Last Updated: October 12, 2026
From the Kanata Wave Pool's surf-style swells to the historic Plant Recreation Centre's heated lanes, Ottawa's indoor pools and seasonal outdoor facilities offer something for every swimmer across the city.
The City of Ottawa runs 21 indoor pools that host drop-in public and lane swims, three of them with wave pools (Kanata Leisure Centre, Ray Friel in Orléans and Splash on Ogilvie Road), plus nine outdoor pools and dozens of free wading pools in summer. A 2026 drop-in swim costs $5.19 for adults, $3.11 for children, youth and students, and $3.89 for seniors at the Basic tier, and you can reserve a spot from 6 p.m. two days ahead on each pool's page on ottawa.ca. Schedules change with the seasons, so check the pool's own timetable before you go. Whether you're training for competition, teaching your children to swim, or simply seeking a refreshing escape from summer heat, this guide covers everything you need to know about public swimming in Ottawa.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Drop-in swims at City of Ottawa pools are booked on each facility's page on ottawa.ca, from 6 p.m. two days before. A Basic drop-in costs $5.19 for adults in 2026, and 10-visit passes and Active Ottawa memberships work across City facilities. Popular pools include Nepean Sportsplex, Minto Recreation Complex (Barrhaven), and the wave pools in Kanata, Orléans and Gloucester.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏊 Indoor Pools | 21 City pools with drop-in swims |
| 🌊 Wave Pools | Kanata Leisure Centre, Ray Friel, Splash |
| 💰 Drop-In Cost (Basic) | $5.19 adult, $3.11 child/youth/student, $3.89 senior |
| 🎫 10-Visit Pass (Basic) | $46.71 adult, $27.99 child/youth/student |
| ⏰ Reservations | Open 6 p.m., two days before the swim |
| ☀️ Summer | 9 outdoor pools; wading pools are free |
How Ottawa Swimming Works
The Unified System
Since December 1, 2025, City of Ottawa drop-ins use three tiers. Public and lane swims are in the Basic tier, while aquafitness and wave swims are in Super. A 10-visit pass or an Active Ottawa membership in the right tier works at any City pool, so you are not tied to one facility. Swimming lessons are registered and paid for separately.
Booking Your Swim
Drop-in swims are reserved, not bought, online. Open the pool's facility page on ottawa.ca and use the reservation button above its schedule. Reservations open at 6 p.m., up to two days before the session, and you can hold no more than two back-to-back drop-in sessions at a time. Some sessions do not need a reservation, and the schedule says so. If a session is not full, you can still walk in and reserve on the day. Payment is taken at the facility, not online, so leave a few minutes to pay before your swim, and bring photo ID because staff may ask for it at check-in. If you cannot make it, cancel through the link in your confirmation email so someone else gets the spot.
Pro Tip: For swimming lessons, create your account and add courses to your "Wish List" before registration day, so you can move them straight to your cart when registration opens.
How Ottawa Public Swim Schedules Work by Season
There is no single citywide swim timetable. Each City pool posts its own drop-in schedule on its facility page, and that schedule covers a block of dates. A fall schedule, for example, typically runs from early September to just before Christmas, then a new one starts in January. Long weekends and school breaks often get their own temporary timetable, so a Thanksgiving Monday swim may look nothing like a regular Monday. Pools also close for annual maintenance, often for about two weeks, and the facility page lists those dates.
Fall, winter and spring (indoor). The 21 indoor pools run a mix of lane swims, public swims and aquafitness, and the times differ from pool to pool, so a pool near work may suit a lunchtime lane swim while one near home suits a weekend family swim. Wave swims run only at Kanata Leisure Centre, Ray Friel and Splash, at set times listed on those pools' schedules. Under the City's Play Free offer, Saturday drop-in swims have been free for children and youth 17 and under and the adults with them, but wave swims are not included, so check the Play Free page before you go.
Summer (outdoor and wading pools). The City's nine outdoor pools open in stages from May and June and close around the end of August. In 2026, Crestview opened first on May 11, Bearbrook, General Burns and Genest on June 8, Beaverbrook, Entrance and Glen Cairn on June 13, and Corkstown and Katimavik on June 20. Swimming at City wading pools is free, and they run on staggered weekly schedules from late June to mid or late August. In 2026 several indoor pools also had planned repairs in May and June, so early summer is when it pays to check both indoor and outdoor schedules.
