Frequently Asked Questions
🏋️ Memberships and Fitness
What is included with a membership?
Memberships provide students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members access to the Hangar Fitness & Wellness Centre, Group Fitness classes and Open Gym time. Towels and locker rentals are available for an additional fee.
What fitness classes are offered and how can I join?
Recreation offers a variety of group fitness classes—including Bootcamp, Yoga, Spin, Pilates, Zumba, Bums & Tums, and more—and you can find the up to date schedule online. To join, purchase a Hangar membership or drop-in pass, then check in at the Customer Service desk prior to the class. The staff will provide you with a class pass to give to your instructor. Classes are first–come, first–served so be sure to show up early!
Are there any beginner-friendly fitness programs or classes?
Yes! Recreation offers several beginner friendly options, including low-cost personal training options, free fitness workshops, and a free Virtual Workout Program that is tailored to all fitness levels and can be modified as you go. Group fitness instructors also offer modifications for their classes to help you feel confident and supported, no matter where your starting point.
Do you offer personal training or fitness assessments?
Yes! Recreation offers personal training with a start-up package (including goal setting, fitness assessment, and two sessions for $99) tailored to your needs. They also offer free fitness centre orientations.
🏀 Sports
What is the difference between varsity, intramural sport, and sport clubs?
Varsity sports are competitive teams representing the university in national leagues (e.g., U SPORTS, Canada West), while intramural sports are casual, on-campus leagues open to all students for fun and social play. Sport clubs offer a middle ground—organized teams that train regularly and may compete regionally without the full varsity commitment. There are also Student Union of the Okanagan (SUO) sport clubs that offer further opportunity for casual sport engagement.
What is open gym and how do I participate?
Open Gym is drop‑in access to courts (like basketball, volleyball, and badminton) whenever they’re not booked—it’s first-come, first-served. Just check in at the front desk with your Hangar membership or purchase a drop-in pass, and you’re good to play! Complimentary sport ball rentals are also available at the desk.
What is the difference between Intramural Sports and Register and Play?
Intramural Sports are structured leagues with set teams, schedules, and standings, while Register & Play offers casual games with other sport enthusiasts. Both are great ways to get active—just pick what fits your schedule and vibe.
Interested in Intramural Sport specific FAQ?
Visit Intramural Sports
🎉 Programs and Events
Are there programs offered in the Kelowna community?
Yes! There are over 30 programs with local community organizations for you to experience the Okanagan, learn a new way to move, or enhance your skills. Examples could include rock climbing, gymnastics, aerial silks, springboard diving and more!
What outdoor recreation programs are available?
Recreation offers a ton of outdoor experiences—think drop-in beach volleyball, a seven-station outdoor fitness loop, slackline posts, Commons Field, and scenic campus trails—and you’re free to use these anytime for free! Plus, there are seasonal off‑campus programs in Kelowna like Big White or Silverstar ski/snowboarding student days, paddle‑boarding with Kelowna Paddle Centre, and group golf lessons at Okanagan Golf Club. Top it all off with free guided hikes within the Okanagan with the Move U Crew during the fall and spring.
How can I stay informed about upcoming events and programs?
You can stay informed about upcoming Recreation events and programs by following @ubco_recreation on Instagram, subscribing to the Recreation E‑Newsletter and checking the Events & Programs calendar online for details on programs, workshops, events, and more.
What free memberships, programs, or events are available?
Recreation offers several free programs and events to the campus community. Initiatives like Free Fitness Week (free access to the Hangar Fitness Centre, Group Fitness Classes and open gym near the start of every term), First time free drop in, Glow with the Flow, Move U Crew provides guided movement breaks, Lawn Game rentals, Intercultural Activity Series features cultural activity events, and Recess Revival brings classic playground games to campus—all at no cost. Keep an eye out for Food for Fitness during exams seasons or Move UBC month in February which also brings plenty of free ways to move.
♿ Accessibility, Equity and Inclusion
Are facilities and programs accessible for students with disabilities?
Recreation is committed to accessibility, offering barrier-free facility access, accessible changerooms/showers, and program accommodations for students with disabilities—you can simply request support when registering. For tailored assistance or to discuss individual needs, contact Recreation staff at recreation.okanagan@ubc.ca.
Are there beginner-friendly, women-only or culturally inclusive programs or events?
Yes! All on and off campus instructional programs are designed in a ‘learn to participate’ format or have options for lessons. Examples of activities may include curling, gymnastics, cross-country skiing and more. Women’s Workout Wednesdays (inclusive of cis, trans and gender-diverse participants) offers independent exercise with peer supported fitness in Studio 2 of the Hangar Fitness Centre. Additionally, the Intercultural Activity Series brings sports and activities from other cultures to our campus to celebrate the diverse ways to move and play.
How can I give feedback or make suggestions to improve accessibility and inclusion in facilities and programs?
You can give feedback or make suggestions to improve accessibility and inclusion by contacting staff leading your program/event, directly at the Customer Service desk, or by emailing recreation.okanagan@ubc.ca. Your input is incredibly valued as helps shape more inclusive programs and spaces for all.
🎓 Student, Faculty and Staff Specific
What is included in my student recreation/athletics fee?
