Nanaimo is a beautiful and family-friendly city located in British Columbia. Residents and guests of the city can find plenty of things to do which will keep the whole family entertained. The best examples of its’ undiscovered gems lie in its’ swimming pools, and as such, we’re going to be looking at the best places to go for a dip in this fantastic city today.
1. Nanaimo Aquatic Centre
Starting off the list, we have possibly the most well-known and popular swimming spot in Nanaimo, located in the public Vancouver Island University – And no, you don’t have to be a student to visit here if that’s a concern you have.
What activities are there?
Aside from swimming, Nanaimo Aquatic Centre also houses an aerobics gymnasium, a community area, and a yoga hall, meaning there is something for everyone of all ages here. There are wet and dry changing rooms as well depending on which activity you are visiting for.
What’s it like there?
There’s a lot of fun stuff to do at this large waterpark, including three water slides, interactive fishing boat features, a hot tub, a sauna, a steam room, and two diving boards.
How much does it cost to go here?
Admission can be issued as general one-day payments or with visitor passes. The price will be determined by the length of the pass as well as the ages of those visiting. For example, adults aged 18-60 can be admitted to the park for just $7 a day, though a 12-month pass will set the same age range back for $500. It’s ultimately up to you which plan is best, though the variety of activities, as well as the park’s popularity, easily make it worth whatever price you pay to get in.
2. Bowen Park Kin Pool
As the famous saying goes, looks can be misleading. Bowen Park is a prime example of this, as what appears to be just one regular swimming pool is, in fact, the home of many great amenities.
What activities are there?
Aside from a regular mid-sized public swimming pool, Bowen Park has a viewing deck, waterslides, a playground, and picnic tables – for those parents who do not want to get wet but have been coerced into a day out by the kids. Aside from changing rooms, there are also showers and washrooms available to rinse yourself down after a dip.
What’s it like there?
Bowen Park’s swimming pool is very closed off and private, being surrounded by large trees and canopies that shield you from the traffic and essentially the outside world in general. If the type of vacation you’re wanting is an escape, then Bowen Park is certainly the place to go.
How much does it cost to go here?
Bowen Park is free to park at and enter as it is a public recreational area. However, renting or purchasing additional swimming equipment may or may not incur additional costs depending on what item is borrowed or bought.
3. Beban Pool
One of Nanaimo’s largest and most welcoming swimming spots is Beban Pool. During this summer, this is certainly the place to be as it becomes quite a hotspot for guests both looking to unwind and escape from daily life alike.
What activities are there?
Beban Pool hosts a variety of things to do for all ages, though unlike some of our other picks, all these activities are exclusively pool-based. For example, depending on the time of day which you visit, you can choose to swim in the 25-meter lane, the 50-meter lane, the waves, the waterslides, or just the ‘everybody welcome’ pool. Aquafit exercise sessions are also hosted at Beban Pool, though these are booked independently of pool visits.
What’s it like there?
Beban Pool is indoors as opposed to outdoors like our first two contenders on this list, so the experience is immediately far more collective and communal-like. Although some may enjoy feeling the cold water after diving in from a humid and warm atmosphere, it may also be worth keeping in mind that it can get a little too hot during the summer for those who are dehydrated or have relevant medical conditions, so always use your discretion!
How much does it cost to go here?
Adults aged 19 – 59 can enter for $7, whilst younger kids and senior adults can enter for up to $6 right down to free entry dependent on age. Family memberships, costing $14, are also available. Active pass plans of 1-month and 12-months are available for varying costs as well.
4. Westwood Lake Park
Described by Nanaimo officials as “the ultimate destination”, Westwood Lake Park becomes quite the hotspot during the summer heights, much like our previous contender, only with several big differences in terms of features.
What facilities are there?
Westwood Lake Park always has a busy and varying schedule daily. Special events, including competitions and programs, are hosted here frequently, giving you a chance to be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience should you choose to holiday here. For youngsters, swimming lessons are offered as well, which is another rare experience given the lake setting.
What’s it like there?
Rather than being a specialized swimming pool, Westwood Lake Park is, unsurprisingly, an actual lake. Due to being in such a natural and open region, the swimming area here is the largest of any of our picks on this list. Whilst taking a quick swim, you’re also greeted by the beautiful sights of mountains and tall trees surrounding this beautiful hidden piece of Canadian beauty.
How much does it cost to go here?
It’s free to enter the park, though it should be kept in mind that some of the events hosted may require payments in order to be a part of, and swimming lessons are also only available as part of a paid-for subscription plan.
Overall…
Well, it just goes back to that age-old saying, ‘Quality, not quantity’. Although Nanaimo may not have many swimming spots, it teaches us this valuable lesson as the few swimming spots that it does have are easily among the greatest in all British Colombia, if not Canada in its’ entirety.
Not one pick on this list is like another. For example, if you’re looking for a natural landscape to indulge yourself in open waters, Westwood Lake is the place for you, but if you’re looking for a more concentrated and luxurious experience, then you’ll probably have better luck swinging by Beban Pool due to its’ predominantly indoor setting.
There’s only one thing left for us to say to you now: Never pass up an experience like this! Swimming is, not only one of the most relaxing activities but is also an experience that anyone can enjoy regardless of their situation. Are you a parent looking to take their children away for a while? Well, you can take them to the waterslides whilst you sit at the side and prepare the picnic. Are you just a one-person party wanting to unwind? Take a dip and chill out!
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