Hey everyone! In this blog post, I’m going to share a bit about a fun day I spent at Calypso Water Park.
I decided to head to Calypso for a simple reason – I had a day off and wanted to make the most of it. Calypso Water Park is a great spot for a one-day vacation, especially if you’re based in Ottawa like me. It’s just a 30-minute drive from the city, making it super convenient for a quick getaway.
If you haven’t heard of it, Calypso Water Park is all about having a good time. It’s not just about chilling by the pool, although that’s definitely an option. The park also has a bunch of water slides that cater to all sorts of folks, whether you’re into thrilling rides or just want to cool off. So, if you’re looking for a fun day out, Calypso Water Park might just be the place for you.
But of course, there are other water parks in Canada. Check them out as well.
Important Details Before You Come
- Work Hours: Park works almost every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Last day of the season: September 4, 2023
- Ticket price: The price will differ depending on the day you want to visit the park(High season, Low season) and depending on your age. Kids less than 1 m enter the park for FREE. Tall adults(1.32 m) will pay $54.99 + TAX. Small adults: 1 m (39 3/8”) and under 1.32 m (52”) will pay $44.99 + TAX. But the prices might change. For latest prices check this page.
- Parking: $15 + TAX.
First Impressions
Getting to the Park: The journey to Calypso Water Park was smooth and quick, taking just about 30 minutes from Ottawa.
Arriving at the Park: Be prepared for a bit of a wait when you’re entering the parking lot – I spent around 15 minutes in line. Here’s a quick tip: the left lane always moves faster. Plus, this lane later splits into two more lanes, one of which is for those who want quick access to drop off kids. So, always go for the left lane :).
Parking: The parking lot is pretty big. If you’re not an early bird, you might end up parking a bit further from the entrance. But it’s not a big deal – even from the farthest spot, it’s only about a 5-minute walk to the main entrance.
You can park your car here for the day for $15 + TAX. Please use your credit or debit card to pay, as they don’t accept cash. Remember, this is a one-time fee. If you leave and come back, you will have to pay another $15+TAX.
Buying Tickets: The line to buy tickets can be long, with many of people eager to get into the park. If you don’t have tickets yet, be ready to stand in line for about another 15 minutes.
Park Entrance: Even with online tickets (which I totally recommend), there’s still a line to get into the park. They check your ID, ticket, and peek into your bags before letting you in. Remember, there’s a list of items you can’t bring in, like alcohol, vapor cigarettes, and shishas.
The waiting line is huge. Because every single bag needs to be checked, this process can take a while. If you do not come earlier, you might spend another 20 minutes waiting under the sun. So, don’t forget your sunscreen and a hat!
If you come during the week, the line will be much smaller though. This time I came later in the middle of the week. So there was almost no waiting in line for me.
Inside the Park: Once you’re in, the park feels spacious. There are large pathways, plenty of benches, and stores scattered around. Despite the crowd, it doesn’t feel cramped or claustrophobic. It’s a well-laid-out park with room for everyone to move around comfortably.
Attractions and Waterslides
Now, about the attractions at Calypso Water Park. This place is packed with over 35 slides, 100 water games, and 2 theme rivers! It’s like a giant playground for water lovers. If you want to see all the attractions that they’ve got, you can check it all out here.
Attractions Map
I took a picture of the map of the park. It helps to find a way around when you are a first time visitor. You can see where the wave pool is, where other attractions are and where are the food places 🙂.
Wave pool
Wave pool, is a blast! It can get a bit packed, but once those waves(1.8 metres high) start, you forget about everyone else. It’s just you, the waves, and a whole lot of fun.
And here’s some cool stuff about this Wave Pool:
- It’s the biggest wave pool in Canada. We’re talking the size of three NHL hockey rinks. That’s a lot of space for splashing around!
- The waves get up to 1.8 metres high. And guess who controls them? The goddess of the waves, Calypso. Pretty cool, right?
- The Wave Pool is right in the middle of Calypso Waterpark,
- The best part? The water is heated. So even if it’s a bit chilly outside, you can still jump in and enjoy.
So yeah, if you’re heading to Calypso Water Park, don’t miss the Wave Pool. Trust me, it’s worth it!
There is also plenty of sun loungers around.
Boomerango Slide
Now, let’s talk about the Boomerango slide. This thing is also a blast! It’s a raft slide that fits up to 6 people, so you can share the fun with your friends or family. It’s classified as a moderate slide, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a bit of excitement but nothing too crazy.
Here’s what I loved about it: the anticipation as you climb to the top, the thrill as you slide down, and the laughter and screams from everyone in the raft. It’s a shared experience that just multiplies the fun.
And it seems I’m not the only one who enjoyed it. I found some reviews online, and people are loving the Boomerango. They talk about the rush of the slide, the fun of experiencing it with friends, and the anticipation and excitement of the drop. One person even said it was the best waterslide they’ve ever been on!
