15 Merchants' Wharf & 55 Merchants' Wharf

Stepping foot into the Aqualina at Bayside feels more like entering a hotel than a condo. The lobby is elegant and far from understated and serves as a hint as to the chic crowd that might be interested in luxury condos in the building.

In fact, Tridel outsourced some help from one of the most glamorous cities in the world in order to construct this 14-storey condo tower at 15 Merchants Wharf. The New York City-based architecture firm Arquitectonica designed the building, which consists of a series of rectangular prisms outlined in white.

Not only did 15 Merchants Wharf win the 2014 BILD Award for best high-rise in the GTA, but it also happens to be LEED certified. In order to receive the platinum-level certification (the highest one possible), the building had to earn more than 80 points in categories such as water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, indoor environmental quality, materials and resources, and so on.

Besides being extremely environmentally friendly, the condo’s amenities are also impressive. Residents and their guests are greeted by a concierge in the lobby, and visitors are welcome to make use of the building’s guest suites and guest parking. After a workout in the fitness centre, residents can take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool, or relax poolside on the rooftop lounge. And to top it all off, the building also boasts a party room, barbecues, a movie room, and a business centre.

With 362 units in total, it’s no wonder the downtown Toronto condos at 15 Merchants Wharf vary considerably in terms of size. Homes start at around 550 square feet and reach to just over 1,500 square feet at their largest.

Single professionals or couples may be interested in the 1-bedroom suites at Aqualina at Bayside, however there are some larger options for those in need of a little more space. Prospective residents hoping to start a family or host out-of-towners regularly may want to opt for the 2-bedroom plus den units in the building.

As for finishes and features, the suites are no less elegant than the lobby and common spaces. And those who want the most luxurious home possible can check out the Signature Collection Suites and the penthouses, which are located in the portion of the building that’s closest to the lake.

The Waterfront feels like a world of its own: although skyscrapers can be seen by those looking north, sitting on a south-facing bench in Sherbourne Common for long enough can convince someone they’re not in Toronto anymore.

Residents of Aqualina at Bayside can spend their spare time exploring everything the Toronto waterfront has to offer, such as the Harbourfront Centre, the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, and Sugar Beach. Another great way to spend the day is to explore iconic neighbourhoods like the Distillery District and St. Lawrence.

Thanks to its central locale, 15 Merchants Wharf is a great place to call home. Residents who drive can hop onto the Gardiner Expressway in no time in order to traverse the southern edge of the city, or to transfer onto the 427 or the Don Valley Parkway.

Those who prefer to leave the car at home, on the other hand, can use the Bay Street bus to reach Union Station. Once here, passengers can hop onto northbound trains heading up the Yonge or University-Spadina subway lines in order to reach neighbourhoods to the north of the downtown core.