Vancouver

Water Fun

Children love splashing around in the pool when the weather’s warm, and Stanley Park is happy to oblige. Beyond the beach options, the park offers a large outdoor pool and a super-fun water park.

The Second Beach Pool is right on the beach, and has the advantage of being heated, even though it’s outdoors. Talk about having the best of both worlds! There is a waterslide and other interesting features for the kids and a lap lane for those looking to get in a little exercise on their vacation. The pool was built in 1995 to replace draw-and-fill ocean-side pools that would use the currents to take in salt water once a week. Second Beach Pool is a Vancouver Parks Board facility, and is open from Victoria Day at the end of May through Labour Day at the beginning of September.

When play is the primary goal, the Variety Kids Water Park is the answer, and it’s free! It is one of Vancouver’s largest outdoor water parks—think giant water cannons mounted on the ground. There are water geysers and water canyons throughout, so be ready to get soaked — perhaps when you least expect it. The pools are ankle deep and include various features to make the park accessible for kids of all ages and perhaps parents looking to cool off as well. The water park is located at Lumberman’s Arch and is open from June 1 to September 1.