Best Calgary Outdoor Swimming Pools

June 30, 2013
By Cody Battershill

Best Calgary Outdoor Swimming Pools

Summer is finally here! What better place to enjoy the company of your family and friends during the summer heat than at one of these best Calgary outdoor swimming pools?

These outdoor pools for the most part are very family oriented with tons of fun activities and events for all age groups. Don’t miss out on the exciting times this summer at your local outdoor pool!

And for those who would like an indoor experience, be sure to check out the best Calgary indoor swimming pools today!

Bowview

Location – Hillhurst – 1910 6th Avenue NW

Phone Number – 403-221-3571

Northwest Calgary residents do have a few different outdoor pools to choose from, but one of the best has to be Bowview. Not only is this best Calgary outdoor swimming pool super easy to find, it is also very family friendly and is host to a wide range of activities and events that will please any pool lover!

Bowview Outdoor Pool has two different swimming areas. The first, a shallow kiddy pool great for young children and toddlers as well as a 25 metre swimming pool used for public lane swim, family swim and open swim times.

Also featured are two slides and creative mushroom water sprayers that add some extra fun, especially for the kids! Bowview is also host to swimming lessons and is available for rental in the early morning and late evenings.

South Calgary

Location – South Calgary – 3130 16th Street SW

Phone Number – 403-221-3513

South Calgary is one of the southwest inner city community gems, where residents of South Calgary and the rest of the surrounding neighbourhoods go for some fun in the sun.

Just like Bowview, this best Calgary outdoor swimming pool is super easy to find. Simply turn onto 30th or 32nd Avenue SW (west) from 14th Street SW.

South Calgary is host to a six-lane, 25 metre swimming pool and a deeper diving area. Those who don’t feel like getting wet can make use of the grass picnic area and its complementary umbrellas / lounge chairs.

A variety of activities are offered at different times of the day including lane swimming, public swim, aqua fitness, swimming lessons and more. South Calgary Outdoor Pool is also available for rental.

Stanley Park

Location – Elboya - 4100 1A Street SW

Phone Number – 403-221-3577

Found amid the lush greenery and delightful landscape of Stanley Park is another one of the best Calgary outdoor swimming pools around.

Its name, Stanley Park Outdoor Swimming Pool, and is a great place for families to kick back and relax while enjoying the summer heat.

The best part is that before or after the pool you have immediate access to the beautiful Elbow River pathways and countless outdoor amenities in Stanley Park such as playgrounds and picnic areas.

You can definitely make a whole day out of a visit to the Stanley Park Outdoor Pool!

Highwood

Location – Highwood – 25 Holmwood Avenue NW

Phone Number – 403-221-3574

Tucked away in the northwest community of Highwood is another of one the best Calgary outdoor swimming pools.

Highwood is an excellent pool for those who might have children and / or toddlers coming along for some fun, made true by its heated wading pool with two toddler slides and sheltered picnic area with more than enough tables great for snack time and some rest and relaxation.

Highwood also has a 25 metre swimming pool with its own youth and toddler slides and is host to a variety of activities including swimming lessons, lane swim, public swim and more. There is also a concession just in case you find yourself looking for a snack or two!

Millican-Ogden

Location – Lynnwood / Ogden – 69th Avenue and 20A Street SE

Phone Number – 403-221-3598, 403-221-3599

Another one of the best Calgary outdoor pools is found in the southeast community of Lynwood / Ogden. The Millican-Ogden Outdoor Pool is a community gem used by many in the immediate neighbourhood as well as from around the southeast.

The heated 25 metre swimming pool is host to many seasonal water related activities including family swim, lap swim, open swim, water fitness, and private swimming lessons and is also available for rent.

Hotel Arts

Location – Victoria Park – 119 12th Avenue SW

Phone Number – 403-266-4611

Those looking for a little more of a posh outdoor pool experience here in Calgary, Hotel Arts in Victoria Park is the place to go.

One of the best ways to experience Hotel Arts outdoor pool is to first visit its award winning restaurant Raw Bar. Here you will find an irresistible mix of Asian and contemporary cuisine that in my opinion is best enjoyed on the poolside patio as long as the weather permits.

Families who are planning on going to Hotel Arts outdoor pool, it's best to go earlier in the morning as the evenings are often jam packed with various events ranging from DJ parties to weddings.