No matter how much you love what you do for a living or what you study at school, it can eventually become tiring. To relieve you of your stress, the best Calgary recreation centres will keep you busy and relaxed at the same time.
Recreation helps you improve your creative expression, social skills, and expertise in your chosen leisure activity. This way, you explore things aside from your lifelong field or profession.
But the real benefit of recreational activities is feeling fulfilled and confident with yourself. You can achieve that with our picks for the best Calgary recreation centres.
Table of Contents
1. Westside Recreation Centre
| BEST FOR | Variety of facilities |
| PRODUCTS | https://www.westsiderec.com/facilities |
| WEBSITE | https://www.westsiderec.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 2000 69 St SW, Calgary, AB T3H 4V7 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 531-5875 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Westside Recreation Centre is the best Calgary recreation centre in the southwest area because it has several facilities for everyone. It has two arenas, one for leisure and the other for sports, so that each customer can enjoy his time at the venue.
It also has a 24-foot climbing wall and specialty areas for children who enjoy playing around. Westside Recreation Centre even has a large water park with hot tubs and steam rooms.
With its gym and fitness centres, Westside also offers personal fitness training to keep Calgarians physically active. Its facilities are also rentable for gatherings and birthday parties.
Highlights
- Separate areas for leisure and sports
- Climbing wall, children specialty area, and water park
- Fitness training programs and youth activities
Customer Reviews
Here are the reviews to help you know more about the facilities of Westside Recreation Centre:
“Pretty decent facility with quite fair prices. They have a solid variety of sports you can practice as well as courses and activities they supply. The gym, pool, skating rink, and climbing wall are all solid in quality. I would recommend this facility to anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly recreational experience.”—Bob Smith
“Westside Recreation center is an amazing place. It has got badminton, basketball, a full gym, running track, rock climbing, a swimming pool, etc. I highly recommend going there because it is amazing for workouts, hanging out with your friends, or just going there to practice.”—Aadi Chopra
2. Village Square Leisure Centre
| BEST FOR | Wave pool and water park |
| PRODUCTS | https://www.calgary.ca/csps/recreation/leisure-centres/village-square/facility-features-village-square-leisure-centre.html |
| WEBSITE | https://www.calgary.ca/csps/recreation/leisure-centres/village-square.html |
| ADDRESS | 2623 56 St NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 5J1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 366-3900 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday–Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Village Square Leisure Centre is one of the top-rated recreation centres in Calgary and the entire country. It is a 5.5-acre indoor facility with a water park, a fitness studio, a gymnasium, and two arenas perfect for winter and summer sports.
Village Square also has smaller multifunction rooms for events and a library for studies and classes. In the Village Square gym, you can also consult with certified personal trainers for your own improvement.
Its staff ensures everyone applies standard safety procedures, but the centre also has first aid stations for emergencies.
Highlights
- Indoor water park, gym, and arenas
- Rentable rooms and equipment
- First aid stations
- Certified personal traine
Customer Reviews
Village Square Leisure Centre is the best Calgary recreation centre maintained by the city itself. Here are the reviews to tell you what customers love about the place:
“I used to go for swimming here. Everyone is super accommodating. Facility is well maintained. It’s a health Centre, water park and library, all in one place.”—Irfan Khan
“2 ice arenas for hockey and public skating, and a swimming pool with slide, also Calgary transit where you buy tickets. Really nice Leisure Centre for all!”—Alexander Obrien
3. The Beach YYC
| BEST FOR | Beach activities |
| PRODUCTS | https://www.thebeachyyc.ca/events/court-rentals/ |
| WEBSITE | https://www.thebeachyyc.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 2600 Portland St SE #3030, Calgary, AB T2G 4M6 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 475-4031 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
If you’re tired of being landlocked here in Calgary, then you would enjoy a day playing on sandy shores at The Beach YYC. This indoor facility is a great place to play your favourite sports all year round.
It is the best Calgary recreation centre for beach sports such as volleyball and soccer. Children can also enjoy The Beach YYC with its summer camps and birthday party packages.
With its expansive 13,000 square feet premises, The Beach YYC also has rooms you can rent for corporate retreats, sports club meets, and other kinds of gatherings.
Highlights
- 13,000 square feet sandy terrain
- Volleyball and other beach sports
- Separate court for kids and adults
- Rental rooms for gatherings and partie
Customer Reviews
The Beach YYC is excellent for sports, parties, and just about any recreational activity you’d like to do at the beach. Here are just some of the reviews from its satisfied customers.
