Oliver EvansLiving in Vancouver means being surrounded by water, whether it’s lakes, oceans, or your neighbor’s inflatable backyard pool. So, knowing how to swim? That’s pretty much a life skill here!
If you’re a complete beginner, we think you should only trust these places for the best swimming lessons in Vancouver. We made sure we had options for kids, adults, and families, or any mixture of both or all of them.
To get that confidence as you make your way to the Spanish Banks, this is the only list you’ll need.
How much do swimming lessons cost in Vancouver?
The cost of swimming lessons in Vancouver can start at as low as $55 per hour. Discounts may be offered for multiple sessions or packaged programs.
1. Olympia Swim Academy
Location: 2321 Scotia St #319
Contact: +16725527074
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
We find Olympia Swim Academy to be a solid choice for those who value custom-tailored lessons. They’re a boutique-style academy, so the level of personalization is well observed.
We loved how diverse their range of offerings is, from private swimming lessons to family swimmer lessons. Private sessions are done one-on-one, which is best for absolute beginners and kids.
For the ultimate convenience, Olympia’s services are fully mobile – coaches will travel to your home pool, so there’s no need to think of transportation and schedule. For parents who are tight on schedule, it’s definitely a flexible option.
With all these, it wasn’t a surprise to us that their rates are slightly above average. There aren’t a lot of group-based lessons here, which would’ve helped lower the price.
On the good side, the quality of teaching really shows through with the results. According to the clients we interviewed, they noticed immediate improvements, thanks to the focus on technical swimming skills.
Patient mentor and fun lessons
“My kid loves the teacher Mehdi as many kids I know love learning from him. He is super patient and fun BUT he follows the lesson plan motivates the my 4 year old to challenge himself. As a parent I always worry did I make the choice for my kid, and I can say with 100 percent certainty that I did.”
-Shao Meng | Google Reviews
Comfortable and fun environment
“Mehdi has been incredible with my 4.5 year old. He is great with kids and creates an environment where they are comfortable and can have fun, while still challenging them to try things they aren’t familiar and comfortable with, and to learn new skills. I would absolutely recommend him for any family looking to get their kids learning independent skills in the water.”
-Elyse Hebert | Google Reviews
2. Propel
Location: Residence Inn by Marriott Vancouver, 1234 Hornby St
Contact: Contact them using their website
Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours
The swimming lesson experience at Propel is arguably one of the best we’ve encountered. Through their system, clients can enjoy highly personalized lessons to hone their skills.
This is because users can choose their instructor, time, and even pool location. Many locations even have perks like towel service, WiFi, and lounge seating, so the level of comfort is really evident.
We like that their instruction is held in a one-on-one setting. Sessions last for 60 minutes and are structured to improve specific strokes and overcome anxiety or resistance.
That said, we find them a solid choice for absolute beginners.
However, their rates are more expensive than most options because of their setup. It may not be the most accessible option for all, though those we spoke to said the money was well worth it.
The booking system itself was worth a try too. Clients can easily cancel or reschedule up to 48 hours in advance without penalty. They can book instantly – no waiting lists or registration deadlines.
Comfortable and fun learning environment
“My daughters had their first lesson with Chloe M. In Surrey. She was so patient and made them feel so comfortable. What’s most important is that she made it fun while learning it at the same time. My youngest can be difficult at times but Chloe didn’t give up and won her over each resistance she had. They are looking forward to their next lesson already. We highly recommend Propel if you are looking for private lessons and can learn in a quiet pool. Aimee is so great at making sure our experience is up to their standards and willing to help and recommend when needed.”
-Theary | Google Reviews
Flexible scheduling and patient instructors
“LOVE Propel!! Great way to book swimming lessons on the fly!! Works so well with our schedule. Don’t have to worry about going away. The instructors are great and so patient with my boys and they learn SO much faster than group lessons. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for swimming lessons!!”
-Jamie Jackson | Google Reviews
3. Coastal Waves Swim School
Location: 181 Roundhouse Mews
Contact: +16047152921
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Coastal Waves is a solid choice for those who prefer personalized, in-home swimming lessons. Many clients have said that it’s convenient and highly effective, making it best for clients with busy schedules.
We liked that they offer lessons for all age groups, including parent-and-tot, preschoolers, and adults. For non-one-on-one programs, the class sizes are small, accommodating only up to 8 students.
We also like to note that their instructors are all skilled and patient. They’re very hands-on with lessons, allowing learners to develop technically in as little as one session.
