Quebec's most ambitious water park project is still a few years from opening, but it's already making a splash — by not including one of the most common attractions you'd expect.
If you've been following plans for the giant Mōrea indoor waterpark in Mirabel, you might've assumed a wave pool was part of the deal. After all, it's a go-to feature for most large-scale aquatic centres. But the team behind the $200-million project has officially confirmed: there will be no wave pool at Mōrea.
In a recent Instagram video, developer Ray Junior Courtemanche — the same person behind the broader Cité Mirabel expansion — explained that wave pools simply aren't worth the tradeoffs.
"Wave pools take up a huge amount of space," he said, adding that they also consume a lot of water and pose increased risks of injury.
Instead, Mōrea will lean heavily into high-tech water slides and immersive attractions. Courtemanche teased that one of the slides set to be installed will be the first of its kind "on the planet", and that the focus is on delivering a next-level indoor waterpark experience.
When complete, the complex, estimated to cost between $175 million and $200 million, will feature:
- Over 20 water attractions, including a surf simulator, water roller coasters, a lazy river, and interactive play zones
- Two hotels connected by a sky bridge
- A full spa and wellness centre
- On-site restaurants, retail, and rooftop reception spaces
- A 70,000-square-foot convention centre and a 1,500-seat theatre for performances and large events
Originally announced in 2021 as the MOANA Aquatics Centre, the project was delayed due to economic challenges. But as MTL Blog reported earlier this year, construction is now officially set to begin in summer 2026. With a fresh name and expanded vision, Mōrea Parc Aquatique is set to become the largest indoor water park ever built in Quebec.
The first phase, which includes the Polynesian-inspired water park and one of the hotels, is expected to open sometime in 2028. The full development is located on Chaumont Street near exit 28 of Highway 15, in the heart of Cité Mirabel.
So no, there won't be any wave pools — but with that lineup, people might not miss them.
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Courtesy of Samsung Canada
Courtesy of Samsung Canada
The project is set to become a major economic and tourism driver for the region and Greater Montreal. 