The City's drop-in swimming page links to every pool's current schedule. Look at the date range at the top of the timetable before you plan around it.
Best Indoor Pools in Ottawa
Nepean Sportsplex
Address: 1701 Woodroffe Avenue, Nepean Website: ottawa.ca - Nepean Sportsplex
The Nepean Sportsplex stands as one of Ottawa's premier aquatic destinations, featuring multiple pools within a comprehensive recreation facility.
Facilities:
- 25-metre competition pool with multiple lanes
- Separate leisure pool for families
- Wave pool (scheduled sessions)
- Hot tub and sauna
- Diving boards
Who It's Best For: Lane swimmers seeking quality facilities, families wanting variety, and anyone looking for comprehensive aquatic programming.
Insider Tip: Check the weekly schedule for designated lane swim times versus family swim times. The wave pool operates on specific schedules and often requires separate booking.
Minto Recreation Complex (Barrhaven)
Address: 3500 Cambrian Road, Barrhaven
The Minto Recreation Complex represents Ottawa's newer generation of multi-sport facilities. The modern pool sits within a sprawling complex that includes two hockey rinks, a gymnasium, and an elevated walking track.
Facilities:
- Large indoor pool with lane swimming
- Family swim areas
- Accessible changing rooms with elevators and ramps
- Clean, bright facility with natural lighting
Who It's Best For: Barrhaven families, those seeking modern facilities, and swimmers who appreciate clean, well-maintained amenities.
For more ideas beyond the pool, see our guide to family activities in Ottawa.
Carleton University Pool
Address: 1125 Colonel By Drive (Carleton University Campus) Website: athletics.carleton.ca
Carleton University's 50-metre L-shaped indoor pool is one of the largest in the region, offering facilities that satisfy both casual swimmers and serious athletes.
Facilities:
- 50-metre competition pool
- Diving platforms (1m to 7.5m)
- Deep-end bubbler for water running
- Wading pool for children
- Zip-line during recreational swims
Access: Community memberships available; drop-in rates for non-students. Accessible via O-Train Line 2 (Carleton Station).
Who It's Best For: Serious lap swimmers, divers, university students, and families during recreational swim times.
Plant Recreation Centre
Address: 930 Somerset Street West Phone: 613-232-3000
Dating to 1924, the Plant Recreation Centre offers a unique swimming experience that blends historic character with modern amenities. Located in a peaceful downtown park setting, it provides an escape from urban bustle.
Facilities:
- Large heated swimming pool
- Wading pool for young children
- Hot tub
- Fitness centre
- Clean, spacious changing rooms
Pricing: Senior lane swims available for just $3.75. Family memberships start at $30 for three months (income-qualified).
Who It's Best For: Budget-conscious swimmers, seniors, downtown residents, and those who appreciate historic architecture.
Wave Pools
Kanata Wave Pool (Kanata Leisure Centre)
Address: 70 Aird Place, Kanata
The Kanata Wave Pool transforms ordinary swimming into a beach-style experience, generating rhythmic waves that appeal to children and adults alike.
Wave Sessions:
- Scheduled wave times throughout the day
- Calm water periods for regular swimming
- Family swim times
- Lane swimming available during off-wave periods
What to Expect: The waves create a simulated ocean experience without currents. Children love riding the swells, while adults can bodysurf the larger waves. Life jackets available for younger swimmers.
Pro Tip: Wave sessions are popular—reserve from 6 p.m. two days ahead on the pool's ottawa.ca page, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Wave swims are in the Super drop-in tier: $10.86 for adults and $6.52 for children, youth and students in 2026.
Splash Wave Pool (Gloucester)
Address: 2040 Ogilvie Road, Gloucester
Splash is one of the City's three wave pools, in the east end near Ogilvie Road, and the City promotes it for families, groups and bus tours. Its schedule mixes wave swims, usually in afternoon and evening blocks, with regular swimming periods.
Ray Friel Recreation Complex (Orléans)
Address: 1585 Tenth Line Road, Orléans
The third City wave pool is at the Ray Friel Recreation Complex in Orléans. Check its facility page for the current wave swim times.
