Aquatic Centre General Information

Pool hours

• Monday-Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

Closures

• Holidays – Closed on December 25 and will have reduced hours on statutory holidays
• Maintenance – The facility or certain amenities may be closed due to scheduled maintenance and/or repairs

The Aquatic Centre is located at 6000 Franklin Avenue, near the YK Community Arena and the Curling Club. The closest intersection to the Aquatic Centre is Franklin Avenue and Forrest Drive.

Those travelling by public transit can take Bus Route 1 – YK connector. Check out the bus schedule and download the Passio GO! real-time tracking app to ensure you have a smooth journey to the facility. 

Visitors of the Aquatic Centre are welcome to park in the parking lot in front of the facility. Additionally, there are bike and scooter racks, as well as a covered stroller shelter located outside the main doors.

Aquatic Centre visitors can access the facility by paying for a single admission, purchasing a punch pass or a flexi pass. Flexi passes can be purchased in 1 or 2 week, as well as 1, 3, 6 or 12 month increments.

Facility fees

Admission fees and passes for the Aquatic Centre will follow the same fees currently in place for all recreation facilities.

Note that low income families and/or individuals may be eligible for the Access for All program, which grants free access to our recreational drop-in programs.

Single admission, punch pass and flexi pass grant access to:

• Aquatic Centre amenities and scheduled swims
• Fieldhouse and Multiplex drop-in programs
• Multiplex public skates and shinny hockey

*Aquafit requires an additional pass, which is sold separately
**The Fieldhouse indoor play area and track are free to access in 2025

Program participants who wish to use Aquatic Centre amenities prior to or following their registered program are required to pay regular admission.

Purchasing a pass

Punch passes and flexi passes will be available for purchase and renewal online or in-person at the Aquatic Centre and the Fieldhouse. For in-person purchases, payment will be accepted in cash, debit, Visa or Mastercard. If purchasing a pass online or by phone, Visa or MasterCard are the only forms of accepted payment. Passes will be available for pick up at the Aquatic Centre or Fieldhouse.

The Aquatic Centre offers an extensive selection of programs catered to individuals of all ages and abilities. The facility is spacious, allowing for more simultaneous programming and reduced waitlists. Whether you're looking to improve your technique or enjoy recreational swim time, the Aquatic Centre provides a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Programs

Below is a list of programs which will be available at the Aquatic Centre. New programs will be introduced pending staff availability and community interests.

• Parent and tot lessons
• Preschool lessons
• Teen and adult group lessons
• Swim to Survive kid and teen drop-in lessons
• Private lessons
• Certificate lifeguard and instructor training courses

All programs will be available on our online registration system. The public will notified prior to registration becoming available.

Have an idea for a new program? Email AquaticCentre@yellowknife.ca and tell us about it! 

Schedule

Prior to the opening of the Aquatic Centre, an updated schedule will be posted on our website.

Transition period with no aquatic programs

Effective staff training is essential for ensuring a smooth transition and successful operation of the Aquatic Centre. By providing comprehensive training that covers both technical skills and customer service, employees will be well-equipped to perform their roles efficiently, fostering a positive work environment and delivering exemplary service to clients. While the Ruth Inch Memorial Pool closes down and staff training at the Aquatic Centre is in progress, there will be a transition period of roughly one month where no aquatic services will be available. Passes will be extended for the duration of the transition period.

Cancellations

In the event that a lesson or a program gets cancelled, students will be contacted via email or by phone as soon as possible. Students will receive a credit on their account for lessons cancelled by the City of Yellowknife. Credits can come in the form of a refund or applied to other City programs. Due to other ongoing programming, there is no guarantee that cancelled lessons will be rescheduled.

Public swim cancellations will be announced at the top of the pool schedule page and the City’s Facebook page.

Registration

Those interested in registering for a program will be able to register online, in-person or by calling a Booking Clerk at (867) 920-5683 or (867) 669-3457. Be sure to the check hours of operation for the Aquatic Centre and the Fieldhouse when registering in-person or by phone.

For in-person registration, payment will be accepted in cash, debit, Visa or Mastercard. If registering online or by phone, Visa or MasterCard are the only forms of accepted payment. Please ensure to have all registration information ready (name, phone number, date of birth, course #, payment information) when registering.

Tips for registering

• Follow our Facebook page – Prior to registration opening, an announcement will be made on the City of Yellowknife’s Facebook page.
• Use the waitlist – Additional courses are added to the schedule based on the number of registrants on the waitlist and staff availability.
• Register based on ability – Children must be registered in the level recommended by their previous instructor. Those who do not follow this policy will be removed from the class if it is determined that they are not in the correct level. If there are no spaces left in the proper level, students will have to wait until the next available session to register in the appropriate class.

The Aquatic Centre is happy to provide a variety of spaces which can be rented out for meetings, training sessions and events. Note that the Aquatic Centre does not offer private or shared pool rentals. Community or sport organizations can request lane rentals by calling the facility. These rentals may be accommodated depending on availability.  

Multipurpose rooms

• Two rooms located on the first floor
• Rooms can be combined into one large room
• Each room comes with tables, chairs, plugs and a sink
• A portable TV can be requested
• Suitable for meetings, training sessions and events (e.g. birthday parties)

Meeting room

• One, smaller room located on the second floor
• Comes with tables, chairs and plugs
• A portable TV can be requested
• Suitable for meetings and training sessions only

Patio rentals

The Aquatic Centre has a beautiful, spacious patio for anyone wishing to get a bit of fresh air between swims in the summer. More information on patio rentals will be posted on this page as it becomes available.

