Whether you are looking for a place to do laps, take swim lessons, splash around with the kids, or soak in a hot tub after a workout, Metro Vancouver has one of the strongest networks of public aquatic facilities in Canada. This guide brings together everything you need to know: a full comparison table, detailed facility profiles for every municipality, outdoor pool options, how to register for swim lessons, and tips for making the most of your visit.
You can find swimming pools and aquatic centres in Metro Vancouver in our catalogue: https://activevancouver.ca/provider/?category=sports&type=water-sports&activity=swimming
Prices change often. Please confirm directly with the provider before your visit.
Quick Comparison: Metro Vancouver Swimming Pools at a Glance
Use this table to find the facility that best matches what you are looking for.
Indoor Pools
| Facility | Municipality | Hot Tub | Sauna | Steam Room | Gym / Fitness Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillcrest Aquatic Centre | Vancouver | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Britannia Community Services Centre | Vancouver | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Vancouver Aquatic Centre | Vancouver | No | No | No | Yes |
| UBC Aquatic Centre | UBC / Point Grey | No | No | No | No |
| Minoru Centre for Active Living | Richmond | Yes (x2) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Watermania | Richmond | Yes (x2) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sungod Recreation Centre | Delta | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Edmonds Community Centre | Burnaby | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Eileen Dailly Leisure Pool & Fitness Centre | Burnaby | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Karen Magnussen Community Recreation Centre | North Vancouver | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre | North Vancouver | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Delbrook Community Recreation Centre | North Vancouver | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| West Vancouver Aquatic Centre | West Vancouver | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre | New Westminster | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| City Centre Aquatic Complex | Coquitlam | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex | Coquitlam | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Coquitlam Sports Centre / Poirier Forum | Coquitlam | No | No | No | Yes |
| Hyde Creek Recreation Centre | Port Coquitlam | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Winskill Aquatic & Fitness Centre | Tsawwassen / Delta | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Newton Wave Pool | Surrey | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex | Surrey | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre | Surrey | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Walnut Grove Community Centre Pool | Langley | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Outdoor Pools (Seasonal — generally late May to early September)
| Facility | Municipality |
|---|---|
| Kitsilano Pool | Vancouver |
| Second Beach Pool | Vancouver |
| Maple Grove Pool | Vancouver |
| Templeton Park Pool | Vancouver |
| Central Park Outdoor Pool | Burnaby |
| Steveston Outdoor Pool | Richmond |
| Rocky Point Outdoor Pool | Port Moody |
| Eagle Ridge Outdoor Pool | Port Moody |
| Bear Creek Park Pool | Surrey |
| New Westminster Moody Park Pool | New Westminster |
| Al Anderson Memorial Pool | Langley |
Indoor Swimming Pools in Metro Vancouver
Indoor pools are open year-round and offer the widest range of amenities. Facilities are grouped by municipality.
City of Vancouver
Location: 4575 Clancy Loranger Way, Vancouver (near Queen Elizabeth Park)
Hillcrest is Vancouver’s largest aquatic centre and a legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics. It features a 50-metre lap pool, a 25-metre pool, a leisure pool with lazy river and water features, a hot tub, dry sauna, and steam room. There is also a seasonal outdoor pool. The variety here is unmatched within city limits, making it an excellent choice for fitness swimmers, families, and anyone wanting a full wellness session after their swim.
Drop-in price: Adult $7.85, Senior/Youth $5.50, Child $3.95
Britannia Community Services Centre
Location: 1661 Napier St, Vancouver
Britannia is a well-maintained community hub in East Vancouver offering a standard lap pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. It is a reliable option for a complete workout and recovery session without the crowds of larger facilities.
Vancouver Aquatic Centre
Location: 1050 Beach Ave, Vancouver
The VAC is a classic downtown facility with a 50-metre pool and a separate leisure pool. It does not have a hot tub or sauna, but it is centrally located and a consistent first choice for serious lap swimmers in the West End.
