To be announced.
Programming
The Community Services Department is pleased to offered many Recreation programs, the majority of them occurring at the Dryden Recreation Centre in the winter months. For information about any of these programs, please contact the Recreation Coordinator at (807) 223-2225 ext. 260 or hbrowning@dryden.ca unless otherwise specified below.
Indoor Programs
2026 Adult Winter Classic Hockey Tournament
2026 NWO Challenge 3-on-3 Hockey Tournament
The 2026 NWO Challenge 3 on 3 Hockey Tournament will take place at the Dryden Recreation Centre from April 9-12, 2026. Registration will open at 9:00 am on January 7, 2026. Please read the 2025 Tournament Rule Book in full before registering! To view the 2026 Tournament Rule Book, click here.
To register, click the appropriate link below:
The cost per team is $700.00 + HST. The tournament will consist of four (4) divisions - U9, U11, U13, & U15. Each division will only run if a minimum of six (6) teams have registered by the deadline. A maximum of ten (10) teams will be accepted by the registration deadline.
The tournament will consist of a double elimination structure for each division. Tournament organizers have created a structure for a variety of different scenarios, depending on the number of teams registered in each division. The appropriate structure and schedule will be announced after registration closes.
Teams must provide their own jersey’s. Jersey’s must be the same colour for each player and must be approved by the Tournament Committee before the start of the tournament to ensure they are appropriate. Should two (2) teams face-off against each other wearing the same colour of jersey, the visiting team will be required to wear “pinnies” over their jersey. These will be supplied by the tournament.
Teams must consist of the following:
- Maximum of nine (9) skaters and one (1) goalie
- Minimum of six (6) skaters and one (1) goalie
- Maximum of two (2) bench personnel over the age of 18 years.
- Minimum of one (1) bench personnel over the age of 18 years.
See the tournament rule book for additional information.
Questions? Please email Joel Allen, Manager of Recreation at jallen@dryden.ca.
The 2025 Dryden Hockey School took place between August 18th and 22nd. The 2026 Dryden Hockey School will be announced in the coming months.
Dryden Hockey School Development Clinics
The Dryden Hockey School Development Clinics will be offered at various times throughout the ice season for children aged 9-14 years. These clinics are run by instructors Randy Allen and Brett Lobreau. For more information on these clinics, or to register, please visit www.dryden.ca/recbooking. Questions? Contact (807) 223-1470 or email jallen@dryden.ca.
Beginner Skate is for anyone 13 years of age and under and their parents/guardians who are learning how to skate. Children must wear a helmet at all times. Strollers are not permitted on the ice. Sticks and pucks are not permitted on the ice.
Public Skating is an on-ice program for all ages and skill levels. Children 13 and under must wear a helmet at all times. Strollers are not permitted on the ice. Sticks and pucks are not permitted on the ice. Payment must be made before entering the ice surface at the Community Services Office or the Pool Front Desk (depending on the time of day).
Stick & Puck (formerly known as Pay & Play) is an on-ice program for ages 15 and under to work on their skills. No organized games. Payment must be made before entering the ice surface at the Community Services Office or the Pool Desk (depending on what time of day).
Senior Skating is an on-ice program for individuals 50 years of age and older of all skill levels. Helmets are strongly encouraged. Payment must be made before entering the ice surface at the Community Services Office or the Pool Desk (depending on what time of day).
Senior Hockey is an on-ice program for individuals 50 years of age and older of all skill levels to work on individual skills or play a game. Full equipment is strongly recommended, helmets and gloves are required. Payment must be made before entering the ice surface at the Community Services Office or the Pool Desk (depending on what time of day).
Open Pickleball is offered on Pronger Arena for roughly 6 months when the ice is not in. The program is open to all ages and abilities. Patrons are asked to bring their own paddles, but a limited supply of paddles are available to be signed-out from the Arena office (during office hours) and returned promptly after the session. Balls are provided.
Open Basketball is offered on Pronger Arena for roughly 6 months when the ice is not in. The program is open to all ages and abilities. Patrons are asked to bring their own basketballs.
Open Ball Hockey is offered on Pronger Arena for roughly 6 months when the ice is not in. The program is open to all ages and abilities. Patrons are required to wear a helmet and gloves and are asked asked to bring their own sticks and road hockey balls.
