Check for groupon discounts!
I was in Toronto for two months over the summer and wanted to join a gym short-term. Lo and behold, 99 Sudbury had a deal: $22 for two months' membership!
The gym feels "industrial" and has no AC (but has large fans). It definitely feels like it was a large warehouse turned into a gym... But, well, it was. Makes me feel grungy? It's cool.
The staff are friendly, chat me up on entry, and even share tips on how to work out and certain "better" exercises to try. Very helpful!
For $11/month, it felt worth it.