Location: 700 Templeton Drive, Vancouver (East Vancouver)
Wheelchair-accessible indoor pool in east Vancouver with family-friendly amenities.
UBC / Point Grey
Location: University of British Columbia Campus, Vancouver
The UBC Aquatic Centre is a modern facility primarily serving the university community but open to the public. It offers lap swimming and a range of swimming lessons including dedicated adult programs (Adult 100, 200, and 400 levels) and discounted Student 100 lessons for UBC students. Private and semi-private lessons are also available. Registration is handled through recreation.ubc.ca.
Richmond
Minoru Centre for Active Living
Location: 7191 Granville Ave, Richmond
Minoru is one of the most impressive public aquatic facilities in the entire region. It features an 8-lane 25-metre lap pool, a separate teach pool, and a dynamic leisure pool with a river run, zero-depth entry, a climbing wall, and a drop slide with a 1.5-metre free fall into the water. The wellness area stands apart with two distinct hot pools: a family hot pool (Canada’s largest, with 110 pressure jets and an accessible ramp, approximately 38 degrees Celsius) and a quieter adult hot pool for guests 15 and older (approximately 40 degrees Celsius). There is also a steam room, quiet sauna, social sauna, and a cold polar plunge pool. Richmond also offers Sensory Friendly Swims for individuals who benefit from a quieter, lower-stimulation environment.
Drop-in price: Adult $7.65, Senior/Youth $6.20, Child $4.70
Location: 14300 Entertainment Blvd, Richmond (near SilverCity Riverport)
Watermania is the fun-focused counterpart to Minoru. It has a 57-metre competition pool, a wave pool, a waterslide, two large whirlpools, a steam room, and a sauna. It is an excellent destination for families wanting a full day of entertainment as well as lap swimmers and competitive athletes.
Drop-in price: Adult $7.30, Senior/Youth $5.20, Child $3.90
Burnaby
Location: 7433 Edmonds St, Burnaby
Edmonds offers a 6-lane active swimming pool, a leisure pool, two waterslides, a lazy river, a hot tub with zero-entry access, a steam room, and a sauna. It is particularly well-suited for families with younger children and is one of the more complete facilities in Burnaby.
Drop-in price: Adult $6.77, Senior/Youth $5.08, Child $3.39
Eileen Dailly Leisure Pool & Fitness Centre
Location: 240 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby (The Heights)
Eileen Dailly features a 5-lane 25-metre lap pool and a beach-entry leisure pool with water features, along with a whirlpool, sauna, and steam room. It also has a fitness centre on site, making it a convenient all-in-one option. Located in the walkable Heights neighbourhood, it pairs well with a coffee or a visit to local shops.
North Vancouver
Karen Magnussen Community Recreation Centre
Location: 2300 Kirkstone Rd, North Vancouver
Karen Magnussen is one of North Vancouver’s primary aquatic facilities, offering a lap pool, leisure pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and an attached fitness centre. It serves Lynn Valley and surrounding neighbourhoods and has a strong lineup of swim lesson programming for all ages.
Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre
Location: 123 E 23rd St, North Vancouver
Harry Jerome is a large full-service recreation centre in Central Lonsdale with an aquatic facility that includes a lap pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and fitness centre. It is one of the busiest community centres in North Vancouver and a hub for swim lessons and aquafit programming.
Delbrook Community Recreation Centre
Location: 600 W Queens Rd, North Vancouver
Delbrook offers a lap pool and leisure pool alongside a fitness centre. It is a quieter neighbourhood facility in Upper Lonsdale and a good option for those on the west side of North Vancouver looking to avoid the busier downtown centres.
West Vancouver
Location: 678 17th St, West Vancouver
The West Vancouver Aquatic Centre features a 25-metre lap pool, leisure pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. The District of West Vancouver also offers sessional group swim lessons and private lessons through this facility. It is a well-maintained centre serving the municipality’s residents and is also home to British Swim School programming.
Coquitlam
Location: 1210 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
This facility is well known for its wave pool and family-friendly atmosphere. It also has a 50-metre lap pool, waterslide, hot tub, steam room, and an attached fitness centre. It draws visitors from across Tri-Cities and is worth the trip for the wave pool alone.
