Beat the heat with a dip in an outdoor pool. There are lots of great options in the Vancouver area ranging from cute neighbourhood pools to huge salt-water pools. Add one of these Vancouver-area outdoor pools to your summer to-do list.

Outdoor Pool Tips

• Book online in advance. Drop-in swimming isn’t available this year.
• Most change rooms and showers are not open so plan to arrive and leave in your swimwear.
• Lockers and cubbies are not available at some pools so leave valuables in your car or at home.
• Outdoor pools are open seasonally from mid-June to early September and may close in bad weather. Check opening hours and dates before you go.

Second Beach Pool, Vancouver

The huge heated outdoor pool at Stanley Park’s Second Beach is a great spot for families since it has a sloped entry and two slides. Lap-swimmers can enjoy a 50-metre-long separated area.

Kitsilano Pool, Vancouver

At 137 metres long, Kits Pool is the longest outdoor swimming pool in North America. It’s also Vancouver’s only salt-water pool and has great views since it’s located right on the beach.

Hillcrest Aquatic Centre, Vancouver

A legacy from the 2010 Olympics, Hillcrest Aquatic Centre next to Queen Elizabeth Park has both indoor and outdoor pools. The outdoor pool has lots of fun water sprayers and bubble jets.

New Brighton Pool, Vancouver

Located along Burrard Inlet in East Vancouver’s New Brighton Park, this 55-metre-long heated outdoor pool has a sloped, beach-style entry that’s great for kids. There’s a 25-metre-long lane-swimming area too.

Maple Grove Pool, Vancouver

This shallow pool in Vancouver’s Kerrisdale neighbourhood is great for kids. Maple Grove pool is only 3.5 feet deep and boasts a mini-island and a basketball hoop.

Steveston Outdoor Pool, Richmond

The small Steveston Outdoor Pool has a three-metre-long slide and a separate shallow pool for toddlers. It’s a short walk from the bustling shops of Steveston village.

South Arm Outdoor Pool, Richmond

Richmond’s South Arm Outdoor Pool has a free-form lagoon shape and two fun waterslides. With a gradual entry and lots of shallow water, it’s a great pool for play.

Central Park Outdoor Pool, Burnaby

Located in Burnaby’s Central Park, this 50-metre outdoor pool has depths ranging from three to 12 feet. There’s a one-metre diving board too.

Kensington Outdoor Pool, Burnaby

North Burnaby’s Kensington Outdoor Pool has a reputation for warm and shallow water, which makes it great for days that aren’t scorching hot.

McPherson Outdoor Pool, Burnaby

The small McPherson Outdoor Pool is located in South Burnaby. With six lanes for lap swimming, a diving board, and a partially separated shallow end, there’s something for everyone.

Robert Burnaby Outdoor Pool, Burnaby

Robert Burnaby Outdoor Pool is a bit of a hidden gem. This small neighbourhood pool has a few lanes for lap swimming and a diving board. Nearby trees provide lots of shade on hot days.

Moody Park Outdoor Pool, New Westminster

Opened in 2009, Moody Park Outdoor Pool has a slide, a gradual entry wading pool, and even a climbing wall.

Ladner Outdoor Pool, Delta

The community-oriented Ladner Outdoor Pool is great for lane-swimmers and has a diving area. In 2021, this pool is open to Delta residents only.

North Delta Outdoor Pool, Delta

The North Delta Outdoor Pool has five lanes for swimming and a separate diving area. It is open to Delta residents only in 2021.

Bear Creek Outdoor Pool, Surrey

Located in Surrey’s Bear Creek Park, this outdoor pool is popular with kids thanks to its warm water. In 2021 it will also be open for lap-swimming at designated times.

Greenaway Outdoor Pool, Surrey

The small Greenaway Outdoor Pool near Fraser Downs Racetrack in Cloverdale is popular with local families.

Sunnyside Outdoor Pool, Surrey

South Surrey’s Sunnyside Outdoor Pool is a small neighbourhood pool located in a popular park.

Hjorth Road Outdoor Pool, Surrey

Located in the Guildford neighbourhood of Surrey, Hjorth Road Outdoor Pool has lots of grass, so it’s a popular spot for a picnic/swim combo. This year it will also offer lap-swimming at designated times.

Holly Outdoor Pool, Surrey

Guildford’s Holly Park is home to the small Holly Outdoor Pool. It’s a great spot to cool off on a hot day.

Kwantlen Outdoor Pool, Surrey

Take a dip in Kwantlen Outdoor Pool in Surrey’s Whalley neighbourhood. The pool has a fabulous paint job that makes the water look Caribbean blue.

Port Kells Outdoor Pool, Surrey

The Port Kells Outdoor Pool is a small neighbourhood pool in sprawling Port Kells Park. Part of the pool is shaded by nearby trees, which is great for hot days.

Unwin Outdoor Pool, Surrey

The small Unwin Outdoor Pool is located in Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood.

Westhill Outdoor Pool, Port Moody

Port Moody’s Westhill Outdoor Pool is located on the side of Burnaby Mountain, surrounded by trees. It has a separate tot pool too.

Rocky Point Outdoor Pool, Port Moody

Located in Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park, this pool is popular with families.

Eagle Ridge Outdoor Pool, Coquitlam

The Eagle Ridge Outdoor Pool has lots of lanes for swimming plus a separate diving area.

Spani Outdoor Pool, Coquitlam

Located in Coquitlam’s Mundy Park, Spani Outdoor Pool is 25 metres long and has two diving boards.

Centennial Outdoor Pool, Port Coquitlam

The six-lane Centennial Outdoor Pool in Port Coquitlam also has a 1-metre diving board. Recent renovations make it a popular spot with locals.

By TARYN EYTON
Source Inside Vancouver