“Great facility for playing beach volleyball year round. They also do ultimate frisbee in here in the winter sometimes too. I believe they also recently opened their consession upstairs.”—Ben Meszaros
“This is an amazing place to have birthday parties, our son has had 2 birthdays here so far. It’s spacious and the staff are friendly. Lots of room to run around and play!!!”—Susan Phung
4. Vecova Recreation Centre
| BEST FOR | Aquatic sports, inclusivity |
| PRODUCTS | https://www.vecova.ca/aquaticshealthfitness/ |
| WEBSITE | https://www.vecova.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 3304 33 St NW, Calgary, AB T2L 2A6 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 284-2231 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Thursday: 8:45 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 8:45 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday – Sunday: 7:45 AM – 7:00 PM |
Vecova Recreation Centre prides itself on being one of the best Calgary recreation centres open for all. The centre is committed to providing spaces for all abilities, especially since it has a centre for disability support.
It has a fully-accessible salt-water pool, a full-sized gymnasium, three multipurpose halls, and three studios for event rentals.
The centre also offers programs and classes such as physical therapy and fitness exercises for all ages and skill levels. Aside from its programs, Vecova Recreation Centre also has children’s programs and camps.
Highlights
- Accessible for people of all abilities
- Salt-water pool, gymnasium, halls, and studios
- Venue rentals
- Aquatic classes and physical therapy
Customer Reviews
Read these reviews to know more about what customers enjoyed at the best Calgary recreation centre for people of all abilities:
“We come here for swim lessons regularly and my boys enjoy their teachers. The swim instructors are patient and attentive. They give the children turns receiving individual attention while the others watch” and splash. My kids look forward to their half hour lesson each week.”—Carina Kwok
“Best facilities in town! My kids like to hangout at the break room when waiting from one another. Snacks, water, heating, and especially teachers, top notch!!”—Rick Zhang
5. The Park
| BEST FOR | Skateboarding |
| PRODUCTS | Skateboard shop, lessons, and venue |
| WEBSITE | https://www.calgaryskatepark.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 7056 Farrell Rd SE Unit E, Calgary, AB T2H 0T2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 727-1244 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
The Park brands itself as the place where Calgarians can learn and improve skateboarding skills. Its founders, Brock Heartwell and Jordan Fleming have been buddies for 25 years and have a shared passion for skateboarding.
This recreation centre aims to help 6-12-year-old Calgarians learn about skateboarding through private lessons. However, The Park is also open for older skaters who just want to practice in its indoor skateboarding venue.
Besides taking classes, you can also buy high-quality skateboards, accessories, and protective gear from The Park’s retail store.
Highlights
- Indoor skateboard park
- Private skating lessons for 6-12 year olds
- Skateboarding parts, accessories, and protective gear
Customer Reviews
The Park is indeed one of the coolest places where you can spend some time with your kids or friends who are also young-at-heart. Here are reviews to tell you more:
“Very knowledgable and friendly staff who care about the sport and the legacy of skateboarding. Don’t just want to sell you something. They can teach your kids how to ride properly as well, especially for the parents without skateboarding experience. Highly recommend and am pumped to take my daughter there again to skate, chat and check out the products. Cheers!”—Monty Souther
“Both Roll Models (love that btw) Jordan and Brock are wonderful with the kids. My son came out of there after an hour feeling more solid on the board and with more confidence. Absolutely recommend The Park for a positive and fun experience for the kids.”—Candace Inkpen
6. Cardel Rec South
| BEST FOR | Youth programs |
| PRODUCTS | http://cardelrec.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=69# |
| WEBSITE | http://www.cardelrec.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 333 Shawville Blvd SE #100, Calgary, AB T2Y 4H3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS( | 403) 201-8652 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Sunday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Cardel Rec South has three gymnasiums, four ice rinks, and multiple rooms perfect for physical activities and social gatherings.
The centre also has specialized programs depending on age group so that anyone can maximize their learning potential. You can enroll your kids in different classes, from sports classes like aikido to third party programs like the Little Medical School.
Cardel Rec South also has a library for educational purposes. Besides, it is near YMCA Shawnessy if you want to explore other facilities and activities.
Highlights
- Three gymnasiums and four ice rinks for sports and fitness
- Multiple small and big rooms for gatherings
- Youth and children programs
- Library and other educational programs
- Proximity with other recreation facilities
Customer Reviews
Here are the reviews from Cardel Rec South’s customers if you want to know more about what to expect from its facilities.
