Program Finder

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
   

View Group Fitness

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
   

Learn more & Book

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. Registration opens every Friday at 7:00 am for the following week (Monday – Sunday).

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. Registration opens every Friday at 7:00 am for the following week (Monday – Sunday).

Available sites: 

Edmonton

• Castle Downs Family YMCA
• Don Wheaton Family YMCA
• Jamie Platz Family YMCA
• William Lutsky Family YMCA

Book Your Lesson

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

View Programs

Designed for children ages 3–5, this fun and engaging program begins with crafts, songs and story adventures that spark imagination and social connection. In the second portion of the class, we transition to the pool for a supervised swim where they’ll build confidence and comfort in the water. A perfect blend of creativity, movement and early water exploration.

Available sites: 

Edmonton

• Castle Downs Family YMCA
• Don Wheaton Family YMCA
• Jamie Platz Family YMCA
• William Lutsky Family YMCA

Register today

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 1–6

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

View Programs

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

Register today

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
• Don Wheaton Family YMCA
• Jamie Platz Family YMCA
• William Lutsky Family YMCA

Register today

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

• Don Wheaton Family YMCA
• Jamie Platz Family YMCA
• William Lutsky Family YMCA

Register today

The YMCA of Northern Alberta's Junior Swim Instructors Program is designed for young individuals passionate about swimming and eager to learn the fundamentals of teaching swim lessons. Participants will learn how to instruct YMCA Canada Swim program and will prepare their skills for the YMCA Swim Instructor course. This program provides a comprehensive introduction to swim instruction, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.

Available sites: 

Edmonton

• Castle Downs Family YMCA
• Jamie Platz Family YMCA
• William Lutsky Family YMCA

Register today

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

Pool Schedule ➔
 

Find Your Family Swim Time

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

Pool Schedule ➔
 

Find Your Lane Swim Time

YMCA School Break camps are offered on PD days and non-instructional days throughout the school year including 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 7:30 am–8:30 am and 4:00 pm–5:00 pm.

Available sites: 

Edmonton

• Castle Downs Family YMCA
• Don Wheaton Family YMCA
• Jamie Platz Family YMCA
• William Lutsky Family YMCA

Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray)

• Eagle Ridge Community Centre YMCA

Register Now

YMCA Summer Day Camps, offered July through August for children and youth ages 4–15, give campers a summer full of excitement, creativity, and connection. Most programs run as one-week camps (with the exception of Y Swim & Counsellors in Training), and include activities like outdoor games, sports, arts and more. Featuring a range of focused programs such as swimming, arts, sports, and science, each child can explore their interests while having fun in a safe and supportive environment. All YMCA camps are led by trained camp counsellors and take place at our YMCA Health, Fitness and Aquatics Centres.

Available sites: 

Edmonton (Health, Fitness & Aquatics Centres)

• 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

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 2026 summer camps begins in February!

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

Register now

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

Register now

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

Register now

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

Register now

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

Find Your Open Gym Time

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

Book Your Court

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

Register now

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
• Don Wheaton Family YMCA
• Jamie Platz Family YMCA
• William Lutsky Family YMCA

Register now

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

Register now

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

Register now

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

Register now

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

Register now

Join the next generation of competitive gaming with our E-Sports Program featuring the Nintendo Switch 2! Designed for gamers of all skill levels, this fun, structured environment promotes teamwork, digital literacy, and physical wellness. Whether you’re a casual player or aspiring pro, this is your arena.

All equipment is provided. 

Available sites: 

Red Deer

• Northside Community Centre YMCA

Register now

At Kids Club, your child can enjoy a safe and welcoming space filled with fun activities like crafts, board games, and more - while you enjoy our facilities and programs at the YMCA.

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
• Don Wheaton Family YMCA (Coming in Fall 2025)

Register now

At Childminding, your little one can have fun in a safe and welcoming space filled with age-appropriate toys creative supplies and opportunities for imaginative play - while you take time for yourself at the YMCA.

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
• Don Wheaton Family YMCA (Coming in Fall 2025)

Register now

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.

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

Current Offerings

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

Register Now

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

Register Now

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

Register Now

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

Register Now

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
• Don Wheaton Family YMCA (Coming in Fall 2025)

Register now

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

Register Now

Build friendships and grow as a leader in the Leaders in Training (LIT)! This 9-month program experience helps youth develop valuable leadership skill through fun activities, interactive workshops, meaningful volunteer opportunities and event hosting. 

Available sites:

Edmonton

• Castle Downs Family YMCA
• Jamie Platz Family YMCA
• William Lutsky Family YMCA

Register Now

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

Find A Session

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

Current Offerings

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

Current Offerings

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

Find A Workshop

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

Find A Workshop