Open for public swimming throughout July and August, this beloved saltwater pool is perhaps one of the most scenic spots to channel your inner Michael Phelps during the summer months. The waterfront swimming pool offers designated lanes for fast, medium and slow swimmers – so you can practice breaststroke, front crawl and the always-challenging butterfly stroke at a pace that you’re comfortable with. Remember to brush up on your lane-swimming etiquette before you go (use the middle lane to pass; give those in front of you plenty of space) and bring your own goggles and swim cap.
Forget the tropics; you lucky Vancouverites can harness that scenic beachside feeling right here in your own backyard. It’s always fun to take a splash at North America’s longest saltwater (and most scenic) swimming pool. The Kitsilano outdoor pool is 137 metres long and offers an incredible view of Burrard Inlet, designated swimming lanes, and a long, sloped section that mimics a sandy beach (sans sand of course). The pool’s saltwater is replenished by the ebb and flood of the tides, and (perhaps most importantly) is heated, which means tropical vibes prevail no matter what the temperature is outside.