Aquatic Gems in Ottawa - 9 Must-Visit Swimming Pools

Hey there, water fans! Get ready to discover some of the best swimming pools in Ottawa.

Whether you're a pro swimmer or just want to cool off on a hot day, this article is for you. We’ll be looking at 9 amazing pools around Ottawa that everyone can enjoy, from kids to adults. 

So why did we pick these pools? Each one has something unique that makes it special. And, swimming is not only fun but also a great way to stay healthy and relax. So let's show you around!

Located right in Barrhaven, the Minto Recreation Complex is a fun place for families and sports fans. This modern facility is packed with activities for everyone.

But it’s not just about swimming. This place is a dream for sports lovers! The complex features two ice hockey rinks, an indoor basketball court, and a gym all in one building.

There’s even a walking track that goes around above the gym and courts, great for those who enjoy walking or running, no matter the weather. Outside, there’s a small park and a field for playing soccer or football.

Inside, everything is clean, bright, and welcoming. The design has lots of windows, which lets in natural light, making the space feel open and airy.

The changing rooms are designed for everyone, with lockers and space for your stuff. That’s why many people think it’s one of the best places for recreation in Ottawa.

For those who might need extra help, the Minto Recreation Complex has made sure everyone can enjoy it. There are accessible changing rooms and bathrooms, plus elevators and ramps, so no one has to struggle.

In addition to the great facilities, the complex offers organized sports leagues, swimming lessons, and even places to hold birthday parties.

It’s a community hub where people come together for swimming, games, or just to enjoy the lively atmosphere.

The Carleton Swim 50-metre indoor L-shaped pool is a standout facility, designed to cater to a variety of swimming preferences and skill levels. Equipped with two diving platforms.

A one-meter springboard, and a deep-end bubbler, it offers both beginners and seasoned swimmers the chance to improve their skills or simply enjoy the water.

Its versatile layout makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to stay active or learn new techniques in a supportive environment.

For those who enjoy structured fitness routines, the pool hosts Fitness Swims with designated lanes for swimming and water-running.

When the dive tank is available, swimmers can take advantage of the deep end for water-running exercises.

The pool’s setup ensures a focused and productive experience, perfect for individuals seeking a quiet and efficient workout.

The centre also provides Recreational Swims for a more laid-back experience, blending exercise with fun.

These sessions feature leisure lanes, basketball nets, a wading pool, a zip-line, and diving platforms ranging from one to 7.5 meters.

If you're on the hunt for a cool place to hang out and get active in Ottawa, check out the Richcraft Recreation Complex in Kanata! This place is like a playground for everyone, and it offers way more than just a swimming pool.

First off, let’s talk about the pool. It’s part of a really impressive facility that also has a fitness center, two big gymnasiums, and several community rooms.

When you head outside, the fun keeps going! There’s a soccer field with artificial turf, sand courts for beach volleyball, and even a skateboard park.

Young kids can enjoy the play area with awesome play structures and a splash pad that they love. It’s like a mini amusement park right in your area!

Inside, there are tons of classes to join! You can try zumba, yoga, indoor cycling, aquafit, or even rock climbing.

Getting around the complex is super easy, thanks to elevators, a loading zone for drop-offs, and parking right on site. And, it’s close to public transport and restaurants, making it simple to pop in for a workout or a day of fun.

And let’s talk about the staff—they're really friendly and professional. The lifeguards make sure everyone stays safe, so you can relax and enjoy your time.

With clean changing rooms, restrooms, and free Wi-Fi, the Richcraft Recreation Complex is a fantastic spot for families that usually isn’t too crowded.

Ottawa's Plant Recreation Centre is more than just a fun place to swim; it's a special spot with a long history that goes back to 1924.

Located in a peaceful park right in downtown, it’s a great place to get away from the busy city life.

It was originally built to help people stay clean and healthy, and now it has a mix of old charm and modern features that everyone can enjoy.

Inside, there’s a big heated swimming pool, a smaller wading pool for little kids, and even a hot tub for relaxing.

The changing rooms are clean and spacious, with everything you need like hair dryers and lockers. If you love swimming laps, you can do that for just $3.75 if you're a senior, and you can even book your spot online to skip the line.

But swimming isn’t the only fun thing here! The centre has a large gym with lots of different exercise machines.

What makes the Plant Recreation Centre really special is that it’s welcoming to everyone. Families who might not have a lot of money can get a super affordable membership for just $30 for three months, which lets them enjoy swimming, the gym, and drop-in fitness classes.

If you want to host an event, the centre has rooms like the Preston and Somerset, which come with kitchens and outdoor areas for taking photos.

Located right in the middle of Orleans, the François Dupuis Recreation Centre is a fantastic spot for anyone who loves water activities and for families looking for fun.

This modern place has something for everyone. When you walk in, you’ll find a friendly reception area where the staff is always happy to help with information about classes and signing up.

The swimming pool setup is really impressive. There’s a smaller, warmer pool that's perfect for babies who are just starting to enjoy splashing around.

