If you use this facility, please be aware of your surroundings--keep an eye on your personal bag or belongings, as some people have their own issues. Our economy is declining, and I strongly suggest cutting off unnecessary expenses; there will be no more free passes covered by our government or City of Vancouver . Our system is going backward. For those who want to apply for a free pass, please kindly examine their criminal backgrounds. Let's make this community center decent and create a comfortable and safe environment for all. read more

Love this place. Reasonable daily fee and water was in great condition. Some lane business however easy to get in an go as circle swimming is the norm. Wish I could go here every day! read more

Vancouver Aquatic Centre - Super clean water and all around awesomeness. - Swimming Pools Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Vancouver Aquatic Centre - Skibidi pool. - Swimming Pools Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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I joined at the same time i started on Jenny Craig. One goes hand in hand if your serious about losing weight (for me at least ) This pool is close to my condo downtown featuring the water work outs i was looking for. I personally love the deep water which are Tues and Thurs at 1pm and Sunday at 4 pm . I have gone to the moderate aqua fit in the shallow end in the mornings, but didn't like it as much until i went to a Wed evening 7 pm class that ROCKED!!! I plan on adding that to my weekly class schedule. My only complaint is that one of the instructors plays THE SAME CD of Latin themed music which i personally cannot stand. The change rooms also are a bit gross and the hot tub is kinda small and dimly lit. But overall its helped me lose 20 pounds so far! read more

I went swimming here yesterday and accidentally left my only shorts on the bench in the changing room after my swim. After calling as soon as I got home and then calling 15 times the next day, not once did they pick up, straight to machine that hangs up with no message option. Frustrated, I drove there today after work and after calling over and over throughout the day (within 23 hours of leaving them there) and I waited outside until a janitor came past the door, he went and got a staff member who then apparently looked in the room and then withhin minutes he told me that they don't keep lost-and-found they just throw left items away. Pretty pissed off to say the least. Not only did you throw my belongings out, you never answered any of my calls to give me any chance of retrieving them. I will never go back, also the pool is gross it's the worst in the city. read more

I go here about once a week. With the HST now in effect the drop in price is currently $6.75, which isn't bad at all considering it's $15 at most private gyms, including the YMCA. The pool is Olympic size, with a smaller pool connected to it, making for a tetris-esque shape. While doing laps you're quite likely to see either the water polo team practicing, the dive team doing their thing, or an aquafit class. The width of the pool is actually 21 meters, not 25. If you're serious about doing laps, this can be frustrating. The major week point of the place is its workout center. It can get VERY crowded, and much of the equipment is pretty worn down. read more

After living in the West End for over ten years, I finally went to the Vancouver Aquatic Centre this week. I have been going to aquafit classes at Brittania with friends but we decided to try something a little closer to home this time. The instructor was friendly and kept the workout varied and fun. I was surprised at the size of the pool - it really is big! The water temperature in the pool is slightly warmer than it is at Brittania which I really liked as I can get cold after aquafit and there were a lot less children. I am looking forward to seeing the windows open in the summer so I can swim with a nice view of the water and the Westside. I would absolutely recommend this pool to anyone. read more

The gym. Ugh. I hate going to the gym! Maybe if the VAC was a little more up to date, my opinion would change. Hauling my ass to the gym is difficult on any day. I have so many other things I could be doing, like washing the walls, or vacuuming... The 90's era equipment is in desperate need of an overhaul. And, I know it smells in gyms... but couldn't they figure out some better ventilation in there? OK, enough whining. I'm gonna need a spotter. read more

I am writing this review today for two reasons. 1) to inform you the reader and 2) hopefully inspire myself to get my ass in gear and go to the pool. so for years you could find me swimming back and forth at the aquatic centre usually about 4 times a week. They have the best facilities in the downtown core. Complete with olympic size pool, diving tower, and dive tank. I like going here b/c at any time of the day they rope off three lanes or more to dedicate to people who like to swim laps. No fear if you cant swim that well they have a slow lane, medium lane, and a fast lane. They also have an excellent array of aqua size classes, swimming lessons, and kid things. heres a tip for ya... they have a separate pool for children located in another building so if you want to get away from the children this is the best place to go. One thing you should be aware of is every year during the summer they close the pool down for cleaning an repairs but not to worry this time of the year is the best time to go the extra mile and head to the pool at second beach. happy swimming! read more