Outdoor Summer Pools
The City runs nine outdoor pools: Bearbrook, Beaverbrook, Corkstown, Crestview, Entrance, General Burns, Genest, Glen Cairn and Katimavik. In 2026 they opened in stages between May 11 and June 20 and closed around the end of August. At Entrance and Genest, drop-in swimming on Saturdays has been free for children and youth 17 and under and the adults with them.
Brewer Pool (indoor, near Lansdowne)
Address: 100 Brewer Way, in Brewer Park
Brewer is often mentioned alongside summer swimming because it sits in Brewer Park beside the splash pad and sports fields, but the pool itself is indoor: a 25-metre, six-lane pool with a sauna, open through the year apart from its annual maintenance closure. It is a handy option for Glebe and Old Ottawa South swimmers.
Wading Pools and Splash Pads
Swimming at City wading pools is free. In 2026 they ran on two staggered schedules, roughly June 22 to August 16 and June 29 to August 23, with ten wading pools opening early on weekends from June 13. Splash pads in City parks run when the weather allows. Check the City's swimming pages for the wading pool nearest you.
Recreation Centres with Pools
Richcraft Recreation Complex (Kanata)
Address: 4101 Innovation Drive, Kanata
Beyond swimming, Richcraft delivers a complete recreation experience with fitness centres, gymnasiums, and community rooms. The outdoor areas include artificial turf fields, beach volleyball courts, a skatepark, and splash pad.
Swimming Features:
- Indoor pool with lanes
- Family swim sessions
- Swimming lessons
- Aquafit programs
François Dupuis Recreation Centre (Orleans)
Address: 2263 Portobello Boulevard, Orleans
Orleans' premier aquatic destination features pools designed for all ages, from babies to competitive swimmers.
Pool Setup:
- Warm wading pool for infants and toddlers
- Lap pool with designated lanes
- Private and group swimming lessons
- Large viewing area for parents
Who It's Best For: Orleans families, parents with young children, and swimmers seeking lessons from qualified instructors.
Jack Purcell Community Centre
Address: 320 Jack Purcell Lane (off Elgin Street)
A downtown gem with an 18-metre warm pool that's rarely crowded. Popular for:
- Women-only swim times
- Physiotherapy sessions
- Family swimming with toys and flotation devices
- Small slide for toddlers
Swimming Lessons
City of Ottawa Programs
The City offers structured swimming lessons for all ages through Register Ottawa:
- Preschool: Parent-and-tot classes for infants through age 5
- Children: Progressive skill levels following national curriculum
- Adult: Beginner through advanced stroke improvement
- Private lessons: One-on-one instruction at higher cost
Registration Tips
Swimming lessons are among the most competitive registrations in the city. To secure spots:
- Create your account early - Don't wait until registration day
- Use the Wish List - Add programs before registration opens
- Log in early - The portal experiences slowdowns during peak registration
- Have backup choices - Popular times fill within minutes
- Check wait lists - Openings occur as families adjust schedules
Alternative Providers
Beyond city programs, several private swim schools operate in Ottawa:
- Hippo in the Bathtub - Private lessons in various locations
- Goldfish Swim School - Facility in the west end
- YMCA-YWCA - Lessons at Y facilities
Fees and Passes
City of Ottawa Pricing
These are the City's 2026 single-visit drop-in rates. Public and lane swims are Basic; wave swims and aquafitness are Super. Payment is taken at the facility, and the City's pages disagree on whether HST is included in these figures, so expect the total at the desk to vary slightly.
| Age group | Basic (public and lane swim) | Super (wave swim, aquafit) |
|---|---|---|
| Child, youth or student | $3.11 | $6.52 |
| Adult | $5.19 | $10.86 |
| Senior (65+) | $3.89 | $8.15 |
A 10-visit Basic pass costs $46.71 for adults and $27.99 for children, youth and students, and expires one year after purchase. The family rate is charged per person at the child price when at least one swimmer is 17 or younger. For daily swimmers, an Active Ottawa membership in the Basic tier covers swims at every City pool; choose Super if you want wave swims and aquafit too.
