Let cooling waters prevail | Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau

Design & Fashion

Let cooling waters prevail

Our favourite Montreal pools

Montrealers know this about their city: it is at its best in the summer. Festivals are in full swing, there’s always another outdoor terrasse to check out, and the parks are teeming with people picnicking and promenading. It’s summertime, and suddenly the whole city is vibrant and joyful!
As long as you’re jumping for joy, why not dive into a pool? When the urge to do just that hits you, check out this rundown of our crew’s pool picks.
 
Parc Jean-Drapeau

At the exit to the Jean-Drapeau subway station

Montrealers usually hop over to Île Sainte-Hélène for Osheaga, the Grand Prix or Piknic Électronik. However, Parc Jean-Drapeau also boasts a great pool. There is a wading area with a gradual slope for children, as well as competition lanes and a springboard, plus a magnificent view of the Biosphere.

Montreal Bonaventure Hilton

900 De La Gauchetière West

This discreet rooftop tool is right out of a Hollywood movie. Its unique design and intimate aspect make it a summertime favourite. Of course, you need to book a room in order to gain access, but it is well worth it.

Bota Bota Gardens

Alexandra Pier, in the Old Port

This is the Gardens’ second summer of operation, and Montrealers can enjoy the pool and whirlpool bath when they visit Bota Bota, for instance during our 5@7 on Thursdays. Indeed, every Thursday this summer, the bistro and spa worlds mingle, under four themes: Yogi, Fashion, BBQ & Sangria, and Jazzy. Featuring lively animation and treats of all kinds!

Olympic Park

4545 Pierre-De Coubertin

If you’re itching for a swim and it’s raining, why not drop by the pool at the Olympic Park? It’s been recently renovated, and it’s at the heart of a sports centre that has itself just been magnificently revamped with a new retro look that gives a playful nod to Montreal’s Olympic past.

Mount Royal

Near the former Royal Victoria Hospital

Until recently, for just $5, swimmers could enjoy this urban oasis, known to Montrealers as the “secret pool” because of its discreet location on the side of Mount Royal, nestled amid the picturesque buildings of the McGill University campus. But then, Royal Victoria Hospital upped and moved its facilities to the new health centre in N.D.G., abandoning the pool to an uncertain fate. If you’d like to use the pool in the future, join the movement to save the pool that was launched two years ago.