Looking to cool off or stay active? Ottawa is home to some excellent public swimming pools that serve every type of swimmer — from kids splashing for fun to adults looking for serious lap lanes or fitness classes. Whether you’re after a therapeutic soak, a full Olympic-sized swim, or family bonding time, these community pools offer something for everyone.
Public pools are a staple of Ottawa summers and an accessible way to stay fit year-round. But between seasonal closures, peak-hour crowds, and membership fees, they’re not always convenient. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you find the right pool for your needs — plus a bonus tip on how to enjoy pool life whenever you want.
Note: This list includes city-operated public pools, community non-profit facilities, and private pools that are all open to the public through fees or memberships.
Understanding Ottawa’s Pool System
Before we dive into the listings, here’s what you should know about public pools in Ottawa:
Seasonal vs. Year-Round: Many outdoor pools operate during the summer months (typically mid-June through late August), while indoor facilities are open year-round. Hours and programs change seasonally, so always check current schedules before your visit.
Membership & Fees: Some pools (like Soloway JCC) require membership, while others charge per-visit fees. Ottawa residents can often access city pools through Parks & Recreation programs at reasonable rates. Non-residents may pay slightly more. Exact pricing varies by facility, so confirm before you go.
Programs & Hours: Most pools offer designated times for family swims, lane swims, lessons, and fitness classes. Peak hours are typically evenings and weekends, so arriving mid-morning on a weekday is often your best bet for shorter lineups.
What to Bring: Bring your own towel, change of clothes, and any required swim gear. Locker availability, coin/lock requirements, and change-room policies vary by facility, so bring a lock and keep valuables to a minimum. Some facilities offer free loaner swim equipment (like kickboards), but it’s best to bring your own goggles and personal gear.
Soloway JCC (Indoor & Outdoor Pools)
Location: Central Ottawa
Best For: Year-round swimming, families, therapeutic soaks
The Soloway Jewish Community Centre is a gem for those seeking both indoor comfort and summer outdoor fun. The indoor facility features a pristine 25-meter saltwater pool (gentler on skin and eyes), a therapeutic hot tub perfect for muscle recovery, and a shallow baby pool with a slide for younger swimmers.
The outdoor pool opens in late spring through early fall and includes lounge chairs and changing facilities — ideal for a full day of relaxation. Beyond the pools, the JCC hosts aqua fitness classes, swim lessons, and synchronized swimming programs.
Access: Membership required; limited public day passes may be available. Check with the JCC directly for current guest access options.
Pro Tip: The saltwater pool is excellent if you have sensitive skin or prefer a more natural swimming experience.
2. Nepean Sportsplex Aquatic Centre
Location: Nepean
Best For: Serious lap swimmers, families, diving enthusiasts
This iconic facility is one of Eastern Ontario’s premier aquatic destinations. The crown jewel is the Olympic-size 50-meter pool with diving towers and springboards — a full-length competition pool that hosts regional, national, and international events. Beyond that, there’s a dedicated 25-meter family pool, a therapeutic whirlpool for post-swim recovery, and a children’s wading pool for the youngest swimmers.
With over 1.5 million visitors annually, the Sportsplex proves that Ottawans take their swimming seriously. The facility offers lane swimming, diving boards and platforms, swim lessons at all levels, and aquatic fitness classes. It’s also home to competitive swim teams and diving clubs.
Access: Single-visit fees and passes are available; memberships offer better value for frequent visitors. Check current pricing and lane swim schedules on the City of Ottawa website.
Pro Tip: Call ahead to confirm lane swim times — they rotate throughout the week to accommodate different age groups and skill levels.
3. Canterbury Recreation Complex Pool
Location: East End (Gloucester area)
Best For: Families, children’s swim lessons, east-end residents
Canterbury Recreation Complex is a full-service facility that happens to have a great pool at its heart. Beyond the pool itself, the complex includes ice rinks, fitness amenities, and a gymnasium — making it a one-stop destination for family recreation.
The pool offers dedicated family swim times, swim lessons for all levels, and public swim sessions. The facility has a warm-water environment and trained staff who make first-time swimmers feel comfortable. It’s particularly popular with young families building confidence in the water.
Access: Day passes or seasonal memberships available. Check the City of Ottawa’s recreation website for current schedules and pricing.
Pro Tip: Register early for swim lessons — they fill up quickly during summer months.
