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Our 2022 opening date will be Wednesday, June 25! Online registration for public swim times will open on June 1 at 9:00 a.m.
We're excited to welcome Super Splash Waterpark to the St. Marys Quarry this year.
Perfect for a group or family outing, this floating playground for ages six and up will feature obstacles like the 14ft tall Ice Tower, which will challenge you with free climbing, and the Action Tower, which is 12ft tall, and acts like a giant slide. Online reservations for Super Splash will open at the beginning of June on their external website (coming soon).
Important: The Super Splash Waterpark will not be included with general Quarry admission, nor will general admission be included with a Super Splash Waterpark pass. Once you have paid for your swim time, visit the Super Splash Waterpark website (coming soon) to purchase your pass to the inflatable park.
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The St. Marys Quarry was formerly a limestone Quarry that closed in 1920. In the mid-1940s it was converted into a public swimming area and remains one of the most popular spots in the area to visit on hot summer days!
Follow this step-by-step process to ensure you are ready for a great time at the St. Marys Quarry!
1. Register and pay for a swim |
Please note:
Create an account with a mobile device such as a cell phone or tablet.
Download a PDF Version of these instructions with screenshots. A printed version is available upon request Sign-up for a swim time
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2. Register and pay for a pass to the Super Splash Waterpark (Optional. DOES NOT include general admission.) |
Perfect for a group or family outing, this floating playground features obstacles like the 14ft tall Ice Tower, which will challenge you with free climbing, and the Action Tower, which is 12ft tall, and acts like a giant slide. For further details and to purchase a pass to the Super Splash Waterpark, please visit supersplashstmarys.ca (coming soon). Important: The Super Splash Waterpark is not included with general Quarry admission, nor is general admission included with a Super Splash Waterpark pass. Once you have paid for your swim time, visit the Super Splash Waterpark website (coming soon) to purchase your pass to the inflatable park. |
3. Check our water quality |
The water is tested on a regular basis for bacteria levels by Huron Perth Public Health to ensure it remains safe for swimmers. To see the latest results, visit the Beach Water Quality page and find the Quarry listed in the Current Status Table. |
4. Review tips for being "water smart" |
Water safety basics are key to preventing an emergency in or around the water. Check the following resources to learn more: |
5. Decide where to park |
There is a small, free parking lot across the street from the St. Marys Quarry. We also have bike racks available. Several municipal lots are also available downtown within a ten to twenty minute walking distance depending on the lot. For more details, please download our parking map with estimated walking times/ (Accessible version available upon request.) |
1. Confirm your swim time registration |
Use our online system to register, once you register you will receive a confirmation email. You can show it on a mobile device for quick entry. Important: The Super Splash Waterpark is not included with general Quarry admission, nor is general admission included with a Super Splash Waterpark pass. Once you have paid for your swim time, visit the Super Splash Waterpark website (coming soon) to purchase your pass to the inflatable park. |
2. Enjoy our amenities |
The following features and amenities are included with general admission:
Please note:
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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 with lifejackets. 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 is a non-swimmer or 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, with a maximum of 4 children per parent/guardian with lifejackets on. 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. Children aged 8-11 that do not pass the swim test will be given a blue band for access to the trampoline. Parent/guardian must be close by the trampoline watching their children. Child can complete swim test: Admitted unaccompanied. |
12 years and up |
Admitted unaccompanied. Recommended to always swim with a buddy. |
Quarry swim test |
Tread water for 3 minutes and swim 100 meters continuously (50m continuously swimming on front, 50m optional swim). The swim needs to be continuous and it is the lifeguard’s discretion as to whether the child has a strong enough swimming ability at the end of the test. |
Swim attire |
Swim/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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Swimming conditions and skills |
Swimming conditions
Swimming skills
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First aid station |
First aid station and emergency phone are located in the lifeguard office. |
General rules |
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Raft and slide rules |
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Cliff jump rules |
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Water trampoline rules |
