Waterloo PAC vs Columbia Icefield

The Physical Activities Complex (PAC) is central to Waterloo's campus; Columbia Icefield (CIF) is on north campus. Both have fitness centres.

PAC’s two gyms serve varsity activity, intramurals, open recreation and other bookings. A listed facility does not promise unrestricted drop-in access; check your activity's session and access rules.

Waterloo's membership page covers students on Kitchener, Waterloo or Cambridge campuses in academic or co-op terms with fees arranged. It also covers off-term students who have not withdrawn or graduated.

The list includes exchange students and WLU Double Degree students actively taking UW classes. Membership is provided through the Student Services Incidental Fee; some programming costs extra.

Check your category with the service desk if it is unclear, including if your campus is not named in the student list. A tap WatCard is required.

Paid memberships are available for postdoctoral fellows, international visiting graduate students, research students and eligible affiliates. Affiliate categories include alumni, faculty, staff, retirees and members' spouses. Unaffiliated community members cannot purchase memberships.

Guests must be signed in by a valid member, show identification and be at least 18. The limit is one guest per member per day.

Purchased guest day passes work at PAC or CIF that day, but exclude some programs, including intramurals. Children may attend registered children’s programming or Weekend Family Rec Swim, accompanied by a valid member at all times. In the pool, the member must stay within arm’s reach. Children cannot use fitness centres, gyms, studios, squash courts or activity areas.

Waterloo directs visitors through the SLC's east-facing doors near the Math and Computers buildings, then right toward the PAC turnstiles. Bring your tap WatCard.

Use the Fitness Centre Hours page for each centre and for special closures. Its timetable applies specifically to the fitness centres, not every pool, gym, ice or field session.

CIF lists designated equity-deserving fitness periods, including women's and Trans, Non-Binary and 2SLGBTQIA+ sessions. Read the current audience and time details before choosing a session.

The official Open Recreation portal lists activities such as badminton, basketball, field-house recreation, skating and swimming. Check the individual listing for location, timing and registration instructions. A listing does not guarantee space.

The PAC Pool page provides a lane-swim booking link and a separate route to swimming lessons. Follow the link for your intended activity; fitness-centre opening hours are not the swim timetable.

Use the official court-booking instructions and bring valid WatCard/membership access.

Group facility booking is a separate process. The facility-booking page links its request form and rates; external groups must provide a certificate for $5 million in general liability insurance naming the University of Waterloo as an additional insured.

Submit the appropriate request rather than treating an open-recreation listing as an exclusive gym or field reservation. Questions go to warriorsinfo@uwaterloo.ca.