Archie MontroseRemember that catchy tune from Phineas and Ferb, “There’s 104 days of summer vacation, and school comes along just to end it!”
Well, I’ve always felt that same excitement and dread every year. But this summer, I decided to make the most of those 104 days by diving headfirst into Vancouver’s coolest pool adventures.
So, grab your swimsuit and sunscreen because I’m about to share my top picks for the best outdoor pools in Vancouver. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on these aquatic adventures!
1. Kitsilano Pool
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Website: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/kitsilano-pool.aspx
Address: 2305 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 1B6, Canada
Contact details: +16047310011
Kitsilano Pool is the longest saltwater pool in North America, stretching a crazy 137 meters! The salt content makes the water feel almost weightless and heated so you can swim comfortably even on cooler days.
They have two water slides and a gradual entry area perfect for little kids and older folks. Plus, it’s totally wheelchair accessible, which is awesome. If you’re hungry or thirsty after your swim, there are cafés and concession stands nearby.
You’ve got your serious swimmers doing their thing, families having a blast in the shallow end, and an all-around friendly vibe. The pool is open from mid-May to late September, and you can snag your tickets online or at the entrance.
Pro tip:
If you visit with family, consider bringing beach toys or inflatable floaties. The gradual entry into the pool mimics a beach experience, allowing little ones to play safely in shallow water before venturing deeper.
2. Second Beach Pool
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Website: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/second-beach-pool-hours-location.aspx
Address: Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6C 2T1, Canada
Contact details: +16042578371
The Second Beach Pool is 80 meters long and heated, with a 50-meter section for serious swimmers. And get this—it used to be filled with ocean salt water, but now it’s fresh water, making it perfect for hot summer days.
The best part is that it’s super family-friendly, with a gentle slope for easy entry. Plus, they’ve covered all the amenities—washrooms, a concession stand, and even free Wi-Fi.
They’re open from late May to early September, and the admission fees are reasonable. Adults pay around $7.41, and kids aged 5-12 get in for just $3.71.
The surrounding scenery of Stanley Park is just gorgeous—trees, ocean views, the whole deal. It’s the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature. If you’re planning to go, book your time slot online.
Pro tip:
After swimming, take a stroll along the nearby seawall. This is not just any walk—this path offers breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains unique to Vancouver. You might even spot some local wildlife along the way!
3. New Brighton Pool
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Website: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/new-brighton-pool.aspx
Address: 3201 New Brighton Rd, Vancouver, BC V5K 0A1, Canada
Contact details: +16042980222
Operating hours: 7–8 PM
New Brighton Pool is heated and a whopping 55 meters long, with a 25-meter area for serious swimmers. Its cool feature is a beach-style entry, so it’s perfect for families with young kids.
You can do some serious laps or just chill and splash around – it’s great for everyone. And get this – they’ve got a leisure pool with a fun slide for the kids! Plus, they’re totally on it with accessibility, with wheelchair access, aquatic wheelchairs, and ramps.
The pool is open from May 18 to September 2, so it’s perfect for a summer visit. There are morning-length and afternoon public swims, so there are plenty of chances to dip.
The whole vibe at New Brighton Pool is just so welcoming and lively. The park around it is perfect for picnics and hanging out. It has that community feel, where everyone’s having a great time.
Pro tip:
Make sure to visit Splash Park, specifically designed for younger kids under 12 and a perfect complement to your pool day. This area allows little ones to enjoy water play in a safe environment while parents relax nearby.
4. Maple Grove Pool
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Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/maple-grove-pool.aspx
Address: 6875 Yew St, Vancouver, BC V6P 5W2, Canada
Contact details: +16042669512
Maple Grove Pool is perfect for families because it’s not too deep—only about 3.5 feet. This makes it great for young kids and anyone who wants a more relaxed swimming experience.
The pool area is nice, with beautiful landscaping and even a mini island that adds a fun touch to the whole place. And get this – there’s a water basketball hoop for extra fun and games!
The pool is wheelchair accessible, which is awesome because everyone should be able to enjoy the water, right? And families can even get discounted admission through the Leisure Access Program.
Safety is a big deal at Maple Grove Pool, especially for the little ones. Kids aged seven and under have to be with a responsible guardian within arm’s reach while in the water.
Pro tip:
If you’re into cycling, they have bike racks available. However, remember to bring your lock because bikes aren’t allowed inside the fenced pool area.
5. Hillcrest Aquatic Centre
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Website: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/hillcrest-aquatic-centre.aspx
Address: 4575 Clancy Loranger Way, Vancouver, BC V5Y 4B6, Canada
Contact details: +16042578680
Operating hours: 6 AM–9 PM
Hillcrest Aquatic Centre, nestled near the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park, has indoor and outdoor pools, making it the largest aquatic center in the city. It’s a proud legacy of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
The outdoor pool is a whopping 50 meters long, and there’s even a 25-meter leisure pool with water toys, sprays, and a lazy river. If you’re feeling adventurous, they’ve got diving boards at heights of 1, 3, and 5 meters and a thrilling water slide. How cool is that?
And it’s not just about the pools—they’ve got saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs for post-swim relaxation. Plus, they’re all about accessibility, providing aquatic lifts and wheelchairs to ensure everyone can enjoy the water without barriers.
The place has a super family-friendly vibe, and the outdoor pool is open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Pro tip:
Bring your lock to secure personal items in lockers; while coin-operated lockers are available, having your lock will save time and hassle.
