Fun in Alberta Waters

Fun for family, friends or even dipping solo, these parks within a couple hour’s drive from Edmonton will liven up your summer vibes with an out-of-city experience that is still close enough for a day trip. From exhaustingly dynamic to chill and easy, you can find something here for all moods, energy levels and ages. 

Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash

Fittingly, the first up on this list is the first-ever, open-water park in Alberta. Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash has a seemingly endless array of things to slide, climb and bounce on, including an oversized trampoline, launch pad, 90-degree sloped speed curve, 15-foot slide, 15-foot climbing wall, monkey bars, bridges and so much more. The paths themselves are floating; you can either choose to trek it or jump right in the lake as you go! Due to the large and dynamic range of the play zone, children under five are not currently permitted, and all patrons must be a minimum of 3’ 6” in height to participate.

5104 Lakeshore Dr., Sylvan Lake. 163 km south via Hwy. 2

sylvanlakeaquasplash.ca

McKay Ranch Abbey Outdoor Aquatic Centre

With a zero-depth entrance and a tiny tots area, the McKay Ranch Abbey Outdoor Aquatic Centre is truly family-friendly for all ages. Relax in the 26-person hot tub after swimming some laps in the four-lane junior Olympic-sized pool featuring a one-metre diving board, climbing the 10-foot rock wall or dropping down the three-story water slides. After that, you may want to cool off in the spray park or grab a bite to eat at the mobile meals and munchies concession. You’re also welcome to bring food from home or another restaurant if you eat it in the outdoor green area. 

4500 Womacks Rd, Blackfalds. 146 km south via Hwy. 2

blackfalds.ca/m/abbey-centre/outdoor-aquatic-centre

Festival Park

Formerly named Rotary Park, Festival Park boasts the most varied kinds of activities available within its perimeter. From tubing to fishing, a splash park to an off-leash dog area, barbecue zone and concession, jumbo inflatable bouncy jumper, and even a playground, (the tallest play structure in Alberta, as a matter of fact!), Whitecourt’s self-proclaimed gem of the community combines bathing suit-friendly activities alongside furry friend friendly spaces. And the real kicker is, it’s all free! Please note, though there is an air filling station available, tube rentals are not available, so come prepared with your own if the river slides are what you have in mind. 

51 St., Whitecourt, 180km north-west via Hwy. 43

whitecourt.ca/play/festivalpark

Discovery Canyon

Also free is Red Deer’s Discovery Canyon, though this site does offer tube rentals for 6 bucks. Featuring a natural river-fed bubbling water pool, a recreation centre and hiking trails through the surrounding woods, Riverbend Golf & Recreation Centre has created the perfect way for golf lovers to get a few rounds in while keeping their families happy, too! Of course, you’re welcome to forgo the mowed green and stick to the lazy river. The water in the tubing area reaches about 2.5 feet deep and there are no lifeguards on duty, so just be mindful of that when bringing smaller children. 

3800 River Bend Dr., Red Deer, 161km south via Hwy. 2

rbgra.ca/discovery-canyon

Pembina Tubing

Last but not least, the Pembina River Tubing site is the shortest drive on the list. Starting just south of Entwistle, the gentle current will take its time bringing you through the river’s 62-meter Ice Age-created gorge, giving you plenty of opportunity to relax in nature as the Pembina winds. Due to this distance from the end point, shuttles are offered to take tubers back to their vehicles, though many parties prefer to park a vehicle at each location and carpool back. Parking costs $8 and—depending on rentals—shuttle ride fees vary between $18-27.

53217 Range Rd. 74A, Entwistle, 106km west via Hwy. 16

pembinarivertubing.com 

More Like This