The neighbourhood offers walking distance access to Sherbourne Common, the Water’s Edge Promenade, the Distillery District, and St. Lawrence Market.

Introduction: Aqualuna Condos on Toronto’s Waterfront

Aqualuna sits at 155 Merchants Wharf like a sculptural bookend to Toronto’s waterfront transformation. This is the fourth and final condominium in the Bayside development, following Aqualina (2018), Aquavista (2019), and Aquabella (2021).

The project targets buyers who want large, luxury waterfront suites rather than compact downtown units. With occupancy expected in early 2025, this represents a final opportunity to enter a master-planned community that took nearly a decade to complete.

The Vibe: A Permanent Vacation on the Lake

Aqualuna aims to create something rare in Toronto: a condo that feels like a permanent vacation on Lake Ontario.

The design process prioritized resort-like ambiance through:

• Wide terraces stepping toward the water

• An outdoor pool and sun deck with direct lake views

• Lounge spaces that blend indoor-outdoor living

• Floor plans oriented to capture sunrise and city skyline panoramas

Think Miami’s waterfront glamour filtered through Copenhagen’s Scandinavian restraint—then dropped into Toronto’s urban energy. Cafes and restaurants sit at your doorstep along the promenade, yet the atmosphere remains calmer than the enclosed density of the downtown core.

This vibe differentiates Aqualuna in a market where most buildings prioritize vertical efficiency over lifestyle.

The Suite Experience at Aqualuna

Suites were deliberately designed to counter the “closed-in” feeling common in downtown condos.

Most units feature floor-to-ceiling windows and high ceilings ranging from 8.5 to 9.5+ feet. The irregular, sculpted floorplates allow cross-breezes and maximize sunlight penetration. Residence sizes range from approximately 800 to over 4,600 square feet, with many layouts exceeding 1,600 square feet interior plus substantial balconies—some reaching 740 square feet of private outdoor space.

Principal rooms orient toward the lake to capture panoramic water views. The average price per square foot sits at approximately $1,564, with monthly maintenance fees around $0.58 per square foot.

Interior finishes include premium appliance packages, spa-inspired bathrooms, and modern kitchens consistent with Tridel’s luxury positioning.

The Architecture: 3XN’s Sculpted Peaks

Copenhagen-based 3XN served as design architect, with Kirkor Architects and Planners as architect of record and II BY IV DESIGN handling interiors.

The architectural design features a valley shape with two peaks to maximize waterfront views for residents. Sweeping terraces and balconies create an angled grid that allows suites to peer past neighbouring structures, respecting the broader Bayside skyline while preserving unobstructed sightlines.

The building’s design includes distinctive cubes made of glass and steel with angled windows and balconies. Bronze-hued facades with rippling copper railings give the structure a wave-inspired character. Aqualuna is characterized by its unique architectural style that resembles a sculpture rather than a typical condo, setting it apart from other buildings in the area.

This depth of innovation anchors the eastern edge of Bayside, serving as a visual extension of the community’s design philosophy.

The Neighbourhood: East Bayfront and Bayside Toronto

The east bayfront neighbourhood is characterized as clean, tech-forward, and highly walkable, promoting an active lifestyle.

Aqualuna is located south of Queens Quay East between Sherbourne Common and the lakefront. The development includes approximately 18,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor, activating Merchants Wharf as the community’s main street.

Transit connectivity serves both directions:

• TTC streetcars along Queens Quay East connect to Union Station in minutes

• Walking and cycling paths run along the waterfront to Sugar Beach

• The Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway provide quick access north and west

Aqualuna is located near the Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market, offering premium waterfront living with easy access to urban amenities, shopping, restaurants, and cultural venues. Residents can walk to Aitken Place Park or stroll the Water’s Edge Promenade for direct nature access.

Waterfront properties in Toronto typically hold significantly higher value and appeal to a premium market—a trend driving long-term appreciation expectations in this corner of the city.

Bayside Toronto: The Master-Planned Community

Bayside Toronto represents an 8–10 year waterfront redevelopment led by Hines and Tridel in partnership with Waterfront Toronto.

