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.
Harrison Park Pool is nestled under the trees near Weavers' Creek in Harrison Park, Owen Sound's only outdoor heated public pool is open from June 17 to September 1, 2024.
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.
Harrison Park Pool 2024 Public Swim Passes
Open Swim Single Admission All Ages Pass: $10.00
Open Swim Family Pass: $30.00
Seasons Pass Individual: $137.20
Seasons Pass Family (Max 5 family members): $235.20
Private Pool Rentals & Swimming Lessons
Swimming Lesson Registrations are available Online or In-Person at the YMCA. Private Pool Rentals Call 519-376-0484 ext. 226 or email aquatics@osgb.ymca.ca to book.
Swimming lessons schedule runs every Monday to Thursday at the same time for 2 weeks. (8 lessons)
- Session 1 - July 8-18
- Session 2 - August 12-22
Public Swim Schedule
|
Dates |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
Sunday |
|
1st Day of the Season: Monday, June 17 |
12:30pm-3:30pm |
12:30pm-3:30pm |
12:30pm-3:30pm |
12:30pm-3:30pm |
12:30pm-3:30pm |
11:30am-2:30pm |
11:30am-2:30pm Free Swim Sponsored By: Miller Waste |
|
Last Day of the Season: Sunday, September 1 |
4:30pm-6:30pm
|
4:30pm-6:30pm |
4:30pm-6:30pm |
4:30pm-6:30pm
|
4:30pm-6:30pm
|
3:30pm-5:30pm |
3:00pm-4:30pm |
**There will be no evening swim on July 1 (Canada Day) and August 1 (Civic Holiday)**
Thanks to the generosity of our Major Sponsor, Miller Waste, for the FREE Summer swims offered on:
Thursdays: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Sundays: 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Thanks to the generosity of our Community Sponsored Swims are on the
following Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
|
June 19 |
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #6 Ladies Auxiliary |
|
July 3 |
CUPE 1189 |
|
July 24 |
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #6 Ladies Auxiliary |
|
August 7 |
Owen Sound Comm-r-ettes |
|
August 21 |
Owen Sound Comm-r-ettes |
|
August 28 |
CUPE 1189 |
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 usage from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Victoria Day 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.