Vancouver Aquatic Centre - Swimming Pools Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

My neighbourhood pool. It's not fancy. It's a dated building, but what more do you want? It's a pool. Admission is dirt cheap and public swim times are plentiful and convenient. Change rooms are always clean. Staff are helpful and laid back. The kiddie pool is nice and warm and at it's deepest it's only 2.5' deep, makes a great little spot for the wee ones to splash and play. It's a great option for the kids when the weather is crappy. read more

Friends and I came here for long distance swim training. This pool is a 50-meter pool. We were very happy about getting there in time for their discounted prices (Generally, 6 Canadian dollars per person, but that Saturday after 1PM only 3 Canadian per person) When we got ready to swim, there were lanes that already marked with different speed. Both my friends were in the medium speed lane and I was in the slow speed lane. In slow lane, people were mellow and relaxed. I actually swam over someone who was on his backstroke! After a while, I just had to swam pass those mellow people! :P 3 of us finished 4000 meters within 2 hours that day! Confidence booster for all of us. Shower facility was clean. You bring your own shampoo and stuff, which is fair for the amount of money we paid. The only thing was, free parking is impossible in the neighborhood (well, we were from Seattle. I only lopped a couple times around. Eventually, we parked right next to the pool and paid for parking. I believe it's about 10 Canadian dollars for entire day) We are planning to come back again (if our pool in Federal Way is not available). We will possibly check the 50-meter outdoor pool too. read more

I go to the Vancouver Aquatic centre every week. I have been wanting to learn how to swim for many years now and as an adult it's a hard thing to start doing. I recently started classes elsewhere - since the classes here were always full and I have been on the wait list multiple times. I do come here to practice my swimming since their drop in rates are reasonable. The facilities are dated and could use a little upgrade. The price is what makes it feasible for a novice swimmer like myself. read more

The Aquatic Centre is one of the city's only Olympic-length swimming pools (50 M). You'll want to check the schedule to make sure that the swim team isn't practicing. They change the lanes so that you're swimming the width (25 M) instead of the full 50-metre length. It opens up more lanes, but you have to swim twice as many! There's a diving team there, so you can watch them spin and twist off the spring board, 5 M, 7.5 M or 10 M boards. When they're not practicing, the public can try their luck and test their courage on the boards. There's a baby pool and swimming lessons are offered on-site. For older patrons the small, but adequate gym might be more useful. There's a three bikes, elliptical machines, rowing machines, free weights ... there's two or three of everything, but it's never too crowded. There's a 13-person hot tub and a dry sauna room to relax after your workout. Those are usually pretty crowded in the late-afternoon/early evening. It costs $42 for a month pass from 2009, 10-ticket passes and one-visit passes ($4.75ish) are also available. They're all being adjusted for 2009, so check the website. Monthly passes give you access to all Vancouver Park's Board facilities. read more

With the weather growing cool, people are becoming more and more inclined to just sit at home. I'm guilty of it too! Compared to other areas of Canada, Vancouverites are spoiled in the weather department. Still, who wants to go for a bike ride when the cold air promises to cut into your every pore? The Vancouver Aquatic Centre is a good place to go if you're keen to stay active through the winter months but still want to shield yourself from the cold. They have a large indoor pool and work out area for those looking for a combination of cardio and anaerobic workouts. The facilities are nice, well maintained and thankfully come without the exorbitant monthly gym membership fee. The public swimming and lane hours vary from season to season so be sure to check the website or call ahead for an updated schedule. read more

Great place for a 50m lengths swimming. All sorts of people can be found here, which is one of the things I love about this place. You'll find all races, classes, religions, etc. and I've met some very interesting characters here. The place is clean, big, and the water temp is just right. After a swim, the communal co-ed sauna and whirlpool are great for relaxing and a little chat. read more

Vancouver Aquatic Centre - Swimming Pools Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

The best swimming experience one can have! 50-m standard pool with sufficient space for everyone! The lanes are split by speed. Canadians swim fast!! read more

Woman at the check-in counter was one of the rudest people I've met in a long time. Place was dirty and pool was cold. Will never return.