Open Rollerblading is offered on Pronger Arena for roughly 6 months when the ice is not in. Helmets are strongly recommended.
Outdoor Programs
The Summer Outdoors Program is an eight (8) week summer camp for children aged 6-11. The program is based out of the Rotary Park Building in North Dryden (soccer fields) and features a different theme each week. Children learn outdoor skills in a safe and fun environment, led by Program Leaders.
Swimming Lessons
Our dedicated and qualified team of Lifeguards are ready to provide you or your child(ren) with quality lessons using the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life Program. The Swim for Life program stresses lots of in-water practice to develop solid swimming strokes and skills. The Canadian Swim Patrol program is the on-ramp to lifeguarding. Ability is the only prerequisite. These programs are generally offered through private lessons or, with enough interest, through a registered group program. To inquire about these programs, please contact the Pool & Fitness Centre front desk at (807) 223-1430 or fitnesscentre@dryden.ca.
Spend quality time with your child while you both have fun and learn and socialize. Through structured in-water interaction between parent and child, we stress the importance of play in developing water-positive attitudes and skills. We provide Lifesaving Society Water Smart® tips on keeping your child safe in any aquatic setting. Certified instructors provide guidance and answers to your questions.
Content includes:
- Entries and exits
- Surface support
- Underwater skills
- Swim to Survive® skills
- Movement / Swimming skills
- Fitness
- Water Smart® education
This lesson is available for children 0-35 months of age. At our facility, we group together Parent & Tot 1, 2, and 3 due to availability of pool time, lifeguards and class sizes.
Preschool 1: These preschoolers will have fun learning to get in and out of the water. We'll help them jump into chest deep water. They'll float and glide on their front and back and learn to get their faces wet and blow bubbles underwater.
Preschool 2: These preschoolers learn to jump into chest-deep water by themselves, and get in and get out wearing a lifejacket. They'll submerge and exhale underwater. Wearing a lifejacket they'll glide on their front and back.
This lesson is available for children 3 years of age. At our facility, we group together Preschool 1 and 2 due to availability of pool time, lifeguards and class sizes.
Preschool 3: These youngsters will try both jumping and a sideways entry into deep water while wearing a lifejacket. They'll recover objects from the bottom in waist-deep water. They'll work on kicking and gliding through the water on their front and back.
Preschool 4: Advanced preschoolers will learn to do solo jumps into deeper water and get out by themselves. They'll do sideways entries and open their eyes underwater. They'll master a short swim on their front wearing a lifejacket and gliding and kicking on their side.
Preschool 5: These youngsters get more adventuresome with a forward roll entry wearing a lifejacket and treading water for 10 sec. They'll work on front and back crawl swims for 5 m, interval training and get a giggle out of whip kick.
This lesson is available for children 4-5 years of age. At our facility, we group together Preschool 3, 4, and 5 due to availability of pool time, lifeguards and class sizes.
These beginners will become comfortable jumping into water with and without a lifejacket. They'll learn to open their eyes, exhale and hold their breath underwater. They'll work on floats, glides and kicking through the water on their front and back.
This lesson is available for anyone 6 years of age and older.
These advanced beginners will jump into deeper water, and learn to be comfortable falling sideways into the water wearing a lifejacket. They'll be able to support themselves at the surface without an aid, learn whip kick, swim 10 m on their front and back, and be introduced to flutter kick interval training (4 x 5 m).
This lesson is available for anyone 6 years of age and older.
These junior swimmers will dive and do in-water front somersaults and handstands. They'll work on 15 m of front crawl, back crawl and 10 m of whip kick. Flutter kick interval training increases to 4 x 15 m.
This lesson is available for anyone 6 years of age and older.
These intermediate swimmers will swim 5 m underwater and lengths of front, back crawl, whip kick, and breaststroke arms with breathing. Their new bag of tricks includes the completion of the Canadian Swim to Survive® Standard. They'll cap it all off with front crawl sprints over 25 m and 4 x 25 m front or back crawl interval training.
This lesson is available for anyone 6 years of age and older and is sometimes combined with another level, depending on availability of pool time, lifeguards and class sizes.
