Cool off in lakes, rivers and pools
On these hot summer days, you need to know where to find the cool water. Here are four places to swim, tube and splash around in the Tri-region, just west of Edmonton.
Image from the Tri-leisure Centre on Facebook.
Tube the slow winding river
Join a Pembina River tubing tour from Entwistle, an hour west of the city. Jump on a shuttle from their office to the river – they know the best spots to set in, know where to get out and they’ll keep your keys safe too. They have the life-jackets and tubes for your water tour – and I bet they know the best spots for a cool dip in the water along the way. You’ll pass deep gorges, old bridges and maybe some wildlife on your lazy trip down the winding shallow river. This is a great way to spend a hot day in the cool water.
Beach, mini-golf and ice cream at Seba
Play on Seba’s 1.5 km of maintained beach at the western end of Lake Wabamun. Visit the museum, farmer’s and crafter’s market (Saturdays from May–Sep) and general store. Hit the tiny links at Trickle Creek mini-golf then pick one of 40 flavours of ice cream. The beach – one hour west of Edmonton – is gearing up now for their annual August long weekend regatta with games, fireworks and a dance.
Hubbles lakeside cottage
You could be one of the lucky ones to snag a lakeside RV site at the Hubbles Lake resort – 40 mins down the Yellowhead – but you’ll have to think ahead for 2015, every spot is full this summer. Don’t despair, you could still enquire about their fully equipped weekly cottage rentals with complete access to the private sandy beach, playground, colourful gardens, boat rentals, horseshoe pits and volleyball court.
Splash at the Tri-leisure
Take a fast and twisty turn down the Tri-leisure Centre’s waterslide and splash around in the kid-sized leisure pool. Climb the water-playhouse, get wet under the spray fountains and splash around in the very shallow water. Then take a warm soothing dip in the huge hot tub. The aquatic centre is open all summer – check the swim and play hours here (PDF).