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Beat the Summer Heat at the10 Best Swimming Pools in Edmonton!
In a perfect universe, summer is the time we can get away from all our responsibilities and fly to a tropical island. But no, that’s not always the case. It’s too far away, we have work to go to, and it’s expensive!
That doesn’t mean we can’t beat the summer heat because Edmonton is home to public swimming pools we can dip our toes in. Who needs a trip to the beach when, with just a short drive, we can make a splash without bringing sand back into our homes?
So, we compiled a list of the swimming pools in Edmonton that we went to and have continued to enjoy! Grab your swimsuit, it’s time to dive and swim into blissful pools!
Borden Natural Swimming Pool
Media credit: cityofedmonton
Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/
Address: 7615 Borden Park Rd NW
Contact: City of Edmonton 311, Outside Edmonton (780) 442-5311
Operating Hours: Public swim, Monday – Sunday: 10:30 am – 6:30 pm (subject to change)
Admission:
- Adult (18 – 64) Single Admission: $9 – $12.50
- Youth (13 – 17) Single Admission: $7.50 – $10
- Senior (65+) Single Admission: $7.50 – $10
- Child (2 – 12) Single Admission: $6 – $8
For a unique destination, check out Borden Natural Swimming Pool. This is Canada’s first man-made natural swimming pool, a one-of-a-kind experience in Edmonton if you want to stay away from chlorinated waters.
No chemicals are used to clean the water. Instead, they rely on natural processes and use rock filters, which essentially mimic naturally occurring fluids to purify the water.
The pool is surrounded by sand where kids can play and make sandcastles, just like being on a beach. There’s ample lounge space to lie in for some vitamin D!
Pro Tips:
This pool is a City of Edmonton Recreation Facility, so check the guidelines before getting in the water. One is to only use phosphate-free sunscreen.
You can bring your own food, but beverages must be unopened and factory sealed. If you bring an opened can of beverage, you may be asked to dump it out before entering the facility.
The Meadows Community Recreation Centre
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Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/meadows
Address: 2704 17 St NW
Contact: City of Edmonton 311, Outside Edmonton (780) 442-5311
Operating Hours:
Building Hours
- Monday – Friday: 5:30 am – 10:30 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Holidays: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Admission:
- Adult (18 – 64) Single Admission: $9 – $12.50
- Youth (13 – 17) Single Admission: $7.50 – $10
- Senior (65+) Single Admission: $7.50 – $10
- Child (2 – 12) Single Admission: $6 – $8
The Meadows Community Recreation Centre is the ultimate place for sport, recreation, and cultural indoor and outdoor activities. It’s a big space with 234,419 sq ft, making it an ideal hub for the Edmonton community.
This recreation centre has something for everyone. You can swim, soak in the hot tub, or exercise in the gym.
Kids and adults can join in on swimming lessons or just freestyle in the water at the Aquatic Centre, which has a 25m saltwater lane pool, a leisure saltwater pool, a 5m dive platform, a waterslide, and a whirlpool.
The 25 m lane pool has an average temperature of 25°C, while the whirlpool stands at 39°C.
Pro Tips:
The building’s closing time is different from the Aquatic Centre, which closes at 9:00 pm on Sundays and 10:00 pm for the rest of the week.
Do note that the Front Desk closes half an hour before the building, so head earlier if you need to inquire about the programs.
Millennium Place
Media credit: dedeumlah
Website: https://www.strathcona.ca/recreation-events/recreation-centres/
Address: 2000 Premier Way, Sherwood Park
Contact: (780) 416-3300
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 5:00 am – 10:30 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Admission:
- Adult (24 – 64): $11.50
- Young Adult (18 – 23): $10
- Senior (65+): $10
- Youth (13 – 17): $9
- Child (2 – 12): $6.50
- Tots under 2: Free
Drive over to Sherwood Park and visit Strathcona County’s largest multi-purpose recreation centre. This is an all-in-one destination for families looking for fun and healthy activities to try.
The Aquatic Centre feels like an outdoor water park but indoors, which features a wave pool and a whirlpool. You can swim like an Olympian at the 25m lap pool, let the water carry you along the lazy river, or bring the kids to the water playground.