These swimmers will master shallow dives, cannonball entries, eggbeater kicks, and in-water backward somersaults. They'll refine their front and back crawl over 50 m swims of each, and breaststroke over 25 m. Then they'll pick up the pace in 25 m sprints and two interval training bouts: 4 x 50 m front or back crawl; and 4 x 15 m breaststroke.
This lesson is available for anyone 6 years of age and older and is sometimes combined with another level, depending on availability of pool time, lifeguards and class sizes.
These advanced swimmers will rise to the challenge of sophisticated aquatic skills including stride entries, compact jumps and lifesaving kicks like eggbeater and scissor kick. They'll develop strength and power in head-up breaststroke sprints over 25 m. They'll easily swim lengths of front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke, and they'll complain about the 300 m workout.
This lesson is available for anyone 6 years of age and older and is sometimes combined with another level, depending on availability of pool time, lifeguards and class sizes.
Whether you're just starting out or just want help with your strokes, our Adult program is for the young at heart - no matter what your age. Set your own goals. Work with certified instructors to learn to swim, or improve your current swimming ability and water fitness. You won't be going to the Olympics, but you'll develop water confidence and smooth recognizable strokes good enough for lane swimming and fit enough for the beach. We incorporate Lifesaving Society Water Smart® education in all Adult levels.
Adult 1: You'll work towards a 10-15 m swim on your front and back. You'll do jump entries from the side and recover an object from the bottom in chest-deep water. Improve your fitness and your flutter kick with 4 x 9-12 m interval training.
Adult 2: Kick it up a notch working on two interval training workouts of 4 x 25 m kicking and front or back crawl. You'll be able to perform dive entries and demonstrate breaststroke arms and breathing over 10-15 m. You'll be supporting yourself at the surface for 1-2 minutes, and showing off your handstands in shallow water.
Adult 3: No sweat (or at least none anyone can see). You'll learn eggbeater, stride entries and compact jumps. You'll be doing a 300 m workout and sprinting 25-50 m. You'll master your front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke. Whew!
Contact the Pool & Fitness Centre front desk for to inquire about doing an Adult Swimmer lesson.
The Fitness Swimmer program is for swimmers of any age who want to improve their overall physical fitness in the water. Fitness Swimmer provides a structured approach based on accepted training principles and practices including interval training. Participants set their own goals.
Content:
- Pace clocks and timers
- Stretches for swimmers
- Kicking interval training: 4 x 25 m flutter kick and/or whip kick with 15-20 sec. rests
- Swimming interval training: swim interval sets selected by the swimmer
- Workout (300 m):
- 50 m warm-up (choice of strokes);
- 4 x 25 m front or back crawl with 15 sec. rests;
- 4 x 25 m (choice of strokes) with 15 sec. rests;
- 50 m cool-down (choice of strokes)
- Workout design: design and demonstrate 2 sample workouts
- Distance swim: endurance challenge
- Sprint swim: 25 m each for at least 2 strokes chosen by the swimmer
This lesson may be periodically offered as a group lesson throughout the year. Please contact the Pool & Fitness Centre front desk for more information.
Rookie Patrol (8-10 hr.): Swimmers continue stroke development with 50 m swims of front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke. Lifesaving Sport skills include a 25 m obstacle swim and 15 m object carry. First aid focuses on assessment of conscious victims, contacting EMS and treatment for bleeding. Fitness improves in 350 m workouts and 100 m timed swims.
Ranger Patrol (8-10 hr.): Swimmers develop better strokes over 75 m swims of each stroke. They tackle Lifesaving Sport skills in a lifesaving medley, timed object support and rescue with a buoyant aid. First aid focuses on assessment of unconscious victims, treatment of victims in shock and obstructed airway procedures. Skill drills develop a strong lifesaving foundation.
Star Patrol (8-10 hr.): Swimmers are challenged with 600 m workouts, 300 m timed swims and a 25 m object carry. Strokes are refined over 100 m swims. First aid focuses on treatment of bone or joint injuries and respiratory emergencies including asthma and allergic reactions. Lifesaving skills include defence methods, victim removals and rolling over and supporting a victim face up in shallow water.
Aquatic Programs
Stay active and build endurance with our dedicated Lap Swims! Lap Swims are 1-1.5 hours in length and designed for swimmers who are looking for a structured environment! This program offers designated lanes for continuous self-paced swimming! Lap Swim is the perfect way to improve your fitness in a calm structured environment. Open to all skill levels.
