It’s often crowded, it’s commercial, and it’s not cheap, but Edmonton’s ultimate swimming, sliding, and sunbathing experience awaits at World Waterpark in the West Edmonton Mall (170th St. and 87th Ave., 780/444-5200, adult $31.95, families $84.95, senior or those under four feet $24.95).

Edmonton’s outdoor swimming season lasts approximately three months beginning at the end of May. Of the five outdoor pools owned by the city, the one in Queen Elizabeth Park is in a particularly picturesque location among poplar trees and with a view of the city skyline over the river; access is from 90th Avenue. Another pool, close to the city center, is in Mill Creek Park, north of Whyte Avenue (82nd Ave.) on 95A Street. Admission to all outdoor pools is $4. When the weather gets cooler, or to take advantage of more facilities, head to one of the city’s many indoor pools, where admission includes the use of saunas, a hot tub, weight rooms, and water slides.

The largest of these is Kinsmen Sports Centre (9100 Walterdale Hill, 780/944-7400), on the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. Admission of adult $8, senior $6, child $4, includes use of the pools, fitness center, sauna, and jogging track, all of which were given a thorough upgrade in early 2007. For information on all city-operated pools, call 780/496-7946.