Welcome, Crystal Pool patrons!
Saanich extends a warm welcome to Greater Victoria residents as the City of Victoria embarks its Crystal Pool Replacement Project. This page contains helpful information and links about Saanich recreation facilities as the Crystal Pool community adjusts to new routines during the pool's closure.
On this page:
Saanich recreation centres
Saanich operates four recreation centres, which include two aquatic facilities and four fitness facilities (weight rooms and fitness class spaces):
|
Facility |
Location |
Key features |
| Saanich Commonwealth Place (SCP) | 4636 Elk Lake Drive |
|
| Gordon Head Recreation Centre (GHRC) | 4100 Lambrick Way |
|
| G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre (PKS) | 3100 Tillicum Road |
|
| Cedar Hill Recreation Centre (CHRC) | 3220 Cedar Hill Road |
|
Pool layouts, schedules, admission options, change room procedures and operating practices may differ from those of Crystal Pool. Saanich Recreation staff are available to help visitors get oriented and find an activity or space that meets their needs.
Before your first visit
- Check activity schedules like swimming, skating, fitness classes and the weight room from our Schedules webpage before leaving home. SCP's swimming schedule changes weekly.
- Check Saanich.ca/status for any facility service updates. Saanich does not post temporary closures or other service updates to social media.
- Call the appropriate facility if you have questions.
- All Saanich recreation facilities feature free vehicle parking and ample bicycle parking.
- Allow extra time for parking, admission, and getting familiar with the facility.
- Aquatic and fitness change rooms include lockers for day use:
- Saanich Commonwealth Place’s lockers take tokens, which are available for 50¢ each or 25 tokens for $10.
- Gordon Head Recreation Centre’s lockers take 2 quarters (50¢).
- Cedar Hill Recreation Centre and G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre’s lockers are bring-your-own lock.
Admissions, Access Passes, and LIFE passes
Unlike temporary closures, which often allow reciprocal use at regional facilities, the Crystal Pool Replacement Project does not grant its patrons complimentary access to Saanich recreation centres. All visitors to Saanich recreation centres must purchase a single admission, multi-visit pass, or Saanich Access Pass, or use their LIFE pass for admission.
Information about admission fees, age categories and pass options is available online or from Customer Service staff.
Children aged four and under are admitted free at Saanich recreation centres. This differs from Crystal Pool’s age category of five and under.
LIFE clients from municipalities outside of Saanich may use one of their 52 annual admissions to access Saanich recreation centres. Clients should present their current LIFE membership card and sticker with valid visits remaining for entry. Transfer requests from City of Victoria LIFE patrons to the Saanich LIFE program will not be accepted as a result of the Crystal Pool Replacement Project.
Saanich requires that children must be 8 years or older to be in the pool without an accompanying adult. Children seven years of age and younger must be within arm’s reach of an adult (16+) at all times.
Saanich allows youth ages 13 to 15 to use any of its four weight rooms, provided that they have completed a Saanich (free) or regional ($15, available at SCP only) weight room orientation. Youth ages 13 to 15 must complete an orientation, even when working out with an accompanying adult/guardian.
Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQ
Q: Can I just drop in for a swim or workout?
A: Yes. Please review the current pool or weight room schedule before visiting, as available spaces and activities vary throughout the day. SCP's swimming schedule changes weekly. Visit saanich.ca/recreation to find facility hours and schedule information.
Q: What is the difference between drop-in and reserved drop-in activities?
A: Drop-in activities do not require a reservation. The following drop-in activities are included with your Saanich Access Pass or a paid single admission:
A separate fee or pass applies to participate in some drop-in activities including; Archery, Bridge, Childminding, Kindergym, Walk and Talk, Youth Centre programs, and Art drop-in.
Reserved drop-in (RDI) activities require a reservation in advance to secure your spot. Included with your Saanich Access Pass or paid single admission, these are some of our most popular activities and classes including:
Reserve your spot online with RecOnline or the Saanich Recreation app beginning at 7:30am, up to seven calendar days in advance. Please note that the RDI attendance procedure applies.
Fitness FAQ
Q: What equipment do you have in your weight room?
A: You can find information on weight room features and weight room schedules for each Saanich recreation centre here.