The community features intimate mews, small streets, public squares, and a continuous waterfront promenade. Beyond residential buildings, Bayside includes T3 Bayside, a pair of office buildings designed to be the tallest mass timber office building in North America, aiming for LEED Gold certification using sustainable wood to store or prevent over 10,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions.

This balance of residential, commercial, and civic spaces creates a complete year-round community rather than isolated towers.

Earlier Bayside Condos: Aqualina, Aquavista, and Aquabella

Understanding Aqualuna requires context on its predecessors:

Building	Year	Key Features
Aqualina	2018	Glass-and-steel design; became the first high-rise residential building in Toronto to earn LEED Platinum certification in 2020, featuring a rooftop photovoltaic array that captures solar energy
Aquavista	2019	Stepped terraces; includes 80 Artscape Bayside Lofts for artists and families
Aquabella	2021	L-shaped massing; pursuing LEED Platinum by reducing potable water consumption by over 50% and using storm water cisterns to capture rainwater for irrigation
Aqualuna carries forward this focus on waterfront views, architecture, and sustainability while shifting emphatically into luxury, large-scale suites.

Amenities and Lifestyle at Aqualuna

The building provides high-end amenities, including a rooftop pool, fitness studios, and a party room with a catering kitchen. Large windows along common areas maintain visual connection to the lake year-round.

Aqualuna’s design includes sweeping terraces and balconies that enhance water views, contributing to a serene living environment that connects residents with nature. Higher floors capture panoramic views across Toronto and Lake Ontario.

Security and services include concierge, controlled access, and professional property management under Tridel’s expertise.

Developer, Sustainability, and Design Philosophy

Tridel and Hines bring proven waterfront experience to this project. Hines leads in LEED and ENERGY STAR programs globally, while Tridel’s construction quality spans decades in Canada.

3XN’s people-centric architecture prioritizes natural light, livable floor plans, and outdoor space. The building enhances the urban environment while maintaining efficient systems and attention to envelope performance.

Given past Bayside achievements, buyers can expect strong sustainability credentials.

Is Aqualuna Right for You?

Ideal buyer profiles include:

• Luxury seekers wanting large suites with water views

• Downsizers from detached homes wanting similar space

• Professionals who work downtown but crave calmer settings

• Buyers valuing iconic architecture over conventional towers

Trade-offs exist: higher prices per square foot and maintenance fees versus resort-style amenities and long-term neighbourhood growth potential.

Aqualuna suits those who see their condo as a primary lifestyle choice centred on the water—not just a unit to rent or flip.

FAQ

Where exactly are Aqualuna Condos located?

Aqualuna sits at 155 Merchants’ Wharf on the south side of Queens Quay East in Toronto’s East Bayfront neighbourhood. The building occupies the eastern edge of Bayside Toronto, between Sherbourne Common and Lake Ontario.

How is Aqualuna different from other downtown Toronto condos?

The building features unique wave-inspired architecture and approximately 225 upscale residences with large terraces and high-end interiors. Living at Aqualuna offers a lifestyle that feels more like a luxury resort experience rather than a typical high-rise condo, with suite sizes often 50–100% larger than downtown averages.

What public transit options serve Aqualuna Condos?

TTC streetcars along Queens Quay East connect to Union Station within minutes. Pedestrian and cycling paths extend along the waterfront, and road access to the Gardiner Expressway sits approximately 300 meters away via Parliament Street.

Are there parks and public spaces near Aqualuna?

Sherbourne Common, Aitken Place Park, and the Water’s Edge Promenade sit steps from the building. These spaces offer green areas, public art, and direct lakefront access central to Bayside’s community design.

Is Aqualuna expected to follow the same sustainability standards as earlier Bayside buildings?

Given Aqualina’s LEED Platinum achievement and Aquabella’s pursuit of the same certification, Aqualuna aligns with Bayside’s broader environmental targets through efficient building systems and integration with existing district infrastructure.