5 Waterparks in Ontario You and Your Teen Will Love
By Rosalind Stefanac
The heat is on, and for those of us who don’t own a cottage or backyard pool, waterparks are a great way to keep cool and have some fun with your teens in the process. Here are my top picks for teen-friendly outdoor water parks in Ontario to check out this summer—and they all feature private cabanas for rental if you’re looking for privacy, shade and poolside bar service.
Bingemans Big Splash
Kitchener, Ontario
Why they’ll love it: In addition to 11 water slides and a large wave pool, the park features a big indoor arcade, outdoor mini-golf and dedicated space for beach volleyball. Lots of open spaces for playing frisbee too.
Why you’ll love it: Free parking! You can bring your own food/cooler (no alcohol or glass) and can camp on the premises via tent, container cabin or log cabin (there are 450 campsites available). Campers get access to a lovely gated pool and poolside loungers too.
Calypso
Limoges, Ontario
Why they’ll love it: The biggest of the bunch with 35 waterslides and a wide selection of water games. My teen (and I) loved the Kongo Expedition, a lazy river that took us through jungle-like caves and unexpected waterfalls via inner tube. The park also houses Canada’s largest wave pool at 50,000 square feet, with waves hitting up to 1.5 metres above the surface.
Why you’ll love it: If you don’t rent a cabana, there are lots of shaded, grassy areas with picnic tables for reading or napping while the teens are occupied. You can bring your own picnic, plus there are several bars/eateries on site. Well worth the drive even if you’re outside of Ottawa.
Splashworks: Canada’s Wonderland
Vaughan, Ontario
Why they’ll love it: Thrill-seekers will get a kick out of the 60-foot tall Muskoka Plunge or the Super Soaker, which takes rafters spiraling down a dark tunnel to plummet into a splash pool. Even my 17-year-old, who is rarely impressed by anything, rated the day a 9/10 (point lost due to lineups).
Why you’ll love it: Once the water park closes at 7 p.m., there is still a massive amusement park within the premises included with your admission, which means easy access to more rides, shows/concerts and plenty of restaurants. Just note that the waterpark’s cabanas sell out quickly so book at least a week in advance.
Wet ’n’ Wild Toronto
Brampton, Ontario
Why they’ll love it: Thrilling slides, such as at the Hurricane and Bermuda Triangle—and the deep-fried Beaver Tails with custom toppings to enjoy after. For an extra $20 on top of admission, your teens can get an exhilarating view of the park via the Jet Stream Zip Line.
Why you’ll love it: Easy to get to if you’re near the Greater Toronto Area and lots of accommodation options nearby if you’re not. The in-house radio station pumps catchy tunes throughout the day.
Wild Waterworks
Hamilton, Ontario
Why they’ll love it: Two six-storey-high body slides and four exhilarating tube rides, including the aptly named Night Rider, which plunges riders into a darkened 5.5-storey tunnel ending in a splash pool.
Why you’ll love it: Has the most affordable private cabana packages ranging from $49 to $290/day. You can also bring your own food/cooler (no alcohol or glass).