4. University of Ottawa Montpetit Pool
Location: Downtown Ottawa (University of Ottawa campus)
Best For: Serious lap swimmers, downtown residents, diving practice
This Olympic-sized pool is a downtown treasure often overlooked by non-students. Located in the heart of the university, Montpetit features a 50-meter competition pool with a movable bulkhead (allowing it to be set up as two 25-meter pools), diving platforms, and multiple lane swim times throughout the day.
What makes this pool special is its public accessibility. During designated public swim hours, the facility welcomes community members at reasonable rates. The pool also hosts aquatic fitness classes and swim lessons. Basic training equipment (kickboards, pull buoys, etc.) is often available on deck, but bring your own personal gear like goggles.
Access: Public swim hours available. Check the University of Ottawa’s sports services website for current public access schedules and community membership options.
Pro Tip: Arrive early on weekends — this pool is popular with serious swimmers and can reach capacity.
5. Taggart Family YMCA-YWCA Aquatics
Location: Downtown Ottawa
Best For: Beginners, aqua fitness enthusiasts, community-focused swimmers
The Taggart Family YMCA-YWCA is more than just a pool — it’s a community hub dedicated to inclusion and wellness. The aquatics center offers swim lessons tailored to every level, from water-timid toddlers to advanced swimmers. Their instructors are particularly skilled at building confidence in anxious swimmers.
Beyond lessons, the facility offers aqua fitness classes (such as Aqua Zumba, deep-water running, and other options depending on the current schedule), family swim sessions, and adaptive programs for people with disabilities. The warm-water environment and welcoming staff make it ideal for beginners or anyone returning to swimming after a long break.
Access: YMCA membership required; day passes available.
Pro Tip: The YMCA offers financial assistance at many locations; ask this branch about current scholarship or subsidy options if cost is a barrier.
6. St. Luke’s Park & Bethell Field House Wading Pool
Location: Centretown
Best For: Toddlers, young families, casual summer fun
This seasonal outdoor wading pool is a beloved summer destination for families with small children. Located in a beautiful green space with nearby play areas, it’s the perfect spot for toddlers and young kids to splash around safely in shallow water.
The pool operates during the summer months; check the City of Ottawa’s website for current season dates. It’s a no-frills, community-focused facility that captures the essence of neighbourhood summer fun. The surrounding park includes picnic areas, shade trees, and additional play equipment — making it easy to spend a full afternoon.
Access: Free city-run wading pool for families.
Pro Tip: Arrive early on hot days — this small pool fills up quickly with families. Weekday mornings are your best bet for a more relaxed experience.
7. Russell Centennial Pool
Location: Township of Russell (East End)
Best For: East-end families, summer swim programs, young competitive swimmers
Though technically outside Ottawa proper, Russell Centennial serves a large population of east-end residents and is worth the short drive. This facility offers comprehensive summer swim programs, certification courses, and youth swim club opportunities for kids and teens interested in competitive swimming.
The pool hosts local swim meets and is home to competitive swim programs in the region. If your family is interested in structured swim training or competitive opportunities, this is a solid option.
Access: Day passes and seasonal memberships available.
Pro Tip: If your child shows interest in competitive swimming, ask about the swim club programs — they offer coaching and team opportunities.
8. Jack Purcell Recreation Association Pool
Location: Centrally located
Best For: Seniors, people with mobility challenges, inclusive programming
Jack Purcell stands out for its commitment to accessibility and inclusive aquatics. The facility features a warm-water 18-meter pool with extensive accessible entry options, including an electric transfer lift, graduated stairs with arm supports, and full-length handrails. The staff is trained in adaptive programming and genuinely welcoming to people of all abilities.
The pool offers specialized programs for seniors, aqua therapy sessions, and adapted swim lessons. It’s also known for its therapeutic warm-water environment, which is beneficial for people with arthritis, joint pain, or other conditions where warm water provides relief.
Access: Day passes available; memberships offer better value.
Pro Tip: Call ahead to ask about aqua therapy sessions — they’re often covered by some health insurance plans.
9. Greely Indoor Swimming Pool
Location: South End
Best For: Families, young swimmers, south-end residents
Greely Indoor Pool is a community favourite in the south end, offering year-round swimming in a warm, welcoming environment. The facility specializes in Lifesaving Society-based swim programs (Parent & Tots through Swim 9), making it an excellent choice for families building swimming skills from scratch.
Beyond lessons, Greely offers open swims, aquatic fitness classes, and competitive swim team opportunities. The facility is modern, well-maintained, and particularly popular with families working through the swim program levels.
