When you pull into the parking lot at 254 North Park Street in Brantford, the first thing you see isn't a building. It is a massive, bronze Wayne Gretzky hoisting the Stanley Cup. Beside him stand his parents, Phyllis and Walter, watching a younger version of "The Great One." It’s a heavy dose of nostalgia before you even pull on the door handle.
Honestly, most people assume the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is just a shrine to #99. They think it’s a bunch of old jerseys in glass cases and maybe a sheet of ice where local kids dream of being the next superstar.
They aren't entirely wrong, but they're missing the scale of it. This place is massive. We are talking 240,000 square feet of interconnected fitness and community space that basically functions as the lungs of Brantford. Whether you're a high-performance athlete or just someone looking for a decent sauna after a long week, this facility is a beast.
The Four-Pad Reality
The "Gretzky," as locals call it, doesn't just have an ice rink. It has four.
That is four NHL-sized sheets of ice running simultaneously. If you’ve ever tried to book ice time in a hockey-mad Ontario town, you know how vital that is. The main arena, which is home to the Brantford Titans, can seat 1,200 people. It’s got that specific "big game" energy with a press box and a wrap-around indoor track on the second floor.
The other three rinks are slightly more modest, seating about 250 people each, but they have radiant seating. If you are a "hockey parent" who has spent years shivering on a cold metal bench, you will understand why radiant heat is a literal godsend.
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What’s kind of cool—and most people don't realize this—is the sustainability aspect. The facility uses a heat pump system that actually reclaims the heat generated by the refrigeration units that make the ice. That reclaimed heat is then pumped back into the building’s water and heating systems. It’s a closed-loop way of keeping the place running without wasting the massive energy it takes to keep four rinks frozen in the middle of July.
Not Just for Hockey: The Aquatic Centre
If you aren't an ice person, you're likely here for the water. The aquatic setup at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is arguably the best in the region.
You’ve got a 65-metre pool that ranges from 3 feet to a staggering 16 feet deep. It’s got 1-metre and 3-metre diving boards, but they also have 5m, 7.5m, and 10m platforms for the serious divers (though you have to pre-book those with a coach).
Then there is the 25-metre pool. This is where the reuse story gets really interesting. During the massive renovations that wrapped up around 2013, the architects (CS&P Architects) actually salvaged the glulam roof beams from the original hockey rink where Wayne Gretzky played as a kid. They refinished them and used them as the roof structure for the new 25m pool. It adds a warmth and history to the room that you just don't get with standard steel beams.
Water Temps and Therapy
The pool temperatures are strictly monitored every two hours. You can usually expect:
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- The 65m pool to sit between 79 and 82 degrees.
- The 25m pool to be a bit warmer, around 80 to 84 degrees.
- The Warm Water Pool at a cozy 91 to 94 degrees.
- The Hydrotherapy Pool, which is basically a massive hot tub with bubblers, at 95 to 97 degrees.
There is also a 150-foot waterslide. It's not just for kids, though you'll mostly see them lining up for it. For the grown-ups, the sauna is tucked away near the pool deck, offering a dry heat escape that is perfect for recovery after a workout.
The Brantford Sports Hall of Recognition
You can't talk about the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre without mentioning the 3,000-square-foot Hall of Recognition. It’s integrated directly into the facility, so you can walk through it on your way to a yoga class or a hockey game.
It’s not just a Wayne Gretzky museum, though he obviously takes center stage. It honors over 100 local athletes, from Olympic swimmers to football stars like Mike Filer. They’ve got interactive touchscreens, a mini-theatre, and even a broadcast booth where you can try your hand at calling a game.
One of the more touching artifacts is the old Gordie Howe jersey Wayne wore as a child. It’s a reminder that even the greatest player to ever lace up skates started as a skinny kid in a small town, just like the kids running through the lobby today with their gear bags.
Fitness and Membership Costs for 2026
Getting into the gym or the pool isn't free, but the rates are pretty reasonable for a municipal facility. As of January 2026, the City of Brantford updated their pricing.
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A single-visit "Facility Pass"—which gives you the weight room, drop-in fitness classes, public swims, and skating—is about $10.20 for an adult. If you’re just there for the weight room, it’s cheaper, coming in at $7.38. Seniors (55+) and students (18-25) get a slight discount.
They also offer 10-visit punch cards. These are great because they don't expire. You can buy one for $62.18 and share it with a friend or family member in the same age category. It’s a low-commitment way to use the facility without being tied to a monthly bank draft.
Beyond the Basics: The "Extra" Amenities
Most people forget that the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is basically a one-stop shop. There is a privately owned restaurant on-site if you’re starving after a swim. There’s a pro shop for skate sharpening. There is even a wellness centre that offers physiotherapy, massage, and acupuncture.
If you have kids but still want to hit the gym, they have "Kid Care" services. It’s basically a daycare tucked inside the sports complex so parents can actually get a workout in without worrying about who is watching the toddler.
Then there is the indoor track. It overlooks the rinks and is free for public use. It’s a popular spot for seniors in the morning and runners looking to escape the Ontario winter.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
If you are planning to head over, here is how to make the most of it:
- Check the Schedule First: The pools and rinks are often booked for swim meets or tournaments. Don't just show up with a swimsuit; check the city’s drop-in schedule online to ensure the "Public Swim" or "Length Swim" is actually happening.
- Use the 10-Visit Pass: If you aren't a resident or a daily user, the 10-visit pass is the best value. It allows you to skip the line at the front desk and can be shared among a group.
- Don't Skip the Hall of Recognition: Even if you aren't a hockey fan, the interactive displays are worth 20 minutes of your time. It's free and offers a deep look into Canadian sports history.
- The "Warm Water" Secret: If the main pool is too cold for you, aim for the Warm Water pool or Hydrotherapy area. These are often quieter during mid-day weekdays.
- Parking is Free: Unlike some big-city facilities, parking here is free and plentiful. However, on tournament weekends (especially the Walter Gretzky House League Tournament), the lot fills up fast, so arrive 20 minutes early.
The Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre is a rare example of a community hub that actually works. It manages to be a high-end training ground for future pros while still feeling like a place where a regular person can just go for a walk or a soak. It’s a massive tribute to the city's most famous son, but more importantly, it’s a functional part of daily life in Brantford.