Categories: Lifestyle

Canada’s first natural swimming pool is in Alberta and it’s surrounded by sand

Photo via Travel Alberta

The 2025 summer season is just around the corner. In fact, you could say that it’s coming in hot, and you’ll need somewhere to beat the heat. Luckily, when temperatures rise, Alberta has a ton of incredible swimming holes where you can make a splash, including the Borden Natural Swimming Pool in Edmonton.

Let’s dive in

If we were to tell you that Borden is surrounded by soft sand and beach umbrellas, you’d likely picture it far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, but reality is to the contrary.

This unique lagoon is Canada’s first public, man-made, natural swimming hole and is located in the Northeast quadrant of Edmonton.

Here, the water relies on a more natural filtering system to clean the pool, instead of chemicals.

Using a rock filter, hydrobotanical beds, and ultraviolet rays from the sun, this pool is cleaned throughout the warmer months, but there are strict guidelines guests must follow to maintain its balance and water quality.

Know before you go

Photo via The City of Edmonton

Want to check it out? Because Borden Pool is not chemically treated, you’ll have to prepare for your trip accordingly.

In order to jump in, you’ll have to have a head-to-toe shower, wear phosphate-free sunscreen (or just no sunscreen), and be in good health.

According to the city’s website, swimmers will not be permitted to enter if they have been sick within two weeks of their visit or have an open wound.

Street shoes, pets, and glass containers are not allowed; everyone must wear proper attire, and if you’re bringing food, it must be unopened before visiting and eaten away from the water.

It’s sure different, Alberta, but it’s worth it!

The best part? You’ve still got some time to plan ahead because the pool won’t open until June 21, 2025.

This year, admission will start at $9 per adult, $7.50 for people between the ages of 13 and 17 or who are over 65 years old, $6 for kids 2 to 12, or $25 for a household with a maximum of 7.

It’s unlike anything else, so check it out.

Enjoy and happy bobbing!