There are also floaties available and a convenient dryer for all your wet clothes. Don’t forget to get a floater for the lazy river to make it more fun.
Pro Tips:
Remember that kids under eight years old must be supervised by an adult or someone 14 years and older. There’s a 1:3 adult-to-children supervision rate.
Check the website for notifications or updates. On some days, the pool will have modified hours due to specific events.
Kinsmen Leisure Centre
Media credit: n3twalk3r
Website: https://www.strathcona.ca/recreation-events/recreation-centres/
Address: 2001 Oak St, Sherwood Park
Contact: (780) 400-3866
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 6:30 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 6:30 am – 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 6:30 am – 9:00 pm
Admission:
- Adult (24 – 64): $10
- Young Adult (18 – 23): $7.75
- Senior (65+): $7.75
- Youth (13 – 17): $6.75
- Child (2 – 12): $5.50
- Tots under 2: Free
Drive a little to the east of Edmonton to go to Sherwood Park and visit a fully outfitted aquatic centre. The short drive is worth it because this spot is perfect for adults and kids looking for some water fun!
There’s a 25m pool to practice swimming in and 1m and 3m diving boards to practice your jumps. Kids will love the multi-depth children’s pool for different ages, heights, and skill levels.
There’s also a universal change room to accommodate individuals of all genders. You can opt for the specialty change room if you require shower seating and a barrier-free toilet.
Pro Tips:
The specialty change room has private access. You need to ask the staff to open the lobby door to get access.
If you plan on swimming on a holiday, check the website before visiting since they might be closed, unlike other recreation centres that open on those days.
William Lutsky Family YMCA
Media credit: ymcaedmonton
Website: https://ymcanab.ca/locations/william-lutsky-family-ymca
Address: 1975 111 St NW
Contact: (780) 439-9622, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 5:30 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Bi-weekly Membership Prices:
- Adult (25 – 64): $31.25
- Senior (65+): 27
- Young Adult (18 – 24): $25
- Child (2 – 17): $15.50
- Children under 2: Free
- Adult Joining Fee: $25
The William Lutsky Family YMCA is located in South Edmonton, offering various recreation activities for its members. Adults and children are welcome to join swim lessons (swim lessons edmonton), but there are also drop-in classes for those who want to try it out first.
There are two pools: the main pool and the smaller teach pool. If you want to access these, you need to become a member of the Y.
The membership is worth every loonie, though, because there are plenty of activities and programs for all ages, like the Aquatic Fitness classes to keep you exercised!
Pro Tips:
You don’t have to become a member. You can still visit by getting a drop-in pass for $15 for all access.
But if you only want to swim, it’s a lot cheaper at $7 for adults and $6 for youths.
Queen Elizabeth Outdoor Pool
Media credit: amarjeet_sohi
Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/
Address: 9170 Walterdale Hill NW
Contact: City of Edmonton 311, Outside Edmonton (780) 442-5311
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (subject to change)
Admission:
- Adult (18 – 64) Single Admission: $9 – $12.50
- Youth (13 – 17) Single Admission: $7.50 – $10
- Senior (65+) Single Admission: $7.50 – $10
- Child (2 – 12) Single Admission: $6 – $8
If you’re itching for some outdoor swimming but not looking for a beach, the Queen Elizabeth Outdoor Pool is a must-visit. This place is conveniently located as it’s near parks, playgrounds, and trails for the family to visit.
The zero depth entry pool spans 25m with six lanes, including 1m and 3m diving boards to practise in. The water temperature is usually 29°C, not cold but also not too hot for the summer.
There are plenty of sun decks all around the pool, perfect for soaking up the sun. It’s the ultimate summer destination to cool off!
Pro Tip:
Bring your own lock for the locker to protect your belongings.
World Waterpark
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Website: https://www.wem.ca/play/attractions/world-waterpark
Address: West Edmonton Mall – 8882 170 Street Northwest
Contact: (780) 444-5313
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Admission:
- 48″ (122cm) and taller: $64
- Under 48″ (122cm): $54
- Ages 2 and Under: Free
- Seniors (55+): $10 off regular admission
- Guests with disabilities: $10 off regular admission
The massive West Edmonton Mall is home to the world’s largest indoor wave pool, World Waterpark. You’ll need a map when you visit this cool place or you might not see all the slides and activities.
