Vancouver's midsummer saltwater temperature rarely exceeds 18°C (65°F). If you've really got a hankering to have a saltwater swim, try the heated outdoor pools at both Kitsilano Beach and Second Beach. You can also take to the water at public aquatic centers.
The Vancouver Aquatic Centre, 1050 Beach Ave., at the foot of Thurlow Street (tel. 604/665-3424), has a heated, 50m (164-ft.) Olympic pool, saunas, whirlpools, weight rooms, diving tanks, locker rooms, showers, child care, and a tot pool. Adult admission is C$4.85 (US$4/£2.25), C$2.45 (US$2.10/£1.10) children 2 to 12. The new, coed YWCA Fitness Centre, 535 Hornby St. (tel. 604/895-5777; www.ywcavan.org), in the heart of downtown, has a 6-lane, 25m (82-ft.), ozonated (much milder than chlorinated) pool, steam room, whirlpool, conditioning gym, and aerobic studios. A day pass is C$16 (US$14/£7) for adults. UBC's Aquatic Centre, 6121 University Blvd. (tel. 604/822-4522; www.aquatics.ubc.ca), located next door to the Student Union Building and the bus loop, sets aside time for public use. Adult admission is C$4.75 (US$4/£2.20), C$3.75 (US$3.20/£2) for youths and students, and C$2.75 (US$2.20/£1.25) for seniors and children 3 to 12.
