Contact Us
The St. Marys Quarry has officially closed for the 2020 season.
We thank all patrons for their support. Questions regarding existing registrations and refunds can be directed to Guest Services at prccsr@town.stmarys.on.ca or 519-284-2160.
The cost per swim is:
$4.50 for a child/youth (ages 3 - 18)
Due to the advance registration requirements, swim passes, YMCA memberships and St. Marys Public Library passes will not be accepted at this time.
Note: When registering an adult for a swim online, please click the box under Optional Fees labeled Quarry - Admission Adult.
Wondering what to expect when you visit the quarry? Watch our instructional video for a sneak peek at the admissions process.
You can also check out our comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions section for more information, give us a call at 519-284-2160 or send an email to aslade@town.stmarys.on.ca.
Review the swim times |
There will be three swims a day, seven days a week from Monday, July 6 to Sunday, August 23, 2020 at the quarry:
You will need to register and pay for your swim in advance through our secure online system. |
Register for a swim |
Follow the simple steps below to register for a swim. On a mobile device (cell phone or tablet):
On a desktop or laptop computer:
The cost per swim is:
Due to the advance registration requirements, swim passes, YMCA memberships and St. Marys Public Library passes will not be accepted at this time. |
Pack a bag |
Our canteen will be closed this summer, so we encourage you to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks to enjoy during your quarry visit. You will also need to bring a mask and wear it when entering the quarry and using the washroom, as per Huron Perth Public Health's instructions. You can also bring your own lawn chair, life jacket or pool noodle, but please, leave the large floaties at home. Life jackets will also be available to use at no cost. |
Put on your swimsuit |
Although our change rooms and washrooms will be open, we suggest that you arrive at the quarry with your swimsuit on.
Only 5 people are allowed in the change rooms due to physical distancing requirements, so if do need to use them, you may have to wait in line. The washrooms will be closed 10 minutes before each swim time in order to clean and get ready for the next swim time. The showers will not be available for use. |
Confirm your registration |
When you arrive at the quarry, you will need to show the receipt you were emailed when you registered for your swim. You can show it on a mobile device or bring a printed copy. This is the quickest way to get into the quarry, so we encourage you to have your receipt ready. Don’t worry - we can look your registration up in our system if you can’t find your receipt. |
COVID-19 screening |
All visitors will be screened for COVID-19 once their registration is confirmed. You will need to answer a short, standard questionnaire about your health and recent travel history before you can enter the quarry. |
Follow the arrows |
Once you have passed the COVID-19 screening, please follow the directional arrows as you make your way to grassed area and quarry deck. |
Make a splash! |
Climb on the rafts, do a cannonball off the cliff jump or simply swim in the clean, cool water and enjoy the breathtaking scenery surrounding you. Please remember to practice physical distancing during your visit by leaving at least 2 metres or 6 feet of space between yourself and others who are not part of your household or social bubble. |
Note: Life jackets are available to use at no cost.
7 years and under |
Regardless of swimming ability, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 12 years of age and responsible for their direct supervision, with a maximum of 4 children per parent/guardian. Parent/guardian must be in bathing attire and within arm's reach of the child(ren) at all times in and out of the water. |
8 to 11 years |
Child cannot complete swim test: Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 12 years of age and responsible for their direct supervision. Maximum number of children 8 bathers to one parent/guardian (8:1) with approved life-jackets. These are to be worn by all non-swimmers in their charge. Parent/guardian must be in bathing attire and within arm's reach of the child(ren) at all times in and out of the water. Child can complete swim test: Admitted unaccompanied. |
11+ years |
Admitted unaccompanied. Recommended to always swim with a buddy. |
Quarry Swim Test |
Tread water for 3 minutes and swim 100 meters continuously |
Swim Attire |
Bathing attire is used for the purpose of swimming only. T-shirts are permitted. Undergarments, cut-offs and street clothes are not permitted. |
Definitions |
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Cliff jump (water levels permitting) |
Take a plunge off our cliff jump (water levels permitting). Cliff jump rules:
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Rafts |
Perfect your cannonball or practice a fancy dive off of our two rafts. Raft rules:
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Stand-up paddleboard rentals |
Glide around the clear, cool quarry waters from the comfort of stand-up paddleboard, now available for rent!
Details:
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What time are you open? |
The quarry is open Monday July 6 to Monday September 7, 2020. Daily swim times are:
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Why isn’t there a morning swim? |
Operating the quarry during COVID-19 is new territory for staff. We also know that some regular swimmers might feel apprehensive about coming to quarry due to the ongoing pandemic.
With that in mind, we decided to start small by offering three swims a day. If these swims are successful and demand is high, we will considering offering another session. |
Why is the last swim two hours? |
In the past we have offered a Quarry after 6 program. Since this program is not running this year, we have extended the last swim by 15 minutes. |
Do I need to book ahead? |
Yes. You need to register in advance for a swim to help us control numbers and track swimmers.
Follow the simple steps below to register for a swim. On a mobile device (cell phone or tablet):
On a desktop or laptop computer:
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How far in advance can I register for a swim? |
Right now, you can only register for swims in the month of July. Swims for August will be released at a later date. |
Why do I have to register for a swim? |
To meet physical distancing requirements, we can only allow 70 swimmers in the quarry at one time.
