Vancouver Outdoor Pools

Guide to Vancouver's Public, Outdoor Pools

By Dana Lynch

Updated 05/15/17

Marrying together the joys of swimming outdoors--in warmer water than the ocean's--with some of the city's most spectacular views and beaches, Vancouver outdoor pools are a summer treat that's fun for families, kids, serious swimmers, and sun-lovers alike.

There are five Vancouver outdoor pools scattered throughout the city, making it easy to find a pool near you.

  • 01 of 05

    Kits Pool

    Kits Pool
    ••• Kits Pool, Vancouver. Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver/ Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce

    Kitsilano Pool--always referred to as Kits Pool--is the zenith of Vancouver outdoor pools. Not only is it next door to the popular Kits Beach and surrounded by truly amazing city-and-mountain views, it's also Canada’s longest pool—-almost three times longer than an Olympic pool—-and Vancouver’s only heated salt water pool. If you're a serious swimmer or want to swim serious laps, this is the pool for you.

    Location: 2305 Cornwall Avenue, Vancouver

    Open mid-May - mid-September. Kits Pool Schedule

  • 02 of 05

    Second Beach Pool

    Second Beach Pool in Stanley Park, Vancouver
    ••• Second Beach Pool in Stanley Park, Vancouver. Image Courtesy of Vancouver Park Board

    Summer days spent hiking, biking and playing in Stanley Park are one of the great pleasures of living in Vancouver, and so is a swim in the park's Second Beach Pool. Situated along the park's southwest Seawall, this pool has beautiful views and is great fun for kids. It's also just a short walk to the restaurants and gelaterias of Denman Street.

    Next to Second Beach Pool is the free Variety Kids Spray Park (open July - August), which is another great option for young kids. The spray park is modest--it's less elaborate than the free Granville Island Spray Park--but kids under 10 will still love being hosed down in their bathing suits!

    Location: Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver

    Open mid-May - mid-September. Second Beach Pool Schedule

  • 03 of 05

    Maple Grove Pool

    Maple Grove Pool Vancouver
    ••• Maple Grove Pool Vancouver. Image Courtesy of Vancouver Park Board

    More a "free form wading pool" than typical swimming pool, the Maple Grove Pool is primarily a pool for kids rather than swimming adults. The adjacent park has a playground and picnic sites, so families can easily spend the day playing and swimming/wading.

    Location: 6875 Yew Street, Vancouver

    Open late-June - early-September. Maple Grove Pool Schedule

  • 04 of 05

    New Brighton Pool

    New Brighton Pool Vancouver
    ••• New Brighton Pool Vancouver. Image Courtesy of Vancouver Park Board

    With pretty views of the mountains and East Vancouver's only ocean-access (via New Brighton Park), the New Brighton Pool is long, cool and easy on the eyes. Among Vancouver outdoor pools, this--along with Kits Pool--is a good choice for serious swimmers, who can enjoy free-form 25-metre lanes.

    Location: North Windermere Street, near New Brighton Park, Vancouver

    Open mid-May - early-September. New Brighton Pool Schedule

    Continue to 5 of 5 below.
  • 05 of 05

    Hillcrest Aquatic Centre

    Hillcrest Aquatic Centre in Vancouver, BC
    ••• Hillcrest Aquatic Centre. Image Courtesy of Vancouver Park Board

    Located next to Queen Elizabeth Park, the Hillcrest Aquatic Centre includes an outdoor pool with water sprays and bubble jets in addition to its amazing indoor facilities. (Inside, its the largest Aquatic Centre in Vancouver.)

    While Hillcrest doen't have the incredible, beach-front views of Kits Pool or Second Beach Pool, because it has indoor and outdoor pools it's easy to move inside if you're getting too much sun. 

    Location: 4575 Clancy Loranger Way

    See site for summer schedule information.