Abbey Centre Outdoor Aquatic Centre in Blackfalds: Family Guide (2026)

Ninety minutes outside of Edmonton sits one of Alberta's best-kept family secrets: the McKay Ranch Outdoor Aquatic Centre at the Abbey Centre in Blackfalds. Family admission is just over $20 - and that includes the indoor playground too! It's the rare water day that's best for the twelve and under crew and comes with a delicious perk of small-batch ice cream on your way home.

This is part of our full guide to the best outdoor waterparks in Alberta.

Know Before You Go

  • Location: Abbey Centre, 4500 Womacks Road, Blackfalds (15 minutes north of Red Deer, ~90 minutes from Edmonton)

  • Cost: A family day pass is about $20 — one of the best deals in Alberta. Check blackfaldsabbey.ca for current rates and the pool schedule.

  • Website: https://blackfaldsabbey.ca

Parent Tips

  • Go early. Loungers and shade go fast, and capacity limits mean afternoon arrivals sometimes wait in line. If you show up in the afternoon you’re going to wait in a queue, trust us. Show up early and get that admission pass for the full day - you can go outside for lunch later.

  • The water is warm the leisure pool runs around 30°C perfect for visiting with younger children or on cooler days when the water park is less busy!

  • Life jackets are free to borrow but not allowed on the slides or in the hot tub

  • Kids under 48" ride the waterslides with an adult (one child per adult, per ride)

FAQs

How much is the Abbey Centre outdoor pool? A family day pass is just over $20 and includes the outdoor aquatic centre and indoor play space. Individual rates are lower.

Do you need to book in advance? No — everything is first-come, first-served, but capacity is capped at 400.

Is it good for toddlers? It's one of the best in Alberta for toddlers: zero-depth entry, a dedicated tots' area, tot slides, and warm water.

Back to our full guide: Best Outdoor Waterparks in Alberta