I don't recommend CGC. They charge twice as much as other pools for youth swim classes, and after I booked a class we were not actually eligible to participate in, I was told I could only receive a refund in person. I expect this is done to discourage people from actually seeking a refund, and seems like an incredibly outdated practice. I've never experienced any other kind of vendor that doesn't refund over the phone. read more

I like to workout. I mean "I'm a gym rat" kind of work out. If I could live at the gym I would. It's what happens when you lose a lot of weight and actually come to realize you like doing crazy things like run marathons, complete triathlons and lift heavy stuff. As a newer member to CGC I have to say I'm pretty impressed with the set up. The cost is reasonable too at about $50/month for a year membership. I haven't taken any classes so I can't vouch for that portion of the gym but I do hang out upstairs in the cardio room quite a bit and so far so good. They tell me it's not too busy during the morning/day. As of yet I've never had to wait for a treadmill. When it is feeling a little "packed" I'll go run laps on the indoor track. It's a great way to get in some nice cross training in between some push ups or perfecting the pull-up. My favorite part about CGC is the pool(s). Olympic standard size and as of yet never too busy to not get a lane. Instead of chloride as standard chemical cleaner they use bromide (much gentler on the skin). Locker rooms (both wet and dry options) are spacious. Lockers themselves are big for that over stuffed gym bag. Showers are kind of funky but once you get the hang of them they're not too bad. And while I don't frequent Subway, it's very convenient to be able to grab a little nosh on the way out. read more

Canada Games Centre - Recreation Centers Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Paid 25 dollars for my family to swim and when I got in there for all of ten minutes and the pool closed and we couldn't get our money back. Never coming back read more

I go to the gym often and always have people next to me talking to each other and disturbing me yet the staff never does anything, I don't really care that much and just mind my own business and don't say anything, however. I was listening to my voicemail because I missed a call I did not want to answer in the gym, because I know how annoying those people talking are, and this staff lady, young, comes up to me and tells me I can't be on my phone and she didn't say it in a nice way at all. I wasn't even talking, yet people can talk loudly to each other and she says nothing? She got me out of the mood to workout and ruined my day. Not cool. read more

Most of my experience with the CGC has been limited to their pool and aquatics programs for kids. I've checked out the rest of the facility and it looks pretty nice but can't really comment on the track or workout rooms; I just haven't had any freekin' time to try them out. Given that they are the closest pool since Northcliffe shut down, and we are members, my family goes there quite a bit. There are three pools: a shallow, warm pool for very young kids, a leisure pool, and a 25m pool that is for lane swimming. I've got a laundry list of cons. Some of them serious safety concerns. The Good -Overall the facility is pleasing to look at with a very modern design and bright with lots of natural light. -The swim instructors are good with kids and seem to know their stuff -The on duty life guards are on the ball -Swim class sizes are small (sometimes only 1-2 other kids) -It is nice that they have a devoted change rooms for families The BAD -The water in the kids' showers can be very, very hot-- almost scalding sometimes- and there is no way to regulate the temperature. I will not wash my toddler there for this reason. -Tiles are very slippery when wet in the family change room especially when you have bare feet; I've slipped but caught myself a few times but my kids have fallen a couple times. -Maintenance is shoddy e.g. there has been a light out in the family change room for months and, -We've mentioned it to front desk twice and sent an email to administration once and and it still hasn't been fixed or tube replaced; we never even got a reply to the email :( -A bench or something is needed in the change room to sit down on. Other than the small seat in the change rooms themselves, there is nowhere to sit down and wet floors everywhere. read more

We have been going to their community swims, which cost $3 taxes in. They are held Tuesday evening, Friday morning, Saturday evening and Sunday evening. It is an easy way to get used to the facility. It's a beautiful pool, and the water is kinder to you skin because it does not contain chlorine. This is a wonderful brand new and up-to-date recreation centre. It is a real asset to the Clayton Park area and the whole HRM. There is a nice website with all the information about the centre. Learn more at http://www.canadagamescentre.ca/ If you go to buy a pass, you should note that the prices on their website do not include the HST. If you want to pay by cash, add on 15%. read more

***Pool and change room review*** What a great facility the Canada Games centre is!!! I wish we could do half stars as this would be a 4 1/2 for me... the half mark away from 5 because of the admission cost.... but they do have to pay for the place after all!!! The family change rooms are absolutely amazing. Large changing areas, lots of over sized lockers, kid size showers (yep, 4 feet high) AND, AND, AND!!!! They even have a bathing suit spinner so you don't have to lug soaking wet clothing back home. VERY COOL!!! The pool, or I should say POOLS, are amazing. There is a small toddler pool that is usually kept warmer for the little ones, then there is a large pool that is sometimes divided for lane swimming but during free swims is wide open. The third pool offers some swimming lanes, a 3m spring board and a 1m spring board. On weekends, it can get pretty busy but with the two pools, the older kids tend to stay near the diving board which makes it nice for the younger kids. There are also two amazingly looking water-slides that I have yet to try as I'm always there with my 3yr old daughter and well, she's not tall enough yet... :( That said, $17.50 is sometimes a bit much compared to the other pools in the city BUT, the facilities and swim area makes up for it. read more

