World Waterpark is the indoor waterpark inside West Edmonton Mall, and it turns a minus-twenty afternoon into a tropical one. The centrepiece is the wave pool, described by the park as the world's largest indoor wave pool, surrounded by sand-style lounging areas. Around it you will find more than seventeen waterslides and splash zones, from family tube rides to drops that suit teenagers and adults. Caribbean Cruiser and Sun Runner are double-rider slides, and Sun Runner needs a tube. Smaller children have shallow play areas, and there is room to sit and watch if you prefer to stay dry. The park is on Level 1 of Phase III of the mall, and the closest parking is at Entrance 50 off 87 Avenue. It is indoors, warm and loud, which is exactly the point.
Practical planning makes the day smoother. Children aged six and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older, and some slides have height and age limits, so check the rules for your group. Slides are sometimes closed for maintenance, and the park posts a slide availability page, so look at it before you buy if a particular ride is the reason for your visit. Bring swimwear, towels or plan to rent, a lock for a locker and flip-flops for the wet floors.
Choosing your timing
School holidays, long weekends and winter break are the busiest times, with lines for the biggest slides. Weekday mornings and afternoons outside school holidays are the easiest. The park allows re-entry on the same day, so you can step out for a meal in the mall and come back, which helps with children who tire quickly. Eat before you swim rather than straight after, and remember that the mall's own hours are separate from the park's calendar.
Fitting it into a trip
Combine it with Galaxyland for a full family day, or treat it as a warm-up after an outdoor morning at the river valley or Elk Island. The Fantasyland Hotel is part of the mall complex, which makes a one-night stay easy for families. Adults travelling without children can enjoy the slides too, but a couple of hours is usually enough.
What to expect
The experience
A large indoor waterpark with a wave pool, over seventeen slides and splash zones, and shallow areas for small children.
Best time
Weekday mornings or afternoons outside school holidays, when the slide lines are short.
How long
Three hours is a good session; many families stay five with a meal break.
Tips
Check the slide availability page, bring swimwear and a lock, remember that children six and under need an adult, and use Entrance 50 off 87 Avenue for the closest parking.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and groups who want a warm, wet day while it is freezing outside.
- Families
- A highlight for children of all ages, with shallow play areas for little ones and bigger slides for older kids.
- Couples
- Good for a playful afternoon, though it is loud and busy at weekends.
- Pair with
- Galaxyland and a meal in the mall, or a night at the Fantasyland Hotel.
- Time needed
- Allow half a day, with a break for lunch if you are with children.
Good questions
Where is World Waterpark?+
It is inside West Edmonton Mall on Level 1 of Phase III, with its address on 170 Street NW. The closest parking is at Entrance 50 off 87 Avenue.
Is it the world's largest indoor wave pool?+
The park describes its wave pool as the world's largest indoor wave pool. Either way, it is the centrepiece of the park and a big draw for visitors.
Do children need an adult?+
Yes, children aged six and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older. Some slides also have height and age limits, so check before you go.
Can I leave and return on the same day?+
Yes, the park allows same-day re-entry, so you can break for lunch in the mall.
What if a slide is closed?+
Slides sometimes close for maintenance, and the park posts a slide availability page. Check it before you buy if a particular slide matters to you.
