by Jibril Yassin
Whether there’s an arctic chill in the air or a hazy sun in the sky bringing high temperatures, you’ll always need to find a place where you can practice your backstroke. If you’ve really been craving a dip in the waters, we’ve got you covered; here are five swimming pools in Edmonton worth a visit. [Image credit: iStock.com/Imgorthand]
Queen Elizabeth Pool
The name “Queen Elizabeth” once belonged to one of the oldest pools in Western Canada, let alone Edmonton, before given a fresh remodel and relocation a few blocks away. If you’re looking for an all day swimming expedition, look no further. Besides the beautiful river valley, the Queen Elizabeth outdoor pool is surrounded by Kinsmen Park and Walterdale Park, plus the John Walter Museum. The pool boasts zero depth entry and six lanes alongside a large sun deck with great sightlines. A bonus of note is the Kinsmen Spray Park, a massive area of fountains sure to keep the kids busy.
Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre
Geared towards families looking to get their recreation fix under one roof, the Terwillegar Rec Centre is a popular spot for Edmontonians living in the south end. The centre’s pool area is a major part of the appeal, a state-of-the-art facility with wide-open, bright spaces. If the wave pool tires you out, you can join the kids in the lazy river or take a trip down the large red waterslide.
Oliver Outdoor Pool
A stone’s throw from the heart of downtown, Oliver is the perfect outdoor cooling spot for the urban dweller. With amenities like a water slide, sundeck and surrounding playground, Oliver speaks to both trendy young swimmers and families looking for a chance to soak in some rays. And it’s not just families – dogs can get in on the action too!
Clareview Community Recreation Centre
One of Edmonton's newest community hubs, the Recreation Centre is home to outdoor fields, a community library and a multi-purpose sports facility. It’s a gem in the frozen north, especially when you consider the pool itself is enormous; it features eight lanes and is comprised of multiple areas including a wave pool, a hot tub and a waterslide.
Mill Creek Outdoor Pool
This pool gets crowded on summer nights for a reason – being so close to Old Strathcona makes this outdoor pool one of Edmonton’s most popular destinations. It’s a scenic sight; nestled away in Mill Creek ravine and surrounded by grassy lounging areas and plenty of picnic tables for those wanting to enjoy a cookout. The pool is often open all day, so kids have plenty of time to work on their backstroke or engage in vicious noodle battles!
All in all, there are plenty of options in the city for water fun whether you’re in winter’s dark days or trying to escape the summer heat. Swim responsibly!
