Vancouver’s Favourite Outdoor Swimming Pool Opens this Weekend

May 17, 2017
CL
By Carrie Leslie
3 min read

The upcoming May long weekend in Vancouver kicks off a flurry of summer time activities as we head into (hopefully) warmer weeks ahead into June. While you may not be interested in taking a (very) refreshing dip into the ocean just yet, you can still get a taste of outdoor swimming this weekend when Vancouver’s best outdoor pool opens for the season on May 20.

Kitsilano Pool (more commonly known as ‘Kits Pool’) is a heated salt water pool adjacent to Kitsilano Beach and it is a stunning place for some swimming and sunbathing this summer.

Ever since it first opened in 1931, Kits Pool has always been regarded as a standout spot in Kitsilano. It is recognized by many not only as Vancouver best outdoor pool – but arguably as one of the best outdoor pools in the world.

kits pool

A picture of Kits Pool in 1954! | Public Domain Photo

Situated the the heart of Kitsilano on Kits Beach, Kits Pool is Canada’s longest pool at 137 meters. It’s almost three times longer than an Olympic Pool and filled with fresh, heated salt water. It’s a glorious setting and many locals and tourists alike flock to the pool with its white bottom and turquoise water to forget about life for awhile.

To accommodate all levels of swimmers, Kits pool is divided into three sections: a shallow zone for families and small children, a middle section for lap-swimmers and exercisers, and a deep end for more casual visitors.

kits pool kitsilano

Kits Pool at 6am | Photo courtesy of Biggs | Flickr.com

How to get to Kitsilano Pool

Head to Kitsilano Beach Park at 2305 Cornwall Avenue, between Yew Street and Balsam Street. There are pay parking lots available for easy access and the pool is also on a convenient bus route. Or, take a bike for an extra workout!

Hours

The Kitsilano Pool is open from May 20 – September 4, hours vary by month but the pool is generally open until 8:30pm. More details about the hours are located at the Kits Pool Schedule webpage.

Other Outdoor Pools

If you’d like to try all the outdoor pools that Vancouver has to offer, you’re certainly spoiled for choice. There are currently 5 great outdoor pools in Vancouver that offer a fun place to cool down in the summer. Check out the full list here.

Which one is your favourite outdoor pool in Vancouver? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Kitsilano Pool
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heated saltwater pool
Kitsilano Beach
summer activities
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