You can swim year-round at this heated rooftop pool in Calgary

Rooftop pools might feel like a strictly summer activity, but one spot in Calgary keeps the swimming season going year-round. Freestyle Social Club at Hotel Arts has a heated pool open daily, even as the weather starts to cool down. And you don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy it, either; non-hotel guests can access the pool for just $15 per person.

If you’re curious about how it all works, here’s what to know before you go.

What to expect at Freestyle Social Club

What is Freestyle Social Club?

Located inside Hotel Arts in downtown Calgary, Freestyle Social Club is a social lounge where you can grab food and drinks, play a round of golf on the digital simulators, or spend a few hours by the pool. According to Hotel Arts, the space is meant to be a place where you can hang out for a while, rather than just stopping in for a quick drink or meal.

During warmer months, the pool is open-air, and you get gorgeous views of the city skyline. Once the weather starts cooling down, an inflatable roof goes over the pool to create a warm indoor space.

If swimming isn’t your thing, there are also two Foresight golf simulators where you can play full rounds, practice your swing, or try out interactive games.

And of course, we can’t forget about the food! The club also has a full menu with breakfast options, snacks, larger dishes, and drinks. There’s also Social Hour from 3 to 6 p.m. daily, with different food and drink features rotating throughout the week.

Although the club is located in the hotel, you don’t have to be staying at Hotel Arts to stop by.

Where is the Freestyle Social Club?

Freestyle Social Club is located on the top floor of the Hotel Arts building in downtown Calgary. If you’re driving, free underground parking is available beneath the hotel and can be accessed from 13th Avenue SW. Above-ground parking lots are also accessible from 12th Avenue SW.

Taking transit? The Victoria Park/Stampede CTrain Station is about a seven-minute walk from the hotel, and bus stops are also along 1st Street SW, including stops near 13th Avenue SW.

What are the pool rules?

There are a few rules to know before you hop in the pool. Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed in the space, and glassware is prohibited around the pool. Diving, jumping, and running aren’t permitted, and you can’t bring a drink into the pool.

There is also a dress code to keep in mind. While swimwear is fine in the Poolside area, the hotel asks that you wear appropriate clothing and shoes when walking through public areas.

How much does Freestyle Social Club cost?

Non-hotel guests can access the pool for $15 per person. Pool access is first-come, first-served, so availability can vary. The pool fee applies whether you’re sitting on the pool deck or inside the lounge. Fees may also change on event days.

If you’re looking to use the golf simulator, studio rentals start at $45 per hour, with reservations available in 30-minute increments. And if you’re staying at the hotel, you can get 50 per cent off bookings by calling the front desk.

You can book Poolside and the golf simulator online before your visit.

If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to pool days, Freestyle Social Club might be exactly what you need.

Freestyle Social Club at Hotel Arts

When: Open daily
Time: Sunday to Thursday: 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 6:30 a.m. to midnight
Where: 119 12th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Pool: $15 per person; Golf simulator: $45 per hour

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