borden natural swimming pool
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Borden Park

4.5
·2k reviews·Edmonton, Canada

Edmonton's vibrant community park featuring playgrounds, picnic spots, a unique natural pool, and seasonal Halloween magic.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late September - October evenings

Experience the magic of Pumpkins After Dark

CrowdHigh
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borden natural swimming pool

Borden Park

Best Time

Late September - October evenings

Experience the magic of Pumpkins After Dark

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Edmonton's vibrant community park featuring playgrounds, picnic spots, a unique natural pool, and seasonal Halloween magic.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"An amazing park close to downtown with lots of amenities and easy public transit access."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Pumpkins After Dark Tickets

Tickets for Pumpkins After Dark sell out! Book online in advance to secure your spot for this popular Halloween event.

Natural Pool Etiquette

The natural pool uses zooplankton for cleaning. Avoid lotions and heavy soaps to protect the ecosystem.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 2,393 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pumpkins After Dark

Pumpkins After Dark

Borden Park

Wander through a magical Halloween wonderland with over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins and dazzling displays.

Borden Natural Pool

Borden Natural Pool

Borden Park

Canada's only natural swimming pool, using zooplankton for filtration. A unique summer cool-off spot.

Art Sculptures

Art Sculptures

Various locations within Borden Park

Discover unique and interesting art installations scattered throughout the park, adding a creative flair to your visit.

Picnic Shelters & Playgrounds

Picnic Shelters & Playgrounds

Borden Park

Ample shaded and unshaded picnic spots, perfect for gatherings, with multiple play structures for kids.

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Planning Your Visit

Seasonal Spectacles: Halloween & Summer Fun

Borden Park transforms seasonally! From late September to October, it hosts 'Pumpkins After Dark,' a popular Halloween event. In summer, the unique Borden Natural Pool is a major draw. Plan your visit around these events for a specific experience, but be aware they can increase crowds and ticket prices.

Park Amenities & Accessibility

This park offers a variety of amenities, including playgrounds, picnic shelters, and sports fields. It's generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, with free parking available. Washrooms are located in the pavilion. Check operating hours for the natural pool, as it's not always open.

Best Times

When
Late September - October evenings
Why
Experience the magic of Pumpkins After Dark
Crowd
High
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Enjoy the unique natural swimming pool
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter park experience
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍 Pumpkins After Dark | Edmonton’s newest Halloween event runs from Sept 29 to Oct 31 #pumpkinsafterdark #yeg #yegevents #edmonton
@mshangryfoodie
17.5K likes • 250.2K views

Book Pumpkins After Dark Tickets

Tickets for Pumpkins After Dark sell out! Book online in advance to secure your spot for this popular Halloween event. TikTokInstagram

Natural Pool Etiquette

The natural pool uses zooplankton for cleaning. Avoid lotions and heavy soaps to protect the ecosystem. TikTok+1

Pool day at Borden Natural Pool in Edmonton#yeg #bordennaturalpool #yegpool # #summer2022 #fyp #foryou
@deetoria
15.5K likes • 152.8K views
Ad | The spooky season is officially here!!! B-O-O 🎃👻 Pumpkins After Dark is back! Canada’s award-winning outdoor Halloween event opens tonight at Borden Park and runs until October 31st. Wander through more than 10,000 hand-carved pumpkin sculptures and brand new displays, complete with music, sounds, and special effects. Enjoy live pumpkin carving demonstrations, fall-themed treats and sweets...
ilovemaiaandmarga
284 likes • 6.4K views

Pack a Picnic

Borden Park has many great picnic spots. Bring your own food and enjoy a meal amidst the greenery. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you visit Pumpkins After Dark. Comfortable footwear is a must! Instagram

🎃Pumpkins After Dark👻 The Spooky Season is here! We attended the media event for Pumpkins After Dark on this Weekend. Whos ready for some great fun at @pumpkinsafterdarkyeg at Borden Park. We totally enjoyed the event with the stunning display of art with pumpkins and lots of photo ops. Great walk to explore and appreciate all the hard work put into all that art. THIS year it is back with a ne...
ifrahazizkhan
207 likes • 13.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Pumpkins After Dark Tickets

Tickets for Pumpkins After Dark sell out! Book online in advance to secure your spot for this popular Halloween event. TikTokInstagram

Natural Pool Etiquette

The natural pool uses zooplankton for cleaning. Avoid lotions and heavy soaps to protect the ecosystem. TikTok+1

Pack a Picnic

Borden Park has many great picnic spots. Bring your own food and enjoy a meal amidst the greenery. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you visit Pumpkins After Dark. Comfortable footwear is a must! Instagram

Check Event Schedules

The park hosts various events like Ufest. Check local listings to see if there's anything happening during your visit. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Borden Park is a highly-rated urban oasis praised for its diverse amenities, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and the unique natural pool. Visitors appreciate its accessibility and free parking. However, some reviews note occasional cleanliness issues and the potential for overcrowding during popular events.

