Byng Island Conservation Area in Dunnville, Ont., is home to the largest outdoor pool in all of Canada. It’s a popular summer destination that we’re definitely looking forward to enjoying very soon. Temperatures have felt less like spring and more like fall as of late, but the conservation area is aiming to open the attraction next month. Here’s what you need to know.

It’ll take you just over an hour and a half from Toronto to reach the conservation area. Byng Island provides access to the Grand River and Lake Erie for paddling, fishing, and sailing.

It spans 140 hectares and is made up of Carolinian forests, wetlands, and creeks, according to the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA)

But, of course, one of the biggest highlights here is its outdoor swimming pool. It can hold up to 1,000 people and has a diving board.

Canada’s largest outdoor pool

In an email to Curiocity, Byng Island confirmed an opening date of June 20, 2026.

Given the popularity of this pool, it may reach capacity. On hot summer days, you may want to check for real-time capacity updates online before you visit.

Though the pool opens later in the season, the conservation area itself is open to the public now.

What else can you do at Byng Island?

Hiking, cycling, fishing and more, Byng Island has a number of outdoor recreational activities you can enjoy. Stroll along a trail system with three different loops, including the Creekside Trail, Carolinian Trail and the Pines Trail. The three have a combined length of 2 km.

As for biking, cyclists can ride along on the conservation area roads.

So, whether you’re waiting for the pool to open or planning a trip for the upcoming long weekend, Byng Island Conservation Area is an ideal getaway.

Byng Island Conservation Area

Where: 4969 County Rd. 20, Dunnville, Ont.

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Karen Doradea

Karen Doradea

Managing Editor, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.

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