Did you know that you can get a tour of the CGC facilities? They'll take you around and show you the place so you can see all they have to offer before you ante up for a day pass or a membership. They pretty much have all of the good stuff you want to find in an athletic facility. Especially because it's still relatively new. I got a tour with Tara before I returned to actually try things out. Then I was back for a track pass on a particular crappy weather day (did you know you use the track here for $3 for the afternoon? a great deal when you need to run and the weather isn't playing along.) Then I came back for a day pass. I checked out the gym, ran on the treadmill, and went for a swim. And I liked it. My favorite part - I didn't need to sign away a percentage of every pay cheque to be a member. They offer a punch pass which you can use anytime. 10 visits for 85$ plus tax which means you're saving over the usual 11.50$ day pass rate. Absolutely worth it. Now I can come, work out, swim, visit the hot tub, shower and even go back later in the day if I want all on the day punch pass. It's a good deal at a great facility. read more

This place is my fam's home away from home - one of us is always here every day of the week which is why we bought the family membership. I have made great friends and like the facilities. My only complaint is the way the place is run - without going into specifics some events are not given enough time or a good starting time - especially in the evenign for working folks. Otherwise I love this place - even when the entry gates keep breaking down! This place adds such great ambiance to Clayton Park and I hope they build an ice rink alongside it - that would be awesome! read more

I'm back on the fitness wagon and have been a member of the Canada Games Centre for almost 2 months. We choose the GCG as it's in walking distance of my apartment and of course, all the great reviews... So here's what I like: - Options. There are so many different things you can choose to do as a member of the GCG; run the track, have a swim, use the machines, free weights, tons of classes to choose from and I even like that there is a Subway there. - Plenty of changing rooms, restrooms and water fountains . - I have yet to find any piece of equipment out of order. In fact, the machines (treadmill, elliptical etc..) are all new with the latest technologies where you can plug your Ipod/iphone in and record your achievements. (That's pretty cool). The circuit machines move with your body - The facility is extremely clean, and well kept. And, what I dislike: - The gates. It takes forever for that little green light to flash for entry. - The service. Unfortunately, this where the CGC falls short (at least for us). For example, when we signed-up we were not told of a down-payment until everything else was done, we were not told when the amount would be withdrawn from our accounts ( as we opted for bi-weekly payments) The enrolling process all-in-all kinda (for lack of a better word) sucked. All -in-all though, it's a great place to get your fitness on. If you're not worried about conversing with the staff then this is good spot for you. read more

I am in awe of this place! It is huge. I've only been in the building a handful of times, and always for Ultimate Frisbee! So as far as that goes the gym area is awesome, huge, well maintained! The running track is a great place to warm up, although it is rather short, for distance running! But totally, fun, half tempted to get a membership, but I know that will be a waste of my money, since I'm not a gym goer! If you are though this place seems to take the cake! read more

The floor around the pool is so dirty!! Hair everywhere !? They wont clean it why?? And the locker room stinks so bad! I pay alot for membership and for what? The staff dosent seem to clean anything at all?? read more