Drop-in price: Adult $7.05, Senior/Youth $5.28, Child $4.23
Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex
Location: 633 Poirier St, Coquitlam
Poirier is a quieter option offering a lap pool, leisure pool with lazy river, a whirlpool, sauna, and a therapy pool. It is a good choice for those seeking a more relaxed visit and is popular with older adults and fitness swimmers.
Drop-in price: Adult $7.05, Senior/Youth $5.28, Child $4.23
Coquitlam Sports Centre / Poirier Forum
Location: Poirier St, Coquitlam
The Coquitlam Sports Centre at Poirier Forum is primarily an arena and fitness complex, but it shares the Poirier site and offers community programming including fitness facilities. Check with the City of Coquitlam directly for current aquatic access options at this location.
Port Coquitlam
Location: 1379 Laurier Ave, Port Coquitlam
Hyde Creek is Port Coquitlam’s primary indoor aquatic facility. It features a lap pool, leisure pool, hot tub, sauna, and a fitness centre. It is a comfortable neighbourhood facility with a solid swim lesson program and strong community programming throughout the year.
Delta / Tsawwassen
Location: 7815 112th St, Delta (North Delta)
Sungod is Delta’s main indoor aquatic facility, with a lap pool, leisure pool, hot tub, sauna, and fitness centre. It serves North Delta residents and offers a full range of swim lessons and aquafit classes through the Corporation of Delta.
Winskill Aquatic & Fitness Centre
Location: 5575 9 Ave, Delta, BC V4M 1W1
Winskill serves South Delta and the Tsawwassen area. It has a 25-metre lap pool, leisure pool, hot tub, sauna, and fitness centre. A convenient option for residents of Ladner and Tsawwassen who would otherwise travel to Richmond or Surrey.
Surrey
Newton Wave Pool
Address: 7120 136A St, Surrey
The Newton Wave Pool is one of Surrey’s most popular family destinations, featuring a large wave pool, waterslides, a hot tub, sauna, and steam room. It is operated by the City of Surrey and draws visitors from across the south Fraser region.
Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex
Location: 16555 Fraser Highway, Surrey
The SSLC is a large, centrally located facility serving the broader region. It has a 50-metre competition pool, a leisure pool with a river run and waterslide, a large hot tub, steam room, and sauna. An on-site fitness centre makes it a complete sports and wellness destination.
Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre
Location: 16850 24 Ave, Surrey
An award-winning facility with striking architecture, Grandview Heights is one of the top public pools in the region. It has a 10-lane 50-metre competition pool, a separate 25-metre lap pool, a dive tank, a large leisure pool with lazy river and play features, a hot tub, steam room, and sauna. Serious swimmers and families alike will find it well worth the trip.
Langley
Walnut Grove Community Centre Pool
Location: 8890 216th St, Langley
Walnut Grove is a modern community centre in the Township of Langley with an indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness centre. It is well-used by families and older adults in the Walnut Grove neighbourhood and offers a range of aquatic programming year-round.
New Westminster
təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre
Location: 65 E Sixth Ave, New Westminster, BC V3L 4G6
The təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre offers a full aquatic facility with a lap pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and fitness centre. It is open to the public and represents one of the newer and more complete community recreation facilities in New West.
Outdoor Swimming Pools in Metro Vancouver
Outdoor pools are a seasonal highlight, generally open from late May through early September. Most are heated, making them comfortable even on cooler summer days.
City of Vancouver
Location: 2305 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver
Kitsilano Pool is Vancouver’s most iconic outdoor swim destination and the only saltwater pool in the city. At 137 metres in length, it is one of the longest outdoor pools in Canada. It offers lap lanes, heated water, an accessible entrance, and stunning views of the ocean and North Shore mountains. A summer institution that draws swimmers from across the Lower Mainland.
