5 Of Canada’s Best Outdoor Pools
Photo, Courtesy of Vancouver Park Board
It’s sticky and hot out. There’s only one solution: head straight for the nearest body of water. If you’re near one of these five spectacular pools, count yourself extra lucky.
For amenities that’ll entertain the whole family
The Parc Jean-Drapeau Aquatic Complex is known as a training site for competitive swimmers and divers, but it’s also a perfect spot to cool down on a sultry summer weekend. The complex’s extra-large recreational pool includes a floating obstacle course for kids, water polo clinics and lots of room to swim and chill out. At certain hours, the diving pool is open to the general public too.
Where: Montreal, parcjeandrapeau.com
How much:$8/adult or $17/family of four (two adults and two kids)
For thrill-seekers
Calypso Park is Canada’s biggest and arguably best water park. It’s only a 15-minute drive outside Ottawa and promises 16 attractions, from the classic half-pipe to Canada’s largest wave pool to more daring slides at Summit Tower—at 90 feet high, it’s the tallest waterslide structure in the country.
Where: Limoges, Ont., calypsopark.com
How much: $40–$50 for adults, free for kids under 3'2"
For people-watching and a cocktail
Cabana Pool Bar, an adults-only party spot, has breathtaking views of the Toronto skyline. It also strives to bring a little bit of heat to the Great White North, with high-profile DJs, an extensive menu of cocktails and snacks, and Vegas-style booths and cabanas (with white sofas, privacy curtains and bottle service). The pool’s sparkling waters fight for attention with the 100-foot poolside bar and complimentary weekend beauty lounge in the women’s washroom.
Where: Toronto, cabanapoolbar.com
How much: $40/person, includes cover and pool access
For salt water without crashing waves
Kitsilano Pool, North America’s longest saltwater pool, stretches out alongside the shore of English Bay, with an unbeatable sunset view. Bonus: You get all the benefits of a saltwater swim without getting sand in your swimsuit.
Where: Vancouver, vancouver.ca
How much: $6/adult, $3/person for families (at least one adult and one kid)
For spring-fed waters without the crowds
While the Banff Upper Hot Springs may be more popular, Kootenay National Park’s Radium Hot Springs are more affordable. Take a plunge in the swimming pool’s clear mineral waters, all of it nestled in the mountains.
Where: Radium Hot Springs, B.C., hotsprings.ca
How much: $7/adult or $20/family of four (two adults and two kids)
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