Winter can be pretty cold – pretend you’re somewhere warm and tropical with a swim in one of these indoor water parks or swimming complexes. There are plenty to choose from across Canada that offer everything from water slides to wave pools. Looking to get wet this winter? We’ve rounded up some of the best places to splash around across the country.
H20 Adventure + Fitness Centre, Kelowna, British Columbia
Forget all about winter with a trip to H20 Adventure + Fitness Centre in Kelowna, B.C. Here, you’ll have your pick of three water slides between 30 and 90 metres in length, a children’s water play area with water toys and sprayers, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a wave pool, and a lazy river you can leisurely float down. The fun-filled centre also boasts FlowRider, an ocean wave surf simulator — the first of its kind in Canada.
The Wave Pool, Richmond Hill, Ontario
In addition to lane swimming, aqua fitness, and swimming lessons, Richmond Hill’s Wave Pool has, as the name would suggest, a wave pool where you can play in the waves or float among them on a water mat. The popular indoor facility also boasts a twisting water slide that clocks in at more than 48 metres, a warm swirl pool, and an on-deck sauna made for relaxing pre- or post-swim.
World Water Park, Edmonton, Alberta
Located in West Edmonton Mall, World Water Park boasts the world’s largest indoor wave pool and has more than 17 unique water-based attractions suitable for visitors of all ages. These include beginner slides, intermediate slides, advanced slides and extreme slides. There are also hot tubs and a rock climbing wall to enjoy, as well as a kiddie pool and concession areas for snacks and drinks.
Gallagher Centre, Yorkton, Saskatchewan
No one will be bored during a visit to the Gallagher Centre in Yorkton. There is plenty in this water park to keep everyone busy, from tots to adults. Splash around in the wave pool, relax while floating along the lazy river or while lounging in the whirlpool, enjoy the water slide, try the two-storey climbing wall, and check out the sauna and steam room.
Plunge! Blue Mountain, Collingwood, Ontario
At the base of Blue Mountain Ski Resort is where you’ll find Plunge! Aquatic Centre in Collingwood, an all-season spot for water-based fun. Those looking to escape the snow for a while can enjoy an indoor water playground, hot tubs, a rope swing, a dock and slides of varying lengths, shapes and sizes. Plunge! also offers swimming lessons and water fitness classes.
The Works, St. John’s, Newfoundland
The Works in St. John’s has something for everyone who wants to get wet. Lane swimming and swimming lessons are available, but there are also ample opportunities for families to have fun with a variety of activities available at various times. These include diving boards, water slides, water walkways, inflatables, water toys, and a Tarzan rope.
Fallsview Indoor Water Park, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Fallsview Indoor Water Park is spread over three acres and offers a wide array of water-based attractions including 16 different water slides, a wave pool, and hot springs. There are racing slides, tube slides, and a giant centrifuge slide, depending on the type of ride you’re looking for. The wave pool boasts some pretty sizeable waves you can either play in, or float around in on an inner tube, and there’s also a recreational pool for those who aren’t in the mood for waves. The park has a play area featuring more water activities, including a thousand-gallon tipping bucket, and an area designed to feel (and look) like an indoor beach.
Cari Complex, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
The aquatics facility at the Cari Complex in Charlottetown, P.E.I. has a lot on offer. For starters, there’s a 25-metre, eight-lane recreational and competitive pool with two 1-metre diving boards and two 3-meter diving boards. The complex also has water slides, a hot tub, and a leisure pool used for both recreational swimming and various lesson programs.
Watermania, Richmond British Columbia
No matter what you and your family like doing in the water – from whizzing down water slides to participating in aqua fitness classes, there’s something to please everyone at Watermania in Richmond, B.C. There’s a wave pool with interactive water play features like sprayers and water wheels, two whirlpools, two water slides, and a steam room and sauna.
Splashers Indoor Pools and Waterslide, various locations, Manitoba
You’ll find Splashers Indoor Pools and Waterslide locations across Manitoba and they are Manitoba’s largest indoor water slide and aquatic centres. Each one features lots of ways for the whole family to have a good time. You’ll find thrilling water slides, large pools, hot tubs and a kiddie wading pool.
Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Get ready to have a great time at Great Wolf Lodge. Jam-packed with cool things to do, this place serves up chances to float down the winding lazy river, tackle the waves in the massive wave pool, zoom down the twin three-storey slides or one of the tube slides, relax in one of the whirlpools, or try out Niagara River Run — a water roller coaster that travels more than 220 metres, and has an almost 16-metre drop.
Aquatic and Sports Centre, Dieppe, New Brunswick
The Aquatic and Sports Centre in Dieppe offers something for everyone, from lane swimmers to those who just want to relax and have fun in the water. Kids will love the recreational pool featuring games, a water slide and a pirate ship to play on. The expansive facility also has a sauna and an exercise pool for aquatic activity sessions.
Featured photo: JasonParis
