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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.
Located beside the swimming quarry, the the Lind Sportsplex complex houses a curling rink and a summer shuffleboard league. Shuffleboard league information can be found in the Friendship Centre newsletter. Visit stmaryscurling.ca for St. Marys Curling Club details.
Dates and times |
The St. Marys Quarry is now closed for the 2024 season. See you next year! |
General admission rates |
Payment may be made in person using cash, debit or credit card or through our secure online registration portal. Please note: The Super Splash Waterpark is not included with general Quarry admission, nor is general admission included with a Super Splash Waterpark pass. Please visit the Super Splash Waterpark website for pricing and details about how to pay for a Super Splash pass in person or online. |
Amenities included with general admission |
The following features and amenities are included with general admission:
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Super Splash Waterpark (NOT INCLUDED with general admission.) |
Please note: The Super Splash Waterpark is not included with general Quarry admission, nor is general admission included with a Super Splash Waterpark pass. Please visit the Super Splash Waterpark website for pricing and details about how to pay for a Super Splash pass in person or online. 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 more details and to purchase passes to the Super Splash Waterpark, please visit supersplashstmarys.ca.
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Resident Season Pass |
The Resident Season Pass offers a discounted rate for local swimmers. It is valid for weekday admission throughout the season; regular admission applies on weekends. *Prices vary depending on date of purchase and are pro-rated according to remaining time in the Quarry season.
Purchase a Resident Season Pass:
For more information on the Resident Season Pass, contact the St. Marys Quarry at 519-284-3090. |
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. |
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: |
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.) |
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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Super Splash Waterpark rules |
Please visit the Super Splash Safety Webpage for details. |
Water depths |
Information courtesy of Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA): Water depths in the quarry range from 3 to 10 metres, there is no shallow area. |
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 to purchase your pass to the inflatable park. You may also pay for your Super Splash Waterpark pass in person. Visit the Super Splash website for pricing. |
Where do I find out more about the Super Splash Waterpark? |
Please visit supersplashstmarys.ca. |
How do I book a swim online? |
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
IMPORTANT: Super Splash Waterpark Inflatable sold separatelyThe Super Splash Waterpark is not included with general Quarry admission, nor is general admission included with a Super Splash Waterpark pass. Please visit the Super Splash Waterpark website for pricing and details about how to pay for a Super Splash pass in person or online. |
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. |
Are there bathrooms? |
Yes, bathrooms are available. |
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. |
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! |
What if I lose something at the Quarry? |
The Town of St. Marys is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items or property. Any items are brought at your own risk. Items that fall into the water will not be recovered. |
Can we rent an indoor space at the Quarry? |
The upstairs space at the Lind Sportsplex is available to rent. Tables and chairs are set up inside for 50 and there is a balcony overlooking the Quarry with seating for 20. Call 519-284-3090 or email aquatics@town.stmarys.on.ca to book. Fee: $64.90 per hour (including taxes) |