Vancouver Aquatic Centre

The Vancouver Aquatic Centre is the best, indoor, serious, length pool in Vancouver. Check the schedule to make sure the pool is set up for 50 metre lengths. (During water polo they change the pool to 18 metre widths - it gets very crowded and it's not worth going then.) The pool is divided into slow, medium, fast lanes, which are well respected. The whirlpool has strong jets and is kept nice and hot. The sauna is OK, but can be crowded. The phone number to the front desk where you can ask direct questions about length times is listed as (604) 665 3424 but this leads you through a long menu; to reach the desk, call the direct number at (604) 665 3421.

The best year-round lap pool in the city, not only is it 50 meters, but also it's shallow, clean and well-maintained. The glass roof allows the light to stream in - bring your tinted goggles. The facility also has a weight room, sauna and whirlpool.

The centre would get better reviews if more lanes were open to swimmers weekdays after work. It’s frustrating to see the swim clubs take over 90% of pool space - money talks… The lockers in the change rooms and the bathrooms could use maintenance.