It’s like a tropical paradise, but you’re free from the summer heat. There are 20 waterslides, concession stands, cabanas, lounge areas, and more—there’s even a zipline across the wave pool!
There are plenty of attractions for all ages. There are beginner intermediate, advanced, and extreme levels. The Sky Screamer is for thrill seekers who want to go down the trap door launch system.
One of the newest attractions is the Cyclone, where you’ll glide down the 25m waterslide with a near-vertical 360° loop that can hit the speed of 64 km/h. Children can go to the Dolphin Kiddie Pool for some kid-friendly activities.
Pro Tip:
If you want a cabana, you need to purchase a ticket for it. It’s not included in the admission.
Don’t bring food to the waterpark since it’s not allowed unless you have dietary restrictions. There are concession stands, though.
Fred Broadstock Swimming Pool
Media credit: mrs.nadi.go
Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/
Address: 15720 105 Ave NW
Contact: City of Edmonton 311, Outside Edmonton (780) 442-5311
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (subject to change)
Admission:
- Adult (18 – 64) Single Admission: $9 – $12.50
- Youth (13 – 17) Single Admission: $7.50 – $10
- Senior (65+) Single Admission: $7.50 – $10
- Child (2 – 12) Single Admission: $6 – $8
Take in the sun at Fred Broadstock Swimming Pool in West Edmonton. This spot is a family-friendly destination where kids can play in the teach pool, which has a spray park.
Meanwhile, the adults can leisurely swim at the 25m pool, which has six lanes. You can practise diving at the 1m and 3m boards. If you want to relax, you can lounge by the pool because there are sun decks and picnic tables.
This is also a very accessible swimming pool, with a pool lift and ramps that connect the facilities. There are accessible change rooms and washrooms as well.
Pro Tip:
Bring food and water coolers to save some money. You can bring them to the picnic areas by the pool to keep you and your family energised and hydrated.
Eastglen Leisure Centre
Media credit: montrosecommleague
Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/eastglen
Address: 11410 68 St NW
Contact: City of Edmonton 311, Outside Edmonton (780) 442-5311
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Holidays: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Admission:
- Adult (18 – 64) Single Admission: $9 – $12.50
- Youth (13 – 17) Single Admission: $7.50 – $10
- Senior (65+) Single Admission: $7.50 – $10
- Child (2 – 12) Single Admission: $6 – $8
If you hate chlorine in your eyes, Eastglen Leisure Centre has the perfect swimming pool for you. It has a saltwater pool, so it’s not harsh on your eyes and skin.
The saltwater pool is 25m long and features a gradual depth and a comfortable temperature of 29.5°C. There are slides for the shallow and deep areas and pool toys for everyone to enjoy.
The highlight of this swimming pool is it creates a positive and comfortable environment for women. There are exclusive women’s and girls-only swimming hours.
Pro Tip:
The women and girls-only hours happen 3x a week, so plan your trip accordingly. It’s 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm on Thursdays, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturdays, and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sundays.
O’Leary Fitness and Leisure Centre
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Website: https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/oleary
Address: 8804 132 Ave NW
Contact: City of Edmonton 311, Outside Edmonton (780) 442-5311
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 6:30 am – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 6:30 am – 6:00 pm
Admission:
- Adult (18 – 64) Single Admission: $9 – $12.50
- Youth (13 – 17) Single Admission: $7.50 – $10
- Senior (65+) Single Admission: $7.50 – $10
- Child (2 – 12) Single Admission: $6 – $8
O’Leary Fitness and Leisure Centre is all about fun family water activities. It’s not the biggest place, but it has plenty of amenities and features for kids and adults.
The 6-lane 25m pool features a gradual depth ranging from 1.15m to 1.44m and is maintained at a temperature of 29.5°C. The whirlpool is perfect for muscle relaxation as the water is set at 39°C.
For children, there’s a shallow water pool, water spray features, pool toys, and a waterslide. There’s also a dive tank with a depth of 3.93m to sharpen your diving technique.
Pro Tip:
Keep in mind the Aquatic Centre closes earlier every day except Saturday. So, check the website for the updated hours.