Beaches, outdoor pools, and splash pads

Splashpads

Starting Saturday, June 29, most splashpads will be open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week. The splashpad on the Halifax Common will open on Monday, July 1 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Municipal beaches

Municipal beaches will be open to the public starting Monday, July 1. 

Outdoor pools

The Bedford, Cole Harbour (Colby Drive) and Halifax Common outdoor pools are officially open to the public. See facility details and schedules here. 

View a list of our beaches, pools, and splash pads in the tables below. Please visit halifax.ca/myREC for a list of programs or call our summer aquatics line at 902.490.5458.  

Supervision

Daily supervision throughout the summer months will take place at most municipal beaches. Residents are advised there is no weekend supervision at Malay Falls or Kinap Beach. All municipal lifeguards hold National Lifeguard Service certification and are equipped with a variety of emergency supplies to help with water rescues.

Recreation thanks the public for enjoying these facilities responsibly and encourages swimmers to exercise caution during the off-season or in non-supervised areas. 

Water testing

Municipal staff regularly test the water quality for bacteria levels at all supervised and four unsupervised municipal beaches from July 1 to Aug. 31. Know your swimming limitations if you choose to swim in unsupervised bodies of water. Always swim with a buddy in supervised areas and adults should never leave children unsupervised in the water.

Beach washroom or change room facilities

Washrooms and change rooms are available at the following beaches at the hours listed. These facilities open on the long weekend in May and close at the end of September each year. 
Albro Lake Beach: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Chocolate Lake Beach: 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Birch Cove Beach: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Penhorn Beach: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

For information on beach closures, call our summer aquatics line at 902.490.5458.