Where to swim this summer in Vancouver
Summer is a without a doubt a beautiful time to visit Vancouver. Patios are buzzing with patrons sipping refreshing cocktails, and outdoor festivals and events are happening left, right and center. But on those days when you just can’t escape the heat, nothing is better than cooling off in a pool or lake! If you’re wondering where to swim in Vancouver, we’ve put together our list of the tops spots to visit.
Fairmont Waterfront’s Rooftop Pool
50-metre outdoor rooftop pool? Check. Incredible city, harbor and mountain views? Check. Poolside service offering premium cocktails and bar snack menu? Check and check. If you’re looking for a ‘treat yourself’ swim spot, the rooftop pool at the Fairmont Waterfront is for you. Access is for hotel guests only, so take a staycation and live luxuriously at the Fairmont Waterfront with a lazy afternoon spent getting pampered poolside.
Psst: if you book a midweek stay at the Fairmont Waterfront this summer, you can receive 20% off on your booking. Click here to find out more, and stay cool by our pool.
Kitsilano Pool
Located in the cool beachside suburb of Kitsilano, Kitsilano Pool is Vancouver’s only saltwater outdoor public pool. At 137-metres long and boasting a water park and two slides, Kitsilano Pool is the hottest place to cool off this summer. We recommend booking in advance to ensure you get in!
Third Beach
Only ten-minutes from Downtown in the picturesque Stanley Park is Third Beach. Wide and long with sandy shores, this beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming, with lifeguards on duty in the summer months. Because of its westerly outlook over the ocean, Third Beach is a popular spot to watch the sun set. Our tip is to pack a picnic and spend the afternoon with your toes in the sand!
Deep Cove
Located in North Vancouver, Deep Cove’s sandy beach is small, but nice for swimming. A paved pathway runs all along the water in town, with Deep Cove’s pier and the marina in the middle. Slightly to the north of the shops and restaurants is Panorama Park, with a picnic shelter, large grassy lawns on a hill and a popular children’s play area. Be sure to visit Honey’s Doughnuts for some tasty treats while you’re in the area!
Tip: With its peaceful waters, Deep Cove is one of the best places anywhere for kayaking and paddle boarding. Treat yourself and rent a boat on a sunny day – you won’t be disappointed.
Second Beach Pool
Head over to Stanley Island only ten-minutes from Downtown, and you will find Second Beach Pool- the only swimming pool found at Stanley Park. Stretching 80-metres, this heated fresh water pool has lanes for lap swimming as well as a shallow area for those who prefer to stay out of deep water. Just like with Kitsilano Pool, we definitely recommend that you book in advance if you plan on visiting Second Beach Pool.