By registering in advance, you are helping us ensure we meet our new COVID-19 protocols. These protocols have been put in place to keep you, your family and our staff safe. |
Why are you encouraging people to register for swims online? Why can’t everyone just pay in person? |
We are encouraging online registration and payments for three main reasons:
If you are not able to reserve a swim online, call us at 519-284-2160 and we will assist you. |
What if I don’t have a credit card or access to the internet? How do I register? |
Call us at 519-284-2160 and we will assist you. |
What is your cancellation policy? |
We require 48 hours notice for all cancellations. If you need to cancel, please call us at 529-284-3090 (Monday to Sunday, 1:00 to 7:30 pm) or email aquatics@town.stmarys.on.ca. While we do not issue refunds, we will a credit on your account for a future booking, or switch your booking to another day/timeslot, if available. |
Why are you only allowing 70 people in each swim? How did you decide on that number? |
To meet the standards of the Lifesaving Society’s Guide to Reopening Pools and Waterfronts and Huron Perth Public Health and to achieve physical distancing requirements, we had to reduce the capacity of the quarry by 75%. This means that we can only fit 70 people safely in the quarry at once. |
What is the price of admission? |
The cost per swim is $4.50 for a child/youth (ages 3 – 18) and $7.00 for an adult (ages 18+).
Payment must be made at the time of registration; no in-person payments will be accepted at the quarry. Due to the advance registration requirements, swim passes, YMCA memberships and St. Marys Public Library passes will not be accepted at this time. |
Why has the cost to use the quarry gone up since last year? |
The admission rates for the quarry were approved by Council in 2019 following an internal review of Town services. Since then, our costs to operate the quarry have increased significantly, due to new COVID-19 cleaning and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. We are also operating the quarry at a reduced capacity to meet physical distancing requirements. To help balance these costs and be mindful of the burden on taxpayers, we have decided to keep the rates at the levels that were approved in 2019. |
Is there parking at the quarry? |
Yes. There is free parking right across the street. We also have bike racks at the quarry for those travelling on two wheels. |
What should I expect during the COVID-19 screening? |
The screening consists of a short, standard questionnaire about your health and recent travel history. |
Are the change rooms open? |
Although our change rooms and washrooms will be open, we suggest that you arrive at the quarry with your swimsuit on. Only 5 people are allowed in the change rooms due to physical distancing requirements, so if do need to use them, you may have to wait in line. The washrooms will be closed 10 minutes before each swim time in order to clean and get ready for the next swim time. The showers will not be available for use. |
What amenities are available? |
Only the rafts, cliff jump and paddleboard rentals are available this year; the trampoline, slide, inflatable waterpark and beach volleyball courts will be unavailable. |
Are food and beverages sold on site? |
No. Our canteen will be closed this year, so we encourage you to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. |
Will the quarry be cleaned after each swim? |
Yes. The quarry will be closed for 30 minutes between each swim so that staff can sanitize and clean washrooms, lobby area, high touch points (door handles, taps and other things that are often touched), life jackets, etc. |
How was the quarry constructed? |
The quarry was constructed in the mid-1800s. Workers used dynamite to extract limestone blocks until the 1930s. Between 1930 and 1935, the quarry filled with water and was used as a popular swimming spot by the locals. In 1945, the town bought it and the adjoining Thames Quarry along with 50 acres of surrounding land for $2,200. |
Where does the water in the quarry come from? |
Information courtesy of Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) The water in the quarry originates from groundwater discharging from fractures or cracks in the bedrock, and from precipitation. Groundwater is always cold, staying within a few degrees of 10˚ Celsius, year round. As a result, the water in the quarry is cool during the swimming season and relatively warmer in the winter. Groundwater levels are also fairly constant, varying only about 1 metre over the course of a year. Groundwater is at its highest in the winter/early spring, and relatively stable throughout the summer. During hot summers, water levels in the quarry may drop slightly due to increased evaporation and surface water temperatures may be warmer. |
How deep is the quarry? |
Information courtesy of Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Water depths in the quarry range from 3 to 10 metres. |
What kinds of fish are in the quarry? |
Information courtesy of Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) The main fish species found in the quarry are Common Carp, Pumpkinseed and Rock Bass. The fish are able to migrate between the west quarry fishing hole across the street and the quarry through the underwater tunnel connecting the two. In an open watercourse, species like Common Carp and Pumpkinseed would move to warmer portions of that waterbody. However, they are still able to survive in the colder water temperatures found in the quarry. Common Carp Pumpkinseed The Pumpkinseed is a very deep-bodied, laterally compressed, almost disk-like fish. The fish’s breast and belly are orange to red-orange, and its back and sides are brown to olive. Its sides and back are speckled with orange, yellow, blue, and emerald spots. Pumpkinseeds can be found in large schools and often make up the largest portion of the fish population in small, warm bodies of water. Part of the sunfish family, the Pumpkinseed is native to eastern North America. Rock Bass The Rock Bass is a small and very deep-bodied fish. Its back and upper sides are brown to olive with golden tints, and often with dark saddles. It has a large red eye and its mouth is large and extends backwards to below the middle of the eye. The Rock Bass is part of the sunfish family and can be found swimming with other sunfish and bass. It is a cool-water fish native to Ontario. |
Can I swim or boat in the west/fishing quarry? |
You may fish in the west "fishing" quarry between dawn and dusk from the Riverview Walkway, platform and stone outcrop. Swimming and boating in the west quarry is prohibited by the Quarry By-law. |
Can I bring my pet? |
No pets are allowed except during special events like the "Pooch Plunge". |