
Looking to swim at a clean, sandy beach? There are several places to dive into Georgian Bay's cool, clear waters in and around Owen Sound.
On the western shore, you'll find Kelso Beach at Nawash Park, which has a shallow sandy beach, change rooms and washroom facilities, a sheltered picnic area, a splash pad, a playground, and trails. It's near the Georgian Shores Marina. Parking is free, and the beach is unsupervised. Picnic under the tall shady willows and enjoy the view across the harbour.
Further north lies Sarawak Family Park, across from the Legacy Ridge Golf Club. It has a sheltered beach, a small playground, washrooms, and picnic facilities. The beach is sandy, but the bay here is rocky in places. Parking is free.
Several other beaches are tucked along Owen Sound Bay heading north on County Road 1 past Kemble, but the largest is in Big Bay, the self-proclaimed "Skipping Stone Capital of Canada." Indeed, the shore is full of smooth, flat stones perfect for skipping on the water. While you're there, stop by the Big Bay General Store for homemade ice cream or Kepple Croft Gardens for a horticultural treat!
On the east side of Owen Sound Bay a little north of the city, is the Hibou Conservation Area, a great place to take the family for the two natural sand beaches, hiking trails, playground, picnic facilities, and bathrooms. Hibou is on County Road 15. From May to October there is a $5 parking fee.
Sauble Beach, the second-longest freshwater beach in the world, is only 20 minutes west of Owen Sound.
If the waters of Georgian Bay feel a little too cold or poolside lounging is more your style, there are several other swimming options, including heated outdoor pools at Harrison Park, the splash pad at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park and indoor swimming at the YMCA Owen Sound Grey Bruce, Stone Tree Fitness, and the Quality Inn.
Nestled under the trees near Weavers' Creek in Harrison Park, Owen Sound's only outdoor heated public pool is open in June, July, and August. It is fully staffed with professional lifeguards and operated by the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce.
An open swim pass may be purchased at the Harrison Park Pool. Information on where to purchase a seasonal pass will be posted here soon.
Open swim: $7.00 + HST per person or $21 + HST per family*
Seasonal pass: $98 per person or $168 per family* (plus HST)
*(Maximum of 5 - immediate family only)
Private pool rentals: $98 for up to 25 swimmers, $126 for 26-50 swimmers, or $154 for 51-100 swimmers (plus HST). Call the YMCA at 519-376-0484 ext. 226 or email marilyne.jones@osgb.ymca.ca to book your private rental.
Public Swim Schedule
Dates |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
Sunday |
Opening Day: Monday, June 19 |
12:30pm-3:30pm |
12:30pm-3:30pm |
12:30pm-3:30pm |
12:30pm-3:30pm |
12:30pm-3:30pm |
11:00am-2:30pm |
11:30am-2:30pm |
End of Season: Sunday, September 3 |
4:30pm-6:00pm
|
4:30pm-6:00pm (excl. Aug 1) |
4:30pm-6:00pm |
4:30pm-6:00pm
|
4:30pm-6:00pm
|
3:30pm-5:30pm (Excl. July 1) |
3:00pm-4:00pm |
*There will be no evening swim on July 1 (Canada Day) and August 1 (Civic Holiday)
Free Summer swims are offered on Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. thanks to the generosity of our Major Sponsor, Miller Waste Systems.
Free Summer swims are offered on Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. thanks to the generosity of our Community Sponsors.
June 21 |
Owen Sound Comm-R-ettes |
June 28 |
Royal Canadian Legion Brach #6 Ladies Auxiliary |
July 5 |
Fairmount Security |
July 12 |
Grey Bruce Public Health Unit |
July 19 |
Transform Tree & Shrub Care |
July 26 |
Owen Sound Comm-R-ettes |
August 2 |
Hydrogen Optimized |
August 9 |
Brand Realty Group |
August 16 |
Fairmount Security |
August 23 |
Royal Canadian Legion Brach #6 Ladies Auxiliary |
August 30 |
Hydrogen Optimized |
- Pool use is on a first come first serve basis.
- All users are expected to practice hand hygiene before and after using the facility.
Please Note: This facility may be closed or its use limited at any time because of inclement weather.
The Good Cheer Splash Pad at Kelso Beach Park is the hottest place to stay cool in the summer!
Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., from Victoria Day weekend until Thanksgiving Monday. NO admission fee!
Please observe the following rules when using the Splash Pad:
- Use of the Splash Pad is at your own risk and sole responsibility.
- All children must be supervised at all times while in the Splash Pad.
- No climbing on the spray equipment.
- No pets (except for service animals), glass, rocks, bottles, or other foreign objects are allowed in the Splash Pad.
- No skateboards, rollerblades, scooters or bicycles allowed.
- Smoke Free Environment.
- The use of soaps, detergents or shampoos is not allowed in the splash pad.
- Be considerate of others.
Please Note: This facility may be closed or its use limited at any time because of weather. In case of lightning or thunder, all persons must vacate the area.
Find the Splash Pad at the following location.
If there are any problems with the Splash Pad system, please contact Adam Parsons at 519-376-4440 ext. 1221.
The Good Cheer Splash Pad is provided through the generosity of the Scenic City Order of Good Cheer and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Owen Sound's largest aquatic facility features a warm water leisure pool and a full 25 meter 8 lane main pool. The YMCA offers a full range of programming and professional training. Drop-in programs are available free of charge to Y members, and day rates are available for guests which include access to the YMCA's other fitness facilities. Visit the YMCA Aquatics webpage for more information.
The YMCA is also home to the Owen Sound Aquatic Club (OSAC), which offers a very active competitive swimming program for children and youth. Visit the OSAC website for more information.
The Quality Inn features an indoor saltwater pool and a whirlpool as well as a fitness centre. Access to these amenities is free for hotel guests. Call the Quality Inn at 519-376-1551 for further information on day rates for non-guests and hours of operation.
Stone Tree features an indoor saltwater pool and a complete fitness centre. Call 519-376-7899 or visit Stone Tree Golf and Fitness - Stone Tree Golf and Fitness for further information on day passes, memberships, and hours of operation.