Borden Park - Image 1
1 / 3

Borden Park

4.5
·1k reviews·Kingsport, United States

Historic 1906 park with a natural swimming pool, formal gardens, playgrounds, and a popular disc golf course.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather for swimming & events

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Borden Park - Image 1

Borden Park

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather for swimming & events

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic 1906 park with a natural swimming pool, formal gardens, playgrounds, and a popular disc golf course.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"A beautiful, well-kept park with something for everyone, from swimming to disc golf and family fun."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Pumpkins

Don't miss the incredible photo ops at Pumpkins After Dark, especially the pumpkin tunnel!

🗺️ Disc Golf Map Essential

Grab a map of the disc golf course before you play to avoid missing any holes.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Natural Swimming Pool

Natural Swimming Pool

Main park area

Canada's first chemically-free natural swimming pool. Enjoy a unique, eco-friendly dip in its distinctive green waters.

Instagram
Pumpkins After Dark

Pumpkins After Dark

Seasonal event area

A spectacular Halloween event featuring over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins, a pumpkin tunnel, and a 3D Monster Maze.

Instagram+1
Disc Golf Course

Disc Golf Course

Throughout the park

A popular 18-hole disc golf course, great for beginners and experienced players alike. Grab a map before you start!

Instagram
Formal Flower Garden

Formal Flower Garden

Central park area

A beautifully maintained formal garden offering a serene escape with colorful blooms and labeled tree species.

TikTok
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Seasonal Events & Crowds

Borden Park hosts vibrant seasonal events like the Spring Fling, Heritage Festival, and Pumpkins After Dark. Check event schedules to plan your visit, as these can significantly increase crowds and impact access. Instagram+2

Natural Swimming Pool

Experience Canada's first chemically-free natural swimming pool at Borden Park. It's a unique, eco-friendly way to cool off, but be aware of its green hue, which is normal and part of its natural filtration system. Instagram

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for swimming & events
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds for disc golf
Crowd
Low
When
Event evenings (seasonal)
Why
Experience festivals & light displays
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Still smiling from last Saturday’s Spring Fling & Egg Hunt at Borden Park! 🐣🌸 From colorful eggs to joyful moments, it was a day filled with laughter, sunshine, and community spirit. ☀️💐 Thank you to everyone who made it so special! 🧺❤️ #SpringFling #EggHunt #EscayaEvents #BordenPark #TheVillageOfEscaya
escayalife
46 likes • 1.6K views

📸 Capture the Pumpkins

Don't miss the incredible photo ops at Pumpkins After Dark, especially the pumpkin tunnel! Instagram+1

🗺️ Disc Golf Map Essential

Grab a map of the disc golf course before you play to avoid missing any holes. Reddit

🎃PUMPKINS AFTER DARK🎃 Back in Borden Park for another Spooktacular season - @pumpkinsafterdarkyeg kicks off Halloween fun in Edmonton! Walk through more than 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins! (My favourite is the pumpkin tunnel!) There are also cool photo ops, games, treats, and new this year is a 3D Monster Maze! Pumpkins after dark is on Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from now through ...
edmontonplaygrounds
134 likes • 11.8K views
Everything i tried at @yegheritagefest 2025! 📍Borden Park Aug 2-4th 10am-9pm Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm Monday #hosted #foodguyyeg #exploreedmonton #edmontoneats #yegfoodie #yeg #yegfood
foodguyyeg
1K likes • 59.1K views

💧 Natural Pool's Green Hue

The natural swimming pool's green color is normal and due to its chemical-free filtration. Instagram

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a meal at one of the many pavilions or shaded areas. Great for family gatherings! Reddit

Ad The Ukrainian Festival UFest is happening May 30-31, 2025 at Borden Park once again and it is such an incredible atmosphere with great cultural entertainment, delicious food, opportunity to develop new skills, and take home a memento from the Vendor Village. ⬇️ Admission is free. Park nearby or take the LRT and walk about 10 minutes from either Stadium or Coliseum stations.
yegventures
543 likes • 14.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Pumpkins

Don't miss the incredible photo ops at Pumpkins After Dark, especially the pumpkin tunnel! Instagram+1

🗺️ Disc Golf Map Essential

Grab a map of the disc golf course before you play to avoid missing any holes. Reddit

💧 Natural Pool's Green Hue

The natural swimming pool's green color is normal and due to its chemical-free filtration. Instagram

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a meal at one of the many pavilions or shaded areas. Great for family gatherings! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if playing disc golf or exploring the park's many features. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Borden Park is a well-loved, versatile city park praised for its beautiful mature trees, well-maintained gardens, and excellent recreational facilities like playgrounds and a disc golf course. Visitors appreciate its suitability for family gatherings and events, though some note littering issues. Reddit+2

"It's a quite nice park. There are several sets of playground equipment and several pavilions. It has really nice large trees that provide shade and are often labeled so anyone interested in nature look at and identify the species. They have disc golf as well. I found it really pretty and my children had a great time playing. There were several birthday parties at the same time we were there but it's large enough that everyone had space and were comfortable. I'd recommend it."

Walt Smith

"Really had a great time with my boyfriend. I watched him and his cousin play frisbee golf. Beautiful place . I picked up the trash I found on the ground. I wish people would STOP LITTERING!"

Charlii Lovee

"Well kept, clean park. Disc golf course has been a very popular activity on the times I have visited with grandkids. Shelters are available for get togethers and parties."

Duke Carico

What People Like

Beautiful mature trees
Well-kept gardens
Great playgrounds

What People Dislike

Littering by visitors

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Borden Park is accessible by car with nearby parking available. You can also take the LRT and walk about 10 minutes from either Stadium or Health Sciences/Jubilee stations. Instagram

Yes, there is parking available at Borden Park. However, during major events, it can fill up quickly, so arriving early or considering public transit is advised. Instagram

Borden Park is a great destination for cyclists, with bike racks available. It's easily accessible via Edmonton's extensive trail system.

