Summer is coming. Soon you will be heading to your favourite location to cool off and have fun. Nanaimo is fortunate to have so many options just minutes away to beat the summer heat. Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, Beban Pool, Kin Pool (the outdoor pool), waterparks, or one of many lakes or beaches are all great options to keep in mind if you’re looking for somewhere to cool off.
My personal favourite is Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Here’s why: NAC is our largest pool facility that offers early morning and late evening hours. For those visiting Nanaimo, it’s located on the south end of town just off the Parkway. There’s a cafe, full gym, swim store, and two water slides. Thanks to the wave pool and two slides, the pool often boasts more visitors than any of the other pools or beaches. There’s also a kids’ area with a boat that squirts jets and a lazy river. Come early and hit up the weight room for an extra calorie burning session.
A close second is Westwood Lake located just off the Parkway and Jingle Pot Road. Westwood Lake is a beachfront beauty and the only beach in Nanaimo patrolled by lifeguards starting July 2nd, 7 days a week from 12pm-6pm. It’s easy to make a day of it by adding a hike or bike around the park and barbequing nearby.
In central Nanaimo, you can swim outdoors at the Kin Pool: a heated, outdoor pool in Bowen Park just off Bowen Road. This pool is operated by the White Rapids Nanaimo Swim Club. It’s heated, which you’ll appreciate in the spring to summer transition.
Beban Pool, located at Beban Park, is your best bet for young kids and seniors. In addition to the slide and lazy river, the pool also offers a kid-operated pirate ship, a chest deep pool for aquatic fitness classes, lane swimming or just relax in the hot tub or steam room.
The summer is never complete without visiting at least two of the four water parks. Water parks open in early June, 9am–8pm. Be sure to check out the newly renovated Kinsmen Departure Bay Kinsmen Water Park featuring all kinds of new spray equipment.
No matter where you choose to cool off this summer, make sure to lather you and your kids up with sun screen, wear a hat and keep your children within arm’s reach if you’re in or near water.
Want to learn more about Nanaimo pools, programs and summer fun? Visit our website www.nanaimo.ca or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
