I’ve swam through Calgary’s best pools and picked my favorites. Here are 9 pools to make waves this summer!
As summer approaches, I find myself in full-on vacation planning mode for my kids. With the Calgary heat creeping in, I can already hear their excited squeals at the thought of splashing around in cool, refreshing pools.
After all, nothing beats the joy of watching them dive and play while I soak up some sun! I’ve spent countless hours exploring Calgary’s best swimming spots and can’t wait to share my top picks with you.
Trust me, you’ll want to check out these hidden gems to make this summer unforgettable. So grab your swimsuit and get ready to make a splash!
1. Southland Leisure Centre
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Website: https://www.calgary.ca/rec-locations/pools/southland.html
Address: 2000 D Southland Dr. SW, Calgary, AB T2V 4S4, Canada
Contact details: +14036486555
Operating hours: 7 AM–9 PM
The Southland Leisure Centre is a hidden gem in Calgary’s Palliser community. Its wave pool is like a beach right in the city, gradually deepening into a regular swimming area.
Then, there are these two super fun water slides—one red and one blue—and a 500-gallon AquaPlay structure with rope bridges and splash stations for the little ones. They also have a dive tank, adding some adventurous flair to the scene.
Once you step inside, you’re greeted with so many cool things to do. There’s a gymnasium for basketball or pickleball and a fitness studio with drop-in classes. And let me tell you, the hot tub is the perfect way to chill after a swim.
Pro tip: Don’t miss out on the AquaPlay structure if you’re visiting with little ones—it’s specifically designed for ages 0-6 and features fun elements like spray guns and tipping buckets that will keep them entertained for hours! |
2. Village Square Leisure Centre
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Website: https://www.calgary.ca/rec-locations/pools/village-square.html
Address: 2623 56 St NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 5J1, Canada
Contact details: +14033663900
Operating hours: 7 AM–9 PM
Village Square Leisure Centre is an indoor water park with a wave pool, waterslides, and even a splash zone for the little ones. The best part is this 500-gallon dump bucket that tips over in the Safari Splash Zone – the kids loved it!
But that’s not all. They’ve got two ice rinks, two gymnasiums, and even fitness classes. After a long swim, I hopped into the hot tub, which was so relaxing. There’s also a jungle gym room for preschoolers, so it’s a place for the whole family.
Pro tip: If you plan to visit, try to go during weekday afternoons when it is less crowded. This way, you can enjoy the waterslides and wave pool without the hustle and bustle of weekend crowds. |
3. MNP Community & Sport Centre
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Website: https://www.mnpcentre.com/
Address: 2225 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2G 5B6, Canada
Contact details: +14032338393
Operating hours: 5 AM–11 PM
The MNP Community & Sports Centre is an aquatic center with a huge 50-meter pool for serious swimmers and a fun leisure pool with water slides for families. The white inverted V-shaped roof looks stunning and lets in some natural light.
Inside, they’ve got everything you need for your fitness fix – five gyms, a running track, and even multipurpose rooms for classes and events. But my favorite part was the adult-only area where you can chill out after a swim.
They’ve got a towel service, so there’s no need to lug around your own. The vibe at the MNP Centre is so lively and welcoming. You’ve got families splashing around in the leisure pool and serious athletes training in the main pool.
Pro tip: Just a short walk away, Lindsay Park offers beautiful green spaces, playgrounds, and picnic areas where your family can relax and enjoy some outdoor fun. |
4. University of Calgary Aquatic Centre
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Website: https://active-living.ucalgary.ca/facilities/aquatic-centre
Address: 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4V8, Canada
Contact details: +14032206755
The University of Calgary Aquatic Centre has an Olympic-sized pool that can be set up in different ways. It’s perfect for both serious swimmers and those who just want to have a good time in the water.
The coolest part is that the main pool can switch between 25m and 50m in length and is deep enough for all kinds of activities, from intense training to family fun.
Plus, through its connection with the Lifesaving Society, it offers all these specialized programs, so it’s not your average pool—it’s like a training ground for future Olympians!
Pro tip: Check-in at Client Services first to get your wristband before heading to the pool. It’s a little quirk of this place—without that wristband, you won’t be able to access the water! |
5. Vecova Recreation Centre
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Website: https://vecova.ca/aquaticshealthfitness/
Address: 3304 33 St NW, Calgary, AB T2L 2A6, Canada
Contact details: +14032841121
Operating hours: 7:45 AM–9 PM
Vecova Recreation Centre’s warm-water swimming pool is a game-changer, especially for people with disabilities. It’s cool how they’ve made it super accessible with the ramp and different depth levels.
