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6 Outdoor Pools You Need to Hit up This Summer With the Kids

Posted: March 20, 2025 | Author: Jillian Recksiedler | Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

School's out for summer! Hit the road with the kids, the cooler and swimsuits for a daytrip to these outstanding community pools outside of Winnipeg. Not only will you find a splish-splash fun time, but attractions and restaurants worth the drive, too.

Paul Epp

Gimli

Pool specs: Gimli's outdoor community pool is less than 5 years old, so the grounds and equipment are in tip-top shape. Head there early before cottage owners rise and shine. If you tire of the pool, remember that the popular town beach is just across town.
You gotta stop here: HP Tergesen & Sons is a general store turned boutique shopping destination. Browse the heritage building for latest fashions, cute home decor and the best book store in the Interlake.
Hot bites: You can't leave town without a bite of fresh-from-Lake-Winnipeg pickerel. Beach Boy Restaurant is a local favourite, offering both pan-fried and battered options.

Altona

Pool specs: This massive 35,000 sq. ft. aquatic centre features a five-lane junior Olympic pool and a fountain in the shape of a sunflower (the town's famous symbol). Sign up for the popular mermaid swims before you make the drive.
You gotta stop here: Gallery in the Park is a peaceful outdoor sculpture garden at the 1902 Schwartz heritage home. Tour the grounds for free or head inside to the gallery in the house for featured exhibits from local and international artists.
Hot bites: The kitchen at the Altona Hotel is known for churning out some serious homemade burgers, pizzas and wings. The portions are huge - guests don't leave hungry.

Carman

Pool specs: The Carman-Dufferin pool is located in the town's beautiful King's Park, which is also home to a campground, fair grounds, the Dufferin Historical Museum and the Carman Golf Club. If the kids are too little for all the action in the big pool, a spray pad is just next door.
You gotta stop here: The picturesque Boyne River meanders through Carman. Check out the flora and fauna via the town walking trails that run along the water. The Boyne Riverkeepers can also help get visitors out on the water by canoe or kayak.
Hot bites: Carman is synonymous with Syl's. Stop in at the retro red-and-white drive inn for a juicy burger or thick shake, but save some room for a game of mini-golf. This premier mini-golf course in Manitoba features vintage cars and oldies tunes playing from the speakers, making it a memorable experience for all ages.

Souris

Pool specs: One of the most popular summer destinations in all of Westman, Souris-Glenwood pool is set in beautiful Victoria Park. Located where Plum Creek meets the Souris River, the pool is next door to the shady Souris Campground. The pool features a lazy river and three waterslides.
You gotta stop here: It's worth the stroll across the famous Souris Swinging Bridge. The cable pedestrian bridge spans the Souris River for picturesque views of the pretty town.
Hot bites: If prairie towns are judged by their local bakery, Souris is one of the best. Minary Homestyle Bakery is famous in the region for their giant apple fritters, but you have to get there early before they sell out.

Manitou

Pool specs: at the heart of a quiet Pembina Valley community, this pool is guaranteed to have no line ups. It features three slides: a wide slide for little dippers, a twisty flume slide and side-by-side rocket slides. A aerated bubble bench is fun for the little tykes.
You gotta stop here: learn about the town's most famous resident on a guided walking tour of Nellie's Homes, a heritage site dedicated the author, politician and woman's rights activist Nellie McClung.
Hot bites: Two Old Crows BBQ & Smokehouse is a hidden gem hardly known to anyone beyond the Manitou/Morden/Miami triangle. It is a food truck that operates on an acreage about 30 km outside of Manitou on hwy 23. It's the perfect destination for supper after a hot day in the sun.

Winkler

Pool specs: Winkler's Aquatic Centre can get busy so be sure to arrive early to get in line. The pool has brand new speed slides that will attract the daredevils, along with the climbing walls that allows them to jump from varying heights. The pool removed the hot tubs, which means more green space for sunbathing.
You gotta stop here: mom deserves a treat after spending the day with the kids at the pool. Be sure to stop in at Copper & Sparrow on Main Street, a beautifully curated boutique offering a top shopping experience of fashion, home decor and gifts.
Hot bites: Charley B's Classic Grill & Ice Cream Parlour is the gold-standard for seasonal drive inns in rural Manitoba. The menu focuses on farm-fresh ingredients - from beef for the burgers to milk for the ice cream. To rehydrate, be sure to order the homemade lemonade served in large take-out soup containers.

About The Author

Hi, I'm Jillian, a marketer, communicator, traveller and Manitoba flag waver. Growing up in rural Manitoba during the '80s means I have a penchant for daytrips, maps (the paper kind), and prairie sunsets. I never tire of sharing stories about my home.