This will be your ultimate guide to making a splash this summer in and around Edmonton! We will highlight the top 13 summer water fun spots that cater to everyone's taste.
From thrilling waterparks and relaxing paddleboarding adventures to unique canoe tours and refreshing spray parks, there's something for all!
We aim to help you discover new places, have a blast, and create unforgettable summer memories. Ready to jump in? Let's explore the best water fun spots Edmonton has to offer!
1. Visit the World Waterpark
Start your thrilling aquatic adventure at the World Waterpark, located within the iconic West Edmonton Mall.
This indoor paradise is renowned for its title as the world's largest indoor wave pool, making it a top destination for water enthusiasts of all ages.
The heart of the World Waterpark experience is the colossal indoor wave pool. Visualize riding waves under a roof, where the weather outside doesn't matter.
t's a unique setting that offers endless fun and excitement. But that's just the beginning! With 20 slides and attractions to enjoy, there's no shortage of thrills here.
For those who love variety, the waterpark categorizes its slides based on skill levels. Beginners can enjoy the gentle Caribbean Cove and Caribbean Cruiser, while the more daring can take on the adrenaline-pumping Cyclone and Sky Screamer.
Ever dreamed of surfing in the prairies? The World Waterpark's Surf Club makes that dream a reality.
Planning a group event? World Waterpark offers group discounts and activities. Save big with choice passes when purchasing 25 or more, and enjoy group adventures like the Skyflyer Zipline or test your skills on the endless wave of the FlowRider.
Want to enhance your experience? Reserve a private cabana or rental space. Options like the Coastal Cabana, Beachfront Patio, or the Pina Colada Rooftop Lounge offer comfort and exclusivity amidst all the aquatic excitement.
2. Edmonton Paddleboarding Adventures
Edmonton Paddleboarding offers a unique and exciting way to explore the North Saskatchewan River with their Paddleboard Adventures. Launched in 2023, this adventure provides people in the Edmonton area with an easy and fun way to enjoy paddleboarding.
Their home base is Kinsmen Park, where you check in and board the shuttle. The shuttle takes paddlers up the river to Laurier Park Boat Launch, where the paddleboards are waiting.
From there, the journey down the river begins, taking paddlers through Edmonton and back to Kinsmen Park. For those who prefer to bring their own paddleboard, a shuttle-only option is available.
Safety is a top priority, with a thorough safety talk and gear review before entering the river. The provided equipment includes premium custom inflatable paddleboards, lifejackets, paddles, and safety gear.
For those seeking a more structured experience, guided tours are available. These tours include professional paddleboard guides and introductory paddleboard instruction, making them great for beginners.
Here’s what a typical paddleboarding day looks like:
- Check In at Kinsmen Park: Arrive 15 minutes prior to your shuttle time.
- Shuttle to Laurier Park: Board the bus for the ride to the top of the river.
- Safety Talk and Gear Review: Receive important safety information and an overview of the gear.
- Enter the River: Begin your paddleboarding adventure.
- Relax and Enjoy: Take in the beautiful scenery and enjoy your paddle.
- Exit at Kinsmen Park: Finish the journey under the Walterdale Bridge.
- Return Gear: Walk your gear back to the staff and conclude your day.
Edmonton Paddleboarding Adventures ensures a memorable experience with all the necessary gear provided, including paddleboards, paddles, leashes, dry bags, and Coast Guard approved life jackets.
3. Paddle with Voyageur Canoe Tours
Float down the tranquil North Saskatchewan River, taking in the beauty of nature while exploring Edmonton's attractions. With Haskin Canoe's Voyageur Canoe Tours, you get just that!
These tours offer a unique way to experience the city’s urban parkland, combining history, beautiful views, and a touch of adventure.
Their public tours are perfect for those looking to embark on a 2 to 2.5-hour journey, available from 7 to 9 pm on select dates.
But what if you have a special occasion or just want a more personalized adventure? Haskin Canoe’s private group bookings are here to help.
Now, if you really want to make the evening unforgettable, don't miss their Music Nights. This top-rated activity combines the tranquility of canoeing with the joy of live music.
For those who crave even more adventure, Haskin Canoe offers Paddle Classes. These Canoe Tripping Courses are designed to teach you the skills needed for safe and exciting wilderness camping expeditions.
