After a week of lounging on the beach, snapping endless photos of my kids building sandcastles, I stared at the same old view. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good beach day, but I craved something to get our hearts racing.
We needed to level up our summer getaway, and I knew just the ticket: waterslides!
So, I embarked on a waterslide rabbit hole, exploring every twist and turn Vancouver offers this summer.
Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on the best spots I discovered—read on to find your next adrenaline-filled adventure!
1. English Bay Beach Waterslide
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Website: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/english-bay-beach.aspx/
Address: Beach Ave, Vancouver, BC V6C 3C1
Contact details: +16048737000
Operating hours: 6 AM–10 PM
English Bay Beach is a lively and iconic destination with stunning views. You’ve got to check out the waterslide there – it’s part of a seasonal waterpark setup, and it’s a blast! You can slide down right into the refreshing saltwater of the bay.
They’ve got public restrooms, changing facilities, and even lifeguard services provided by the English Bay Bath House. Plus, there’s a concession stand run by Cactus Club that offers some delicious beachside snacks and meals.
One of my best parts was renting a kayak to paddle around the bay. The calm waters make it perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers. And after that, you can treat your kids to artisanal ice cream from one of the food trucks.
Pro tip:
Arrive early to secure a good spot on the sand, especially during weekends or holidays. The beach fills up quickly with sun-seekers, so getting there before noon will give you plenty of options for lounging and enjoying the day.
2. Granville Island Water Park
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Website: https://falsecreekcc.ca/waterpark/
Address: 1318 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R8
Contact details: +16046666655
Operating hours: 10 AM–6 PM
The Granville Island Water Park is the largest free water and spray park in North America, and let me tell you, it’s the perfect spot for kids to have a blast and cool off during the summer. Who doesn’t love interactive water attractions, right?
They’ve got sprays, fountains, and this huge dumping bucket delights kids of all ages. There are shaded seating areas and picnic tables where families can relax and enjoy snacks or packed lunches.
Plus, they’ve got changing rooms and washrooms right there on-site. The park is set up to be safe for little ones, with dedicated areas for younger kids while still offering more adventurous options for the older ones.
Pro tip:
The location is so central on Granville Island that you can easily switch from water fun to exploring nearby attractions like the Public Market or the Kids Market. It’s like a whole day of fun in one place!
3. Big Splash Water Slide Park
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Website: https://www.bigsplashwaterpark.ca/
Address: 4775 Nu Lelum Wy, Tsawwassen, BC V4M 4G4
Contact details: +17784344840
The Big Splash Water Slide Park is a vibrant and fun water park for all ages! It has over a dozen slides, including body and tube slides, that cater to different thrill levels.
The Boomerango and Solar Splash are insane—those drops and twists are exhilarating! For the little ones, this Kids Splash Zone and junior slides provide a safe and entertaining environment.
The park is spacious, which is great because it means plenty of room to soak up the sun and splash around in the pools. There are family hot tubs and even a newly introduced adults-only hot tub—the perfect spot to unwind after a day of excitement.
The food options are great. Three eateries on-site serve summer favorites, and they even have a fully licensed sports bar for drinks.
Pro tip:
Arrive early and purchase tickets online. This will save you time and allow you to beat the crowds when the park opens.
4. Cultus Lake Waterpark
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Website: http://www.cultus.com/
Address: 4150 Columbia Valley Hwy, Cultus Lake, BC V2R 5H6
Contact details: +16048587241
The Cultus Lake Waterpark is one of the best waterparks I’ve been to. It’s been around since 1984 and has over 25 slides and attractions for all ages.
One of the craziest rides there is the Colossal Canyon, which has the largest waterslide in Western Canada! It can fit up to five people, and let me tell you, it’s a heart-pounding experience.
But it’s not just about the adrenaline rush – there are five hot tubs for chilling out, a Family Spray Park with interactive water features, and VIP cabanas for rent. The Adventure River is perfect for a more laid-back vibe.
The whole vibe at Cultus Lake Waterpark is so lively and family-friendly. It’s perfect for families and groups of friends. There are areas for chilling out and areas for non-stop fun.
Pro tip:
The park can get busy during peak hours, so getting there right when it opens allows you to enjoy popular rides like the Colossal Canyon with shorter wait times before crowds build up.
5. Bridal Falls Waterpark
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Website: http://www.bridalfallswaterpark.com/
Address: 53790 Popkum Rd S, Rosedale, BC V0X 1X1
Contact details: +16047947455
Bridal Falls Waterpark is a great spot for families in the Fraser Valley. We had a blast on those thrilling waterslides like the Night Fighter, Kamikaze, and The Black Hole.
