Recreation

Recreation in the City of Victoria is offered on the homelands of the Songhees and Esquimalt People. 

A Focus on Outdoor Recreation 

As of June 12, the community has more places to play and stay active under the City’s new Parks and Recreation COVID-19 Recovery Plan. The plan sets out a phased return to recreation facilities through coordination with the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) and continued public health guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Staff are currently focusing on increasing opportunities for the community at the City’s outdoor recreation facilities, such as playgrounds, sports fields and Royal Athletic Park.  

Under the new plan, the Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre is expected to reopen in January 2021. Staff are using time during the pool closure to complete planned repairs to the air handling system. This work was originally to take place in 2021. However, preliminary testing identified the need to do repairs sooner, so the work will take place this fall and is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year. 

Facilities and services listed under Level 1 and Level 2 of the plan are currently operating: 

For updates regarding programs, services, and facility operations, please visit this page regularly.

Summer Camps 

Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre staff are planning new outdoor summer camps to safely accommodate up to 80 kids per week in groups of 12-16 at Royal Athletic Park. Other specialty camps, from kayaks to claymation, are also available. 

Safety of our patrons, their families and our staff is our number one priority, and we are committed to offering a safe outdoor recreation experience. 

Registration for summer camp spaces is open. View the online flyer to learn more, and click here to register. 

Due to the ongoing pandemic and public health requirements, we are not able to offer some of the summer camps we had originally planned, which we know many families look forward to each year. 

Families who were registered for previously scheduled summer camps have been automatically registered in the new camps at Royal Athletic Park. If your family’s plans have changed and you no longer require a summer camp spot you’re registered for, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing camps@victoria.ca and you will be fully refunded. 

 

Outdoor Recreation and Fitness Programs

We're offering a range of health and wellness opportunities this summer at Royal Athletic Park, including yoga, boot camps, personal training and more. Join us at the stadium where we have made adjustments including: 

  • Enhanced COVID-19 policies and procedures
  • All classes offered entirely outdoors
  • Registered programs accommodate up to 40 people

View the online flyer and click here to register.

Options will be available to register in advance or on a drop-in basis.   

Outdoor Health and Wellness Programs Survey 

We are planning a gradual return to adult health and wellness programs and we want to understand your interests as we plan which programs to offer this summer and fall. 

COVID-19 guidelines mean some programs require significant modification, while other programs may be able to be modified in simple ways, such as moving them outside. We’re open to exploring the possibilities, but first we want to understand what you’re comfortable with and what you would like to see offered. 

Please complete this survey to help us understand and prioritize the adult health and wellness programs you’re most interested in. 

 

Community Access at Royal Athletic Park

Royal Athletic Park is open for community drop-in this summer! Come get active and enjoy this large grass ­field in the heart of the North Park neighbourhood. Physical distancing and adherence to park use guidelines is required. View the online flyer for drop-in hours and more information.

 

Field and Court Permits Now Available 

Field and court permits can now be issued to local sport organizations. Here’s what we need if you’re interested in booking: 

  1. Fill out this form

  1. Attach your Provincial Sport Organization Return to Sport Plan 

  1. Attach your COVID-19 Exposure Control Plan 

  1. Send your forms to parkspermits@victoria.ca  

For any questions or assistance, contact us at parkspermits@victoria.ca. 

Fun for Life GO!

Stay active, healthy and connected from home with Fun for Life GO! 

Our new online platform combines ideas from the City of Victoria’s recreation experts in fitness, children’s and older adults' programming, with links to other helpful resources to help you and your family stay healthy and well. Learn more.

Memberships/Passes 

All annual passes will be extended by the closure length. 

Monthly payments have been suspended for passes on scheduled payments. 

If your preference is to receive a refund, please email crystalpool@victoria.ca. 

All regional passes will be cancelled effective March 17, 2020 and refunded. 

No action is required for L.I.F.E. Program passes. 

Annual locker rentals will be credited effective March 17, 2020. 

How to Reach Us

Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre: crystalpool@victoria.ca       

Facilities (some are currently closed):