The Sherbourne Common splash pad (officially named the Paul Quarrington Ice Rink and Splash Pad) is highly recommended by this writer. Located along Queen’s Quay East – at the foot of Lower Sherbourne, this splash pad is not super fancy, but still checks many boxes. Especially for those in East Bayfront and nearby neighbourhoods (St. Lawrence, Harbourfront/South Core, Distillery District, Corktown), this is one to check out.
The splash pad has a concrete surface with multiple water streams that pop up on a random bases (no buttons to press!). It converts to an skating rink in the winter (which this writer also recommends!)
The splash pad gets lots of sun (bring sunscreen and maybe a hat!), but don’t worry: you don’t have to fry while watching the kids. Along the north side of the splash pad are a number of benches that are tree-covered, providing a shady option for watchers.
If you’re looking to have a picnic, the south side of the splash pad contains a large portion of grass leading to the waterfront. There are trees along one side of that patch (west side), with a few picnic tables as well. A few more picnic tables are located along the waterside.
On the east side of the splash pad, there’s a man-made river-of-sorts (the extension of which you see in the photo above). Parents will likely want to keep an extra eye on their little ones when they play near the far east portion of the splash pad.
As for washrooms (yes, we know this is important!), there are washrooms in the building that is right alongside the splash pad. During the key summer period when the splash pad is operating, the washrooms are open. However, we’ve found that early in the season they may not yet be open. If not open, your backup (I suppose) is to grab a snack at the waterfront restaurant and make use of theirs. More on that below.
If you’re making a day (or afternoon) of it, there’s plenty to see nearby. The waterfront is steps away – heading west leads you to Sugar Beach, which has many muskoka-style chairs in the sand – and a super small splash pad as well. If the kids are lucky, one of the giant (giant!) sugar boats will be docked opposite Sugar Beach – unloading at Redpath Sugar. Along this walk, you’ll see a restaurant with a massive patio (Against the Grain) – so, if you’re hankering for a beer (you didn’t bring your own?) or some grub then this is an option. From my experience, the service at said restaurant is sub par at times but the patio can’t be beat.
Update: A new restaurant has hit the neighbourhood (thankfully): GLB Brewpub (Jarvis & Queens Quay) is a 5 minute walk from Sherbourne Common and would be a better option than Against the Grain (albeit with a much less scenic patio).
If you’re driving in, there is parking available under the building next to the splash pad.
For transit access, you have a few options:
- Sherbourne 75 bus
- Bay 6 bus
- Pape 72B bus
- (walk from Union Station — it will take 20-25 minutes)
How long does it take to walk to Sherbourne Common from…?:
- King & Sherbourne: around 10 minutes
- St. Lawrence Market: around 10 minutes
- Distillery District: around 12 minutes
- Corktown Common: around 22 minutes
Have you experienced the Sherbourne Common splash pad? Let us know how it went, by commenting below.