Access: Day passes and seasonal memberships available.
Pro Tip: The south end is growing rapidly — this pool can get busy during peak times. Weekday afternoons offer a good balance of availability and amenities.
10. Dovercourt Recreation Centre Pool
Location: Westboro
Best For: Aqua fitness enthusiasts, families, warm-water lovers
Dovercourt is a well-loved community center in the Westboro neighborhood that punches above its weight when it comes to aquatic programming. The facility emphasizes warm-water programming and specialized fitness classes — including Aqua Zumba, water aerobics, and low-impact workouts designed for joint-friendly exercise.
It’s particularly popular with older adults and people looking for low-impact fitness options. The pool also offers swim lessons for children and family swim times. The facility has a genuine community feel, with many regular members who’ve been coming for years.
Access: Day passes and memberships available.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for aqua fitness over pure swimming, Dovercourt’s class schedule is one of Ottawa’s best.
11. Champagne Fitness Centre Pool
Location: Near Downtown Ottawa
Best For: Fitness-focused swimmers, boutique gym experience
Champagne Fitness Centre is a smaller indoor pool with full gym facilities and a sauna. The facility attracts serious swimmers and fitness enthusiasts who value a quieter, more focused environment.
The pool is smaller than some of the mega-facilities on this list, but that’s part of its appeal — it’s less crowded and more intimate. The facility has a loyal membership base that appreciates its personalized service.
Access: Primarily membership-based. Ask about guest or trial passes for potential members.
Pro Tip: Visit in person to get a feel for the community — this is a place where staff and members know each other.
What You Should Know Before You Go
- Plan for Crowds: Peak times (evenings, weekends, school holidays) can mean lineups and crowded pools. If you prefer a quieter experience, aim for weekday mornings or early afternoons.
- Check Hours & Programs: Pool hours and programs change seasonally and sometimes weekly. Always call ahead or check online before heading out, especially during shoulder seasons (spring and fall).
- Budget for Fees: Day passes typically range from $5–$10 per person, depending on the facility, though this varies widely. Seasonal passes (usually $100–$200) offer better value if you plan to visit regularly. These are approximate ranges — confirm current pricing with each facility.
- Bring Essentials: Pack a towel, change of clothes, and any personal care items. Locker availability, coin/lock requirements, and change-room policies vary, so bring a lock and keep valuables to a minimum. Bring water and snacks for after your swim — chlorine is dehydrating.
- Consider Swim Lessons: If you’re not a strong swimmer, investing in lessons (typically starting in the $50–$100 range for a series) is worthwhile for safety and confidence. Exact costs vary by facility and program length.
The Downside of Public Pools (And Why You Might Consider an Alternative)
Public pools are fantastic resources, but they come with real limitations:
- Seasonal Closures: Many outdoor pools shut down in fall and winter, limiting your swimming season.
- Limited Hours: Public pools often have restricted hours, making it hard to swim on your schedule.
- Crowds & Lineups: Peak times mean waiting, crowded lanes, and less-than-ideal conditions.
- Membership Fees & Per-Visit Costs: Costs add up quickly if you’re a frequent swimmer.
- Travel Time: Getting to a public pool takes time — from packing gear to traveling there and back.
- Limited Customization: You swim in whatever conditions the facility offers, with no control over temperature, depth, or environment.
For many Ottawans, especially families who love the water, these limitations point to a compelling alternative: a backyard pool of your own.
The Better Option: Your Own Backyard Pool
Imagine stepping out your back door on a hot summer afternoon and diving into your own pool — no lineup, no membership fee, no travel time. You control the temperature, the hours, and the experience. Your kids can swim whenever they want.
You can host summer gatherings that become neighbourhood legend.
A well-designed backyard pool and poolscape isn’t just about the water; it’s about the entire experience — thoughtful landscaping, functional hardscaping, lighting, comfortable seating areas, and privacy screening that transform your outdoor space into a true oasis.
For many Ottawa families, this is the difference between visiting a public pool and actually living the pool lifestyle year-round. At Ottawa Home & Garden, we’ve been designing and building custom backyard pools and poolscapes since 1998. We handle everything from initial design and permitting to installation and landscaping, working directly with you throughout the process.
Ready to Take the Plunge?
If you’re tired of public pool lineups and ready to bring the pool experience home, let’s talk.
Schedule a free consultation with our team. We’ll discuss your vision, assess your backyard, and show you what’s possible. No pressure. No obligation. Just honest conversation about creating your family’s perfect outdoor space.