Find your favourite YMCA program!
Learn more about each program and register today.
Group Fitness & Personal Training
Group Fitness
Discover a wide array of classes suitable for all fitness levels — from heart-pumping cardio to rejuvenating yoga, we’ve got something for everyone. Find the difference our certified YMCA instructors and inclusive community in group fitness can make!
Available sites:
Edmonton (Health, Fitness & Aquatics Centres)
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Don Wheaton Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Red Deer
- Northside Community Centre YMCA
Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray)
- Eagle Ridge Community Centre YMCA
Personal Training
Reach your fitness goals with personal training at an Edmonton YMCA health, fitness and aquatics centre! Personal trainers are a valuable resource that will help keep you on track, focus on your unique concerns and goals and find a way to work out that’s best for you.
Available sites:
Edmonton (Health, Fitness & Aquatics Centres)
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Don Wheaton Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Adult and Youth Lessons
Adult Drop-In Swim Lessons (18+ years)
The YMCA offers swim lessons for adults of all abilities. Whether you are working on becoming comfortable in the water or building on your current skills, you are welcome to attend! Instructors will design the swim lessons based on participants in attendance. Save your spot in class by registering ahead.
Youth Drop-In Swim Lessons (13–17 years)
The YMCA offers swim lessons for youth of all abilities. Whether you are working on becoming comfortable in the water or building on your current skills, you are welcome to attend! Instructors will design the swim lessons. Save your spot in class by registering ahead.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Don Wheaton Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Preschool Swim Lessons (0–5 years)
Parented
Help your child get comfortable in the water in our Parent & Tot lessons, where they’ll learn to splash, kick, blow bubbles, float and have fun!
Preschool Levels 1–6
Children 5 years old and younger can progress through our 6 Preschool levels, learning to kick, bob, glide and swim assisted and unassisted. They’ll develop a love for the water and get the skills they need to build on in our Learn to Swim program.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Don Wheaton Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Child Swim Lessons (6–12 years)
Learn to Swim
YMCA’s Learn to Swim program teaches the fundamentals of swimming. Children over the age of 6 can progress from the introductory Otter Pups level right through to Swimmer level to become confident, independent swimmers who love the water and are ready to move on to Star!
Star Levels 1–4
In Star level lessons, swimmers over the age of 6 will improve their skills, learn new strokes, develop endurance and learn water sport, safety and leadership skills.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Don Wheaton Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Private Swim Lessons
Children or adults of all ages can book a 30 minute private swimming lesson with a YMCA swim instructor. The lesson is crafted specifically to your needs and ability level to achieve your swimming goals. For children that have not yet passed Otter, we strongly encourage having a caregiver over the age of 16 assist them in the water for their lesson.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Don Wheaton Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Junior Lifeguard Club (8–15yrs)
Take your love of swimming to the next level! In Junior Lifeguard Club, you'll develop skills based on personal bests in swimming, lifesaving, fitness, knowledge, leadership and teamwork and may be introduced to competitive lifesaving activities. Participants should be comfortable in deep water and be able to swim a minimum of 50 metres continuously.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
YMCA-Keyano Swim Club (6–15 years)
Put your swim skills to the test in the YMCA-Keyano Swim Club! In this club, you’ll hone your competitive strokes, starts and turns. Compete once a month at our in-house mini meets, and get the chance to compete in local Edmonton swim meets once you’re ready for the challenge!
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Family & Lane Swim
Whether splashing with your family or staying active in a low-impact setting, enjoy all that YMCA aquatics centres have to offer. All of our aquatics facilities have a warmer shallow pool for children and families and a hot tub for your comfort. Book your timeslot for family swim, lane swim and aqua jog and enjoy our safe and welcoming pool areas today.
Family Swim
Recreational swim time for members and non-members of all ages!
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Don Wheaton Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Lane Swim & Aqua Jog
Lanes are available for continuous lap swimming or aqua jogging.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Don Wheaton Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Day Camps
School Break Camps
School break camps are offered during most one-day and week-long school breaks, like spring or winter break! These day camps are offered for 6–12-year-olds with select locations offering pre- and post-care from 7:30am–8:30am and 4:30pm–5:30pm.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray)
- Eagle Ridge Community Centre YMCA
Summer Day Camps
At YMCA Summer Day Camps, kids ages 4–15 will build confidence, spark imagination and forge friendships to last a lifetime! Children and youth will have a blast in camps that can include outdoor games, sports, arts and more. YMCA camps are run by trained camp counsellors out of YMCA Health, Fitness and Aquatics Centres, Community Centres and new for 2024, select Edmonton Community Leagues.
Available sites:
Edmonton (Health, Fitness & Aquatics Centres)
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Don Wheaton Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Edmonton Community Leagues (New this year)
- Burnewood Community League
- Dovercourt Community League
- Idylwylde Community League
- Laurier Heights Community League
- McQueen Community League
- North Glenora Community League
- Spruce Avenue Community League
- West Meadowlark Community League
Red Deer
- Northside Community Centre YMCA
Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray)
- Eagle Ridge Community Centre YMCA
We had an amazing summer at camp! We hope to see our campers back next year, and in the meantime join us for a school break day camp.
