Calgary is home to many great outdoor swimming pools complete with slides, wading pools and more. Grab the sunscreen and get ready to make the most of our short outdoor pool season by swimming in one (or all) of these pools this summer.
For most of these pools, the season runs from June 17 to September 4, 2023, but this may vary. Some pools are also temporarily closed, so be sure to check each pool’s open status, hours and schedule ahead of time. Admission is a flat $5 rate for 90 minutes (and free for children two years old and under).
Bowview Outdoor Pool
Opening date: June 17, 2023
Where to find it: 1910 6 Ave. N.W.
Why we love it: First off, there’s a mushroom waterfall here. Second, there’s not just one but two heated pools at this location. The main swimming pool is for the fitness enthusiasts. There are six lanes in this 25-metre pool and it ranges from one metre to 3.05 metres in depth. The other pool is a shallow wading pool. For those who just want to have fun and work on their tan, there’s a 1.8-metre-high water slide at the edge of the lap pool.
Forest Lawn Outdoor Pool
Opening date: Late June 2023
Where to find it: 1706 39 St. S.E.
Why we love it: This location has it all: an eight-lane, 25-metre lap pool with a water slide, a wading pool and a spray park. Both pools are heated, which means you can get a few laps in even on a chilly day.
Highwood Outdoor Pool
Opening date: June 17, 2023
Where to find it: 25 Holmwood Ave. N.W.
Why we love it: It’s located right in Highwood Park, a perfectly lush location for a gentle morning swim. It’s also the perfect pool to visit if you’re planning on first going for a hike in Nose Hill Park — the pool is just a short drive or 30-minute walk away. Cool off in either the lap pool or the wading pool area afterward.
Millican Ogden Outdoor Pool
Opening date: June 17, 2023
Where to find it: 2094 69 Ave. S.E.
Why we love it: This heated pool is 25 metres with two water slides. The pool is one-metre deep on the shallow end and 3.9 metres on the deepest end.
Mount Pleasant Outdoor Pool
Opening date: June 17, 2023
Where to find it: 2310 6 St. N.W.
Why we love it: This is a great outdoor pool for a weekend family outing. The one pool here has a zero depth entry area and there’s an above deck water slide in the deeper end. This pool also has plenty of shade. Sit under one of the many trees surrounding the pool or lounge under the gazebo with an icy drink from the concession when you’re tired of the sun.
Silver Springs Outdoor Pool
Opening date: Temporarily closed as of publication date. Visit calgaryoutdoorpools.ca for more information.
Where to find it: 5720 Silver Ridge Dr. N.W.
Why we love it: Surrounded by green space with umbrellas on two sides, this heated pool is just as good for lounging as it is for swimming. Those who are looking forward to the water may be excited to try the one-metre springboard or three-metre platform. The pool also has an accessibility ramp.
South Calgary Outdoor Pool
Opening date: Temporarily closed, aiming to open in July. Visit calgaryoutdoorpools.ca for more information.
Where to find it: 3130 16 St. S.W.
Why we love it: This heated, T-shaped pool has a section with four 25-metre swimming lanes and an attached section for wading or more casual swimming. Other features include a zero-entry spray deck, an accessibility ramp and a spacious deck area. Make the short trip into Marda Loop to visit Village Ice Cream and treat yourself to a cone afterwards.
Stanley Park Outdoor Pool
Opening date: Main pool opens June 17, 2023. Wading pool is closed as of publication. Visit calgaryoutdoorpools.ca for more information.
Where to find it: 4100 1A St. S.W.
Why we love it: There are two pools here: a main 25-metre pool with eight lanes and a wading pool with a spray deck. You can also try out the water slide. Mostly, we love that you can walk through Stanley Park and spend some time along the Elbow River, too.
[Note: This story was last updated on June 16, 2023]