Whether it’s splashing in rain puddles, wading in streams, or cannon-balling in the ocean, kids can be absolute waterbugs in the presence of water.
And while Vancouver boasts a bounty of beaches and outdoor pools that are perfect for a soak, the city also offers a range of indoor pools that are perfect for warming up when there’s a chill in the air.
Here are 5 indoor pools in and around the Vancouver that are perfect for little swimmers and their parents.
West Vancouver Aquatic Centre
2121 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, 604-925-7270
This warm, ozone-treated pool features a beach-style entry leisure pool with fountains, a lazy river, a water curtain, and spray features. It also includes a separate, shallow, parent-tot play area with a mini slide and mini fountains suitable for tiny splashers. This aquatic destination also features a giant red water slide, and a Wibit – a large yellow inflatable aquatic obstacle course for swim savvy kids.
Aquatic Centre at Hillcrest
4575 Clancy Loranger Way, Vancouver, 604-257-8680
The leisure pool at the Aquatic Centre at Hillcrest is teeming with fountains, spray jets, cannons and toys. The lazy river is great fun and the hot-tub extremely popular too. However, the pool gets deep quickly so you really need one adult per child unless your children can swim well. We also always have to wait for a change room in the family change area which is a drawback.
Watermania
14300 Entertainment Boulevard, Richmond, 604-448-5353
What makes Watermania in Richmond brilliant also makes it terrible. The main attraction is the giant wave pool which is activated every 15 minutes. The novelty of riding the waves is wonderful until you start to feel seasick from being pounded against the walls. The toddler play area has an enormous climbing structure which can keep toddlers busy for hours. But the deluges of water that are dumped off the roof of the structure are so forceful they knock tots off their feet. This place is perfect for pre-schoolers and older kids and parents with good sea-legs.
Killarney Leisure Pool
6260 Killarney St, Vancouver, 604-718-8280
Killarney’s leisure pool is a hidden gem. This ozone treated pool boasts beach style entry, a kid’s-slide, a lazy river, and lots of toys. It’s like a smaller, quieter version of Hillcrest with stunning views of the North Shore Mountains.
Vancouver Aquatic Centre
1050 Beach Ave, Vancouver, 604-665-3424
Despite its lack of waterfalls and lazy rivers, the tot pool at the VAC remains a favourite because it never gets too deep and the water is as warm as a bath.
Last modified: June 29, 2022