*Registration for 2025 summer camps begins in February!
Floor Hockey
Floor Hockey (5–12 years)
Children build physical literacy and have fun in our inclusive floor hockey programs! Register by age and watch them gain confidence, develop their floor hockey skills and spark a lifelong love for being active.
Floor Hockey (18+yrs Drop-in)
Drop in for pick-up recreational floor hockey! Save your spot by registering ahead.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Don Wheaton Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Martial Arts
YMCA–Kodokwai Judo Club
Develop fitness, self-discipline and confidence in Judo! This program focuses on excellence through fun while participants learn classic throwing and grappling techniques.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
Multi-Sport
Multi-Sport (2–9 years)
Kids will try a new sport each week while learning skills and developing a love for sports and being active in a fun and inclusive environment.
Sports of All Sorts (6–12 years)
Children can develop and hone their skills in many different sports through games, activities and scrimmages. They'll develop a love for sports and being active in an inclusive, fun environment!
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Red Deer
- Northside Community Centre YMCA
Basketball
Basketball (5–16 years)
Children build physical literacy and have fun in our inclusive basketball programs! Register by age and watch them gain confidence, develop their basketball skills and spark a lifelong love for being active.
Basketball (18 years+ Drop-in)
Drop in for pick-up recreational basketball! Save your spot by registering ahead.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Don Wheaton Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Red Deer
- Northside Community Centre YMCA
Open Gym
Members can use the gymnasium during designated times to enjoy recreational activities of their choosing. No registration required!
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Don Wheaton Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Squash & Racquetball
Squash or Racquetball Court Booking
Book a 50-minute reservation in our squash and racquetball courts! Bring your own equipment or borrow ours.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Pickleball & Badminton
Pickleball & Badminton – Open Play
Join in on Pickleball and Badminton – Open Play at your convenience and enjoy a fun match with friends new or old. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you’re welcome to join us! Save your spot by registering ahead.
Pickleball & Badminton – Private Court Bookings
Book a court in the gymnasium for yourself and up to 3 others to join. Enjoy exclusive playtime and active fun with your group!
Note: All participants must either be YMCA members, or pay to access the facility.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Don Wheaton Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
- Boyle Street Community Centre
Red Deer
- Northside Community Centre YMCA
Soccer (4–16 years)
Children build physical literacy and have fun in our inclusive soccer programs! Register by age and watch them gain confidence, develop their soccer skills and spark a lifelong love for being active.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Volleyball
Volleyball (5–16 years)
Children build physical literacy and have fun in our inclusive volleyball programs! Register by age and watch them gain confidence, develop their volleyball skills and spark a lifelong love for being active.
Volleyball (18+ years Drop-In)
Drop in for pick-up recreational volleyball!
Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment. Save your spot by registering ahead.
Available sites:
Red Deer
- Northside Community Centre YMCA
Mini-Volley (7-9 years)
YMCA Mini-Volley is an introductory program for children to the sport of volleyball. Children develops fundamental movement skills (physical literacy) and sports skills while in an inclusive, values-based environment led by instructors trained by Volleyball Alberta.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
Red Deer
- Northside Community Centre YMCA
Sport Conditioning (13–16 years)
Teens can improve their athletic performance and sportsmanship while they make new friends and work on their strength, agility, flexibility and focus.
Available sites:
Red Deer
- Northside Community Centre YMCA
Teen Night (13–18 years)
Youth in grades 7–12 can get active and forge friendships at Teen Night! Activities include sports, group fitness classes, fitness conditioning and more.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Kids Club (6–12 years)
At Kids Club, your child can have fun in a safe and welcoming space while you work out!
Kids Club is available for up to 2 hours per day. Parents or caregivers must remain in the facility during this time.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Childminding (2 months–6 years)
At Childminding, your little one can have fun in a safe and welcoming space while you work out!
Childminding is available for up to 2 hours per day. Parents or caregivers must remain in the facility during this time.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Health & Wellness Workshops
Join us at the YMCA for an educational health and wellness workshop. Workshop topics will vary, but all are led by experienced and knowledgeable facilitators on a wide range of subjects including active living, nutrition, fitness, sports and recreation. Unless otherwise noted, wellness workshops are a free benefit for YMCA enhanced members.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
There are no current workshops scheduled.
Aquatic Certifications
Since 1931, the YMCA has been a leader in aquatics training in Canada! Get your certifications at the Y:
- Bronze Medallion
- Bronze Cross
- YMCA Swim Instructor Course
- National Lifeguard
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Don Wheaton Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
First Aid & CPR Certifications
CPR Level C and AED
CPR-C (Adult, Child and Infant) teaches how to recognize circulatory emergencies, and perform one- and two-rescuer CPR and choking procedures for all age groups. CPR-C is included in Intermediate First Aid (IFA) and Aquatic Emergency Care (AEC).