Vancouver Aquatic Centre to the city: "Please upgrade me. I am cavernous and mouldy. Here's an idea, why not make condo developers contribute to a fund to help upgrade aging public facilities? We don't need more dog parks, we need better public infrastructure. You listening, Mayor Gregor?" read more

Thank Canadian Dolphins Swim Club for hosting a practice for my son while vacationing.

Last night I decided to try out the Aqua Fit class and it was sooooo much fun. The instructor, Zack, was energetic and motivational and it was 80s music night! I had no idea that water workouts could be so entertaining and physically benficial. I woke up this morning sore and feeling wonderful. I will be returning for sure! read more

This place is run down and dirty. The floor in the women's change room looked like it had never been cleaned in weeks. Balls of hair everywhere. Even blood on the floor beside a used tampon applicator(not even by the washroom side; the change room floor)! I'd give it no stars if I could but I know this probably won't be posted if I put less than 2 stars. read more

Started going here for Basic Swimming classes as I failed to master it when I was younger. Bruce was our Instructor and he is amazing! I was afraid to simply put my head underwater and by the end of the class and with much patience and practice I was able to glide under water using a few strokes. He takes the time to work with you even in a class and is seriously patient. He's a bit injured and takes on more of a Manager role at the Center but still took the time to really work with the 5 people in my class. I will now be signing up for the next level, thanks Bruce you helped me learn one of the hardest things I've ever had to do! I appreciate your patience. read more

This place is now falling into disrepair. Run down and dirty. The locks on the lockers don't work. Overpriced. Paid $6 to use the hot tub that used to be pretty good, to have it shut down because it was leaking all over the hallway. This is now a refuge for welfare bums and street people. Has been eclipsed by new YMCA. Go to the Aquatic Center if you want to be disgusted and irritated. read more

I've been coming to the Van Aqua for almost 10 years. They have a giant pool that is perfect for laps, with slow, medium and fast lanes and a fitness centre. Olympic sized pool for future Olympiads. The diving boards are phenomenal. So high up in the air! It's never too busy or noisy, sorry kids you are noisy, and I always feel comfortable. No creepy men gawking or anything. The hot tub and pool areas are clean and the hours are great. I would recommend this neighbourhood centre for everyone. read more

It was a disgusting place for a swim. Your locker will be broken into easily even though you use the locker and key they provided, and PAID for it. Our locker got broken into, and lost $3000 value stuff, and guess what? NONE surveillance cameras in the entire building, even the entrance, and the staff can't do anything, we asked for the manager or supervisor to speak with, and the male staff told us that they are equal, not calling manager to present. That's ridiculous, have been working in the retail for years in Canada, there is always somebody on duty who is in charge of the store at all times! Wry sad to hear that excuse is from a Canadian, and trying to push the responsibility back to the customers. Long story short, Zero cameras in the building, you will be charged when using their lockers, but they are not responsible for your loss. DO NOT GO HERE, many places in Vancouver are more insure and have nicer pools and staff. This very first experience just made me sick. What a place running by "well trained" Van CITY! read more

VAC is one of two 50 meter pools in Vancouver. Hillcrest is the other 50 meter pool, and it generally has a bulkhead in the center so that it can be operated as two 25's. For the most part VAC is set up in long course (50 meter), except Tues & Thurs afternoon / evening for swim teams, and during special events. The least crowded time to swim 50 meters is between 1030-1430 M-F. The water temp is about 28C which is a bit warm if you are a serious lap swimmer. 27C would be better, but they have to consider all their patrons, not just the elite. Often they will turn down the heat before a special event, so if you swim just before or after a big meet, you will enjoy optimum cooler temps (very refreshing to swim in). The water is generally clean, although they could do with a little less chlorine, but I'm sure there is a chemical balance that must be maintained according to the health dept. standards. The change rooms are not the greatest. They get cleaned twice, once at night and once mid-day around 1300. All the lockers are coin operated, but you do get your quarter back. Don't bother bringing a pad lock or combination lock - there are no lockers that you can put them on. There are 'purse / wallet' security lockers next to the cashier desk at the front. They are also refundable coin operated lockers. If you are going to be a regular, the annual pass is the best bang for your buck. Other than the 50 meter outdoor pools, or Kitsilano outdoor pool, VAC is the best 50m indoor facility in Vancouver. It is not the best 50m indoor facility in Canada, BUT it is the best in Vancouver. read more

