Nestled right in the middle of Tillsonburg, Ontario, Lake Lisgar is one of those places that quietly does everything well. It’s not a massive destination, and that’s part of its charm. You’ve got a proper little waterpark for hot summer days, a peaceful lake for fishing or paddling, trails for walking, and a playground that keeps the kids busy. Locals treat it like their backyard, and visitors often leave wondering why they didn’t know about it sooner.
Here’s the full rundown for anyone planning a visit in 2026.
What is Lake Lisgar?
Lake Lisgar is a small man-made lake sitting inside Memorial Park in the heart of Tillsonburg. It started life as a mill pond back in the 1800s and has grown into a genuine community hub. The water is calm, the parkland around it is green and shady, and the whole area feels relaxed rather than touristy.
You’ll find families picnicking on the grass, kids running between the playground and the water, people fishing from the docks, and others just sitting and watching the turtles. The surrounding parkland is also good for birdwatching — more than 400 species have been recorded in the area.
Lake Lisgar Waterpark – Features, Hours & Admission (2026)
The big summer draw is the Lake Lisgar Waterpark. It’s compact, well-run, and designed with families in mind.
What you’ll find:
- Heated outdoor pool with zero-depth beach entry (max depth 4 feet)
- 186-foot giant twister waterslide
- Spray features and an inflatable play area
- Individual inflatable tubes
- Plenty of loungers and a big grassy picnic area with mature trees
- Changerooms, washrooms, and an on-site Snack Shack
2026 Hours
- Opening weekend: June 20–21 (Father’s Day Weekend), 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Regular season: Daily from June 26 to September 7, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The pool is heated, but the facility closes if the outdoor temperature drops below 18°C. It’s always worth checking the Town of Tillsonburg website or calling ahead on cooler or stormy days.
2026 Admission Prices
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Toddler (under 2) | Free |
| Child (ages 2–12) | $8.30 |
| Adult (ages 13–59) | $11.20 |
| Senior (ages 60+) | $9.00 |
| Family (maximum 5 people) | $34.70 |
| Additional family members | $4.60 |
Half-price admission applies during the last two hours of the day. Everyone entering the grounds needs a ticket, even if they’re just sitting on the grass.
You can bring your own cooler (no glass or alcohol). The Snack Shack does the usual summer classics — hot dogs, fries, freezies, nachos, and slush drinks.
Fishing at Lake Lisgar
Outside of waterpark hours, the lake itself is a solid local fishing spot. You’ll find stocked rainbow trout, crappie, bluegill, bass, perch, and sunfish. It’s mostly catch-and-release, and the annual Free Family Fishing Derby (usually early July) is a big community event with prizes and free lunch for kids.
Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are welcome. Electric motors are fine; gas motors over 10 horsepower are not.
Other Things to Do Around the Lake
Memorial Park has more going on than just the water:
- A large pirate-themed playground and splash pad
- Picnic pavilion (you can reserve it for bigger groups)
- Walking trails and the Kinsmen Bridge
- Easy connections to the wider Tillsonburg trail network
- Nearby skatepark, pump track, and outdoor basketball courts
It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a few hours without it feeling forced. If you’re looking for more free or low-cost ideas with kids across the province, we’ve put together a roundup of free things to do with kids in Ontario.
Practical Information
Address: 8 Ross Street, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 3N7
Phone: 519-842-3025
The waterpark is about 20 minutes south of Highway 401 (Exit 218). Free parking is available on John Street. It’s right inside Memorial Park, just off Broadway.
A few practical tips:
- Arrive early on hot weekends — it can get busy.
- Bring sunscreen, towels, and a lawn chair if you have a favourite one.
- Check the swim and supervision standards if you’re coming with young children.
- The grassy area is great for non-swimmers or anyone who just wants to sit and relax.
FAQ
When is Lake Lisgar Waterpark open in 2026?
The waterpark opens on June 20–21 (Father’s Day Weekend) from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Regular daily hours run from June 26 to September 7, also 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How much does it cost to get into Lake Lisgar Waterpark?
Toddlers under 2 are free. Children (2–12) are $8.30, adults (13–59) are $11.20, seniors (60+) are $9.00, and a family of up to 5 is $34.70. Additional family members cost $4.60 each. Half-price admission is available during the last two hours of the day.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the outdoor pool is heated. The facility may still close if the outdoor temperature drops below 18°C.
Can I bring my own food and cooler?
Yes. Personal coolers are allowed. Glass containers and alcohol are not permitted. There is also an on-site Snack Shack if you prefer to buy food.
Where is free parking?
Free parking is available on John Street, right by Memorial Park.
Is Lake Lisgar Waterpark good for young kids?
Yes. It has a zero-depth beach entry, spray features, and a shallow maximum depth of 4 feet, making it suitable for younger children. There are specific supervision rules for kids under 10.
Can you fish at Lake Lisgar?
Yes. The lake is popular for fishing and is stocked with rainbow trout. You’ll also find bass, crappie, bluegill, perch, and sunfish. It’s mainly catch-and-release. Canoes, kayaks, and electric motors are allowed; gas motors over 10 hp are not.
Is there a playground nearby?
Yes. Right outside the waterpark is a large pirate-themed playground and splash pad in Memorial Park.
What happens if it rains or there’s a thunderstorm?
The pool closes immediately if lightning is seen or heard. Guests must leave the water and wait 20 minutes. If conditions don’t improve after an hour, the facility closes for the day. Guests with less than two hours of use due to early closure can get a guest pass.
How do I get to Lake Lisgar Waterpark?
The address is 8 Ross Street, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 3N7. It’s about 20 minutes south of Highway 401 (Exit 218), just off Broadway in the centre of town.
Is the waterpark accessible?
Yes. The pool has zero-depth beach entry and is designed to be accessible. There are changerooms and washrooms on site.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are not allowed in the waterpark during regular hours. There is an annual “Pooch Plunge” event after the season ends where dogs are welcome for a limited time.
Making a Day of It in Tillsonburg
While you’re in town, it’s easy to add a few more stops. Annandale National Historic Site is worth a look, the Station Arts Centre has galleries and a gift shop, and Broadway itself is one of the widest main streets in Ontario with some solid local restaurants and shops.
If you’re in the mood for a bigger day trip afterward, Southwestern Ontario has plenty of other solid options. Pinery Provincial Park and Point Pelee National Park are both within reasonable driving distance and offer completely different landscapes. Or, if you prefer smaller, quieter spots, Lake Lisgar fits nicely alongside other Ontario hidden gems.
For families who like comparing water spots, we’ve also covered some of the best beaches in Ontario for 2026 if you want sandy options further afield.
Lake Lisgar doesn’t try to be anything flashy. It’s just a well-kept local park with a proper waterpark, decent fishing, and enough space for everyone to spread out. On a hot August afternoon, that’s often exactly what you want.