First Aid Instructor – 16 hours (16+ years)
Candidates learn how to teach and evaluate First Aid skills in both aquatic and non-aquatic environments. Candidates earn the Instructor Award(s) for the current First Aid Award(s) they hold. Prerequisites: Lifesaving Instructor, Intermediate First Aid (IFA), and/or Aquatic Emergency Care (AEC) and 16+yrs.
First Aid Instructor – 32hrs (18+ years)
Candidates learn how to teach and evaluate First Aid skills in both aquatic and non-aquatic environments. Candidates earn the Instructor Award(s) for the current First Aid Award(s) they hold. Prerequisites: Workplace Approved Intermediate First Aid (IFA) and 18+yrs.
Intermediate (Standard) First Aid (13+ years)
Intermediate (Standard) First Aid provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of First Aid and CPR.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Don Wheaton Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Fitness Instructor Certifications
YMCA Fitness Instructor Certification courses offer comprehensive training for individuals aspiring to become certified fitness instructors or personal trainers. These courses are designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel in the fitness industry. Courses are a combination of online and in-person instruction. Designations include:
- Cardio and strength
- Cycle
- Aqua fit
- Yoga
- Personal trainer
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Don Wheaton Family YMCA
Arts & Culture
Arts & Culture Classes (18+ years)
The YMCA is proud to offer diverse arts and culture programming to help explore your creative side. Learn from our experienced and creative instructors and choose from a variety of classes like Painting Basics and Jewelry Making at Northside Community Centre YMCA in Red Deer.
Creative Expressions (3–16 years)
Children and youth will explore their artistic and creative side with a combination of art, music and theatre games. Register by age and watch them engage in art forms like painting, sculpting, theatre or music!
Musical Theatre (6–14 years)
In this introduction to musical theatre, children and youth will learn the music, words and a choreographed dance to numbers from Broadway shows or musical movies. They'll get involved in creating costumes and sets, and put on a small performance at the end of the session for friends and family.
Paint Nights (18+ years)
Join us for Paint Night at the YMCA! This workshop allows participants of any skill level to recreate beautiful pieces of art in a guided, step-by-step instructed setting. It's a creative way to hang out with friends or come alone and build connections in your community at Northside Community Centre YMCA in Red Deer.
Triple Fun (3–5)
In this fun and creative class students are introduced to the three aspects of performing arts: singing, acting and dancing. They will learn simple songs and use popular stories with a hint of imagination to create mini-musical plays. Costumes are provided for dress up fun!
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Red Deer
- Northside Community Centre YMCA
Science
Science Explorers (4–9 years)
Kids can discover the world of science in this program geared for active and curious children that are ready to explore experiments, inventions and nature-themed activities.
Available sites:
Red Deer
- Northside Community Centre YMCA
Dance
Hip Hop (4–12 years)
Kids can learn the coolest moves and showcase their own unique style! Register by age and watch the learn the basics of urban dance styles while learning a short routine to showcase on the final class.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Kids in the Kitchen (6–12 years)
Aspiring chefs can get creative preparing and tasting simple recipes while they learn and practice kitchen safety skills! Register by age group.
Available sites:
Red Deer
- Northside Community Centre YMCA
Leaders in Training (12–17 years)
Make friends and learn valuable leadership and life skills in Leaders in Training (LIT)! In this 9-month program, youth will participate in fun activities, rewarding volunteer opportunities and workshops by local community leaders.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Counsellors in Training (13–15 years)
Our 2-week Counsellors In Training program is a leadership opportunity for aspiring YMCA camp counsellors. Youth will receive leadership training and hands-on experience supporting camp programs, learning transferable skills for their future! Offered seasonally — registration opens in February and will be open until the last session of the summer begins.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
- Jamie Platz Family YMCA
- William Lutsky Family YMCA
Red Deer
- Northside Community Centre YMCA
Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray)
- Eagle Ridge Community Centre YMCA
Parent & Caregiver Workshops
We offer a range of workshops and discussion groups to help strengthen your family functioning. These supportive and informative workshops are for parents, grandparents, caregivers and single parents who have children 0–18 years of age and can include support for parenting teens, helping kids cope with stress, cross-cultural parenting resilience for caregivers and more.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
Family Workshops
Our family early literacy and free play times are designed to create a family-safe environment where both parents and children attend.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
Rainbows Grief Support Groups
Rainbows is an internationally acclaimed peer-support program offered free of charge to children and families, to help them cope with grief due to divorce, separation, death or abandonment. Rainbows promotes emotional healing by giving participants the opportunity to share their feelings and grieve their loss within a safe, caring setting, with peers who are experiencing a similar transition.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA
Triple P Positive Parenting Programs
Triple P is the flexible, practical way to develop skills, strategies and confidence to handle any parenting situation — backed by decades of research. Triple P can help you: raise happy confident kids, manage misbehaviour, set rules and routines that everyone respects and follows, encourage behaviour you like, practice self-care as a parent and feel confident that you are doing the right thing.
Available sites:
Edmonton
- Castle Downs Family YMCA