I was really expecting more out of this place. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice facility. I've been a member for. 2 months now. But coming from bigger cities out west I was expecting more for my $100 a month. I thought the 70 I payed for my gym in aberta was steep. Boy was I wrong...the gym in Alberta had all if not more features too it. When I went in to check this spot out, I asked for a tour....but no they couldn't provide one until 11 am and it was shortly after 9 am(opens at 530am). So I started to ask about the gym, because unlike what the other reviewers claim the website contains no pictures of the inside of the facility and very little info on what is actually in the gym. Anyways I was informed that the facility has everything you could ever need. So I bought a pass.... Boy what a surprise I got when I actually went in... If you like cardio...this gyms for you, tones of treadmills, bike,, walking track, basketball courts. BUT!!! If your serious about weight training... I suggest you look somewhere else. It is probably one of the most under equipped gyms I've ever seen in that regard. For example...there is only 4 open benches, that's to be shared for free weights. And they wobble. And due to the fact that they are so under equipped in weight equipment you have to really watch when you go to this gym. Or you'll spend most of your work out time waiting to use something. All the machines/ benches, weights, are from two companies while although new and pretty fancy looking...lack the quality I'd expect from a gym like this(lowest bid I assume) no heavy bags!!!! I could care less about this MMA crap the kids love these days. But anyone thats taking boxing, etc, knows just how good one a work out your can get with a speed bag, heavy bag and maybe even a skipping rope( which they also dont have. MIRRORS! They are not just for checking yourself out...any real gym will provide lots near there free weights because they realize how important keeping proper form is....not this place. The massive skylight let's in lots of natural light...but look the heck out in the summer cause you'll bake using some of the equipment. I could go on but I won't. At least about the gym. The pool...where to start. With the money they charge for passes you think they might clean some of the garbage off the bottom. I swim 30 to 60 laps everyday after my weight training, for the last 2 months I've been looking at the same garbage,bandaids etc on the bottom of the pool. Don't ever think that the aquatic schedule they provide is right. It doesn't matter when you go there will never be a pool just for laps. There is always some class or lesson taking place which has the lap pool reduced to 3 lanes, unless your there at 530 am. P.s. I don't mind sharing lanes....but if your idea of swimming is my idea of drowning...please stay in the kiddie pool. I could go on more about the pool but I won't. Oh. It does have 2 water slides for the kiddies and plenty of life guards, very kid friendly. The locker rooms are clean as well as the lockers, the running track is very nice. Personal trainers seem well intentioned but lacking knowledge in my own opinion. Most of the staff is very friendly and polite. Subway is a bonus... You may wonder why with so much negative comments I continue to go here. 1) it's about 1/2 km from my place, 2) swimming is now a big part of my workout...good luck finding a pool and gym in the area besides this one. I wish I had options but even a 20 min drive to a gym is too much...so I stay. read more

I have been a member for the past few years and decided that it was finally time to give this place an actual review. I have only been to the fitness classes, the gym, and occasionally on the track. I really haven't been to the pool unless you count when it first opened and a couple of my friends had parties here, but that was years ago and I am not a huge swimmer so I do not consider myself qualified to review the pool. However I have spend a lot of time in the gym and at the group fitness classes and even with a personal trainer. I love the group fitness, you meet lots of new people that will hold you accountable for showing up. Are you really going to let Susie go to the gym while you stay home and eat ice cream? Probably not. You are going to go and workout with Susie. You get to meet and form relationships with the instructor(s), who take their time and effort to get to know you. More accountability. All of the classes can be modified from beginner to advance, by added more weight, doing the more advanced option. The instruction will always make sure everyone knows what they are doing and how to modify the move to make it easier or harder. It is overall very motivating and a great way to stay fit and healthy. The classes are also a great way to spend time with the family while keeping active. The track isn't something that I am really going to touch on since I am not a runner but I have friends who run and love it. It is nice to walk to run a couple of laps to get warmed up before moving on to your actual workout, unless you intend on doing cardio for your whole workout. Something that I find rather boring and prefer to hit up a HIIT class to get my cardio in, which is just as important as strength. However, the track is a very nice addition for any runner, inspiring running, or for someone who just wants to warm up. The fitness centre is awesome, I love it. The workers are very polite and will ask you how your workout went, etc. and will always help you with any questions, if you ever need a spot don't be afraid to ask one of them for help, intact pretty much anyone will help but only ask someone that you know will actually be able to help you. My training style is Powerlifting as I will be competing in my first meet this May (AHHHH! What?!? That is soooo soon!) meaning I pretty much only use the bench, power-rack with the deadlift/Olympic platform, barbells, some free weight, the pull-up bar, and sometimes plyo boxes. My friends on the other hand do use some of the other machines and love them and from what I can see they work well and are very well kept. The gym has a nice atmosphere and is very motivating. The group of Powerlifters that I have met there, since there is no real Powerlifting gym in Halifax is awesome and they are all so very helpful. I love the people that I have met at the gym and I honestly feel as if no one really judges the other members, people do their own things but if you need help, they help. Overall the staff and members are very friendly and the equipment is awesome. And finally on to the last part, personal training. I am currently working with Ashley, and have been since the beginning of last April, a whole 9 months, almost a year. I love working with her and she is very helpful with everything and answers all of my questions and emails right way. She is very kind. While I don't work with Malachi or Caro, I have talked with them and they are also very helpful and kind. They listen to what you want and make you a personalized program. I would suggest this to anyone who might need a little more guidance or just wants to shake things up, if it wasn't for Ashley/personal training I don't think I ever would of fallen in love with Powerlifting, and for that I will always be grateful. My experience at this facility has been nothing short of amazing and I would recommend it to anyone in Halifax and want to move their body, as you can do anything here from Powerlifting, bodybuilding, running, walking, yoga, swimming, group fitness, and so much more. The community that the CGC (Canada Games Centre) is, is amazing and truly unique. I love it here, it is my second home, where I have met so many incredible people who have changed my life (as well, as my family's) for the better. read more