“It is a great place to watch your Grandson’s hockey. McDonalds and Tim Horton’s /Wendy’s are right nearby as well. The parking lot was cleaned so easy to park.”—Ralph Meyer
“Very good recreation centre in town with all facilities. Kids will enjoy and parents too. This is attached to YMCA and Library so its one stop place for all sports Ice Skating and Hockey in Credel Rec. Swim,Gym, Basketball, Rock climbing etc in YMCA.”—Vytheswaran C
7. Paperny Family JCC
| BEST FOR | Recreation centre that is open to everyone |
| PRODUCTS | https://www.calgaryjcc.com/programs/ |
| WEBSITE | https://www.calgaryjcc.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 1607 90 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2V 4V7 |
| CONTACT DETAILS( | AFTERSCHOOL: (403) 537-8593 ARTS AND CULTURE: (403) 537-8596 AQUATICS: (403) 444-3147 CHILDREN AND CAMPS: (403) 537-8593 EARLY LEARNING CENTRE: (403) 444-3175 GOLDEN AGE: (403) 537-8599 HEALTH AND WELLNESS: (403) 537-8595 MEMBERSHIP: (403) 253-8600 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mondays to Thursdays 6:00am – 9:00pm Fridays 6:00am – 6:00pm Saturdays 9:00am – 5:00pm Sundays 8:00am – 5:00pm |
The Paperny Family JCC aims to create a warm and uplifting environment where you can nourish your mind, body, and soul.
They are open to anyone! This means you are welcome regardless of your religion, race, color, age, liability, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.
JCC programs are fit for all ages, and range from fitness and wellness to early childhood, day camps, seniors, and arts & culture.
Enjoy a workout, join a CrossFit or group exercise class, swim in their salt water pool, meet up with friends for a meal at their onsite café, or register for a wide range of workshops and classes for babies to seniors. The JCC has something for everyone!
Highlights
- Wide range of services
- Activities for all ages
Customer Reviews
Here’s a review from one of Paperny Family JCC’s clients:
“A great place to connect with friends, meet new ones, and get involved in programs. There’s something for everyone from fitness to Arts and Culture. Check out the new programs for this fall and continuing favourites. There is something for every age and interest.”
Here’s another one:
“It’s a good place to go for a swim without the large crowds.”
8. AXE Throwing Calgary
| SERVICES | Private events, drop-in sessions, league nights, mobile targets, and lounge menu. |
| WEBSITE | http://www.axethrowingcalgary.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 5923 3 St SE, Calgary, AB T2H 0P3, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] +1 844-403-2937 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Upon booking |
If you’re looking for one of the most unique places to celebrate precious events in your life, then AXE Throwing Calgar might be the best for you.
They are one of the first companies to offer a fun, safe, and stress-relieving environment where you can learn how to throw axes while celebrating important events such as birthdays, corporate events, and bachelor(ette) parties.
With 3 primary services, they are available through booking and have surprisingly affordable rates.You can test out the axe throwing experience for as low as $30 to $35 per person on their drop-in sessions while private events would cost you $45 dollars per person.
We like how they open league competitions wherein individuals can challenge other people with their axe throwing skills. It lasts for 8 weeks and is ideal for getting out, meeting new people and sharpening your skills in a fun axe throwing competition.
Highlights
- Fun and unique way to hold events
- Holds league competitions
- Affordable rates
Customer Reviews
Absolutely loved having our company’s team bonding here!
“Absolutely loved having our company’s team bonding here! Super cool experience, the staff was all super engaging and fun to interact with. Josh was our throwing coach and we had a ton of fun! I definitely would recommend trying axe throwing at least once in your life!” – Megan Chambers
Will definitely recommend it.
“I went in today with a group of 6 and had a great time learning all of the different styles of axes (and other things!) you can throw. The coach was knowledgeable and gave great tips. Will definitely recommend.(Please book in advance if you want to go in)” – Katherine Holmes
There you have it: our picks of the best Calgary recreation centres. Whenever you can’t decide whether you want to unwind in libraries or play your favourite sports, just go to these centres as they have many facilities under one roof.
Much like sports and other physical activities, dancing is also one form of recreation. So, if you’re passionate about this form of performance art, you may want to check out the best dance studios in Calgary to practice your moves.
