Edmonton places to get along swimmingly
Looking to take the family for a fun and active afternoon? Or, maybe you want to improve your fitness without the high impact of running or weightlifting? An aquatic workout is a refreshing and stress-free alternative that’s easy on the body. The city has a selection of pools to choose from, for both the serious swimmer and those that just love to splash. [Image credit: iStock.com/Imgorthand]
Confederation Leisure Center
11204 43 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T6J 0X8This is a fantastic facility in south Edmonton, catering to all ages and fitness levels. There’s a 25-metre saltwater pool, saltwater whirlpool and steam room. Take a dive off the one-metre or three-metre diving boards into a separate saltwater dive tank. During public swimming, they open the swing rope, climbing rope and slide so getting wet becomes that much more fun (and noisy!).
Scona Pool
10450 72 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T6E 0Z6The city’s oldest swimming pool was saved from closure recently by a large community-led campaign that demonstrated how beloved this facility on the south side has become. There are aquasize classes for all ages, family swims and parent-and-tot classes. Numerous swim and water sports clubs use the pool for swimming, kayaking and scuba diving.
A.C.T. Aquatic And Recreation Centre
2909 113 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T5W 0P3This long-time favourite in northeast Edmonton has a 25-metre gradual depth pool, whirlpool and slides with pool toys to entertain the kids during public swimming. Lessons for beginners happen in the warm teaching pool adjacent to the main pool. ACT also is fully accessible for wheelchairs. There are regular instructor-led, drop-in programs so you can get fit on your own schedule.
Peter Hemingway Fitness & Leisure Centre
13808 111 Avenue, Edmonton AB T5M 2R7The award-winning design of this complex is recognized as one of the best training facilities for competitive swimmers and recreational types alike. The glass building provides a beautiful view of Coronation Park. The eight-lane, 50 metre pool is heated to a tropical 27 degrees. Other amenities include a whirlpool, steam room and sauna for relaxation.
Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre
11000 Stadium Rd NW, Edmonton AB T5H 4E2This aquatic centre isn’t as big as some others in the city but it still has something for everyone. It boasts a four-lane, saltwater fitness pool, waterslide, aquatic climbing wall and saltwater leisure pool equipped with kid-friendly toys and spray features. Choose from a full slate of lessons and programs or just drop in to visit the whirlpool or steam room. The convenient location to downtown and adjoining fitness centre and field house make Commonwealth a full recreational destination.
University Of Alberta Swimming Pools
2-649 Van Vliet Complex, Edmonton AB T6G 2H9The two large indoor pools on campus are open to students, faculty and the community during designated hours and can also be rented for private team-building getaways or kids’ birthdays. The university offers a variety of safety and training programs as well as learn-to-swim classes for children and adults. You can book a workout with an instructor through Aquasize or the Fitness Swimmer program, which provides a structured regimen to help you reach your training goals.
Clareview Community Rec Centre
3804 139 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T5Y 3G4One of the city’s newest aquatic centres, it opened in 2014. The leisure pool and children’s pool provide loads of entertainment with several play features, a waterslide and springboards. The eight-lane, 25-metre pool gives serious swimmers plenty of room to do laps. You can also relax afterward in the whirlpool or steam room. With 800 parking spots, access is a snap and the centre also houses a drop-in babysitting service.
Kinsmen Sports Centre - Swimming Pools
9100 Walterdale Hill, Edmonton AB T6E 2V3This world-class fitness and aquatic centre is just minutes from downtown. It’s played host to several international competitions but also offers programs and facilities for swimmers of all ages. Four aquatic clubs use the two 50-metre pools; there’s a dive tank with boards and platforms ranging in height from one-to-10 metres and a warm-water teaching pool. In summer months, head outside and splash in the Queen Elizabeth Outdoor Pool and spray park.
Terwillegar Community Rec Centre
2051 Leger Rd NW, Edmonton AB T6R 0R9The rec centre has been a popular spot for the growing southwest section of the city since it opened in 2011. The aquatic facility has something for everyone, with a full-sized, eight-lane saltwater pool for adults and a leisure pool section for the kids. The leisure area is a popular spot for birthday parties, as the kids can swim off some energy in the lazy river or the wave pool, which has several fun spray features.