For more information about this program, please contact the Pool & Fitness Centre Front Desk at (807) 223-1430 or fitnesscentre@dryden.ca
Make a splash with our low impact Water Fit Program! This program 45 minutes in length; followed by 15 minutes to enjoy our warm features and is designed for all fitness levels! This fun, full body workout combines cardio, strength, and flexibility exercises in the water to reduce stress on joints while maximizing results! These classes are great for active older adults, those recovering from injury or anyone looking for a refreshing way to stay fit!
For more information about this program, please contact the Pool & Fitness Centre front desk at (807) 223-1430 or fitnesscentre@dryden.ca
Enjoy quality time in the pool during our Family/Adult Swims! These 1-1.5 hour open swim times are perfect for families to play together and for adults to relax or move at their own pace. All ages are welcome; however children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information about this program, please contact the Pool & Fitness Centre front desk at (807) 223-1430 or fitnesscentre@dryden.ca
Jump into the fun during our Fun Swims! These 1-1.5 hour swims are perfect for kids, families, and anyone looking to enjoy the pool in a lively, playful environment. It’s a great time to swim, laugh and play!
Our waterslide is open during select Fun Swim. To find out when the slide is available, please check the pool schedule or contact the front desk!
For more information about this program, please contact the Pool & Fitness Centre front desk at (807) 223-1430 or fitnesscentre@dryden.ca
Aquatic Courses
The following courses are the stepping stones to becoming a fully certified Lifeguard! These courses are offered periodically throughout the year.
Bronze Star (10 hr.): develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skill and personal fitness. Candidates refine their stroke mechanics, acquire self-rescue skills, and apply fitness principles in training workouts. Bronze Star is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion and provides a fun introduction to lifesaving sport.
Prerequisite: None (Swim Patrol experience recommended.)
Bronze Medallion (15 hr.): challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water. Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross.
Prerequisite: Minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star certification (need not be current).
Bronze Cross (20 hr.): begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as assistant lifeguards. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for advanced training in the Society’s National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.
Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion and Lifesaving Society Emergency or Standard First Aid certifications (need not be current) or EFA or SFA from an approved agency.
National Lifeguard certification is Canada's professional lifeguard standard and is designed for lifesavers who wish to obtain a responsible job and leadership experience. Successful candidates are certified by the Lifesaving Society - Canada's lifeguarding experts.
National Lifeguard - Pool certification is designed to develop the fundamental values, judgment, knowledge, skills and fitness required by lifeguards. The National Lifeguard course emphasizes the lifeguarding skills, principles and practices, and the decision-making processes that will assist the lifeguard to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments.
Prerequisites: Minimum 15 years of age. Bronze Cross certification and Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid (need not be current) or SFA from an approved agency.
Swim Instructor (20 hr.): prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate the swimming strokes and related skills found in the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life program. Candidates acquire proven teaching methods, planning skills, and a variety of stroke development drills and correction techniques.
Prerequisite: 15 years of age by the end of the course; Bronze Cross certification (need not be current).
Fitness Programs
Spin with Erin is a high intensity low impact session for 45 minutes! In this class you will experience the excitement of climbing a hill to a slower pace song then the thrill of sprinting to a fast beat motivating song with everything in between. Beginners are welcomed with open arms! This is your class, and all levels are able to excel!
For more information about this program, please contact our Recreation Coordinator at (807) 220-0370, or hbrowning@dryden.ca.
Spin with Kailee is an energetic 45-minute session full of upbeat music with the lights down and party lights on! High intensity, low impact indoor cycling class focusing on strength, speed and endurance, with choreography designed to work every muscle group in the body!
For more information about this program, please contact our Recreation Coordinator at (807) 220-0370, or hbrowning@dryden.ca.
Aerobics/Weights & Tai-Chi with Lyn
Aerobics/Weights & Tai-Chi with Lyn is an 1 hour and 15 minute class where you can expect a combination of cardio and body building. You will use a variety of equipment including weights, balls, bands, tubes, steps, bikes and discs. A great class for balance and strength; this class is like "meditation in motion". Come one, come all, as this class is open to all fitness levels and everyone is welcome!
For more information about this program, please contact our Recreation Coordinator at (807) 220-0370, or hbrowning@dryden.ca.