If you want to work on your swimming skills, there’s a bigger pool with lanes specifically for swimming laps. The swimming instructors here are well-known for their skills, offering both group and private lessons to help swimmers of all ages get better.

There’s a gym for those who want to work out, a basketball court for sports lovers, and different group exercise classes.

Families will love how well the center is designed, with plenty of changing rooms and a layout that’s great for kids.

The main hallway is bright and welcoming due to the natural light. Parents can easily watch their children from a large viewing area, so they can stay dry while still being part of the fun.

For the little ones, there are various toys and equipment available, making it a super fun place for them to play.

Just off Elgin Street, you'll find the Jack Purcell Community Centre and Pool, a great place in Ottawa where you can have fun and relax.

The main attraction is its warm 18-meter pool, which is perfect for both kids and adults.

The water is warm and inviting, and it's usually not crowded, so you can enjoy a peaceful swim in the middle of the city.

Families will love the setup at the pool, which includes flotation devices, fun toys, and even a small slide for toddlers to enjoy.

There’s also a special swim time just for women, so everyone can feel comfortable. Besides being a fun place, the pool is also used for physiotherapy because of its soothing water.

It has a fully accessible weight room for those who like to work out and offers various art classes, including watercolor and acrylic painting for those who enjoy being creative.

The center is designed to be accessible for everyone, with features like elevators and special changing rooms.

They make it easy to sign up for a membership, and the staff at the front desk are friendly and ready to help.

Located right in the center of Ottawa, the Pinecrest Recreation Complex is the perfect place for fun, fitness, and relaxation.

It's a spot where both locals and visitors can jump into a variety of activities. The complex features an awesome five-lane pool with a sauna, making it great for both energetic swimming and relaxing soaks.

The pool is heated and its depth ranges from 3.5 feet to 7.5 feet, so swimmers of all skill levels can enjoy it. And, there are lifeguards on duty to ensure everyone's safety.

But swimming isn't the only thing Pinecrest has to offer. There's the Barbara Anne Scott Arena, where ice skating and hockey fans can glide around and cheer for their favorite teams. The rink even has displays of famous players, adding a bit of history and pride to the experience. For those who want to stay on solid ground, there are weight and cardio rooms for a good workout, along with fun group fitness classes like Zumba, Yoga, and Aquafitness.

Pinecrest is also focused on being accessible for everyone. The whole facility is wheelchair-friendly, with clear signs and plenty of parking to make visits easy.

People often comment on how clean and well-kept the complex is, and the friendly staff are always there to help out or greet you with a smile.

For sports enthusiasts, the complex has outdoor fields for baseball, soccer, and tennis, making it a great place for community events and get-togethers.

Brewer Pool is a great place in Ottawa with a big 25-metre swimming pool that has six lanes, perfect for all kinds of water fun.

It's also a nice spot for families, with a safe area where younger kids can splash around happily.

When you walk into the pool area, you’ll see clean and spacious changing rooms, so everyone has enough space to get ready.

The water is kept at a nice temperature, making it comfortable for both serious swimmers and those just looking to relax in the water. You can easily find public swim times online, so planning your visit is simple.

If you like to use swimming gear, you can borrow things like kickboards, balls, and lifejackets right there.

One of the coolest things about Brewer Pool is that it’s not crowded, so you can swim in peace. The showers are nice, and there are big lockers to keep your stuff safe.

What really makes Brewer Pool special is the friendly and helpful staff. They are always there to assist you or answer any questions, ensuring that every visit is enjoyable.

The St-Laurent Complex is a lively place in Ottawa where you can have fun and stay active. It’s got everything you need.

After a workout, you can jump into the nice pool or chill out in the sauna. And, there's also an Ottawa Public Library inside, making it a great spot for both learning and relaxing.

There’s something for everyone here. Kids can explore their artistic side with art displays, while adults can join the Power Swim Club, which is open to swimmers of all skill levels.

The complex is designed to be welcoming for everyone, featuring special changing rooms, easy entrances, and clear signs to help you find your way around.

If you drive, there’s plenty of parking available, so you won’t have to stress about finding a spot. They also offer free public Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected while planning your next fitness class or checking out community events.

And when it comes to community gatherings, the St-Laurent Complex really shines. They host events like the Gloucester Singles Dance Club, showing how they bring people together.

Need a room for a meeting or event? They can help with that too. With so much to offer, it’s no surprise that it’s a popular spot for recreation and socializing.

From the busy center of Ottawa to its quieter areas, there's a lot of fun to be had in the city. Whether you want the modern feel of the Minto Recreation Complex or the friendly vibe of the Jack Purcell Community Centre, each swimming pool has something special to offer.

These places were picked because they suit different interests and needs. Families, fitness lovers, and those wanting to chill will all find a great spot.

And if you ever need ideas for fun stuff to do, ActiviFinder Ottawa has loads of suggestions for you. Happy swimming!