Rates are competitive too, which often falls within the city’s average. Plus, booking is easy, convenient, and intuitive, so there’s no need for multiple follow-ups as they’re responsive to inquiries and updates too.
We just wish there were more programs beyond the basic swimming lessons. Additional offerings would’ve been great for those who want to continuously level up their swimming skills as they age.
Knowledgeable, professional, and great with kids
“Coastal Waves Swim School has been so great for our kids. Maureen is knowledgeable, professional, and great with kids. We happily choose to be with Coastal Waves Swim School year after year!”
-Barbara Gemmell | Google Reviews
Gentle and accommodating mentor
“My daughter had 6 sessions with Kendyl, who did a great job teaching. Kendyl was gentle and knew her way around my daughter, who wasn’t comfortable with the pool in the beginning. I highly recommend her for future lessons. Should one have access to a pool, I recommend reaching out to Coatal Waves. They’re on top of their responses and well-organized.”
-Vancouver Family | Google Reviews
4. Aquaventures Swim Centre
Location: 5550 Fraser St #101
Contact: +16047367946
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Aquaventures is a privately run facility that is best known for its high-quality instruction and small class sizes. They cater to pretty much all ages, so families can stick to their services for a long time, for all their needs.
They offer 30-minute lessons across all programs, from parent-and-tot classes to adult swim coaching. While relatively shorter than others, we like how they cover all the essentials per session, covering technical skills at all times.
For kids, we find them to be an exceptional choice, thanks to their personalized attention. Parents we spoke with all noted that the instructors were able to connect with children and adapt their teaching styles.
The same can be said for their adult swimming lessons. We find them to be motivating and knowledgeable, often challenging learners to fine-tune their strokes and get comfortable in deep water.
The downside though, is that the registration process can be tough, as it’s hard to secure a spot once availability opens. We recommend following them on all their socials, so you’re on top of announcements.
Caring, skilled, and attentive instructors
“Spots are definitely competitive, but this swim program is absolutely worth it. We started lessons with my younger son (highly recommend getting in early with mommy and me), eventually adding in my older son, and the difference in the early swim education received between Aquaventures and city swim lessons isn’t even comparable. My four year old can fearlessly jump into a pool and swim to the side unassisted (and I wish his older brother had gotten the same experience with city lessons at that age!). Worth every penny. They also take the time to get to know each and every kid, and push them to be the best they can be.”
-Kristin McIvor | Google Reviews
Excellent and caring instructors
“The entire staff and instructors are hands down the best in town. My children have been taking lessons since they were 14 months old and now they are 7. The instructors care about the children and their progress. Every instructor is excellent. My children love the water and love to swim. I hope that one day, my girls would want to teach there too.”
-Donna。 Lo | Google Reviews
5. Pedalheads Swim
Location: 2002 Park Royal S Unit 950
Contact: +17787340496
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:05 PM
With over 35 years of experience, Pedalheads has a strong reputation when it comes to solid swimming lessons. They’re mostly tailored for kids, particularly those aged 4 months and up.
The instructor-to-child ratio is small, which we definitely liked, with classes ranging from 25 minutes to 115 minutes. Their most popular is the 55-minute format that’s offered once a week, perfect to squeeze in during kids’ school days.
For the actual sessions, students have access to tools and tactics that are tailored to their age. They have life jackets, kickboards, and goggles, which makes hands-on learning much safer.
The facility impressed us too – we find the pools warm and clean – and we’re pleased to note that there are accessible changing rooms and free WiFi. There are plenty of benches and tables, so parents have a space to wait.
However, some areas of improvement were also related to the facility. While there’s a waiting area, the humidity can sometimes feel like a “sauna.” Parkin can also be tight, which can be frustrating to parents who drive their kids to lessons.
Flexible learning environment
“I am extremely grateful for the management and staff at our Pedalheads. My 5 year old son was uneasy about his first lesson (after not being in a pool for almost 6 months) so he missed his first lesson. However, the manager offered my son some one-on-one time in the pool at the beginning of his second lesson. It was a brilliant idea and worked very well for my son, he then continued that lesson with his class. He absolutely loves his lessons and dedicated time with the instructors (Marta & Anita)… so thank you again Pedalheads!”
-Ramona Vorberg | Google Reviews
Encouraging and excellent teaching
“We love Pedalheads West Vancouver! The facility is perfect for kid’s lessons and our child’s instructor Santiago is fantastic! Santiago has a lot of excellent teaching techniques, is very encouraging to the kids and very knowledgeable!! We will always choose Pedalheads West Vancouver for our son’s classes cause they are the BEST!!”
-Jaydene Maryk | Google Reviews