Absolutely! The LRT is a convenient option, with stations like Stadium and Health Sciences/Jubilee providing access within a short walk to the park. Instagram

For popular events like the Heritage Festival or UFest, taking the LRT is highly recommended to avoid parking hassles. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Borden Park itself is free to enter. However, special ticketed events like Pumpkins After Dark have their own admission fees. Instagram+1

Admission to the Edmonton Heritage Festival at Borden Park is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for everyone. Instagram+1

Ticket prices for Pumpkins After Dark are typically around $22 per person, but it's best to check their official website for the most current pricing. Instagram

Yes, events like UFest and the Heritage Festival offer free admission, entertainment, and kids' activities, though food and vendors are paid. Instagram+1

The natural swimming pool's public swim hours are typically from 11:30 am to 7:30 pm, weather permitting. Always check for current hours before visiting. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Borden Park offers a natural swimming pool, a disc golf course, playgrounds, tennis courts, and beautiful gardens. It's also a popular venue for festivals and events. Instagram+3

Yes, the natural swimming pool is safe and chemically-free. Life jackets are available for free use, making it a great option for families. Instagram

Yes, Borden Park features several sets of playground equipment, making it a fantastic destination for families with children. Reddit

Absolutely! Borden Park has numerous pavilions and shaded areas perfect for picnics and BBQs. It's a popular spot for gatherings. InstagramReddit+1

The park has large, mature trees, many of which are labeled with their species, offering a great opportunity for nature enthusiasts to learn. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

During special events like the Heritage Festival or UFest, you'll find a wide variety of food vendors offering diverse cuisines. Instagram+2

Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic or BBQ is highly encouraged. There are many great spots to enjoy your meal. InstagramReddit

Yes, the natural swimming pool area typically has a concession stand offering snacks and drinks. Instagram

The Heritage Festival features a global culinary tour, with food from various cultures, including Singaporean dishes like Laksa and Milo Dinosaur. Instagram

While Borden Park is primarily a recreational space, the surrounding areas of Edmonton offer a wide range of dining options if you're looking for more formal meals. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The formal flower garden, the natural swimming pool (especially with its unique color), and the illuminated displays during Pumpkins After Dark are all highly photogenic. TikTokInstagram+2

Yes, Borden Park is listed as one of the favorite spots in Edmonton to see spring blossoms, particularly cherry blossoms. Instagram

Generally, yes, but always be mindful of event rules and other attendees. Some performers or specific areas might have restrictions. Instagram

Golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) offer beautiful light for the gardens and park landscapes. Evening is perfect for Pumpkins After Dark. Instagram+1

The sheer scale of Pumpkins After Dark and the natural, chemical-free aspect of the swimming pool offer unique photographic subjects. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Borden Park is a fantastic destination for families. It features multiple playgrounds, making it easy for kids to burn off energy. The natural swimming pool is a unique and safe place for children to splash around, with free life jackets available. InstagramReddit

Consider visiting during a community event like the Spring Fling for extra family-friendly activities. Packing a picnic is also a great idea, as there are plenty of picnic tables and shaded areas perfect for a family meal. InstagramReddit

🌳 Nature Lovers & Gardeners

The park's mature trees, many of which are labeled with their species, offer a quiet space for nature appreciation. The formal flower garden is a highlight, providing a beautiful and serene environment, especially during spring and summer. TikTok

It's a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll, photography, or simply enjoying the tranquility. The natural swimming pool also appeals to those who appreciate eco-friendly and chemical-free environments. Instagram

🎉 Event Goers & Festival Fans

Borden Park is a go-to venue for Edmonton's vibrant festival scene. From the multicultural Heritage Festival to the spooky Pumpkins After Dark, there's always something happening. Instagram+2

Many of these events offer free admission to entertainment and activities, making them budget-friendly. Check the park's event calendar to catch these lively celebrations and experience the community spirit. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Natural Swimming Pool Experience

Borden Park boasts Canada's first natural, chemically-free swimming pool, a unique attraction that sets it apart. Unlike traditional pools, its water has a distinct green hue, which is a result of its biological filtration system using aquatic plants and beneficial microbes. This eco-friendly approach means no harsh chemicals, making it a healthier and more natural swimming experience. Instagram

Visitors can enjoy the pool during public swim hours, typically from late morning to early evening, weather permitting. The facility provides amenities like showers, change rooms, and even free-to-use pool toys and life jackets, ensuring a comfortable and fun visit for all ages. It's a refreshing alternative for those seeking a more natural way to cool off during Edmonton's warmer months. Instagram

Borden Park as a Festival Hub

Borden Park has established itself as a premier venue for a variety of cultural festivals and community events throughout the year. From the vibrant Edmonton Heritage Festival, celebrating diverse cultures with food, music, and dance, to the lively Ukrainian Festival UFest, the park buzzes with energy and activity. Instagram+3

These events often feature free admission for entertainment and kids' activities, making them accessible to everyone. Visitors can immerse themselves in different traditions, sample international cuisine, and enjoy performances. The park's spacious layout and amenities are well-suited to accommodate large crowds and diverse programming, solidifying its role as a key community gathering space. Instagram+1

Disc Golf at Borden Park

For disc golf enthusiasts, Borden Park offers a well-regarded 18-hole course that caters to both beginners and seasoned players. The course winds through the park's mature trees and open spaces, providing a challenging yet enjoyable experience. Instagram

It's recommended to grab a map of the course before you start, as some players find it easy to miss holes without one. The park's layout makes it a great place to practice your throws and enjoy a round of disc golf amidst nature. InstagramReddit

You may also like

1 of 2