It’s not just about swimming either; they’ve got fitness facilities and spaces for community events, which is awesome. Everyone feels welcome, whether you’re there for swim lessons or fitness classes.
Vecova is all about inclusivity and making everyone feel at home. It’s a place where families, individuals with disabilities, and anyone seeking a supportive environment can feel comfortable.
Pro tip: For a fun family day out, consider exploring nearby attractions like the Calgary Zoo, where you can marvel at a variety of animals, or Prince’s Island Park, perfect for a picnic and leisurely strolls along scenic pathways. |
6. Trico Centre for Family Wellness
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Website: https://tricocentre.ca/
Address: 11150 Bonaventure Dr SE, Calgary, AB T2J 6R9, Canada
Contact details: +14032787542
Operating hours: 6 AM–10 PM
Trico Centre for Family Wellness is an aquatics facility with a wave pool that feels just like the ocean, a super fun waterslide, and a chill hot tub. I liked that the pool has a beach entrance, so it’s accessible for everyone.
But it’s not just about swimming there—over 13,500 square feet are dedicated to fitness and wellness. There’s a full-sized gymnasium, two NHL-sized ice rinks, and tons of fitness studios offering over 75 drop-in classes every week.
I especially loved the family swim sessions—it’s so much fun to hang out in the wave pool with the kids. The best part is that the membership options are super affordable, so you can access all these awesome services without breaking the bank.
Pro tip: Consider heading over to Fish Creek Provincial Park, where you can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and exploring the beautiful trails together as a family. |
7. Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton
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Website: https://www.ymcacalgary.org/program-descriptions/locations/brookfield-residential-ymca-at-seton/
Address: 4995 Market St SE, Calgary, AB T3M 2P9, Canada
Contact details: +14033515262
Operating hours: 5:30 AM–10 PM
Brookfield Residential YMCA is the largest YMCA in the world! It is 330,000 square feet. It has an awesome 50-meter competition pool with 10 lanes, diving boards, and a really fun water park for all ages.
The pool area is top-notch, and this Myrtha system makes everything safe and efficient. And if that’s not enough, there’s also a leisure pool with a lazy river and waterslides.
But wait, there’s more! There are two NHL-sized ice rinks, three gymnasiums, a fitness center, and a full-service library. It’s like a community hub where everyone comes together for various health and wellness activities.
Pro tip: Check out their unique surf simulator in the water park. It offers an exhilarating experience for beginners and seasoned surfers looking to hone their skills in Calgary. |
8. Acadia Aquatic & Fitness Centre
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Website: https://www.calgary.ca/rec-locations/pools/acadia.html
Address: 9009 Fairmount Dr SE, Calgary, AB T2H 0Z4, Canada
Contact details: +14032682489
Operating hours: 12–8 PM
The Acadia Aquatic & Fitness Centre in Calgary has an indoor six-lane pool that’s a whopping 25 meters long. But here’s the best part—they’ve got not one but two water slides! It’s a total hit with both kids and adults.
The place is about community engagement, offering programs from swimming lessons to fitness classes like AquaZumba and Aquafit. It also has a weight room, cardio room, and fitness studio that host various classes.
My favorite part? The family swim sessions. The atmosphere is lively and friendly, and you feel connected with others. Plus, they have drop-in swimming times, so it’s super convenient.
Pro tip: Consider bringing along a picnic to enjoy at the nearby Acadia Park. This family-friendly space features playgrounds, open green areas, and walking paths, making it a perfect spot to relax after your swim. |
9. Canyon Meadows Aquatic & Fitness Centre
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Website: https://www.calgary.ca/rec-locations/pools/canyon-meadows.html
Address: 89 Canova Rd SW, Calgary, AB T2W 6G3, Canada
Contact details: +14032682489
Canyon Meadows Aquatic & Fitness Centre has an indoor lane pool that’s 25 meters long with six lanes, and get this – it’s saltwater chlorinated, so it’s super gentle on your skin. The water is always a perfect 28 degrees Celsius for a swim.
But here’s the best part – they have a dive tank that goes down 3.65 meters, complete with a diving board and a super fun vortex water slide. The place has been around since 1972, so it’s a local favorite for fitness lovers and families.
And it’s not just the pool that’s awesome. They have a hot tub and a steam room for chilling out after a workout, and the fitness area is stacked with cardio machines and weights for all levels.
Pro tip: After your swim or workout, you can enjoy Fish Creek Provincial Park, which offers beautiful trails for walking and biking, or visit the Paperny Family Calgary JCC, where you can engage in various indoor activities and sports. |