So if you’re heading to Calypso Water Park, make sure to check out the Boomerango slide. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Hot Dip and Frosty Drop Water Slide
Hot Dip and Frosty drop is a water slide that consists of two parts: a tube slide and a bowl slide. You can choose between the red Hot Dip or the white Frosty Drop, which are identical except for the color and the temperature of the water.
The Hot Dip has heated water, while the Frosty Drop has icy water. You will go down the tube slide at high speed and then enter the bowl, where you will spin around until you lose momentum and fall through a hole into a deep pool. It is a thrilling and fun ride that will make you feel the heat or the cold, depending on your choice.
Some additional information that you might find interesting are:
- The Hot Dip and Frosty Drop slide is part of the Turbo Lab, a section of the water park that features four scientific experiments created by Dr. Dunk and his team of mad scientists.
- The other two experiments are the Acid Test and the Steamer, which are also tube slides that end in a water tank. The Acid Test has a green liquid that is supposed to neutralize acid rain, while the Steamer has steamy air that is supposed to speed up your slide.
- The Hot Dip and Frosty Drop slide has some safety rules that you need to follow. You must be a strong swimmer and measure a minimum of 52 inches tall. You must lie on your back with legs crossed at the ankles and arms folded across your chest. You cannot wear glasses, shirts, pants, burkinis or any additional clothing. You also need to be careful if you have heart, back or neck problems or if you are claustrophobic.
Calypso Beach: A Volleyball Sand Area
Calypso Beach is a large sandy area with four volleyball courts and plenty of beach chairs. You can enjoy playing volleyball with your friends or family, or just relax and soak up the sun.
For kids
If you have small kids then I think check out Funtana. It is a huge water playground with lots of different water games for all ages. It was like a giant sprinkler system with fountains, jets, water cannons, buckets and more. Kids are having so much fun running around and getting soaked by the water surprises.
I think I have read that it is an area designed specifically for children who are less than 1.32 meters tall.
There are plenty of chairs and umbrellas around the area, so you can also watch your kids or friends have fun while you chill.
Some of the water games are:
- The waterfall, which creates a curtain of water that you can walk through or hide behind.
- The water wheel, which spins and sprays water in different directions.
- The water seesaw, which tilts and dumps water on one side or the other depending on who’s sitting on it.
There are also some interactive games that kids can play with each other, such as:
- The water battle, where you can shoot water cannons at each other or at targets.
- The water maze, where you have to find your way out of a labyrinth of water jets.
- The water quiz, where you have to answer trivia questions by pressing buttons that activate water effects.
Pirate’s Aquaplay
Another very interesting place to play for kids. A pirate themed water playground called Pirate’s Aquaplay.
Green Park with Picnic Tables
Calypso Water Park has a green park area where visitors can enjoy a picnic, relax under the shade of the trees, or play some outdoor games. The green park is located near the main entrance of the water park, next to the parking lot. It has several picnic tables, benches, and trash cans for the convenience of the guests.
Food and Amenities
Let’s talk about the practical stuff – the food and amenities at Calypso Water Park. They’ve got you covered on all fronts, making your day at the park easy and convenient.
- Food: The park offers a variety of food options. I’m a fan of their vegetarian sandwich, but if that’s not your thing, they’ve got a pizza place and several burger options too. So, whether you’re a meat-lover or a veggie enthusiast, you’ll find something to satisfy your hunger.
- Shops: Need sunscreen, a hat, or maybe a new pair of swimming shorts? No worries. There’s a convenience store that sells all of these and more. And if you’re looking for a souvenir to remember your day, check out the gift shop.
- Restrooms: There are several large restrooms around the park. Considering the number of people using them, I was impressed by how clean they were kept.
- Lockers: I’d recommend getting a locker. It’s a safe place to store your valuables while you’re having fun in the park. You don’t want to worry about losing your stuff when you’re trying to enjoy the slides, right? A Small Locker can be rented for $15 (tax included) and a Large Locker for $25.
- Showers: After a day of splashing around, it’s nice to rinse off and change into dry clothes. The park has several showers for you to use.
So, that’s the lowdown on the food and amenities at Calypso Water Park. They’ve really thought of everything to make your day as fun and hassle-free as possible.
Final words
Well, there you have it, folks – a day in the life at Calypso Water Park. I had an absolute blast, from the thrills of the Boomerango slide to the chill vibes at the Wave Pool. And let’s not forget the delicious vegetarian sandwich! The park really has thought of everything to make your day as fun and hassle-free as possible. I’m already looking forward to coming back a few more times in August.
If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat and have a ton of fun while you’re at it, I can’t recommend Calypso Water Park enough. And if you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore more, there are plenty of other fantastic water parks in Canada. Go check them out. Who knows, you might find your next favorite summer spot!
See you there!