The Athletic and Recreation Fee that students see on their tuition is authorized by the Board of Governors and is used to support Athletic and Recreation facilities, programs and services. This fee allows Athletics & Recreation to build, maintain and provide free usage to facilities such as the indoor running track, outdoor workout area, outdoor beach volleyball courts, and outdoor trails network.
Subsidized opportunities include Hangar Fitness & Wellness Center, Group Fitness and drop-in memberships; Intramural sports; on and off campus events, programs, and activities. Recreation provides various free opportunities for engagement throughout the year which are partially funded through this fee.
A portion of the fee allows varsity sports teams to compete at the highest level in Canada and represent UBC Okanagan and, in return, students are given free access to all varsity home games.
Are there special programs for residence students, international students, or graduate students?
Yes! Recreation partners with Residence Life, the Global Engagement Office, and the Graduate Community to offer tailored programs for residence students, international students, and graduate students—including Rez Nights in the Gym, social fitness events, and intercultural activity series all designed to fit your lifestyle and build community.
Am I able to work with Athletics & Recreation as a student?
Absolutely! Athletics & Recreation offers various student employment and volunteer opportunities, including roles such as Customer Service Representative, Intramural Referee, Group Fitness Instructor, Varsity Events, Varsity Media and more! These positions provide valuable experience in fitness, leadership, event coordination, and community engagement.
Are there special programs for faculty and staff?
Yes, Recreation offers a variety of recreation programs tailored to faculty and staff. These include free movement breaks for meetings and seminars, and the annual Faculty & Staff Sports Day, which features team-building activities and friendly competitions. Recreation is also a partner for many Healthy Workplace Initiative Programs.
Apart from Intramural Sports, Faculty and Staff are eligible to participate in all Recreation programs and events.
💳 Registration, Fees and Refunds
How do I register for a membership, program, or event?
Registration for memberships, programs and events can be completed in person at the Customer Service desk in the lower lobby of the Gymnasium or online. To register online, you will need to log in or create an ActiveNet account.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Payment online accepts credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, AMEX) and in person payment accepts credit (VISA, Mastercard, AMEX), debit, cash or cheque.
How do I cancel or change my membership, program or event registration?
The process to cancel or modify your membership, program, or event registration varies depending on the timing and type of registration. To adjust a registration or membership either email recreation.okanagan@ubc.ca or visit the Customer Service desk in the Gymnasium to connect you with the appropriate person.
Please note that administrative fees apply to all refunded transactions. For detailed policies and assistance, please contact us.
🏟️ Facility Access and Bookings
What are the hours of operation for facilities? What about holidays and reading breaks?
For the most current information on hours of operation, including holidays and reading breaks, refer to our hours of operation.
How do I reserve gym time, fitness studios, or book space for events?
SUO clubs, departments, faculties, and community groups are able to reserve facility space. Fees and personal liability insurance are required for most bookings. If you would like to request to book a facility, please complete the Facility Booking Form.
Times are not able to be reserved for individual use for open gym time; however, you are able to identify open gym times during any grey section on the Gymnasium schedule.
What equipment is available for rent (e.g., sport balls, games, racquets)?
Recreation lets you borrow gear—sport balls (like soccer, basketball, spikeball, beach volleyball), frisbees, and lawn games (cornhole, ladderball, spikeball, etc.)—from the Customer Service desk in the gym in exchange for your UBC ID as collateral. Just swing by, grab what you need for free drop-in fun, and return it prior to the facility closing. Note that indoor usage in the gym requires your membership or drop in.
Are lockers available and how do I rent one?
Yes—you can rent a locker in the Hangar Fitness Centre’s changerooms (May 1–April 30), with discounted rates available in Term 2; same day rentals must be purchased in person at the Customer Service desk. Just bring your UBC card, pay, and store your gear!
Are the change rooms and showers gender-inclusive or private?
Recreation provides both gender‑specific and gender‑inclusive/accessible change rooms and showers, including single‑stall and all‑gender options. They’re designed with privacy stalls, accessible features, and inclusive signage so you can choose the space you feel most comfortable using. There are also gender-neutral lockers available in the lower Hangar Fitness Centre. Daily or annual towel service are also available for purchase at the Customer Service desk.
Is there a lost and found?
Yes—the lost and found is located at the Customer Service desk in the lower lobby of the Gym. Most items are held for a minimum of 2 weeks before being donated.
🚑 Health and Safety
What are your current health and cleaning protocols?
Recreation follows enhanced daily cleaning protocols using hospital-grade disinfectants (Virex) on high-touch surfaces like cardio machines, equipment, countertops, and fitness spaces, with members expected to wipe down gear before and after use using provided supplies.
Where can I report a non-emergency concern or injury that happened during a class, in the fitness centre or in the gym?
You can immediately report any concerns or injuries during a class, in the fitness centre, or in the gym to the Customer Service desk in the lower Gym lobby. Security will be called for any first aid needs.
What emergency supplies are available in the facility?
Located in the lower lobby are an AED (automatic emergency defibrillator), naloxone kits, and an emergency phone. Customer service staff in the lower lobby and in the Hangar are able to contact Security or Emergency Services if needed.
Have a question not listed here? Email recreation.okanagan@ubc.ca