The Aquatic Centre is proud to offer top tier amenities, promoting leisure, wellness, and athletic development.

Key features

• Lap pool – 8 lanes, 25 metres, cooler temperature, 3 metre and 1 metre springboards
• Big waterslide – Equipped with a red light/green light system and water curtain
• Leisure pool – 3 lanes, 25 metres, warmer temperature, small waterslide, beach entry, lazy river
• Splash pad – Includes an arch, umbrella, water curtain, geysers and two cannons
• Therapy pool (hot tub) – Maintained at 37 degrees C
• Steam room – Spacious, maintained at 38 degrees C
• Multipurpose rooms – Two rooms on the first floor
• Meeting room – One room on the second floor
• Viewing area – Located on the second floor, accommodates 200 people
• Universal change rooms – Two rooms, each containing 13 all-gender stalls and one accessible stall. Accessible stalls are equipped with a private shower and an accessible change table
• Northern design features – Mosaic of Yellowknives Dene First Nation flowers and the North Slave Métis sash, lobby ceiling décor representing the Northern Lights
• Canteen – Locally operated canteen
• Patio – Large patio available for Aquatic Centre visitors during unreserved times in the summer

The Aquatic Centre is an inclusive facility, with a range of features to accommodate families and individuals with accessibility needs. Diversity, equity and safety are among our top priorities. Our staff is committed to ensuring everyone, regardless of ability or limitations, can enjoy our facility.

Accessibility features

• Wheelchair-friendly entrances
• Wheelchair ramps leading into the pools
• Elevator
• Pictogram signage
• Aquatic wheelchair available for use
• Universal change rooms
• Accessible adult change tables with a portable lift

The rules and requirements outlined below are in place to ensure the well-being of all visitors. Lifeguards undergo extensive, ongoing training in the areas of facility operations, site-specific safety, emergency procedures and rescue scenarios, along with regularly recertifying awards recognized by the national governing body. Kindly do your part to maintain everyone's safety by following all directives from pool staff and adhering to the facility rules.

Supervision requirements

Children 6 years of age and younger must be supervised by an adult (16+ years) at a 4:1 ratio at all times and in all areas of the facility. Youth guardians (13+ years) can supervise children at a 1:1 ratio. Guardians must be within arm’s reach of the child they are supervising, and come prepared in swimming attire to provide immediate assistance.

Steam room

• No scents are permitted in the steam room
• Use of steam room should not exceed 30 minutes
• Those with poor health, high blood pressure, heart or circulatory disease, those who are pregnant and those using prescription medication are advised to consult with a physician prior to using the steam room
• Children 12 years old and under must be accompanied by a guardian 

Universal change rooms

• Children 6 years and under must be accompanied by a guardian
• Shoes must be removed prior to entering the change room hallway
• No nudity is permitted in open areas
• Photography and video recording is prohibited
• No food or glass is permitted in change rooms
• Visitors must shower with soap before entering the pool
• Visitors must limit use of scented products

Lockers

• Lockers can be used free of charge
• Residents must bring their own lock; locks will be available for purchase at reception
• No items can be left in lockers overnight
• Locks that remain after hours will be cut and items will be removed

Viewing areas

Visitors are welcome to watch swimming lessons in the seating area in the lobby or use the viewing area located on the second floor of the facility. For safety reasons, visitors are not permitted to watch swimming lessons from the pool deck.

Swim test and wristbands

Swim tests will be conducted by lifeguards to assess the swimming ability of children ages 7 to 13 years old each time they enter the facility.

Upon entry, reception staff will give out pink wristbands to all children ages 6 and under to signify that they are required to be within arm's reach of a guardian at all times and in all areas of the facility (including the pools). This wristband is given to children regardless of swim ability.

Yellow wristbands will be given to children ages 7-13 years old who have passed the beginner swim test. This wristband grants these visitors access to the leisure pool and the shallow end of lap pool without a life jacket.

Green wristbands will be given to children ages 7-13 years old who have completed the intermediate swim test, signifying they have full access to the facility.

Wristbands are utilized for safety and program quality control, and should worn for the duration of your visit.

Emergency signals

• One whistle blast – Clear the pool immediately, follow the lifeguard's instructions
• Two whistle blasts – Pay attention to the lifeguard and wait for direction

Visitors with serious medical conditions

Those with serious medical conditions (seizure disorders, heart conditions) should be accompanied by a person knowledgeable of their condition and directly responsible for their supervision. Any visitors with a medic alert or known medical conditions should report the condition to the lifeguard on duty. The companion will be able to swim at no charge.

Interested in taking on a new role in a fun work environment? The City of Yellowknife is always on the lookout for enthusiastic, talented people to join our team.

Working at the City is a perfect way to gain valuable experience, learn new skills and contribute to the community.

Check out the City of Yellowknife’s careers page to browse open positions that may be available at the Aquatic Centre including Maintainers, Lifeguards or Booking Clerk.

The Aquatic Centre is thrilled to partner with sponsors, recognizing the vital role that community support plays in bringing this facility to life. These partnerships demonstrate a shared commitment to promoting a fun and healthy lifestyle.

The City of Yellowknife is the midst of seeking sponsorships for the Aquatic Centre. Once details are finalized, information will be made available on this page.

For general inquiries or questions on program registration, passes or rentals, get in touch by phone, email, mail or stop by in-person.

• Location of Aquatic Centre: 6000 Franklin Avenue
• Postal address: 4807-52 Street, P.O. Box 580, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2N4
• Booking Clerk: (867) 920-5683 or (867) 669-3457
• Email: BookingRequest@yellowknife.ca