4. Discover Tubing at Discovery Canyon
If you're looking for a perfect way to beat the summer heat, Discovery Canyon Water Park is a must!
Located in the River Bend Golf and Recreation Area, this seasonal park offers a unique and refreshing escape, especially for families with children aged 5 to 14.
At the heart of the park, you'll find natural river-fed bubbling pools of water. These pools are perfect for floating and splashing around.
One of the highlights here is the tube floating experience. You can lazily float down a gently sloped canyon on a rented tube or even one you bring from home.
For the little ones, Discovery Canyon offers trickling rivulets and a wading pool, ideal for younger children to explore and play safely.
The park also includes an accessible beach and boardwalk, ensuring everyone can enjoy the amenities. Don't forget to pack a picnic! There are plenty of picnic tables perfect for family lunches and gatherings.
Hungry? The park's concession stand provides a variety of snacks and beverages to keep you refreshed throughout the day.
Conveniently located accessible washrooms and showers ensure that all visitors have a comfortable experience.
A major attraction for kids is the nature-themed playground. With engaging structures and equipment, it's a fantastic spot for endless fun and adventure.
To float down the lazy river, visitors can purchase wristbands for access to the park's tubes, or they can bring their own. Just make sure your tube is round, without a bottom, and measures between 30 to 50 inches.
5. Take a Kayak Adventure
Here's an insider tip: for a truly unforgettable summer experience, head to Bower Ponds Recreation for a Canoe & Tandem Kayak Adventure.
This spot is perfect for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. No matter your skill level, Bower Ponds has everything you need.
What's great about Bower Ponds is its inclusivity. They offer canoe and tandem kayak rentals suitable for all ages and skill levels. Families, friends, and solo adventurers can all find joy in paddling around the beautiful ponds.
After working up an appetite on the water, the Bower Ponds refreshment stand is a lifesaver. They have a mouth-watering selection of treats, including 30 flavors of soft serve ice cream, hard serve ice cream, and novelty snacks.
Bower Ponds is ideal for solo trips or small groups and is also an excellent venue for larger gatherings and special events.
The Fireside Room offers a cozy and charming space perfect for birthdays, corporate events, or family reunions. Celebrating with loved ones in such a beautiful setting is truly special!
Beyond the water activities, Bower Ponds is a paradise for nature lovers. There are walking trails, a playground, and even a Pollinator Park that educates visitors while providing a home for native pollinators. And yes, pets are welcome too!
6. Enjoy the Ultimate Aquatic Playground
Get ready to experience a world of fun at Sylvan Lake's Ultimate Aquatic Playground! This water park is the first open-water park in Alberta, making it a prime destination for anyone looking to beat the summer heat with some thrilling water adventures.
Navigate a series of exciting attractions that promise endless entertainment. Feel the adrenaline rush as you conquer the 15-Foot Tower or challenge yourself on the Overhanging Climbing Wall.
If bouncing is more your style, the Oversized Trampoline and Bouncy Domes will have you jumping with joy.
For those who love a good swing, the Monkey Swing Bars and Trapeze Swing are perfect for testing your agility.
But that's not all! Dare to take on the Wiggle Bridge and see if you can keep your balance, or slide and splash your way down the Slides & Cliffs.
The Climbing Tower will have you reaching new heights, while the High Roller and Rodeo Splash promise to keep the excitement levels high. Need a breather? Float and relax at the Floating Rest Areas.
The park offers flexible pass options to suit different schedules and preferences. The Half Day Pass (from 3 pm to 8 pm) is great for an afternoon of fun.
If you want to make the most of your day, the Full Day Pass (from 11 am to 8 pm) lets you enjoy hours of aquatic excitement.
And for those just dipping their toes in, the One-Hour Pass is available throughout the day, making it perfect for first-time visitors or accompanying adults.
7. Seadoo Rentals for Summer Fun
Head over to Sylvan Lake and experience the excitement with Sun Sport Recreation's Seadoo Rentals. Known as Central Alberta’s premier rental company since 1998, Sun Sport Recreation has been a top choice for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
Their mission is simple yet captivating: to provide unique outdoor adventures that help people connect with nature. And what better way to do that than by zooming across the pristine waters of Sylvan Lake on a Sea-Doo GTI?
With a capacity for up to two riders, these Seadoos are perfect for families and friends looking to embark on an exciting lake adventure.
