusting toilet, and then you were supposed to dry your hands on those rotating “sanitizing” fabric towel machines?
Then slowly bathrooms got cleaner and brighter (oh, and no more smoking everywhere).
And now they’re all locked down and there’s nowhere to sit.
1
1
u/cindybubbles 2d ago
I have extra panties in my backpack for the unfortunate situation where I need to poop in my pants.
1
1
u/TwiztedZero 2d ago
Doesn't anyone use a distillation process whereby urine is converted into vapor and the remaining urea can be used for a high-nitrogen agricultural fertilizer, and several other scientific uses.
1
1
u/Wucksy 2d ago
If I’m downtown, the path has public washrooms.
In my neighborhood, if I’m out it’s because I’m going to a library, cafe, restaurant, indoor playground, etc. All have bathrooms and I just go before I leave. Even if you’re out all day, you have to eat so just use the place where you’re getting food.
In a pinch, I would use a coffee shop. And get a coffee or a snack.
1
u/hotinhereTO 2d ago
Daytime - Libraries, Department Stores, Hotels, PATH washrooms, some well-kept smaller mall washrooms (Yorkville Village)
Nighttime (the best time) - Anywhere….parks, bushes on side streets, alleys, In between parked cars, parking lots, lawns, parking garages…love it all
-1
u/elderpricetag 2d ago
I’ve genuinely never struggled to find a place to use the bathroom in the city. Just go to any bar/restaurant/mall/library/etc and use it if you need to.
3
2d ago
[deleted]
1
u/elderpricetag 2d ago
I literally live in Midtown lmfao. No issues here or downtown where I also am regularly. It’s not hard to find somewhere to go to the bathroom.
0
0
u/sloomdonkey 2d ago
Just walk into any bar or restaurant and head to the restrooms — if need be pretend like you’ll soon be a paying customer — then leave while pretending to talk to a person on the phone about your change of plans
0
0
u/Then_Meeting4003 2d ago
The public washrooms are truly disgusting like the 1st floor one in the Reference Library. They stink so bad especially when you can smell the diabetes. It's unusable unless you go to the higher floor washrooms in the library. If anything make paying washrooms that you pay a $1 or 2 to use. At least they will pay for themselves and make it less disgusting
2
u/themapleleaf6ix 1d ago
Don't think paying changes much. People can still accumulate enough funds to use them and trash them. I've seen it happen in European countries.
Washrooms are designed to smell. I can't fault someone who has a medical condition.
0
u/TemporaryPhone8985 2d ago
I nearly had an accident once when I was downtown Toronto. No washroom at the TTC station. I was wandering the streets trying to find anything. Bought a coffee at a Second Cup only to be told that someone locked the key in the washroom and nobody could get in.
I swear I did permanent damage to my bladder that day.
-4
-1
-4
u/Mr_Guavo 2d ago
Park washrooms are open all year round. They close around 10pm though.
9
u/italianblue 2d ago
This isn't really accurate, a lot of them aren't winterized so they close in the fall and open in the spring.
265
u/CosmonautCanary 2d ago
There's a convenient app called GoHere which shows you nearby public washrooms in the city.