Question 1

I can't swim without touching the bottom. Can I still come to Hoopla Island?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately no. You must know who to swim in deep water, without touching the bottom. Wearing a lifejacket doesn't make you a swimmer: you must be able to swim against current.

A child who has difficulty swimming can still partipate, as long as they are paired with an adult who can swim.

Question 2

Is there an age limit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You must be at least 6 years old and taller than 1.1 meters (3'7"). Those between 6-8 must be accompanied with a paying adult (16+), at a 2:1 ratio. Children 5 and under are not permitted.

Question 3

What amenities do you have onsite?

Accepted Answer

The park in Kenora has bathrooms, changerooms, lockers for rent, 1 large picnic shelter, roughly 5 picnic tables, multiple playstructures, and a splashpad. The sandy beach is small, but there is plenty of grass space to lay your beach blanket and chairs.
The park in Pinawa has bathrooms (no official changerooms), lockers for rent, 1 large picnic shelter, roughly 5 picnic tables, 1 playstructure, and a foot wash. The sandy beach portion of the park large, and there is a public dock in the deep end of the water. 
There are no showers or public BBQ pits at either of our locations.

Question 4

I don't want to pack a lunch. What are my food options?

Accepted Answer

Kenora: Dairy Queen (treats only) is the only on-site option, but there are plenty of other great food options closeby in the neighbourhood. 
Pinawa: There are multiple food trucks nearby, (burgers, fries, pizza, wraps, ice cream, drinks, and more!). You can also dine-in at the licensed Pinawa Club next door.

Question 5

Are there lockers on site?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Lockers are available to rent starting at $5 each for the during of your stay.

Question 6

Is there a parking fee?

Accepted Answer

The town of Pinawa charges a parking fee of $10.00, and is payable onsite via QR codes posted in the parking areas. Once paid, it is good for anywhere in Pinawa on that day.

There is no charge for parking in Kenora.

Question 7

Do I have to pay to watch from shore?

Accepted Answer

No, we only charge participants that swim onto to the Island. Apart from the parking fee charged by the town of Pinawa, the beach and park area are free to use.

Question 8

I want to use vouchers for payment. How does this work when I make a reservation?

Accepted Answer

You are still required to pay a deposit when you book. This can be re-imbursed at the kiosk once you present vouchers for all participants.

Question 9

What happens if we're evacuated from the Island? (due to the weather or injury)

Accepted Answer

We will do our best to place your group on the next available session, and even give you extra time if we can allow for it. If you cannot wait around for the storm to clear, you will be compensated according to our weather-related refunds policy, found under our Terms and Conditions (www.hooplaisland.com/terms).

Question 10

Will I be notified if Hoopla Island closes because of bad weather?

Accepted Answer

If we decide to close for the day due to bad weather, we will send an email notification to all those who have booked, as soon as is reasonably possible. We will also post this closure with updated hours of operation on the front page of our website.
On days with irregular storm patterns, we will remain open for as long as is reasonably possible, and will only evacuate the park when it is necessary to do so, leaving our staff on standby for when the weather clears up. Should we close unexpectedly, you will be compensate according to our refund policy.(https://www.hooplaisland.com/terms)

Question 11

What happens if it rains?

Accepted Answer

Hoopla Island is just as safe when it rains. However, we will be forced to close should there be thunder, lightning, strong winds, or if the rain pours heavily. We will reopen as soon as the lifeguard says it is safe to do so (30 minutes after the last strike has been heard). We may also close during smoky conditions from forest fires for the health and safety of our staff.

Question 12

Do you have group rates? Can I reserve the whole Island for my group?

Accepted Answer

Yes! But we have strict guidelines. See our group rates page for more details at www.hooplaisland.com/groups(www.hooplaisland.com/groups)

Question 13

Do you provide lifejackets? Can I bring my own?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lifejackets are mandatory and are provided with the price of admission. You are allowed to bring your own lifejacket so as long as it is properly sized/fitted.

Question 14

I'm a professional swimmer. Do I have to wear a lifejacket?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lifejackets are mandatory and are included with the price of admission.

Question 15

Do I have to make a reservation? If so, must I pay a deposit?

Accepted Answer

We accept walk-ins, but we strongly recommend that you book with us ahead of time on our website as spaces are limited. It's good practice as you can be notified personally for weather-related closures or other timely updates.

A deposit of $5 per person is required to make the booking. It is fully refunded for all closures, and if you cancel within 24-hours of your booking. (You must contact us to process your refund - it is not done automatically if you cancel your booking yourself online).

Question 16

Is a deposit required for my reservation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A deposit of $5 per person is required for booking. Deposits are refundable only if cancelled at least 24 hours prior to the start of your session.

Question 17

How do I cancel or re-schedule my reservation?

Accepted Answer

Please contact us by phone or e-mail if you want to cancel or re-schedule your booking.

You can also do this yourself on your online account, but please note that refunds for cancellations are not processed automatically: we MUST be notified to process your refund.

Question 18

What happens if I am late for my session?

Accepted Answer

For 1-hour sessions, you are expected to arrive at least 20 minutes ahead to allow for the check-in process. You will be considered a "no-show" if you still haven't checked in by the time your session starts, and we reserve the right to give this spot to someone else. We will do our best to re-book you and your group for a later session, so as long as we have room available. Otherwise, if you still choose to participate in your session, no additional time will be given.

Question 19

I'm planning a second visit. Do I have to sign the waiver again?

Accepted Answer

No. If you signed your waiver online, you don't have to sign it again.

Question 20

Is there a weight limit?

Accepted Answer

There are no official weight limits for this activity. As long as you can appropriately fit in a lifejacket, you are allowed to participate. Our largest available size is XXXL. We encourage you to bring your own if you are unsure about our sizing.

Question 21

When I book a session, am I reserving the whole park for my group?

Accepted Answer

No, you are only booking individual spots from our total capacity. It is not a private session. When making your reservation, be sure to select the right number of participants in your group.

Question 22

What is your park capacity?

Accepted Answer

Legally, we can allow up to 110 participants on our park. However, for your comfort and safety, we limit the number of participants to 70 at any one time.

Question 23

Is alcohol permitted?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited. Do not consume before entering the park. If you are found to be under the influence, you will be asked to leave.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS