In a city where summer means squeezing into any patch of shade, the pool at Parc Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier offers something better: full immersion. Set in the Plateau’s busiest park, this neighbourhood fixture brings together serious lap swimmers, heatwave refugees, and families testing the limits of pool toy policy. Two lanes are reserved for morning lengths, diving boards stay open most of the day, and new for 2025: a lift chair and quiet swim hours. The vibe is casual but well-run—no mandatory swim caps, no deep-end chaos. Free to use, stroller-friendly, and steps from café-lined streets, it’s a classic example of what Montreal gets right: a public service that’s both functional and full of life. Arrive early if the mercury spikes—there’s a time cap when it gets crowded, and the regulars know the drill.
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The best indoor and outdoor pools in Montreal
Here’s where Montrealers actually go to cool off when the city starts to sweat: No hotel key cards, no rooftop DJs, just solid public swimming options.
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