Swimming FAQ
Swimming lessons and advanced aquatic programs
Q: How do I register for swimming lessons in Saanich?
A: Swimming lessons in Saanich are registered through Saanich RecOnline, or by phone or in-person with customer service teams at our recreation centres. RecOnline accounts are free to create, and you do not need to live in Saanich to register for programs.
Q: Where can I see swimming lesson schedules?
A: Check the current Saanich Activity Guide for lesson schedules, descriptions of the different levels, and more information.
Q: Are swimming lessons always full?
A: Despite common perceptions, spaces are regularly available in Saanich swimming lesson programs. Registration for popular swimming lesson times can be competitive, and some fill quickly. Check saanich.ca/openprograms any time to see what lessons are still available for enrollment.
Q: Do I need to live in Saanich to enroll in swimming lessons or other programs?
A: No. Saanich recreation programs are open to everyone. A Saanich RecOnline account is required; creating an account is fast and free. Visit saanich.ca/register to get started.
Pool availability and busy periods
Q: Why is the pool busier than I expected?
A: During Crystal Pool’s closure, many swimmers and program participants will use recreation facilities throughout the region, including Saanich Commonwealth Place and Gordon Head Recreation Centre. Peak periods may be busier than in the past, especially early mornings, evenings and weekends.
Q: What are the best times to swim if I want to avoid crowds?
A: Weekday mid-mornings and early afternoons are often less busy than evenings and weekends. Attendance can change from day to day, so consider visiting at a different time if your schedule is flexible.
Q: Why are there fewer length-swimming lanes available than shown on the schedule?
A: Lane availability may be adjusted to respond to attendance, safety needs and other scheduled activities. Staff balance access for lap swimming, water walking, Aquafit, lessons, public swimming, rentals, and other programs.
Q: Why are there more people in my lane than I am used to?
A: Lane attendance can vary, especially during busy periods. Staff monitor demand and may adjust lane configurations where possible; however, pool space must also support other scheduled activities and users.
Q: Can I reserve a lane for lap swimming?
A: No. Lap swimming is drop-in and lanes are shared according to swimmer speed and attendance. Staff may adjust lane use to support safe and equitable access.
Q: Why can’t more lanes be opened during busy periods?
A: Pool space is shared among many activities, including swimming lessons, aquafit, public swimming, water walking, rentals and high-performance clubs and events (SCP specific). Staff will make adjustments where possible, but not every pool area can be used for lap swimming at all times.
Q: Why do staff sometimes ask swimmers to change lanes?
A: Staff may ask swimmers to move based on lane speed, attendance, programming requirements or lane capacity. These adjustments help support safety and equitable access for all users.
Q: What should I do if there is not enough space for my preferred aquatic activity?
A: Please speak with a Lifeguard or Team Leader. Staff can suggest another lane, pool space, or visit time that may better meet your needs.
Lap-swimming etiquette
Q: I am unfamiliar with lap-swimming etiquette. What should I do?
A: Staff are happy to help. Choose a lane that matches your swimming pace and be prepared to share with others.
- When two swimmers are sharing a lane, they may split the lane, with each swimmer staying on one side.
- When three or more swimmers are sharing, staff may direct swimmers to circle swim, keeping to the right.
- Let faster swimmers pass at the wall when it is safe to do so.
- Ask a Lifeguard or Team Leader for guidance if you are unsure which lane to use or how to share it safely.
Aquatic programs and shared spaces
Q: Can I drop in during lesson and program times?
A: Yes, where pool spaces are shown as available on the schedule. Some spaces, such as the lap pool, leisure pool, tots pool or river, may be available for drop-in use; however, registered lessons and programs have priority in their assigned areas.
Q: Do you guarantee a lap-swimming lane during leisure swims?
A: No. A dedicated lap-swimming lane is not guaranteed during leisure swims. Availability depends on the schedule, attendance and the needs of all pool users.
Q: Can anyone attend a sensory swim?
A: Yes. Sensory swims are open to all patrons; however, participants are asked to respect the quieter, lower-stimulation nature of the swim.
Q: Can adults attend a youth swim?
A: Yes. Adults are welcome to attend, provided they respect that the swim is designed to create a welcoming environment for youth.