Membership Tiers
Keep these differences in mind:
- Wave swims are only covered by the Super tier
- Aquafitness is also Super
- Swimming lessons are separate program fees, and residents 65+ get 10% off program registration
Financial Assistance
The City's Hand in Hand recreation fee subsidy helps residents who cannot afford programs; ask at any recreation facility or City of Ottawa Client Service Centre for the form.
Tips for Pool Visits
What to Bring
- Swimsuit (racing suits required in some lanes)
- Towel
- Goggles (recommended for lane swimming)
- Lock for lockers (or rent at facility)
- Swim cap (required at some pools)
- Flip-flops for deck areas
Arriving Prepared
- Book in advance during busy periods
- Check schedules before leaving—times change seasonally
- Arrive early for lane swimming to secure preferred lanes
- Shower before entering pool (required)
- Review rules for specific pools (some have lane etiquette guidelines)
Lane Swimming Etiquette
| Speed | Description |
|---|---|
| Slow | Beginners, leisurely pace |
| Medium | Consistent swimmers, moderate speed |
| Fast | Competitive, workout-focused |
Circle swim (counterclockwise) when sharing lanes. Yield at the wall if being overtaken.
FAQ
How do I book a swim time in Ottawa?
Open the pool's facility page on ottawa.ca and use the reservation button above the schedule. Reservations open at 6 p.m. two days before the session. Some sessions are walk-in only, and you can reserve on the day if spaces remain. You pay at the pool, not online.
How much does public swimming cost in Ottawa?
In 2026 a Basic drop-in public or lane swim costs $5.19 for adults, $3.11 for children, youth and students, and $3.89 for seniors. Wave swims cost $10.86 for adults. A 10-visit adult Basic pass is $46.71 and is valid for a year.
Which Ottawa pools have wave machines?
Three City pools have wave pools: Kanata Leisure Centre and Wave Pool (70 Aird Place), Ray Friel Recreation Complex (1585 Tenth Line Road, Orléans) and Splash Wave Pool (2040 Ogilvie Road). Wave swims run at set times shown on each pool's schedule.
What are the best pools for lane swimming in Ottawa?
Nepean Sportsplex and Carleton University offer the best facilities for serious lane swimmers. Carleton's 50-metre pool is particularly suited to long-distance training.
Are there outdoor pools in Ottawa?
Yes. The City runs nine outdoor pools, including Crestview, Entrance, Genest and Katimavik, which in 2026 opened between May 11 and June 20 and closed around the end of August. City wading pools are free, and splash pads run in many parks when the weather allows.
How do I register for swimming lessons in Ottawa?
Register online through the City of Ottawa's recreation registration when the season's registration opens. Create your account early, use the Wish List feature, and log in before registration time to secure popular slots.
Can non-residents use Ottawa pools?
Yes. Non-residents can swim at City pools, but Active Ottawa memberships cost 25% more for people who live outside Ottawa, so check the City's membership pricing page before buying a pass.
What pools have facilities for young children?
François Dupuis (Orleans), Jack Purcell (downtown), and Plant Recreation Centre all feature warm wading pools and family-friendly amenities for young swimmers.
Are there women-only swim times in Ottawa?
Yes, several pools including Jack Purcell Community Centre offer designated women-only swim times. Check individual pool schedules for specific times.
Which pool is closest to downtown Ottawa?
Jack Purcell Community Centre (off Elgin Street) and Plant Recreation Centre (Somerset Street West) are the most central downtown options.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa's public swimming network offers impressive variety—from competition-ready 50-metre pools at Carleton to historic charm at the Plant Recreation Centre, from wave pools that simulate ocean swells to quiet neighbourhood facilities perfect for families. The tiered pass system means one membership or 10-visit pass works at every City pool.
The key to navigating Ottawa swimming is the facility schedule. Check the date range on your pool's timetable, reserve from 6 p.m. two days ahead for busy sessions, and pay at the desk. For swimming lessons, prepare for competitive registration by building your Wish List early.
Whether you're training for triathlons, teaching toddlers water safety, or simply seeking summer refreshment, Ottawa's pools deliver.
Sources: City of Ottawa drop-in swimming, pool locations, drop-in pricing, Brewer Pool and Arena and the Summer 2026 recreation memo; NCR Now; individual facility websites. Fees, booking rules and pool lists checked October 12, 2026.