But wait, there's more! Sun Sport Recreation's services extend beyond Seadoo rentals. They also offer a variety of other watercraft, including speed boats, premium speed boats, and pontoon boats.
From paddle boats and kayaks to paddle boards and pedal boats, they have various options to suit your needs. You can explore the calm waters of Sylvan Lake at your own pace and enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds you.
To make your experience even more special, Sun Sport Recreation offers enticing packages and promotions. For a romantic twist, try the Intimate Date Night Experience, which includes two hours in a cozy cabin with a sauna, champagne, and a delicious charcuterie platter.
If you and your partner are more of the adventurous type, the Adventure Date Experience is a great option.
This package includes an hour of snowshoeing followed by an hour of relaxation in the sauna, letting you bond over thrilling outdoor activities while admiring the breathtaking beauty of Sylvan Lake.
8. Enjoy Mill Creek Outdoor Pool
If you're looking for a convenient spot to cool off this summer, try the Mill Creek Outdoor Pool. Located just off Whyte Avenue in the peaceful Mill Creek Ravine, this pool is a favorite for families and friends seeking some fun in the sun. With a beautiful backdrop of nature, you’re in for a treat!
A key feature is the zero-depth entry. This means everyone can enjoy the pool, from toddlers to seniors, as it offers a gradual entry into the water up to 2.5 meters deep.
You’ll also find a fantastic L-shaped swimming pool, providing 40 meters of aquatic fun. And don't forget the new water slide – a perfect addition for those who love a bit of excitement.
Mill Creek Outdoor Pool ensures that everyone’s needs are met with inclusive change rooms and washrooms, including accessible options.
This means you’re well accommodated for any quick change or restroom break. There is also a sundeck and ample picnic areas where you can soak up the sun or enjoy a snack.
Speaking of snacks, the pool has picnic tables and a convenient concession stand.
For those who like to plan ahead, booking your pool admission on MoveLearnPlay is a smart choice. This guarantees your spot and lets you avoid the hassle of line-ups.
Accessibility at this pool is rated very good, making it an excellent choice for everyone. With surrounding parklands and trails, Mill Creek Outdoor Pool is a full day of adventure and relaxation waiting for you.
9. Visit Borden Natural Swimming Pool
Most people think all public pools are filled with chemicals like chlorine, but at Borden Natural Swimming Pool, that's not the case.
This unique spot, located in the lovely Borden Park, is actually Canada's first man-made, natural swimming pool.
That means no harsh chemicals like chlorine or bromide, so swimmers can enjoy a dip without the itchy, dry skin that often follows a swim in a traditional pool.
How does it stay clean, you ask? The water is purified using rock filters and natural processes. The Neptune Filter—a series of granite rock layers—removes big particles like leaves and other organic materials.
On top of the rock, a biofilm tackles smaller microorganisms. Then there are the hydrobotanical beds, where plants work their magic by filtering out phosphates, nitrogen, and other contaminants.
Finally, the intense ultraviolet rays from the sun help control bacteria levels before the water is recirculated into the swimming area. It's like swimming in a lake, but in the heart of Edmonton!
Borden Natural Swimming Pool offers a beach-like atmosphere with plenty of sand and lounging space, complete with umbrellas. It's the perfect spot to unwind on a hot summer day.
However, since the pool doesn’t use chemicals, there are some special guidelines visitors need to follow to keep the water clean and safe for everyone.
For example, everyone must take a full head-to-toe shower before entering the pool to remove any contaminants, and proper swimwear is a must—no athletic shorts or underwear allowed.
10. Woodlands Water Play Park Fun
Ever wondered where to take the kids for some splash-tastic fun in St. Albert? The Woodlands Water Play Park presented by RE/MAX is a family favorite, and it's easy to see why.
With over 20 spray features, including a super splash bucket that dumps a whopping 50 gallons of water, there's never a dull moment.
The park is cleverly divided into three sections, each designed for different age groups, ensuring everyone from toddlers to pre-teens has a blast.
The park's operations are smartly based on current and forecasted temperatures from the WeatherCan App. If it's below 12°C, the gates are closed, but if it's above 16°C, get ready for a water-filled adventure!
This spot is even more appealing due to its convenience and added amenities. There are on-site washrooms, change rooms, and even a concession stand, making it easy to spend the whole day there.
The playground adjacent to the spray park is set in rubber, allowing kids to run back and forth safely.