The River Rapids tube slide was perfect for some relaxation mixed with excitement. And can you believe they have heated water on all the slides and a giant hot tub heated to 102°F? It was so comfy!
The park is also super accessible, with no stairs to worry about, which makes it great for families with young kids or anyone with mobility concerns. The amenities were top-notch.
We could rent life jackets and lockers for our stuff, and there were plenty of shaded areas with picnic tables for our snacks. Plus, the kiddie play area kept the little ones entertained for hours!
Pro tip:
Consider arriving early when the park opens at 11 AM to make the most of your visit. This way, you can secure a prime spot near your favorite attractions and enjoy shorter wait times on popular slides before the crowds arrive!
6. Harrison Lake Inflatable Waterpark
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Website: http://www.harrisonwatersports.com/
Address: 100 Esplanade Ave, Harrison Hot Springs, BC V0M 1K0
Contact details: +18554464974
Harrison Lake Inflatable Waterpark has everything from slides and swings to trampolines and climbing. It’s perfect for anyone 10 and up, and they operate on a 2-hour pass so that you can make the most of your time there.
The BLOB is a must-try – it launches you high into the air before you splash into the lake. The admission is around $39.99, but trust me, it’s worth it for all the fun you’ll have.
They also offer wetsuits, grip sock rentals for added comfort in the chilly waters, and life jackets for safety. One of my best parts was bouncing on the giant inflatable teeter-totter and watching friends launch into the water from the BLOB.
The layout is designed for social interaction, with attractions for competitive spirits and those who just want to chill in the water. If you’re into playful challenges like those from “Wipeout,” you’ll love this place.
Pro tip:
Enjoy some time on the main beach before your scheduled slot at the water park; it’s a perfect way to soak up more sun and excitement!
7. The Outdoor Experience at the Aldergrove Community Centre
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Website: https://www.tol.ca/en/parks-recreation/the-outdoor-experience.aspx
Address: 27032 Fraser Hwy, Aldergrove, BC V4W 3P6
Contact details: +16048574299
The Outdoor Experience at the Aldergrove Community Centre is an awesome waterpark with three waterslides and other cool features, such as a wave pool and a lazy river. It opened on Canada Day in 2018 and has become a local favorite spot.
The whole place is huge, covering over 700,000 square feet, and it’s designed with sustainability in mind, which is great to see. They’ve got solar panels and rainwater harvesting, making it eco-friendly.
Aside from the waterpark, there’s much more to do at the center. They’ve got a fitness center, an ice arena, and an indoor walking track. When I was there, I loved chilling in the lazy river after zooming down the slides.
Pro tip:
Arrive early to secure a spot near the wave pool or lazy river. This area tends to fill quickly during peak hours, especially on weekends.
8. Watermania
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Website: https://www.richmond.ca/parks-recreation/centres/watermania.htm
Address: 14300 Entertainment Blvd, Richmond, BC V6W 1K3
Contact details: +16044485353
Operating hours: 6 AM–10 PM
Watermania has a massive 57-meter competition pool and a wave pool with interactive features like a giant seahorse that pours water into a tipping bucket. And let’s not forget about the two thrilling waterslides and diving boards—perfect for thrill-seekers like me!
But it’s not just about the excitement—they’ve got two large whirlpools, a steam room, and a sauna for relaxation. And get this—they even have a 3,000-square-foot Fitness Centre with modern workout machines. So, there’s something for everyone.
It was such a welcoming environment for all ages. I loved chilling in the whirlpools while watching my kids blast in the play areas. I recommend it, especially for families with kids seven and older.
Pro tip:
The café on-site was a lifesaver! It made grabbing snacks and drinks easy without leaving all the fun behind.
9. Edmonds Community Centre
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Website: http://www.burnaby.ca/edmonds
Address: 7433 Edmonds St, Burnaby, BC V3N 1B1
Contact details: +16042974838
Operating hours: 7 AM–9 PM
Edmonds Community Centre is a fantastic spot for both recreation and community engagement. The standout feature for me was the Fred Randall Pool. It has this huge leisure pool and an awesome waterslide that spirals into a shallow area.
The pool area is massive, covering about 95,000 square feet, and it’s designed with sustainability in mind, aiming for LEED Silver certification.
Apart from the cool aquatic stuff, there are two gymnasiums, a fitness center, and a dedicated youth lounge. It’s a perfect spot for families and individuals alike. I enjoyed hanging out in the leisure pool area – the atmosphere is lively and relaxed.
The slides are a blast, and there’s plenty of space to chill on deck chairs after a swim. Plus, they offer classes and programs, from yoga to summer camps, so there’s something for everyone.
Pro tip:
You can also bring your grandparents. They’ve even got dedicated lounges for seniors, making it a truly inclusive environment.