This place is terrible. Never seen a public pool facility that is so dirty. The place stinks like body odour, and there is dirt everywhere. One day in family change room looked up and the whole top of the wall was covered in dirt. The cleaning staff several times has used a mop that had been left wet and stunk the change room up. Complained to a cleaner and he acknowledged and said you don't want to see the stuff the cleaning staff does.....far worse than my complaint. Also people don't take showers before using the pool as told to do so that doesn't help. Only go here as it is only place with a hot tub and it bothers me to have to do so as the place stinks. Am new to Halifax so don't know about other facilities but this one is bad. read more

Great equipment in the workout room but you should have a good idea of what you are going there to do. You will not find help from the youngster behind the desk collecting ID cards. Be careful if you take your phone out to scroll your music because the phone nazi will attack you. "You're not allowed to text in the gym!" The pool is always crowded and when they reach capacity, they close the doors. Atleast 3 times we drove the kids to go swimming to learn that the pool is full and they are not allowing anyone else in. The family changing room is always crowded but the ladies room is usually ok. They are always clean, and there seems to always be a cleaner on site. The track is great. I often take the kids to play badminton during the scheduled times but we've had to buy our own gear as the ones provided are not worth using....if they have any left. This could be a great place to workout once they iron out all the wrinkles. read more

I've been working out for 4 years at this gym and it's seen me in many different pant sizes. I first got a membership here when I gained 18 pounds after coming home for the summer from university. With hard work and dedication, I remember I shed all that excess weight that summer and I have nothing but good things to say about this place. I felt comfortable exercising here from the very start. From the fitness room, the badminton courts, to the swimming pool - all comfortable, clean, and nice. The staff are great too, and the people that workout here are doing their own thing and don't bother you. read more

We continue to love going to the CGC. The kids have a great time in the various pools. The lifeguards have always been attentive not only to their safety but to requests for information (asked today when the diving boards would be open - was asked which ones I would prefer before he went off to inquire!). The facilities are always clean and safe. I'm loving that we've invested in a membership. read more

Since my last review we have cancelled our membership as we continued to have more issues with the customer service here. when we first signed up a big draw for us was swimming lessons and the discount we were told we would get if we were members for our sons swimming lessons. Well that was a lie and when we went to sign him up for the second session we were told because he was under 3 we had to pay the non member fee of $100. then one of his sessions where cancelled and instead of rescheduling it they decided not to and to give us a house credit which in order to use it we would have to spend more money as it's a $7 credit and a day pass is $11 so they expect me to pay more to get my money back that I should just get back as his lesson was cancelled. they are very sneaky in their ways and don't care about the customer after the money is received we will be looking into good life or somewhere else once we are ready to go back to a gym but will not be here. Even if someone paid me to go back I wouldn't! Still have not received any emails back from the head of the center but he has read them as I attached read receipts to them. read more

I've been to the CGC many times over the years for various reasons. Overall it's a great facility with lots to offer. My only complaint is the prices. I love to use the track but it costs around $10 per visit. The Dartmouth Sportsplex offers a track pass which works out to $2 per visit. I wish that CGC would consider something like this. The membership prices are really out of reach for most families which is too bad as it is the only facility in the area. read more

I have lots of fun at the pool.... Great facility .... And it has a subway

The place is ok, the locker rooms are sometimes really dirty but, the workout room is great

The attitudes of the customer service/ staff members in this facility are absolutely atrocious. I'll start by addressing the issue of the lost and found. As a mother of four I find myself frequently traipsing across the city on a quest for items my children have forgotten. At the Canada Games Centre, the lost and found is approximately two boxes of sopping wet items. It's not available to the public, so to request a search of the lost and found, you must ask one of the snarky front desk staff. After about two seconds they will come back reporting "sorry, we cant find it". I don't feel like they are performing a thorough search. I would happily dig through the lost and found boxes myself if it reassured me that my items weren't in there. I feel like nothing is ever found. Even more infuriating is the fact that every two days they dump the soggy boxes into a trunk and donate them. This is completely regardless of the worth of an item, or of how easy it would be to get it back to the owner. My daughter left her 100 dollar camera on the pool deck, in a clear waterproof baggie with her name, address and phone number on it(shes prone to losing things). Three days later she realized the camera was missing. I called the lost and found coordinator, only to be informed that the item had been donated. Extremely frustrating. The staff are just a generally disrespectful bunch of people. Very unconcerned about the customers. There is a woman who works the gate to the inside every Saturday, and in my life I don't think I have experienced a ruder staff member. She sits beside the gate and screams at young children about bringing food and drinks in. One of my children was screamed at for attempting to bring in a bottle of Gatorade. Its a sports facility! All in all I found the service at this place terrible, and would not go back. The actual facilities are very nice, and it would be lovely if it weren't for the Incredibly rude and inconsiderate staff members. I can't stress enough how rude they are. read more