Season: May to early September Drop-in price: Adult $8.27, Senior/Youth $5.80, Child $4.15
Location: 8501 Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver
Tucked into the western edge of Stanley Park, Second Beach Pool is heated, family-friendly, and has shallow areas well-suited for young children. Picnic areas nearby and the park setting make it a natural choice for a full summer day out.
Season: May to September Drop-in price: Adult $8.27, Senior/Youth $5.80, Child $4.15
Location: 6875 Yew St, Vancouver
Maple Grove is one of Vancouver’s most popular outdoor wading pools for toddlers and young children, with a large shallow pool, grassy picnic areas, and shaded seating. Simple, well-loved, and easy to visit with little ones.
Season: June to Labour Day Drop-in price: Adult $5.77, Senior/Youth $4.08, Child $2.90
Burnaby
Location: Central Park, Burnaby (near Patterson SkyTrain Station)
Central Park Outdoor Pool is Burnaby’s main seasonal pool, located within the forested grounds of Central Park. It features a heated pool, change rooms, and easy access by transit. A popular summer destination for families throughout Burnaby and neighbouring East Vancouver.
Season: Late May to early September
Richmond
Location: Steveston, Richmond
Steveston Outdoor Pool is a seasonal heated pool in Richmond’s historic Steveston village. It is a convenient summer option for residents of south Richmond and pairs naturally with a walk along the waterfront or a visit to Steveston’s shops and restaurants.
Season: Late May to early September
Port Moody
Location: Rocky Point Park, Port Moody
Rocky Point Outdoor Pool is situated within the popular Rocky Point Park on the shores of Burrard Inlet. It is a heated outdoor pool with a great park setting, making it an easy choice for a summer day that combines swimming with the park’s trails, playground, and waterfront views.
Season: Late May to early September
Location: Eagle Ridge, Port Moody
Eagle Ridge Outdoor Pool serves the Eagle Ridge neighbourhood of Port Moody with a seasonal heated pool. A neighbourhood option for residents in the upper areas of Port Moody who want a nearby summer swim without heading down to Rocky Point.
Season: Late May to early September
Surrey
Location: 13820 88 Ave, Surrey (Bear Creek Park)
Bear Creek is located inside one of Surrey’s largest recreational parks and combines a heated pool with slides and splash features. It is an ideal destination for a family day that includes swimming, the adjacent playground, and a picnic on the park’s open lawns.
Season: Late June to early September Drop-in price: Adult $5.00, Senior/Youth $3.75, Child $2.75
New Westminster
New Westminster Moody Park Pool
Location: 550 Arbutus St, New Westminster
State-of-the-art outdoor pool opened in 2009, great for sports and leisure.
Langley
Location: 20699 42 Ave, Langley
Al Anderson Memorial Pool is a 25-metre, 8 lane, outdoor pool located in beautiful City Park. Al Anderson does not provide beachfront entry and starts at 4 feet. Activities include swimming lessons, aquatic fitness, and length swimming.
Swimming Lessons in Metro Vancouver
Most municipal recreation centres across Metro Vancouver now use the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life program. This standardized curriculum runs from infant Parent and Tot classes all the way through to adult stroke improvement and fitness swimming. The program is built around extensive in-water practice, Water Smart education, and a clear progression through levels. If your child previously took Red Cross swim lessons, most facilities can help you find the equivalent Swim for Life level using a transition grid — the City of Surrey explicitly provides one on their website.
Program Overview
Parent and Tot (4 months to 3 years): A gentle introduction to water through songs, games, and play with a parent or caregiver in the water. Common level names include Jellyfish, Goldfish, and Seahorse.
Preschool (3 to 5 years): Children begin building independence and foundational skills such as floating, gliding, and safe pool entry. Level names include Octopus, Crab, Orca, Sea Lion, and Narwhal. Completing Narwhal typically allows progression into Swimmer 2.
Swimmer levels (5 to 12 years): The core of the program, focused on developing front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke through in-water practice. Levels run from Swimmer 1 through Swimmer 6.
Canadian Swim Patrol (8 years and up): Follows the Swimmer levels and introduces lifesaving techniques and leadership skills through Rookie, Ranger, and Star Patrol designations.
