Outdoor Pools

Ready. Set. Splash!

Outdoor pools open for the season on Friday, June 26, 2026.

City outdoor pools are going cashless this summer. Purchase pre-paid swim passes and clip cards at the Port Dalhousie Pool, Lion Dunc Schooley Pool—credit and debit cards accepted as well as pay-by-phone.

The City of St. Catharines offers three outdoor pools for residents and visitors to enjoy - the Port Dalhousie Pool, Lincoln Park Pool and Lion Dunc Schooley Pool.

Note: Hours of operation are tentative and will be updated when outdoor pools open for the 2026 season.

Port Dalhousie Pool

Port Dalhousie Pool is located at 205 Main St

Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Hours will be extended for Heat Alert Days.

Lincoln Park Pool

Lincoln Park Pool is located at 63 Chetwood St.

Monday to Sunday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Hours will be extended for Heat Alert Days.

Lion Dunc Schooley Pool

Lion Dunc Schooley Pool is located at 32 Seymour Ave.

Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Hours will be extended for Heat alert Days. 

Cashless Payment

Starting June 26, 2026, Port Dalhousie Pool and Lion Dunc Schooley Pool will be moving to cashless payment.

Summer swim passes and clip cards accepted and available for purchase at Port Dalhousie Pool and Lion Dunc Schooley Pool Credit, debit, and pay-by-phone accepted.

  • Lifejackets (personal floatation devices or PFDs) are available for swimmers
  • Water fountains are available. Bring your own filled refillable water bottle to stay hydrated

Register is required for all identified Length Swims at Port Dalhousie Pool and Lion Dunc Schooley Pool.

  • Register online through the ActiveSTC online portal
  • Register by phone at 905.688.5601 ext. 1800.

Leisure Swims are drop-in only.

Cancelling your reservation

If you are unable to come to your reservation time, call 905.688.5601 ext. 1800 at least four hours before your time.

If you miss your reservation and do not call in, your account will be placed on a three-day hold and you cannot book swim times during that time.

Day camps and groups

Make arrangements for day camp and large group reservations with our recreation coordinator by calling 905.688.5601 ext. 1571 in advance of your arrival.

Group caregivers are entirely responsible for their group while in the facility and must effectively supervise the group at all times. Admittance and supervision requirements for all children must be met.

Private rentals

To rent an outdoor pool, call 905.688.5601 ext. 1800.

Discover which swim program or aquatics activity is right for you.

Leisure Swimming

Leisure Swimming is open to everyone, whether you are an advanced swimmer or beginner. There is no pressure to swim fast. Everyone is welcome to drift and float and enjoy a comfortable swim. Leisure Swimming is ideal for people of all ages to enjoy and play in an aquatic setting.

Any Age Length Swimming

All ages are welcome to enjoy Any Age Lengths Swimming. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please check how pool lanes are divided and/or designated to other activities.

Observe the pace of swimmers before finding the lane that best suits your pace. See a lifeguard if you need assistance.

Purchase swim passes and clip cards at the following locations:

You can also use City of St. Catharines fitness passes for any aquatic swim or activity program where space is available.

Reminder: Starting June 26, 2026, Port Dalhousie Pool and Lion Dunc Schooley Pool will be moving to cashless payment.

Rates and fees for swim programs at outdoor pools

Type of pass Children (3 to 14) Youth (15 to 17) Adults (18+) Seniors (50+) Family
Single Entry for Outdoor Large Pool $3.14 $3.49 $4.98 $3.70 $12.93
Single Entry for Outdoor Small Pool Free Free Free Free Free

Summer Outdoor Pool Swim Pass July/August

$38.11 $49.43 $65.03 $43.27 $160.30

Using your swim passes

  • All passes must be submitted before entry to the pool is permitted
  • Adults may use their passes for Outdoor Pool Leisure Swimming and Any Age Lengths Swimming
  • Children and youth may use their passes for Outdoor Pool Leisure Swimming and Any Age Lengths Swimming
  • Family passes gain families entry into Outdoor Pool Leisure Swimming and Any Age Lengths Swimming
  • There is a Lost Swim Pass Replacement Fee of $6.95 if you lose your swim pass

To help ensure your children have a safe and enjoyable swimming experience, we use colour-coded wristbands to identify children at risk. This allows lifeguards to adequately supervise children needing extra assistance in the pool area.

All children ages 10 and under are given a wristband by facility staff and are required to complete the facility swim test in order to swim in the deep area of the pool. We also may ask any guest, of any age, to complete the facility swim test before entering the deep area.

Facility swim test (large outdoor pool)

The facility swim test for large outdoor pools involves a feet-first jump into shallow water. Then participants must tread water for one minute and swim a recognizable front crawl for 20 metres.

Facility swim test (small outdoor pool)

The facility swim test for small outdoor pools involves a front float, with your face submerged for five seconds, and returning to a standing position unassisted.

Children 6 and under

  • Must always be accompanied within arm's reach by a parent, guardian or designate (caregiver) who is at least 14 years old
  • Maximum of two children for every supervising caregiver
  • If a child does not pass the facility swim test, they are given red and orange wristbands. The child must remain in the shallow end of the pool
  • If a child passes the facility swim test, they are given green and orange wristbands. The child is permitted in the deep end of the pool

Children 7-10 years old

  • Must always be accompanied within arm's reach by a parent, guardian or designate (caregiver) who is at least 14 years old or pass the facility swim test
  • Maximum of four children for every supervising caregiver
  • If a child does not pass the facility swim test, they are given red and orange wristbands. The child must remain in the shallow end of the pool
  • If a child passes the facility swim test, they are given a green wristband. The child may be admitted to the pool unaccompanied

Children 11 or older

  • No supervision is required
  • At the lifeguard's discretion, the child may be asked to complete a facility swim test before swimming in the deep end of the pool

Guests with serious medical conditions

Any guest with serious medical conditions must be accompanied by a person knowledgeable of their condition and responsible for their direct supervision. Your medical doctor should be consulted before swimming.

Contact Us

50 Church St.
PO Box 3012
St. Catharines ON L2R 7C2

Email Us
Tel: 905.688.5600
TTY: Type 711 for the operator

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