Families will appreciate the abundance of shaded spaces thanks to the mature trees and ample picnic tables and benches scattered throughout the park.
There's also a skate park for older kids who might want a break from the water. And let's not forget the plentiful parking, making it an easy escape from everyday routine, just a short drive from Edmonton.
11. Splash into Fun at Jackie Parker Park
Looking for a fabulous spot for your next family outing? Visit Jackie Parker Park! This place has everything you need for a day packed with fun and relaxation.
Unlike some smaller parks, Jackie Parker Park provides a wide range of amenities that appeal to both kids and adults.
First off, the park is home to one of the biggest spray parks in Edmonton. Visualize the kids squealing with joy as they dart through water jets and splash around in the cool jungle-themed spray park.
Speaking of picnic areas, Jackie Parker Park has many of them, complete with picnic tables and BBQ fires. There are even two fire rings with benches, perfect for roasting marshmallows or enjoying a cozy campfire.
The park’s large playground is divided into five distinct zones, making it almost like a mini amusement park!
There’s a toddler park for the little ones, an obstacle course with monkey bars and climbers for the older kids, and even a natural park with rocks and logs for adventurous types.
One of the unique features of this park is the beautiful small lake. While swimming or boating isn't allowed, the lake offers a scenic loop trail that’s great for leisurely walks.
For those with four-legged friends, there’s an off-leash dog park nearby. And if you’re feeling peckish, there’s a restaurant at the golf course just a stone’s throw away.
With ample parking and even a bathroom building, convenience is a significant advantage here.
12. Plan a Picnic at Broadmoor Lake Park
Broadmoor Lake Park is not just for summer fun but offers year-round activities, located in Sherwood Park, this area includes a wide range of amenities and activities that make it a prime spot for a summer picnic.
Consider spending a sunny day at a park with not only a covered picnic shelter but also a massive playground with multiple slides, swings, and even a pirate ship!
The RE/MAX spray park is a hit with kids, especially during the hot months, offering a cool place to splash around and have fun.
Broadmoor Lake Park has more than just play areas. The park includes 3 kilometers of asphalt trails perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride.
here are plenty of benches and picnic areas overlooking Broadmoor Lake, making it a fantastic spot to unwind and enjoy a meal outdoors.
Sports enthusiasts will love the 3 sand volleyball courts and the sports fields, which can be booked for a game. There's also a wall handball court open to the public.
One of the park's highlights is its seasonal events. From Canada Day Celebrations to New Year’s Eve Celebrations and the Celebration of Lights, there’s always something happening at Broadmoor Lake Park.
The park also hosts the Sherwood Park Farmers Market from May through October, which is a delightful experience for those who love fresh produce and local crafts.
The picnic shelter itself is a marvel, equipped with 5 picnic tables, a large fire pit, counter space with running water, and even access to power.
13. Refresh at Glengarry Spray Park
When it comes to beating the heat in Edmonton, there's no better place than Glengarry Spray Park. This recently revamped natural park offers endless fun for kids and a refreshing break for parents.
The park is home to a towering pyramid climber that leads to a swirly slide, setting the stage for adventure right from the start.
One notable feature of Glengarry Spray Park is its diverse play areas. The toddler section is perfect for the little ones, equipped with a smaller play structure, an adorable playhouse, and a cute triple-spring-rider bug bouncer.
For the bigger kids, the park offers a vast treehouse-themed playground. This area is equipped with three fantastic slides, numerous climbers, and monkey bars.
The obstacle course section is a highlight, including balance and agility challenges that will keep older children engaged for hours.
The spray park area itself is large and open, packed with a variety of water features. Kids will love the spraying evergreen, turnable flower feature, spinning leaf, and spraying snail.
Glengarry Spray Park excels in providing comfort for visitors. There’s a huge covered picnic area with numerous large tables, perfect for family gatherings or birthday parties.
Additional bench seating and picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, ensuring that there’s always a spot to sit and relax.
To Sum It All Up
As the sun shines brighter and the days get warmer, there's no better time to explore the best water fun spots in and around Edmonton! From the thrilling waves at the World Waterpark to the serene paddling at Edmonton Paddleboarding Adventures, this list offers a wide variety of options.
We chose these spots because they offer a diverse range of activities that cater to all types of water lovers.
And don't forget to visit ActiviFinder Edmonton for more fantastic ideas on unique and fun things to do.