Kitsilano Pool is getting a splash of change this August as the Vancouver Park Board adjusts outdoor pool operations to improve access for drop-in swimmers.
Starting today, the pool’s two afternoon sessions — previously 3pm to 5:30pm and 6pm to 8:30pm — will merge into a single extended session from 3pm to 8:30pm The Park Board says the change will give swimmers more flexibility to arrive when it suits them while still enjoying a full swim.
The adjustment is part of a summer trial that also introduces a new incentive for spontaneous swimmers: a 50 percent discount on drop-in admission during the final 45 minutes of any outdoor pool session, excluding early-morning length swims. The discount applies to Kitsilano Pool, as well as Second Beach, New Brighton, and Maple Grove pools.
“Timed sessions have helped keep pools safe and efficient, but we want to give drop-in users more value and choice,” the Park Board said in its announcement.
Reservations will still make up 80 percent of available spots, with the remaining 20 percent initially set aside for drop-ins. Real-time attendance will continue to determine if more drop-in spots can be released without compromising safety.
The Park Board notes that most drop-in swimmers have been accommodated under the current system, with timed sessions reducing lineups and wait times. These new changes aim to enhance the experience for locals and visitors hoping to cool off at Vancouver’s outdoor pools before the summer winds down.
Last modified: August 5, 2025
