Recreation
Athletics
Varsity sports
The Thunderbirds, UBC’s varsity athletics teams, represent the University nationally and internationally. No university in Canada has won more national championships in the past decade than UBC, thanks in large part to the swim teams, which claimed their unprecedented tenth straight title this past season. The Thunderbird basketball, volleyball, and soccer teams consistently rank among the nation’s top five, while UBC teams from field hockey to golf have also brought home championship banners in recent years.
Sports competitions are popular events. As a student or member of the student fan club, the Blue Crew, you can attend UBC athletic events for a reduced price. For more information, visit the UBC Thunderbirds website.
Intramurals and recreation
Through campus intramural leagues, events, and tournaments, UBC REC offers students fun and memorable recreation experiences on campus.
Through UBC REC, you can also:
- register for health and wellness instructional classes, such as dance, yoga, Pilates, and martial arts classes;
- participate in league and drop-in sports such as indoor soccer, basketball, ice hockey, ultimate, ball hockey, dodgeball, volleyball, football, futsal, and racquet sports. Drop-in schedules are posted online.
- develop valuable leadership skills and join the 125-member volunteer staff team;
- get involved in Outdoor REC programs that include day trips, mountain biking, adventure runs, kayaking, and more; and
- experience the more than 25 events UBC REC offers throughout the year. Distinctive in nature, the events are highlighted by the renowned UBC Day of the Longboat (September), the UBC Triathlon Duathlon (March), and UBC REC’s signature event, Storm the Wall (March to April).
For more information on UBC REC’s programs or to find out about UBC REC volunteer opportunities, visit the UBC REC website or drop by the Student Recreation Centre (SRC).
Athletics facilities
Student Recreation Centre (SRC)
The Student Recreation Centre (SRC) is a great place to meet people and exercise. Located just east of the SUB, the SRC is home to UBC REC. The building also features the BirdCoop Gym, three gyms that house drop-in sports, a climbing cave, a martial arts dojo, and a studio.
The SRC is often busy, but it is open until 11:00 pm, so you can go in the evening and avoid line-ups.
Aquatic Centre
The UBC Aquatic Centre is a great place to swim, work out, study, or relax. It is located near the War Memorial Gym and the SUB. All UBC students have free access to Aquatic Centre facilities during University swim times, Monday through Friday.
During these times, UBC students also have free access to the facility’s weight room, sauna, and steam room.
War Memorial Gym
Both varsity and non-varsity teams compete in the War Memorial Gym (near the Aquatic Centre), which was built as a memorial to those who died in the Second World War.
Thunderbird Stadium and Park
Thunderbird Stadium, located on the southwest corner of the campus, is the location for varsity football and soccer games, international rugby games, and rock concerts. Students can rent a field for a small fee. Call 604.822.6121 for booking information.
UBC Coast Tennis Centre
The UBC Coast Tennis Centre includes four indoor courts with tournament-level lighting and four outdoor courts. Membership fees vary.
Thunderbird Winter Sports Centre
The Thunderbird Winter Sports Centre reopened its doors July 30, 2007 after completing phase 1 of its two-year reconstruction process. The centre currently offers two full-size ice rinks that are available for year-round rental. Phase 2 of the reconstruction was completed in the summer of 2008, providing the campus with a multi-function arena that will also be used as a hockey venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
Community Recreation Centres
The City of Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation operates 22 community recreation centres that are open to all residents of the city. The Old Barn, West Point Grey, Dunbar, and Kitsilano community centres are those closest to campus. All community centres offer a wide variety of programs and facilities, such as pools, gyms, and ice rinks. Community centres are great places to meet people outside of UBC, especially if you attend programs regularly.
Exploring Vancouver & region
Vancouver and its surrounding areas are known for spectacular natural beauty, diverse entertainment and cultural events, lots of festivals, and plenty of recreation opportunities.
The weekly Georgia Straight newspaper (published every Thursday) is a great source of information about Vancouver events. It is free and available at various locations on campus. Most Vancouver neighbourhoods have their own free newspapers, and they advertise programs and events in the area.
Things to do on campus
- Check out UBCevents for up-to-date information.
- Visit the Museum of Anthropology (free for students) and enjoy the view.
- Relax in the Nitobe Memorial Garden behind I. House.
- Go for a walk, run, or bike ride in Pacific Spirit Park. Go with a friend - don’t get lost!
- Relax at one of the nearby beaches on a sunny day.
- Go for a swim during the free University swim times at the Aquatic Centre.
Places to see
For transit information for these destinations and more, visit the TransLink website.
- Stanley Park – Walk, bike, or Rollerblade along the Seawall.
- Granville Island – Enjoy tasty treats and purchase local crafts.
- Grouse Mountain – Ski, hike, or just take the gondola up and enjoy the view.
- Bowen Island – Take a short ferry ride from Horseshoe bay for a perfect Saturday afternoon escape.
- Chinatown – Explore this historic part of town and try delicious food.
- Gastown – Wander through shops and cobblestone streets in this historic downtown area.
- Robson Street – Shop (or just window-shop) on one of Vancouver’s liveliest streets.
- Jericho Beach – Play volleyball or relax in the sun.
- Van Dusen Garden – Stop and smell the roses in this beautiful oasis.
- Whistler – Visit this world-class ski resort with lots to do all year round. See below for deals at the AMS Lodge.
Leaving the city
If you’re interested in getting out of the city and you don’t have a car, the bus is the easiest mode of travel. For information on bus destinations and schedules, visit Pacific Coach Lines to Victoria or Greyhound Canada.
On the Ride Board in the SUB concourse (by Blue Chip coffee shop), you can also find ride offers from people driving to different parts of Canada and the United States. You will be asked to share the driving and/or the cost of gas.
Train service is limited and can be very expensive.
Travel CUTS in the SUB basement can help you find inexpensive flights to many destinations. When you’re shopping for flights, consult several travel agents and travel websites to compare prices. An International Student Identity Card (ISIC), available at Travel CUTS, can get you student discounts in many countries.
Youth hostels offer fun and inexpensive accommodation while travelling. Most hostels in Canada are part of Hostelling International (HI). Some HI hostels allow only members to stay; memberships are available at Travel CUTS in the SUB.
The AMS owns a lodge at Whistler that features a sauna, Jacuzzi, and game rooms. Students can stay there very inexpensively. Call 604.822.5851, email whistler@ams.ubc.ca, or visit the UBC Whistler Lodge website to make reservations.
Hiking and camping are also very popular with British Columbians. For a list of provincial campgrounds and to make reservations, visit the British Columbia Lodging and Campgrounds Association website.
