Two of Canada’s largest outdoor pools opening for season

Two of Canada’s largest outdoor swimming pools will open for the season on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

The pools are operated by the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and are located in the Brant Conservation Area (Brantford), and the Byng Island Conservation Area (Dunnville).

“These pools offer a unique and memorable activity for people living in southern Ontario,” says Pam Walther-Mabee, Director of Conservation Area Operations for the Grand River Conservation Authority. “A low slope entry, all the way around the pool, means that there is plenty of water frontage for people of all ages to enjoy. The large pools and expansive Byng Island and Brant Conservation Areas allow us to accommodate many guests comfortably.”

The 2-acre pool at Byng Island Conservation Area can accommodate up to 1,000 people and has a deeper zone with a diving board. The pool at Brant Conservation Area is 1.25-acres. Both pools have slowly slopping bottoms and splashpads that are inviting to younger guests.

There is a fee of $2.75 at each pool for anyone four-years and older and visitors are required to pay a day-use fee to enter the conservation area if they are older than three-years. Brant Conservation Area pool hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., seven days a week. Byng Island Conservation Area pool hours are 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Initially, the Byng Island pool will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Beginning June 26, 2025, the pool will be open seven days a week.

Along with swimming, both conservation areas offer a variety of activities for anyone wanting to experience nature. These activities include camping, hiking, cycling, picnicking and wildlife viewing. Byng Island Conservation Area offers kayak, canoe and paddle boat rentals and can accommodate sail boats and power boats. Brant Conservation Area has several Grand River access points for people who bring their own canoe or kayak.

For more information on both the pools and all activities available at conservation areas operated by the GRCA, please visit http://www.grandriver.ca/conservationareas. Visitors are encouraged to check the online conservation area status tool before visiting.

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Media Contacts:

Serena Catania, Supervisor, Communications and Marketing

Phone 519-621-2763 x2240  |  Email scatania@grandriver.ca

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Director of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education

Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca