With just one hour of swimming a day, you can reduce the likelihood of heart disease by 20 percent, according to Swimming.org. It is a low-impact form of exercise, meaning it is much easier to do for extended periods of time. Some of the best places to take a dip in Canada is at one of the nation’s many natural pools. So, don’t be afraid to soak up Canada’s natural wonders while enjoying the expansive list of health benefits that regular swimming sessions can bring. Check out these top 3 outdoor swimming spots to explore in Canada. 

The Grotto In Bruce Peninsula

Within Bruce Peninsula National Park lies The Grotto, one of Canada’s most picturesque shoreline caves. People frequent this swimming hole for its cool, soothing aquamarine waters, enclosed within the stunning Niagara Escarpment. The Grotto is immensely popular among tourists in the summer, with up to hundreds of thousands of visitors in attendance during the peak weeks. It’s best to visit during the spring to avoid the crowds but still be able to appreciate the coolness of the water.  

Mystery Lake In Manitoba

Enclosed within Mount Seymour’s grand forest of fir trees, Mystery Lake is known far and wide for its still, mirror-like water. It is the perfect place to take a dip somewhere extra quiet, especially given the effort it takes to climb up to it. The hike up to the lake is about 1.5 kilometers long and 451 meters above sea level, which prevents it from having too many visitors. If you’re not bothered by the trip, you can have yourself an incredibly peaceful swim or picnic in some of the stillest waters in North America. Just remember to brush up on some swimming safety tips, as the water can be deceptively still and the lake gets very deep near its southwest shore.

St. Marys Quarry in Ontario

St. Mary’s Quarry is one of a kind in that it was a former quarry that got turned into a swimming pool after it filled with water during the 30s. Now a community water sports and recreation complex, St. Mary’s Quarry is filled with fun activities such as a water trampoline, paddleboard rentals, and volleyball. After all, how often do you find a community sports park with stunning views? St. Marys Quarry is a must-visit if you’re planning a trip to Ontario. 

As with any physical pursuit, the key to efficacy is consistency. If you happen to be near any of these outdoor swimming spots, definitely consider frequenting them more. If not, they are certainly worth putting a pin on for your next outing, so you can work some exercise into your vacations.