Teen and Adult Swimmer: Available for beginners and those looking to refine technique and build endurance. Many municipalities offer these as goal-oriented programs.
Fitness Swimmer: For swimmers of any age who want to use the pool for structured fitness, including pace clocks, workout design, and distance training.
Where to Register
Most municipalities handle registration online. Here are the main portals:
City of Vancouver: recreation.vancouver.ca City of Burnaby: WebReg system (burnaby.ca) City of Richmond: richmond.ca/register (MyRichmond account) City of Surrey: MySurrey account (surrey.ca) North Vancouver Recreation and Culture: PerfectMind system UBC Recreation: recreation.ubc.ca
Swim lessons fill up very quickly. Burnaby residents can register 30 days before the session start date, with non-residents at 27 days. Richmond has opened Fall registration in mid-July in past years. Surrey often opens registration at 9 pm on designated evenings. Always check the relevant city website for current registration dates well in advance and be ready to log in the moment registration opens.
Tips for Securing a Spot
Create or update your online account before registration day. Have all family members listed with correct birthdates, as programs are age-gated. Identify two or three backup options — different time slots or nearby locations — in case your first choice fills immediately. Log in before the registration window opens, have course pages ready in separate browser tabs, and refresh at the exact moment the window opens. If you do not get a spot, join the waitlist immediately, as spots open up regularly as plans change.
Private and Specialized Swim Schools
Beyond municipal programs, several private providers operate in Metro Vancouver and offer smaller class sizes, at-home lessons, and specialized instruction:
British Swim School (West Vancouver) runs programs from 3 months old, including an adaptive Dolphin program for swimmers with diverse abilities. Monthly fees for group classes (one class per week) run approximately $295, plus a one-time registration fee.
SwimOclock offers private lessons in the client’s own home or building pool across the Lower Mainland. Rates range from approximately $30 to $90 per session depending on length and instructor.
Swim Fins Swim School teaches the Lifesaving Society curriculum in a small-group, private setting, serving infants from 4 months through to adults.
Olympia Swim Academy, Propel Swim Academy, Coastal Waves Swim School, and Aquaventures Swim Centre are additional private options offering flexible scheduling, at-home delivery, and specialized instruction. Check each provider directly for current rates and availability.
The YMCA of Greater Vancouver offers a continuous enrollment model, meaning once you have a spot, you keep the same weekly time slot and progress through levels without re-registering each session. Membership is required in addition to the lesson fee.
The YWCA Health and Fitness Centre in downtown Vancouver offers 45-minute private swim sessions available to both members and non-members at different rates.
Planning Your Visit
Passes and punch cards: Many facilities offer multi-visit punch cards in addition to drop-in pricing, which can offer savings for regular swimmers.
Accessibility: Most aquatic centres across Metro Vancouver have wheelchair-accessible entrances, accessible pool entries, and family change rooms. Minoru Centre specifically has an accessible ramp into the family hot pool. Richmond also offers Sensory Friendly Swims for individuals who benefit from a quieter environment.
What to bring: Swimsuit, goggles (recommended for ages 3 and up), a towel, and flip-flops for moving between the change room and pool deck. Children who are not yet potty-trained must wear a snug swim diaper, and many facilities require a double diaper system. Check the specific facility’s policy before arrival.
Before you go: Always check the facility’s website for the current schedule. Lap lanes, leisure pools, and hot tubs may have limited windows due to lessons, swim clubs, and booked programs. Schedules change by season and around holidays.
Water safety: Swimming lessons build important skills, but supervision remains essential whenever children are near water. Metro Vancouver’s lakes and rivers can be very cold even in summer, and currents in rivers or near tidal areas can be deceptive. Swim with a buddy and wear a properly fitted lifejacket for open-water activities.
Find More Swimming Options in Metro Vancouver
You can browse the full list of pools, aquatic centres, and water sport providers in our catalogue: https://activevancouver.ca/provider/?category=sports&type=water-sports&activity=swimming