6. Bear Creek Pool
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Website: https://www.tidesout.com/
Address: 13820 88 Ave, Surrey, BC V3W 3L1, Canada
Contact details: +16045015154
Operating hours: 3–7:30 PM
Bear Creek Pool has a big area for serious swimmers and a kiddie pool for the little ones. It’s perfect for a family day out or exercising in the water.
And on a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than taking a dip in those beautiful blue waters surrounded by the park’s natural beauty. And don’t worry about safety – they’ve got lifeguards on duty and even offer swim lessons for the kids.
Even better, the pool is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and admission is free! Plus, there are picnic spots, playgrounds, and walking trails, so there’s something for everyone.
The vibe there is just so chill and family-friendly. You can picture families relaxing on picnic blankets while the kids blast in the water or on the playground nearby. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the nearby Bear Creek Park’s beautiful walking trails—perfect for a stroll after your swim. The trails offer scenic views that make for great family photos and memories!
7. Central Park Pool
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Website: https://www.burnaby.ca/recreation-and-arts/recreation-facilities/central-park-outdoor-pool
Address: 6110 Boundary Rd, Burnaby, BC V5S 3R2, Canada
Contact details: +16042947748
Central Park Pool offers a refreshing escape right in the city’s heart. The impressive pool features a 50-meter outdoor swimming pool perfect for serious swimmers and families looking to cool off.
What’s cool is that the pool is well-maintained and usually has designated lanes for lap swimming and recreational swimming areas, making it versatile for different visitors.
The facility includes changing rooms, showers, and lockers for your convenience. Plus, there’s always a lifeguard on duty to ensure safety while you swim.
The surrounding park area adds to the charm, offering picnic spots and walking trails to enjoy a stroll after your swim.
Pro tip:
You can also visit the Central Park Pitch & Putt, which offers a fun mini-golf experience with beautiful park views. It’s a great way to round out your day after enjoying some time at the pool!
8. Steveston Outdoor Pool
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Address: 4151 Moncton St, Richmond, BC V7E 3A8, Canada
Contact details: +16042388030
The Steveston Outdoor Pool has a 25-meter, 6-lane heated pool. It also has a 3-meter slide for thrill-seekers and a shallow tot pool for the little ones to splash around in.
The best part is the atmosphere – it’s so inviting and family-friendly. They’ve got bleacher seating so parents can relax while keeping an eye on the kids. This place is open from mid-June to early September, so it’s the perfect summer retreat.
And that’s not all – they’ve got free parking, making it super convenient for families. The park around the pool has a waterplay area with water spouts and playground activities from Victoria Day until after Labour Day, so there’s even more fun to be had.
The pool is part of a larger recreational area with tennis courts, basketball courts, and baseball diamonds, so there’s always something going on. The staff also organizes swimming lessons and community events, which adds to the whole experience.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on the historic Interurban Tram within the park. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Steveston’s past and is perfect for a quick educational stop before or after your swim!
9. Centennial Outdoor Pool
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Website: https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/recreation/swimming/outdoor-pools/
Address: 3050 Chester St, Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 7H3, Canada
Contact details: +16049277529
The Centennial Outdoor Pool has a 25-meter heated pool with six lanes, a diving board, and a water slide for extra fun. There’s a heated wading pool with zero-depth entry for little ones, so it’s super safe for them to splash around.
They have accessible change rooms, toilets, and outdoor showers. From June 5 to August 28, they offer private rentals and swim lessons.
The prices are pretty reasonable, too—$7 for residents and $15 for non-residents, and kids under two swim for free. They also have family pass options, which is awesome for regular visitors.
The vibe at Centennial Outdoor Pool is so lively and welcoming, especially for families. It’s filled with laughter and splashes, making it a perfect place for kids to play while parents relax nearby.
Pro tip:
After your swim, consider taking a short walk to Centennial Park, where you can enjoy beautiful walking trails and playgrounds, making it a fantastic way to round off your day at the pool.
10. Moody Park Pool
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Website: https://www.newwestcity.ca/outdoor-pools
Address: 701 10th St, New Westminster, BC V3M 3Z8, Canada
Contact details: +16047775100
Moody Park Pool is pretty cool. It has a 25-meter lane swim area, a deep tank, and a fun slide. The water is heated to a comfy 27 degrees Celsius, perfect for a dip.
They recently spruced up the place with fresh paint and added these large tents to the deck for shade. Their swim sessions last 1.5 hours, so there’s plenty of time for leisure swimming, lane swimming, and even Aquafit classes.
There are change rooms and lockers, so you can stash your stuff safely while you enjoy your swim. Oh, and the admission is super family-friendly. Kids aged 0-3 get in free, and it’s just $2 for kids aged four and up. Not bad, right?
If you’re into Aquafit classes, the fees are pretty reasonable – $4.75 for teens and $6.85 for adults. But book ahead because there are limited drop-in spots. New Westminster residents can book three days in advance, while others can book two days ahead.
The vibe at Moody Park Pool is awesome—it’s lively and welcoming, making it a perfect spot for families and friends to hang out. The park around the pool is beautiful, with greenery and picnic areas that make you want to stay longer.
Pro tip:
After swimming, take a short stroll to Moody Park Spray Park. This unique feature offers fun water play equipment perfect for younger children. It’s a great way to extend your fun day in the sun!