It is not the best swimming pool, but it worth the money. I like the big size of it. I do not like gyms and never go there; so I cannot comment on that. The water has so much chlorine, but I guess it is better than getting disease! And, actually, I like water temperature. I prefer a little cooler water for swimming, it is easier for breathing (imho!)... and it is not crowded. read more

1- and 3-meter divings boards and 5,7,&10 M platforms. Awesome diving well separate from the pool. It's hard to find this in the US in s public pool. read more

The fitness centre has 1980s equiptment. Very hot and steamy enviroment at the pool & wirlpool. Make sure you go during the hours where there arent many swimming classes for teens. Or youd be very frusterated swimming with a bunch of kids. Weekends are ok with less people....unless they have a diving competition or waterpolo meet. read more

This really is a pool for swimmers......the best opportunity in Vancouver for length swims. Huge change room is always clean (I recommend the big one, not the adults only one). If you can get there during the weekdays for your lengths, you will have lots of room in the lanes. Check the schedule before you go! On evenings and weekends, sometimes there are several things going on at the same time, and length opportunities are compromised. read more

I practically grew up in this gym! I could never afford boxing or muay thai but I think this is the only rec center with the punching bag so I love to come here and workout! It has a friendly "every-one-is-welcome" atmosphere. read more

This building needs some serious overhauling! The *only* reason I go here is because it's the only pool close enough to me when I have to resort to busing. I find the water to be really cold (and every time I'm there I hear someone saying that same thing) and the gym needs a huge upgrade (I don't even bother with the gym there anymore). It would be great to see some money put into this place, or at least increase the pool temp very slightly. read more

Nice area for swimming and fitness. The AC is not be exactly a new pool, but have a lot of space doing sport. The weight room looks small but also sufficient to use. The price is 5, 90 CAD and you could use the pool, the sauna, the whirpool and the weigtroom. read more

The swimming instructors were not fair at all in assessing the children. My kid could do everything the level asked of but was not allowed to pass. He didn't get the attention he needed from the instructors. If you can find out who the instructor is first, I would do that. I feel like it was a big waste of money. Had a much better experience at the Hillcrest pool. read more

I am a pretty active guy, and have a flex pass. I usually use the gym at the Westend Community Centre as the one at the Aquatic Centre gym is small, worn down and extremely hot. But in a pinch it works out before a swim. I like the pool when the 50m are available which unfortunately is not that often as the lanes are either closed and rented out to private individuals and clubs, therefore the one to three lanes that are open are extremely crowded, that the water boils like feeding pahrannas. Therfore this is not a space that caters to the public despite our taxe dollars pay for it. Unless you are retired or belong to a swim club, which means adiddional costs, this pool is not a public pool. This January they took part of Sunday afternoons away from familys to cater to private lessons and clubs, kicking serious recreational swimmers to the curb again. No 50m just terrible 21m, the swimmers were pretty mad. I guess they want the westenders, coal, harbour, yale town, downtowners, to drive to hillcrest or get unfit. Quite sad at the lack of availavility. read more

Having a full membership at the Aquatic Centre is the best thing I have ever done. I go to the gym Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and swim Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The gym instructors (sadly Erin has now left) are amazing. Everick Golding has been my utmost saviour. Not only has he helped me mentally on many occasions when things aren't going so well he has helped unbelievably with my gym workouts. He constantly stops to chat and tell me if I am not doing something correctly, or shows me new stuff to do. THAT is what I want and need at a gym. He is simply amazing. The other instructors are also good and very very friendly. Sead and Elaine are fantastic. My swimming has really picked up and the lifeguards are friendly and amazing. Even stopping to help when I was trying to learn to do the tumble turn. Thanks Nicole - you are a breath of fresh air always. You can't lose joining up here. You will make many new friends as I have. read more