"Amazing park close to downtown. Lots of shaded and unshaded picnic spots. Easy access via piblic transit. Lots of parking. Washrooms are in the pavilion. Nice walking and running trail/track. Very unique art sculpture. 3 play structure for kids including slide, monkey bar, ropes etc. Free parking lot. Fenced Swimming pool not sure what are its operating time frame, during our visit it was closed. There is a stage/stadium. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. Over all great park must visit if you are in Edmonton. Check out videos and images follow me for more detailed reviews."

Vids Tube

"This park offers visitors a decent-sized area for walking and relaxation. This park also boasts several amenities that make it a favorable destination for those seeking outdoor activities. One of the standout features is the enclosed public bathroom housed in a heated building, providing visitors with convenience and comfort throughout their visit.

The park's layout allows for leisurely strolls, and the ample space ensures that visitors can enjoy their walks without feeling crowded. However, it is worth mentioning that the park could benefit from some attention when it comes to cleanliness. There have been instances of scattered garbage, which detracts from the overall ambiance. Proper maintenance and regular cleaning would greatly enhance the park's appeal.

While the natural beauty of the park is evident, it becomes apparent that with proper landscaping, Borden Park could truly flourish as an exquisite destination for exercise enthusiasts. If this park was introducing well-planned green spaces, floral displays, and perhaps even a variety of trees and shrubs, the park could transform into a picturesque haven, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature."

Bry Gutierrez

"Mid sized urban park with a playground, pool and many picnic shelters to rent. The park was very clean when we visited and seemed many facilities were fairly recently renovated. Lots of trees all around! And parking was free which is a bonus."

Zoltan Wagner

What People Like

Great for picnics
Unique natural pool
Family-friendly playgrounds

What People Dislike

Occasional cleanliness issues
Crowded during events

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Borden Park is easily accessible by public transit in Edmonton, making it convenient for those without a car. There is also a free parking lot available on-site for visitors who prefer to drive. Reddit

Yes, Borden Park is generally wheelchair and stroller accessible, with paved paths and ample space for easy navigation. Reddit

Borden Park offers a free parking lot, which is a significant bonus for visitors. Reddit

Yes, Borden Park is well-served by public transit, with bus routes providing convenient access from various parts of Edmonton. Reddit

Borden Park is conveniently located close to downtown Edmonton, making it an easy destination for a quick visit or a longer outing. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission to Borden Park itself is free. However, special events like 'Pumpkins After Dark' require separate ticket purchases. TikTokInstagram

Tickets for Pumpkins After Dark typically start around $21.95 for adults, with youth tickets being slightly less. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website. TikTokInstagram+1

Pumpkins After Dark usually runs from late September through October 31st, transforming Borden Park into a Halloween spectacle. TikTokInstagram+1

Children under 3 are typically free for Pumpkins After Dark. It's a family-friendly event suitable for all ages. Instagram

It is highly recommended to purchase Pumpkins After Dark tickets online in advance, as they can sell out and may not be available at the gate. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🏊‍♀️ Onsite Experience

The Borden Natural Pool is Canada's only natural swimming pool, utilizing zooplankton and aquatic plants for water filtration instead of chemicals. TikTok+1

The operating hours for the Borden Natural Pool vary by season and are not always consistently posted. It's best to check local listings or the city's parks department for current information. Reddit

Yes, Borden Park features three play structures for children, offering slides, monkey bars, and rope elements for active fun. Reddit

Yes, Borden Park has multiple picnic shelters available for rent, making it an ideal location for parties and gatherings. Reddit

Borden Park is known for its unique art sculptures, though some visitors have noted that certain statues may be missing at times. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Pumpkins After Dark often features fall treats and food vendors, adding to the festive Halloween experience. Instagram

Absolutely! Borden Park offers numerous shaded and unshaded picnic spots, making it a perfect place to enjoy a meal outdoors. Reddit

Being close to downtown Edmonton, there are many restaurant options available near Borden Park for those looking for dining out. Reddit

Typically, there are no dedicated food vendors directly at the Borden Natural Pool itself. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to eat before or after your swim. TikTok

Yes, bringing your own food is encouraged, especially for picnics. There are many designated picnic areas throughout the park. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Borden Park offers great photo opportunities, especially during 'Pumpkins After Dark' with its elaborate pumpkin displays. The art sculptures and natural scenery also make for beautiful shots. Instagram+1

Pumpkins After Dark is incredibly photogenic, with thousands of hand-carved pumpkins and themed scenes creating a magical backdrop for photos. Instagram+2

For general park photography, mornings or late afternoons offer softer light. For Pumpkins After Dark, the entire event is designed for evening photos with its illuminated displays. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos at the Borden Natural Pool, capturing its unique natural aesthetic. However, be mindful of other swimmers. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial photography or filming, you may need to inquire with the city's parks department. Reddit

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