Summer may feel like a long ways away but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some aquatic fun! Both the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre and Beban Pool are open year-round for your enjoyment, while the outdoor Kin Pool at Bowen Park stays in hibernation until May.
Nanaimo Aquatic Centre
Did you know? The Nanaimo Aquatic Centre (or NAC as it is commonly referred to) opened in June 2001 and is home to one of the largest wave pools in western Canada! In addition to riding the waves, you can also enjoy its lazy river, three waterslides and interactive fishing boat water feature with a slide and climbing net. And of course, a trip to NAC wouldn’t be complete without a soak in the large hot tub or taking in the sauna and steam room.
.tmb-full-width.jpg?Culture=en "Nanaimo Aquatic Centre (14)")
Feeling adventurous? Take a plunge off the 1-metre and 3-metre diving boards! Also featuring a 50-metre, Olympic-size pool, there is plenty of space to swim and enjoy one of the island’s most popular aquatic facilities.
.tmb-full-width.jpg?Culture=en "Nanaimo Aquatic Centre (12)")
If you’re looking for a more challenging workout, why not try out the weight room at NAC which features an impressive collection of fitness equipment. There are also public rentable meeting spaces available - especially great for hosting birthday parties! Other amenities include an on-site cafe, swim wear specialty shop and physiotherapy clinic.
.tmb-full-width.jpg?Culture=en "NAC Pool Entry")
Beban Pool
Located within the Beban Park Complex, you will find four different pools making Beban Pool a place for all ages and abilities. The main pool first opened in 1976 and has seen many changes and updates over the years. There is now a leisure pool with spray features and lazy river, a tot pool, aquafit pool and 25-metre length pool. Other features include a water slide, 1-metre and 3-metre diving boards, a steam room and hot tub.
One of Beban Pool's claim to fame's is their annual Halloween Howl event held at the pool each year. Complete with a haunted slide tower and real pumpkins floating in the pool, it's a fun family event you'll want to be sure to check out once October rolls around!
Overlooking the pool deck is a weight room with both free weights and stationary fitness equipment. So, whether you want to join an aquafit class, let the kids splash around, swim laps, soak in the hot tub or lift weights you’re sure to find there is something for you at Beban Pool!
Kin Pool
Built in the 1960’s, the Kin Pool is Nanaimo’s first public, and only outdoor, swimming pool. It was built in partnership with the Nanaimo Kinsmen Club and is now operated by the Nanaimo White Rapids Summer Swim Club who use it as a training pool and for swim meets. They also offer summer swimming lessons and public swimming.
The pool opens in May with weekend public swimming beginning in June. Toward the end of June the pool opens up on weekdays for public swimming, aquafit classes and adult length swimming. For more information on public schedules check out the Nanaimo White Rapids website.
Check out the following links for pool events, drop-in schedules or to register for swim lessons:
https://www.nanaimo.ca/your-government/news-events/events
https://www.nanaimo.ca/recreation-parks/drop-in-schedules
https://www.nanaimo.ca/recreation-parks/recreation-facilities-schedules/activity-guide
Some upcoming fun swims!
Feb. 22 - Coast Capital Savings Everyone Welcome Free Swim, 7-9 pm at Beban Pool
March 18 & 25 - Marvelous Mondays Spring Break Pool Party, 1-3 pm at NAC