Yoga with Gina is a moderate level yoga class exploring a full range of motion through Functional Movement, Breath and Awareness. Focus is on relaxed alignment while building strength, stability and coordination. Move through your day easily and effortlessly after this deeply relaxing and stabilizing yoga practice.
For more information about this program, please contact our Recreation Coordinator at (807) 220-0370, or hbrowning@dryden.ca.
Chair Yoga with Gina is a beginner level class, where you can expect to explore Yoga using props and modifications to gently relax, unwind, strengthen and stabilize our bodies, muscles and joints. Through Functional Movement, Breath and Awareness, you will explore and expand your range of motion, focus and inner alignment. Using chairs, modified poses, blocks and straps for support, students can safely learn and modify yoga for their own personal practice.
For more information about this program, please contact our Recreation Coordinator at (807) 220-0370, or hbrowning@dryden.ca.
Yoga in the Water… Allow this 45 minute class take your yoga practice to the next level by exploring movement within the water element. Hydrostatic pressure supports our joints, providing 30% more range of motion and offering stability and ease to explore and strengthen without bracing for a fall. Aqua Yoga is safe and perfect for any level, ability or limitation. Deeply relaxing and supportive, you will feel invigorated after this therapeutic practice.
For more information about this program, please contact our Recreation Coordinator at (807) 220-0370, or hbrowning@dryden.ca.
Step Fusion is a 45 minute high-energy, music driven cardio workout that uses a heigh-adjustable step to boost endurance, coordination and strength. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned stepper, this class offers fun, easy-to-follow choreography designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, improve strength and leave you feeling strong and motivated. All fitness levels welcome!
For more information about this program, please contact our Recreation Coordinator at (807) 220-0370, or hbrowning@dryden.ca.
Move Strong is a full-body weights-based class designed to improve endurance, strength and overall fitness for 45 minutes. Using a variety of equipment such as dumbbells, resistance bands and body weight exercises, this class targets all major muscle groups through functional movement and interval training. With energizing music and guidance from an experienced instructor, you will challenge yourself in a safe, supportive and body-neutral environment regardless of your experience. All fitness levels welcome.
For more information about this program, please contact our Recreation Coordinator at (807) 220-0370, or hbrowning@dryden.ca.
Weights with Lindsay is resistance training at your own pace! Using dumbbells, bands, and body weight exercises; each class you can expect a warm up, 40-50 minutes of strength exercises (8-10 exercises with rest periods), and a cool down, followed by 15 - 20 minutes of stretching.
The class is designed to help you learn how to use exercise to increase strength, increase muscle size, and improve muscle endurance. All experience levels welcome!
For more information about this program, please contact our Recreation Coordinator at (807) 220-0370, or hbrowning@dryden.ca.
The Exercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well (EXCEL) program is a 8-12 week evidence-based exercise program for individuals living with or recovering from cancer, particularly in rural and remote regions of Canada. This program is delivered twice weekly by trained professionals, either virtually or in-person where available, to improve strength, balance, cardiovascular health, and core stability. EXCEL aims to increase accessibility to exercise for cancer survivors in underserved areas, reduce treatment side effects, and enhance overall quality of life by providing tailored, supportive exercise programs!
This program is being offered in-person free of charge at our Fitness Centre beginning September 15th 2025! Please note pre-registration is required and the deadline to register for this session is September 22nd!
For more information about this program, to sign up, or to express interest in a future session please contact our Recreation Coordinator at (807) 220-0370, or hbrowning@dryden.ca.
The Together in Movement and Exercise (TIME) program is a community-based fitness program for adults with mild to moderate mobility challenges, designed by physiotherapists and delivered by locally trained instructors! This class helps participants improve their balance, strength, and mobility through circuit-based exercises, while also providing social connection and ongoing support. The program aims to help participants reintegrate into their communities, improve independence, and maintain an active lifestyle after hospital rehabilitation!
Please note pre-registration is required for this program. For more information or to register for this program, please contact the Pool & Fitness Centre front desk at (807) 223-1430 or fitnesscentre@dryden.ca.
Contact
City of Dryden
Community Services Department
84 Whyte Avenue
Dryden, ON
P8N 1Z5
Phone: (807) 223-1425 ext. 5
Email: arenadesk@dryden.ca