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What times are you open? |
The following swim times will be available to book seven days a week from Wednesday, June 25 to Monday, September 5, 2022:
Please register and pay for your swim in advance through our secure online registration portal. Important: The Super Splash Waterpark is not included with general Quarry admission, nor is general admission included with a Super Splash Waterpark pass. Once you have paid for your swim time, visit the Super Splash Waterpark website (coming soon) to purchase your pass to the inflatable park. |
What is the cost of general Quarry admission? |
The cost per swim time is:
Please register and pay for your swim time in advance through our secure online registration portal. Important: The Super Splash Waterpark is not included with general Quarry admission, nor is general admission included with a Super Splash Waterpark pass. Once you have paid for your swim time, visit the Super Splash Waterpark website (coming soon) to purchase your pass to the inflatable park. |
Is the Super Splash Waterpark included in the general admission fee? |
No, the Super Splash Waterpark is not included with general Quarry admission, nor is general admission included with a Super Splash Waterpark pass. Once you have paid for your swim time, visit the Super Splash Waterpark website (coming soon) to purchase your pass to the inflatable park. |
Where do I find out more about the Super Splash Waterpark? |
Please visit supersplashstmarys.ca (coming soon). |
Do I need to book ahead? |
Yes. Follow these steps to set up an account and then book a swim time. Create an account with a mobile device such as a cell phone or tablet
Download a PDF Version of these instructions with screenshots. Sign-up for a swim time
Register online for the Super Splash Waterpark Inflatable (optional)The Super Splash Waterpark is not included with general Quarry admission, nor is general admission included with a Super Splash Waterpark pass. Once you have paid for your swim time, visit the Super Splash Waterpark website (coming soon) to purchase your pass to the inflatable park. |
How far in advance can I register for a swim? |
Registration for the entire summer will open Wednesday, June 1, 2022. |
Why are you encouraging people to register for swims online? Why can’t everyone just pay in person? |
We are encouraging online registration because:
If you are not able to reserve a swim online, call us at 519-284-2160 and we will assist you. Please note that we do not take reservations for the Super Splash Waterpark. For details about Super Splash, please visit supersplashstmarys.ca (coming soon). |
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. Please note that we do not take reservations for the Super Splash Waterpark. For details about Super Splash, please visit supersplashstmarys.ca (coming soon) |
What is your cancellation policy? |
We require 24 hours notice for all cancellations. How to cancel
Download a PDF version of these instructions with screenshots. If you are not able to cancel your swim online, please call us at 519-284-2160 and we will assist you. Please note that we do not take cancellations for the Super Splash Waterpark. For details about Super Splash, please visit supersplashstmarys.ca (coming soon) |
Is there parking at the quarry? |
There is a small, free parking lot across the street from the St. Marys Quarry. We also have bike racks available. Several municipal lots are also available downtown within a ten to twenty minute walking distance depending on the lot. For more details, please download our parking map with estimated walking times/ (Accessible version available upon request.) |
Are there bathrooms? |
Yes, bathrooms are available. |
What amenities are available? |
The following amenities are available:
Please note:
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Why are stand up paddle board rentals currently on hold? |
Until we get a feel for the flow of people in and out of the Super Splash waterpark, we are pausing Stand-up Paddleboard Rentals. Should they resume, we will post an update on this webpage. You can click our the "Receive Email Updates" button at the bottom of the page if you are interested in receiving notification of any updates. |
Are food and beverages sold on site? |
Yes, you can purchase non-alcoholic food and beverages at the Canteen. |
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 CarpThe Common Carp is a large, deep-bodied fish, varying in colour from silver to olive-green, brass or grey on the back and sides. It has whisker-like appendages called barbels near the corners of its mouth. Native to Asia, carp were introduced to North America from non-native populations in Europe. Common Carp adapt to a variety of conditions, tolerating all types of bottoms and water clarity ranging from clear to murky. PumpkinseedThe 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 BassThe 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. |
Can I bring my inflatables to the quarry? |
Inflatables are not permitted at the quarry; however, feel free to bring a noodle! |
Located beside the swimming quarry, the the Lind Sportsplex complex houses a curling rink, and a summer shuffleboard league. For St. Marys Curling Club details, visit their website at stmaryscurling.ca.